Where and how much can a nice dress cost?

Hi Ladies,
Is it possible to find a nice dress that doesn't cost more than $1200.00???

For me , I think it's crazy to spend thousands for a dress you are only going to wear once. That is my personal feeling. I know that many expensive dresses are gorgeous, but I feel that I can find a dress that is just as nice. Am I wrong?.

My friends who are former brides some say 'yes' and some say 'no way'.

I will be starting my search soon because I just learned that it may take months to order.

What do you think?

Where are good places to start?
I have heard many bad things about Bridal reflections.
What about Macy's in Manhasset?? They have a Bridal boutique--or is that cheesy?

Also, I have heard horror stories about places that have snobs that work there and when you tell them your size or budget they all of a sudden can't help you.

I want a place where they are very helpful because I have no idea what I want!

Thanks in Advance,
Jen

DEF!! what designers do you like?

mines a Maggie Sottero and i paid 700$

Maggie's dresses are VERY reasonable! I too refuse to spend more then $1,000 (maybe $1,300. I think you are better off going to smaller stores such as Paradise Bridal in Patchouge, Lidias in Copaigue, Renates in Lindenhurst, Bridal Suite in Bayshore....hmmm, I know there is more...but when you finally do find the dres sof all dresses, you can always call Philis of Gownfind, she has a store in Dix Hills and get a price from her, she has beat all prices from any store.

Some girls have even ordered their dresses online...I think netbide.com is one of them??

MIne was $430.00

You can see pics in my album.

That so much ladies. I always welcome any more suggestions.

I ordered a Maggie Sottero Chanel from paradise bridal for under $1000 and it included a matching cathedral veil. They were very helpful and didnt rush me. I had looked in Macy's first. One warning about Macy's is that I know the one in Smithhaven mall only carries one designer now and the dresses were $$$. I'm not sure about other Macy's.
good luck

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Posted by dplehat

I ordered a Maggie Sottero Chanel from paradise bridal for under $1000 and it included a matching cathedral veil. They were very helpful and didnt rush me. I had looked in Macy's first. One warning about Macy's is that I know the one in Smithhaven mall only carries one designer now and the dresses were $$$. I'm not sure about other Macy's.
good luck

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she is right! The Manhasset one is only Demetrios and I think the same goes for the Smithtown one.

My suggestion is to just go shopping for a dress and find one you like. Stay out of stores like Bridal Reflections where the starting price for a dress is $1000. After you find a dress you like, make sure you know the manufacturer and the style number, then call Burton's Bridal 424-3377, and see how much it costs from them.

My dress was $350 less at Burton's than the store I found it in.

You could try Elena Bridal in Merrick. The owners there are so awesome.
Do not go to Bridal Reflections they are aliens sent to suck the life outta of you (and money too)

I bought a James Clifford (never having heard of him before) and the lady told me that he worked for Priscilla of Boston for 15 years (and her dresses are crazy money)... so I was like wow, I'm getting a designer that apparently is just starting out on his own but he must be real good-- so inexpensive but nicely made, i was delighted and i love my gown...

A few months ago he announced on his website that he is infact Jim Hjelm-- his full name is James Clifford Hjelm and I guess he just felt like designing under an alias--Now I knew something had to be up and at the time I tried my dress on I thought 'OK, either this guy is going to take off soon and his dresses will get real $$ or I just got way lucky' b/c when I tried my dress on it was SO well made-- it was amazing, it felt amazing, the bead work, etc. I was like I can't believe I only paid 1000 bucks for this dress... it retails for 1850 but I got it for 1000 from burtons (great place to get the dress you love at a cheap price BTW!!)

and then to find out it really is Jim Hjlem (who is very well known and his dresses are usually much more money) but it made sense b/c when i tried my gown on i was like omg this is SO well made!

JAMES CLIFFORD HJELM

HTH!!!

You can def find under $1200!

I went to the Macy's in Smithtown and had a great experience. They did ask me what my budget was and I told them that I didn't want to spend more than $1500 including alterations. They selected really nice dresses within my budget and I was even going to buy one (2nd choice)


I think it was $975



I ended up going with a dress from RK Bridal. Also a great place to dress shop. Its a little more relaxed there. There isn't a sales person following you.....

If you go to bridal salon's and they are rude, just walk out and don't bother because you have so many choices.

its definitely doable!

i spent under $1k for the dress, veil, headpiece, alterations (including bustle), and shoes. (Although I have bought the shoes yet, i can guarantee you they won't cost me $100.)

I suggest trying some dresses at Helen's (Wedding World) on Austin Blvd in Commack. Liz was soooooo nice, and they had a lot to choose from.

Good luck!

I tried on dresses at fantasia out in rocky point, somewhere in Bethpage, Beautiful bride in Lynbrook (no bueno), and Lynbrook Briday center (bought from here).

I put on like a million dresses and only a handful were over 1k. Bargin with them though. Mine was $899 and I told them I saw it elsewhere for $700 and they sold it to me for $700. !

Mine cost that much! but I know you can find a beautiful dress for less. you just have to look!

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Posted by nycgirl79

Try RK bridal

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Definitely, I went in there telling them my price range was under $1,000 and I was able to try on a number of dresses in that range! Mine ended up costing me $600 with tax and there's a $300 alteration cap (including bustle).