So I just found out today that my bridal salon gave me the wrong price for my BM dress I picked out which I absolutely loooved....$275 Designer -Bill Levkoff..
With my discount came to $ 247... is this too much to ask for my BM's to pay for a dress? I was hoping for like $170.... help!!!!
PegaLega
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by FuTuRe MrS MaZz
Posted by Brian and Marie
Posted by LauraD419
ETA: A bm will also be getting her hair and nails done, buying you a shower gift, a nice wedding gift, spending $$ on your bachelorette party and possibly your shower. As someone who has been a bm and an moh..it's very expensive and a lot to ask of your girls imho
NOT necessarily TRUE!!! My girls ended up paying a lot for their dresses BUT they were able to wear whatever shoes they wanted (they all had black shoes to begin with), and I didn't care if any of them got their hair or makeup done!! In the end they all said how happy they were that I went with the more expensive dresses that looke GORGEOUS on them all!!!
Wonder where those dresses are now... Probably the same place where my bm's dollar store dresses will end up... Hopefully they were able to sell theirs and make a quick million
WHOA!!! Simple fact of the matter is when you are asked to be in the BP you need to understand the finances. I mean, they may be able to afford it and will wear whatever the bride wants. If i was in the BP and asked to spendthat much of course its an inconvenience but being as I was a bride-if thats what the bride wants I would wear it with a smile on my face. period, and funy thing is you can actually sell the dress and maybe get back the difference between what you would be willing to pay and what you did
NYCGirl2008
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
My BM dresses are $280 before alterations. I don't know it's all relative. My bridesmaids are all well in their 30s so I guess it's sort of a different situation.
Aug07OFCbride
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
hmmm, that seems a little high for levkoff. i used levkoff dresses as well. cant remember exactly what my girls paid but i don't think it was that high. but we used a place here in PA so maybe its just diff. shop around.
Vineyard72509
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
just wondering- what is the style #? I have never known a Levkoff dress that was that much...
FuTuRe MrS MaZz
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
LoL These boards were getting too boring... Needed a lil spicing up....
bluegreen08
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
First of all... Marie, I love your dresses!!!
I agree with a lot of what has been said!
1. That's a LOT for a BL dress (although it's standard for many other designers). Our BM dress retailed for $190 (according to houseofbrides.com). I was quoted 215 from one bridal shop, 185 from another, and 176 from Lillette's before my 10% off (which brought it down to just under $160). HOB.com had it for $135 (i think) but I didn't want my girls to deal with them after some of the problems I've heard about. My girls were all ok with the $160. SHOP AROUND. Worst case, it might be worth trying out an online retailer but leave yourself lots of lead time and lie about your date.
2. I think that's a lot for a BM dress in general, but not unreasonably so. It depends on your girls. I have 6 girls and all are in school. HS (my little cousin -- my aunt might buy her dress?), college (little sis/MOH is about to turn 21 and is a full-time college student without any income -- my mom will probably buy her dress), or grad school (masters for teaching, social work, MD/PhD, PsyD). NOBODY has a lot of $$$$. They were OK with the $160 + alterations since they understand it costs $$$ to be a BM, but I've been really trying to keep costs down. 2 probably aren't going to want hair/makeup because of the cost and I got pretty good quotes. If your girls can afford more, they might not mind as much -- it's all relative.
3. Don't pick a dress you hate to save $30. I personally didn't like the dresses at David's Bridal and was looking for a specific color. My girls said they would wear anything to make me happy but to please make it affordable. I let them pick out the dress, so they all like it, but cost was a factor. If I fell in love with a really expensive dress I 'HAD' to have, I would have subsidized part of the cost. If these are the dresses you love, I'd go that route instead -- that way you're all happy. No matter how nice you think the dress is, don't say 'oh it's so worth the $300, you can always wear it again' -- that's rarely true unless it's a simple black dress. My little cousin plans to wear her dress to her senior prom though.
Which BL dress is it? We can look around and help you figure out what a reasonable price for THAT DRESS is.
diva7531
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
If it were me I wouldn't ask them to pay that much and I would be shocked if one of my friends asked me to pay that much. It is a dress they will wear once.
But I am not one of your BM, only you know how they will react. Also, if you really love the dress, you could contribute $100 towards each dress.
I would start by looking at some of the places that the PP stated. Good Luck
MrsRichie2b
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by Espo22
Posted by MrsRichie2b
Posted by jtgarsik
i know i already posted - but my bill levkoff dresses were only $160 from Fantasia Bridal in Rocky Point...so definetly call around!
Thats who I got the price from!!! Thats where I got my gown and veil so you would think they would come in cheaper. I called around and right off the bat got a cheaper price w/out having ordered my gown there- I called them last night and told them they should at least be comparable to what I found and offered where and who,... I got them down to $230 but I still feel bad about asking for that.... I ll just keep looking...Thanks for your help!!!
what is the designer of the dress you want?
Bill Levkoff- style 800 its a wine colored dress with pick ups.
MrsRichie2b
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by diva7531
If it were me I wouldn't ask them to pay that much and I would be shocked if one of my friends asked me to pay that much. It is a dress they will wear once.
But I am not one of your BM, only you know how they will react. Also, if you really love the dress, you could contribute $100 towards each dress.
I would start by looking at some of the places that the PP stated. Good Luck
Thats exactly what I am going to do- I am looking around for something kinda similar but cheaper and if I absolutely do not find something that I love as much as that one I will put $100 towards each dress. Thank you so much!!!!
MrsRichie2b
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by bluegreen08
First of all... Marie, I love your dresses!!!
I agree with a lot of what has been said!
1. That's a LOT for a BL dress (although it's standard for many other designers). Our BM dress retailed for $190 (according to houseofbrides.com). I was quoted 215 from one bridal shop, 185 from another, and 176 from Lillette's before my 10% off (which brought it down to just under $160). HOB.com had it for $135 (i think) but I didn't want my girls to deal with them after some of the problems I've heard about. My girls were all ok with the $160. SHOP AROUND. Worst case, it might be worth trying out an online retailer but leave yourself lots of lead time and lie about your date.
2. I think that's a lot for a BM dress in general, but not unreasonably so. It depends on your girls. I have 6 girls and all are in school. HS (my little cousin -- my aunt might buy her dress?), college (little sis/MOH is about to turn 21 and is a full-time college student without any income -- my mom will probably buy her dress), or grad school (masters for teaching, social work, MD/PhD, PsyD). NOBODY has a lot of $$$$. They were OK with the $160 + alterations since they understand it costs $$$ to be a BM, but I've been really trying to keep costs down. 2 probably aren't going to want hair/makeup because of the cost and I got pretty good quotes. If your girls can afford more, they might not mind as much -- it's all relative.
3. Don't pick a dress you hate to save $30. I personally didn't like the dresses at David's Bridal and was looking for a specific color. My girls said they would wear anything to make me happy but to please make it affordable. I let them pick out the dress, so they all like it, but cost was a factor. If I fell in love with a really expensive dress I 'HAD' to have, I would have subsidized part of the cost. If these are the dresses you love, I'd go that route instead -- that way you're all happy. No matter how nice you think the dress is, don't say 'oh it's so worth the $300, you can always wear it again' -- that's rarely true unless it's a simple black dress. My little cousin plans to wear her dress to her senior prom though.
Which BL dress is it? We can look around and help you figure out what a reasonable price for THAT DRESS is.
Thank you so much for the reply- I was actually thinking everything you said- I just hate and refuse to ask that much plus alterations. I have 11 BMS and the ages vary.... I looked on HOB.com and it was $198- I was a little skeptical about using an online source... I do really love the dress so I will keep trying to find the cheapest price. Its Bil Levkoff, style 800...
MrsRichie2b
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by Serendipity1141
just wondering- what is the style #? I have never known a Levkoff dress that was that much...
Its style # 800
MrsRichie2b
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Thank you soooooooooooo much everyone for your opinions and suggestions.. I really appreciate it!!!!!
Still looking......
bluegreen08
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by MrsRichie2b
Posted by bluegreen08
First of all... Marie, I love your dresses!!!
I agree with a lot of what has been said!
1. That's a LOT for a BL dress (although it's standard for many other designers). Our BM dress retailed for $190 (according to houseofbrides.com). I was quoted 215 from one bridal shop, 185 from another, and 176 from Lillette's before my 10% off (which brought it down to just under $160). HOB.com had it for $135 (i think) but I didn't want my girls to deal with them after some of the problems I've heard about. My girls were all ok with the $160. SHOP AROUND. Worst case, it might be worth trying out an online retailer but leave yourself lots of lead time and lie about your date.
2. I think that's a lot for a BM dress in general, but not unreasonably so. It depends on your girls. I have 6 girls and all are in school. HS (my little cousin -- my aunt might buy her dress?), college (little sis/MOH is about to turn 21 and is a full-time college student without any income -- my mom will probably buy her dress), or grad school (masters for teaching, social work, MD/PhD, PsyD). NOBODY has a lot of $$$$. They were OK with the $160 + alterations since they understand it costs $$$ to be a BM, but I've been really trying to keep costs down. 2 probably aren't going to want hair/makeup because of the cost and I got pretty good quotes. If your girls can afford more, they might not mind as much -- it's all relative.
3. Don't pick a dress you hate to save $30. I personally didn't like the dresses at David's Bridal and was looking for a specific color. My girls said they would wear anything to make me happy but to please make it affordable. I let them pick out the dress, so they all like it, but cost was a factor. If I fell in love with a really expensive dress I 'HAD' to have, I would have subsidized part of the cost. If these are the dresses you love, I'd go that route instead -- that way you're all happy. No matter how nice you think the dress is, don't say 'oh it's so worth the $300, you can always wear it again' -- that's rarely true unless it's a simple black dress. My little cousin plans to wear her dress to her senior prom though.
Which BL dress is it? We can look around and help you figure out what a reasonable price for THAT DRESS is.
Thank you so much for the reply- I was actually thinking everything you said- I just hate and refuse to ask that much plus alterations. I have 11 BMS and the ages vary.... I looked on HOB.com and it was $198- I was a little skeptical about using an online source... I do really love the dress so I will keep trying to find the cheapest price. Its Bil Levkoff, style 800...
That's a gorgeous dress!!! I would have loved for my mom to wear it as her MOB dress but she wanted sparkle and my dress has pickups. It is one of the more expensive BL dresses but you can still hopefully find it for less.
Maybe call Phyllis at Gownfind? Plus, with 11 BMs you should be able to negotiate a deal. Maybe tell them you have 8 BMs (which is still a lot) and negotiate a price... and then say if you add in 3 more can they bring the price down further? that's a lot of $$$ for the shop so they should be bending over backwards to help you out
Edit: House of Brides is $182
MrsRichie2b
Posted:
Member since
Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by bluegreen08
Posted by MrsRichie2b
Posted by bluegreen08
First of all... Marie, I love your dresses!!!
I agree with a lot of what has been said!
1. That's a LOT for a BL dress (although it's standard for many other designers). Our BM dress retailed for $190 (according to houseofbrides.com). I was quoted 215 from one bridal shop, 185 from another, and 176 from Lillette's before my 10% off (which brought it down to just under $160). HOB.com had it for $135 (i think) but I didn't want my girls to deal with them after some of the problems I've heard about. My girls were all ok with the $160. SHOP AROUND. Worst case, it might be worth trying out an online retailer but leave yourself lots of lead time and lie about your date.
2. I think that's a lot for a BM dress in general, but not unreasonably so. It depends on your girls. I have 6 girls and all are in school. HS (my little cousin -- my aunt might buy her dress?), college (little sis/MOH is about to turn 21 and is a full-time college student without any income -- my mom will probably buy her dress), or grad school (masters for teaching, social work, MD/PhD, PsyD). NOBODY has a lot of $$$$. They were OK with the $160 + alterations since they understand it costs $$$ to be a BM, but I've been really trying to keep costs down. 2 probably aren't going to want hair/makeup because of the cost and I got pretty good quotes. If your girls can afford more, they might not mind as much -- it's all relative.
3. Don't pick a dress you hate to save $30. I personally didn't like the dresses at David's Bridal and was looking for a specific color. My girls said they would wear anything to make me happy but to please make it affordable. I let them pick out the dress, so they all like it, but cost was a factor. If I fell in love with a really expensive dress I 'HAD' to have, I would have subsidized part of the cost. If these are the dresses you love, I'd go that route instead -- that way you're all happy. No matter how nice you think the dress is, don't say 'oh it's so worth the $300, you can always wear it again' -- that's rarely true unless it's a simple black dress. My little cousin plans to wear her dress to her senior prom though.
Which BL dress is it? We can look around and help you figure out what a reasonable price for THAT DRESS is.
Thank you so much for the reply- I was actually thinking everything you said- I just hate and refuse to ask that much plus alterations. I have 11 BMS and the ages vary.... I looked on HOB.com and it was $198- I was a little skeptical about using an online source... I do really love the dress so I will keep trying to find the cheapest price. Its Bil Levkoff, style 800...
That's a gorgeous dress!!! I would have loved for my mom to wear it as her MOB dress but she wanted sparkle and my dress has pickups. It is one of the more expensive BL dresses but you can still hopefully find it for less.
Maybe call Phyllis at Gownfind? Plus, with 11 BMs you should be able to negotiate a deal. Maybe tell them you have 8 BMs (which is still a lot) and negotiate a price... and then say if you add in 3 more can they bring the price down further? that's a lot of $$$ for the shop so they should be bending over backwards to help you out
Edit: House of Brides is $182
That is a great idea- I have been just saying 11 I never though to say 8 then negotiate for more... I will def do that when I go tomorow... Thank you!!... and yes I posted wrong, $182.. just didt know if they were reliable? I dont know anyone thats ordered through HOB.....
bluegreen08
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Member since
Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Posted by MrsRichie2b
Posted by bluegreen08
Posted by MrsRichie2b
Posted by bluegreen08
First of all... Marie, I love your dresses!!!
I agree with a lot of what has been said!
1. That's a LOT for a BL dress (although it's standard for many other designers). Our BM dress retailed for $190 (according to houseofbrides.com). I was quoted 215 from one bridal shop, 185 from another, and 176 from Lillette's before my 10% off (which brought it down to just under $160). HOB.com had it for $135 (i think) but I didn't want my girls to deal with them after some of the problems I've heard about. My girls were all ok with the $160. SHOP AROUND. Worst case, it might be worth trying out an online retailer but leave yourself lots of lead time and lie about your date.
2. I think that's a lot for a BM dress in general, but not unreasonably so. It depends on your girls. I have 6 girls and all are in school. HS (my little cousin -- my aunt might buy her dress?), college (little sis/MOH is about to turn 21 and is a full-time college student without any income -- my mom will probably buy her dress), or grad school (masters for teaching, social work, MD/PhD, PsyD). NOBODY has a lot of $$$$. They were OK with the $160 + alterations since they understand it costs $$$ to be a BM, but I've been really trying to keep costs down. 2 probably aren't going to want hair/makeup because of the cost and I got pretty good quotes. If your girls can afford more, they might not mind as much -- it's all relative.
3. Don't pick a dress you hate to save $30. I personally didn't like the dresses at David's Bridal and was looking for a specific color. My girls said they would wear anything to make me happy but to please make it affordable. I let them pick out the dress, so they all like it, but cost was a factor. If I fell in love with a really expensive dress I 'HAD' to have, I would have subsidized part of the cost. If these are the dresses you love, I'd go that route instead -- that way you're all happy. No matter how nice you think the dress is, don't say 'oh it's so worth the $300, you can always wear it again' -- that's rarely true unless it's a simple black dress. My little cousin plans to wear her dress to her senior prom though.
Which BL dress is it? We can look around and help you figure out what a reasonable price for THAT DRESS is.
Thank you so much for the reply- I was actually thinking everything you said- I just hate and refuse to ask that much plus alterations. I have 11 BMS and the ages vary.... I looked on HOB.com and it was $198- I was a little skeptical about using an online source... I do really love the dress so I will keep trying to find the cheapest price. Its Bil Levkoff, style 800...
That's a gorgeous dress!!! I would have loved for my mom to wear it as her MOB dress but she wanted sparkle and my dress has pickups. It is one of the more expensive BL dresses but you can still hopefully find it for less.
Maybe call Phyllis at Gownfind? Plus, with 11 BMs you should be able to negotiate a deal. Maybe tell them you have 8 BMs (which is still a lot) and negotiate a price... and then say if you add in 3 more can they bring the price down further? that's a lot of $$$ for the shop so they should be bending over backwards to help you out
Edit: House of Brides is $182
That is a great idea- I have been just saying 11 I never though to say 8 then negotiate for more... I will def do that when I go tomorow... Thank you!!... and yes I posted wrong, $182.. just didt know if they were reliable? I dont know anyone thats ordered through HOB.....
I heard some horror stories about HOB and didn't want to go with them even though we could have saved $25 for each dress. It's up to you if you want to take that risk, some brides on here have ordered from there w/out problems. If you do, LIE about your date and order early.
I'd try Phyllis at Gownfind -- I think they will pricematch so maybe they can match HOB? Plus, they have very low prices... when I called about a MOB dress they had lower prices than anyone else on the internet... it's worth a shot.
bluegreen08
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
http://www.gownfind.com/
FIND A LOWER PRICE AND
GOWNFIND
WILL BEAT THAT PRICE!
We offer discounts on wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, flowergirls dresses, mother of the bride dresses, bridal head pieces, bridal veils and all of your bridal accessories. We carry all styles of wedding dresses such as informal dresses, destination dresses, A-line gowns, traditional wedding gowns, and sheath or straight gowns. Need bridal accessories and undergarments? Gownfind carries a large selection of bridal gloves, longline bras, crinolines, tiaras, veils, headpieces, and bridal shoes for your special wedding day. Shop Gownfind.com for discount wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses as well as attire for your entire bridal party. Your one stop bridal shop.
They have a storefront on Long Island so your girls can deal with someone in person. Plus, they are supposed to be good with alterations
You can ask their price and then ask them to beat HOB's price, and then try to negotiate if you get 11 instead of 5, 7, 8 whatever you want to tell them. they are supposed to be more reputable than HOB
Edit: they also gave me an extra discount bc i said i was calling because i saw their website.
Mici n KC
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
Did you try RK Bridal or Burtons?
bemyyoko
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
I think it's all relative... I personally wouldn't be able to afford a dress that cost that much, let alone the alterations and other expenses.
My MOH is getting married in November, and since she's my MOH, I'd be willing to spend more on a dress for her wedding than anyone else's but I have to be honest and say I hope her dresses do not cost that much. I'd try to make it work for her wedding, but anyone else's I'd have to step down from.
Yes, when you agree to be in a bridal party you are aware that it's going to cost you money. But the bride should also be aware and realistic about the bridal party's expenses and budget. If your bridal party can afford a $300 dress that they'll (most likely) never wear again then go for it!! But if you know they'll have to eat Ramen Soup everyday for months to be able to afford it... well then I would go with something else.
Summer07Bride
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
I would not make my girls pay that much money, but it is also because I know most of their monetary situations and only one out of the five could have afforded it. While I realized it was my day, I also took into account their financial situations.
bonniejd
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Re: Too much to ask for BM dresses??
My BM dresses were somewhere around $250. I thought a lot about whether they were too expensive and took into account that the people in my BP are in their mid-late 20s and all have sucecssful careers (except my sister, whose dress I paid for) and wouldn't mind the cost. I asked them what they thought, and universally they said they would rather a dress with better material that they loved, than one that was cheaper. The girls in my BP were there because they were important to me and if it came down to their dropping out over paying for the dress I would either have paid for the dress or chosen a different one.
One other thing-- everyone that says it is just one day and that it is about the marriage and not the wedding is totally right, but in putting together this one day, keep in mind that pictures last forever.
