Now, to the dress again, and this time we will see dresses for which I am willing to pay. Options for affordable dresses: go for one that costs less (but not that much less), buy a used dress or buy an "alternative" wedding dress which usually equals a bridesmaid dress or other formal dress in a white or ivory color. Keep in mind the cathedral requires straps...
1. Private Label Gown
This dress line is not advertised anywhere and you can only buy them at certain salons that are authorized dealers. They are reproductions of Grace Kelly's dress when she married the prince of Monaco in 1956. The original gown was designed by Helen Rose and the pictures come from here.
I have a picture of the actual dress, but I am afraid to post it because some prince in Monaco might get mad. Imagine sheer sort of tank-top style straps instead of the high collar and sleeves, ivory with ivory lace overlay, and a champagne satin bodice. Clearly the veil will also be less invovled as the one she wore was ridiculous (though beautiful), and veils freak me out. The back has a low V and the champagne satin comes around to the back to form long wide ribbons which I would most likely tie into a knot rather than a bow. I have tried on this dress and it is beautiful, but the cost is still too high.
Cost: $1,200
2. Allure pre-owned dress
I found this dress on Craigslist and it turned out to be someone I know who posted it.
I like this dress, but for a few things: It would be a tad short on me with heels higher than 1", I would have to add straps, and I don't really care for the front bottom decorations. In the pictures from this girl's wedding day you cannot really see those details, and my friend Lindsey who went with me to try the dress on said she didn't even notice that part until I pointed it out. The upside is that this girl and I seem to be the exact same size. The dress fits perfectly and would not need to be altered at all.
Cost: $575
3. Allure pre-owned dress #2
Found this on e-bay from a person in Moody. I am going to go try it on when they call me back.
It is a definite long shot, but who knows? Could work...
Cost: $400 or so
4. Alternative #1
Lazaro Bridesmaid dress style LZ3991
5. Alternative #2
Wtoo maids style 541 shantung v-neck bridesmaid dress
6. Alternative #3
This dress is available in white and ivory chiffon over candlelight with clear and white beading. I would tie the bow just in a knot or have someone just sew the ribbon on and cut away the excess.
Cost: $350
5. Alternative #2
This dress is available in off-white. I think this one is really pretty and is an actual possibility.
Cost: $250
6. Alternative #3
This dress is available in ivory and white. I cannot find a picture of the front, but "they" say it is v-neck.
Cost: $200
alternative 2 and 3 look very julie and very cost efficient. you should go look at a store that has swatches so you can see color combos, and try them on!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe dress is probably the only important part of the whole wedding hoop-la. Well, and Nick and God, of course. That being said, I wouldn't spend more than your comfortable with spending, but I would try to find a dress that I truly loved rather than just buying one that is "good enough" off craigslist. You're only in it for one day, but you will have pictures of it forever. My dream dress was similar to yours. http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/10865/Judd-Waddell--Size-6.html
ReplyDeleteThere's a picture, though you were with me when I tried it on. It's the only picture I can find since the dress is now 3 years old. I ended up getting a dress that I liked much less that cost about 1/4 of the price. I wish I had done more looking (and possibly some sewing) to make my dress as close as possible to my dream dress. $800 on a dress that you kinda like is not nearly as great of a deal as $1500 on a dress that you absolutely love. And I know Jennifer said the same thing about hers. Just my 2 cents. I guess what I'm saying is compromise, but not too much. Also, I like your alternative dresses much more than any of the other dresses in this post. I like the first two dresses in your last post the best, though (of course). Good luck!
Savannie! That dress was gorgeous, but you looked beautiful in yours too! I like the alternatives better too, but who knows? You know how I hate to shop for clothes haha!
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