- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
Hi Bees,
I am really hoping you can help me. I am madly in love with the Vera Wange Gemma Dress, however it soooooo beyond my financial means. I have contacted a few overseas dress makes so far only three of them have gotten back to me, one said out right that they were not comfortable dealing with the material necessary and said they would not make the dress (DressilyMe), Landy Bridal have quoted me $630 and Jeff Liu has quoted me $330.
My head is spinning, and I am staring to worry. I have seen some beautiful reproductions gowns form many different makers but I haven’t seen many in this type of style of material. If anyone has any experience of having their gown custom made and can recommend any dress makers (email address are much appreciated) I would love to hear from you and look at your dresses.
T make matters worse I really want to get married in a strong Chamagne/gold colour but am struggling to find any dresses in that material or colour to get a good gauge of what it might look like.
I do have loads of time to find the right thing but I had hoped to start planning and at least figuring out what I wanted as soon as possible so that I can start saving like a crazy woman.
am not expecting it to be exactly the same, but are my expectations unrealistic?
http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-dresses/designer/vera-wang/7519?offset=3
Thanks for any help you can give xxx
Organza dresses from China dressmakers are tricky. I've seen a lot of disappointed brides.
But if you are set on the Gemma, Coral's Bridal has similar gowns (where you can actually see the dress they made): http://www.coralsbridal.com/3128-ms163f-strapless-mermaid-ruffle-wedding-dress-vera-wang-121411-MS163f.html
I've heard good things about them. They are pricier than others but I've heard the quality is better.
I just ordered a dress from Jojo's Dress Shop. They seem to have good reviews and reasonable prices. I haven't received my dress yet so I can't say for sure how good the quality is, but they have a replica of the dress you like:
http://jojo.ecrater.com/p/11223172/vw1012-hilary-duff-vera-wang
Thank you so much ladies,
Jeff lIu's price was soo good it had me a little woried.
I really like the Coral version, but would want them to make a few changes for me, and I emailed JoJo's so I will keep you updated regarding what they tell me.
Thanks so much x
Breathless--please let me know if you do find someone. I am looking for the same thing and have already check with Jasmine's Bridal Shop and they didn't feel comfortable making it. Thanks!!!
I used dressilyme and Jeff Liu. Dressilyme won't accept dresses they don't feel confident will come out the way the customer likes. I like that about them. This dress has a flow that is difficult to recreate. GORGEOUS MIGHT I ADD!!!
Jeff Liu completely screwed me and I will never live that down. The materials! The outcome! The enitre attention to detail. I would be nervous with using him for this gown. They accept any offer and give a price. Also he is known for not making deadlines. So if you are in a rush then give his 1st quote more and more time.
Also you won't be covered by ebay if the keeps extending the dress due date over 1 month. You will have to take care of your refund options.
Long story about me short. I didn't get a full refund from him and paypal doesn't cover custom items.
Ok so moving on.
I would say that Jasmies bridal or Millys bridal could do this dress effectively.
Millys is really great about doing their job and they have good resources. They will show you the process as it goes and do a sample dress 1st so that you can change anything you don't like. Then they make the real dress.
Jasmines has been known to do excellent work in general but I am not sure about this style.
At the end of the day its what you are comfortable with.
I would suggest reading my reviews on dressilyme and jeff liu. My jeff liu review has pics toward the end. I deleted them at first and then posted them back up because I felt others might want to see.
Ok so Good Luck!
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/jeff-liuaprils-bridal-china-dress-is-in
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/my-dressilyme-china-dress-is-ready-part-2
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/my-dressilyme-china-dress-is-ready
Oh I feel your pain. And....I think I'm about to feel more. I fell in love with Gemma and she was way beyond my budget---no hope. So I ordered a replica off ebay. Seller has great feedback---100% positive. Seller was quite responsive to my questions...and I ordered a custom sized Gemma replica.
Now---here's the part where I'm going to freak out. While at the time, it seemed too good to be true....seeing your price quotes above made my heart SINK!!! The one I bought from ebay was about $170 including shipping. (insert GASP here). I know...I know!! Now I'm totally ok with losing all of the money and having to buy another dress. In fact....I had prepared myself for the odds of having a hot mess show up at my door and having to start the search again and accepted that prior to buying it. I'm ok with losing $200 and buying a different dress--but I figured it was worth a shot. But I am pretty sure the teeny tiny glimmer of hope I had---that I could get something similar for so stinkin' cheap....was just snuffed out. LOL
With my luck...nothing with show up at my door. But if it does---I will be sure to take pictures and show them to you bees. But I have a hunch I should just start looking for a dress again. :)
Awww, crap.
yourdreamdress.com
they arent replicators or a china factory - but get real authentic designer gowns and have them on sale - sometimes 90% off!
i havent looked to see if they have gemma.. but they do get some in. i had found them on my search for ines di santo turquoise and didnt have it in, but it was on their list to be getting in soon.
maybe they could help with gemma!
Hello!!!
I just wanted to share. I posted above regarding my replica order. I just received pictures today and I have to say....I am SO HAPPY with the results. I am removing the sash she tied on...but I am buying a sparkley one from Etsy. The seller was amazing and even replicated the "Blizzard Beading" Vera uses on the Gemma. I have never posted photos before, so I hope this works. Also--I requested a lace up back so I could help form the "curvy" shape I want and nip in the waist. :) 
@alj: Wow!! Who was the maker if you don't mind me asking? Awesome work for the price!! Can't wait to hear how it is when you receive it!
We just made the Gemma dress (98% finished right now)! And I love it! Email me for photos :) JasminesTailorShop@gmail.com
@alj WOWZA!!!!
my partner and i have slowed thing right down and dont think we will be getting married for a good long while yet, but i am breathless at the sight of your dress, it is far and away the nicest replica I have seen of the Gemma, please post some more pics of you in it and let us know if you are happy with the way it fits :0 )
Hello~
The maker's name is Vivian and she has been great to communicate with. She is in China and sometimes her english is a little difficult...but she has been wonderful. Her email is xu.gaohua521@hotmail.com. I ordered the dress from ebay on December 28th and I just got my photos today, (January 17th)!!! I will definitely take photos and write a full review when I receive it. It was the best price I found and I think it was MORE than I anticipated in the photos. :) For the price, I think I got a great deal. So far---I highly recommend Vivian! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jasmine's did not make my dress (pictured above), but I have heard they do nice work.
Her name is Vivian. Her email address is: xu.gaohua521@hotmail.com
I will take pictures of it on when I receive it. :) Also--I'm having her give it a little bit more of a sweetheart neckline. SO EXCITED!!!
These are photos for the dress 98% finished. We still need to do some final touches when we return from the holidays, then the pins on the dress will be removed. Would really appreciate your feedback and suggestions to improve the design. Thanks! :)
I'm so glad it turned out so well!! Congrats! Can't wait to hear how it looks when you receive it!
Thanks. It took us 4 remakes and about 4 months of research & experiment to get to this stage - we had the help from several customers (maybe also bees on this forum) who went to bridal stores to take detailed closeup photos of the original. I don't know if vendors are allowed to post prices on this forum, so you can email me at JasminesTailorShop@gmail.com for more info :)
@alj: Hey what was th ebay store that you purchased from? I would like to look around :D
@kutiekai: It was http://stores.ebay.com/Sunflower-Wedding-Dress?_trksid=p4340.l2563 Vivian is her name. I think you can email her too if you want a quote for a style that is not listed.
@kutiekai: Also--you'll see this...but the photos shown are of the designers...not their dresses. Alot of the replica places do that. But I'm sure you can contact her to see photos of their work. Hope it helps! For the price...I definitely think it was worth it based on the photos she sent. I should get my dress mid/late February because I requested some changes. But I'll update on quality when it is received.
I absolutely love the dress from Jazmines Bridal. Very close to the real thing.
Thank you girls for doing this thread. It makes a beautiful Gemma-like dress feel more and more within reach =) I'm definitely going to order one after I compare the different vendors.
@alj: When do you get your dress? I'm curious to see how you like it in person!
@2scoopz: OMG I got my dress yesterday!!! It looks SO much better in person. I had her change the top part, so now it's much more like the gemma with a criss cross type thing around the boobs. (wonderfully put. I know) :) I tried it on last night but I couldn't do the corset up myself and I didn't want my fiance to help, so I need to take photos when someone can put me in it. I am VERY HAPPY with it though. It doesn't look like a $200 dress!!! :) I will post photos as soon as possible. The ones I took last night on my phone aren't great because I'm holding the dress up with one hand. Personally---I couldn't be happier.
HI Ladies---I have pics! Mind you---they're not great because they are from my cell phone....and I couldn't lace up the corset myself so the dress is ill-fitting in the pictures. It's not exactly like Hillary Duff's dress, but it's close enough for me. I had her change the neckline to the sweetheart...and she did replicate the "blizzard beading" effect. So for the price, I couldn't be happier. 
Hillary's Original Above....
My replica (keep in mind it needs steaming and it's not laced up in the back so the top has big gaps on the sides and itsn't fitting snug across the bust and looks crooked). Also---it has a nice train that you can't see in this photo. Sorry it's sideways...I dont' know how to change it. :(
@alj: WOW! the dress looks great, and you look beautiful in it! I'm so happy for you!
My order went in to Jasmine's Bridal just a short while ago, and I hope I get just as good results as you did...*crossing fingers*
Wow...that is such a beautiful dress. You got it at such a great price too. Congratulations on getting an awesome dress!!!
Absolutely beautiful dress! It looks stunning, as do you! Please post more pictures, if you can! :)
@Honu_36: Thanks! for less than $200, I'm super excited. Here are more pictures from my cell without the corset laced up. So keep in mind it's not fitting properly. I'm not 4 months preggo, even though it's puffing up in the gut area. :) The bottom photo is the sparkley netting stuff she put in the mermaid pouf. 
Hey ladies,
I'm getting my dress made too and I was wondering if you knew if the Gemma Dress bodice is all french tulle or is organza overlapping with the tulle? I went to a dress fitting and started questioning myself afterwards. My dressmaker has made the bodice of the dress using strips of tulle then strips of organza overlapping one another. He is very well known for great replicas but I'm getting a little nervous. I can't remember how the original Vera Wang Gemma dress is.
Please let me know. I have researched online and all it says is they "used bands of tulle, wrapping around the body like a swirling cyclone, and ending in bias-cut flanges, which are deconstructed, abstract blossoms in tissue organza: it’s the perfect storm. Inside these rosettes I’ve added what I call “blizzard beading”: hundreds of tiny little sequins scattered all around." Is there any organza on the bodice???
Thanks!!
Hi,
I'm also currently researching Chinese businesses that manufacture designer replica wedding gowns for my wedding later this year.
There is a listing on the website 'PreOwnedWeddingDresses' for a Chinese business that makes Vera Wang inspired wedding gowns such as the Vera Wang Gemma.
The only vendor details listed on the website is the following email address: jhj0512@gmail.com.
Have any Bees out there had any experiences either positive or negative with this business/vendor?
Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
@2scoopz: I'd love to see how your dress turns out as I'm thinking about ordering from Jasmine Bridal as well :)
Hello . I am Vivian , I am from China , My career is the sale and production of the wedding dress. Can I help you? (My Engish is not good :) ) If you intereated in me , Please feel free to contact me , my email is xu.gaohua521@hotmail.com .
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| Brielle | 44 |
| ndreighton | 29 |
 vorpalette |
29 |
| caseyleigh10 | 26 |
| les105 | 24 |
| ellisrobertson | 24 |
| mypinkshoes | 23 |
| fishbone | 23 |
| lionskitty | 22 |
| SouthernGirl | 21 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| vreelans | 6 |
| chikita | 5 |
| Jenlon | 4 |
| Brielle | 4 |
| takemyhand | 4 |
| TeeVeeBee | 4 |
| turtles73 |
4 |
| stressybride | 4 |
| KristenGotMarried | 3 |
| sienna76 | 3 |
