- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
Is there anyway you can get a seamstress to reproduce the look? I fell in love with a Monique Lhuillier but I didn't have enough cash so now I have a seamstress making my dress which, when all is said and done will cost a quarter of what I would have paid buying the original. If you love it, it's worth a shot!
Carolina Herrera is fabulous. Perhaps you could look into sample sales?
I agree with Miss Hummingbird...if you're all about the look and don't really care about who makes it, I recommend a seamstress.
Oh, and you can also check out ebay and the like. Don't get down...just get creative. 
Ohhh - hun I'm sorry! I think the above gals have some great ideas though - hang in there, there's a silver lining!
LONG_WRAP_LINK_copy.jpg (46.6 KB, 260 downloads) 3 years old CAPE_BOW_LINK_copy.jpg (53.4 KB, 217 downloads) 3 years old LACE_LINKKKK_copy.jpg (45.6 KB, 373 downloads) 3 years old CW_LINK_copy.jpg (53.2 KB, 183 downloads) 3 years old FUR_BOLERO_LINK_copy.jpg (56.4 KB, 323 downloads) 3 years old 
I feel your pain - I was terrified as to what the various things I had torn out of magazines and printed from the internet were going to cost. Then my mom didn't really want the lady at the salon to let me know what anything cost - although there was no way I was going to let her pay for some terribly expensive thing. When I found my dress I was actually afraid to ask - in case I couldn't justify the cost. Luckily it was right in the price range I had established in my mind.
Maybe you can find something similar in an older collection that would be available for less? Looking and looking on the internet and in magazines I noticed that I had in fact put together quite a little stack of pictures of what was almost the same dress - little differences like off the shoulder or just sleeveless with a ruched strap - little differences in the way the bodice gave way to the skirt. Of the eight photos I took to the salon, they were all almost exactly the same dress but by different designers. So there may be a more reasonably priced dress in a really similar silhouette and style out there somewhere. Also, a custom dress is a great option, and maybe there's a happy medium - find a photo of a similar dress that's in your price range and see if alterations can make it your dream dress. That may be even less expensive than having a custom dress made from scratch.
I completely understand how you feel--my dress budget is $750, and that includes alterations. However, just remember that these couture gowns are a totally different level of clothing--and although the dress itself is a work of art that can't be compared to other clothing, it won't make YOU any prettier. You'll likely look just as beautiful in a $500 dress. Really, you will.
I found my dream dress as a sample at Macy's. If it not from a 2008/2008 collection, call around and do some price comparisons at other stores that carry it... although, even a sample won't be more than 50% off and thats still a ton of money.
I second Hummingbird's idea. It can't hurt to get it priced out.
Mmmmm... also, if its not from a new collection, go on the classified boards here, eBay, craigslist or the knot's dress board. You might be able to find someone selling it (or something similar). I would say post a pic of it on here and let the readers offer similar suggestions. People love to help with stuff like that- at least I know I do!
oh, i had the same problem. for me it was a vera wang couture for 11,000. i bargained them down to 10% off and a free veil, but it was still too expensive, so i let it go. in the end, i realized that there were plenty of wonderful gowns for less than that, so i went with a kenneth pool for 6800 which i bargained down to 15% off. have you tried going to different boutiques and asking for a discount? is your budget anywhere near 9000? if not, then i would agree that you could look for a good seamstress and have it replicated or try a sample sale. but if your budget is near 9000, then try bargaining - it certainly can't hurt!
Ah yes... that can suck. I refused to look at any dresses over $3,000 because I knew I would fall in love with one and then be sad.
Do you have a picture of the dress? Maybe there is something similar that you could consider?
The seamstress idea is a good one too. Or try some sample shops.
Also, if you like French dresses, maybe you could look for someone that imports more mid-range French dresses.
My dress was imported from France for under $3,000 and I think it was right up there with some of the most expensive dresses. I think European dress desingners tend to be a little more "couture" and have a high-fashion feel, even at a lower price level.
Good luck :)
I feel your pain. I would check out similar styles. I noticed some designers "copy" higher end designs quite well. I'd go to a larger bridal boutique with a pic of your dress and see what similar styles they can bring you in your price range. This worked beautifully for my MOH. And the dress is sooo exquiste and UNDER her budget (Mon Amie if you are in SoCal).
Another friend had a dress made almost EXACTLY the same as a Jim Hjelm for 1/2 the price. She negotiated with the seamstress at a bridal salon and let them keep it as a sample AFTER her wedding.
I always figure if there's a will, there's a way. GL
dress3.jpg (62.9 KB, 45 downloads) 3 years old dress2.jpg (59.7 KB, 35 downloads) 3 years old dress1.jpg (66.6 KB, 33 downloads) 3 years old 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 |
|---|---|
| Lyndzo | 46 |
| funkymunky85 | 26 |
| AshleyR83 | 24 |
| rebwana | 24 |
| mypinkshoes | 23 |
| his chippymunk | 23 |
| Ms. Salamander | 23 |
| Brielle | 22 |
| beargoose | 22 |
| kat2014 | 22 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| Lyndzo | 11 |
| janetsnakehole | 10 |
| Jenlon | 5 |
 NoaMarijn |
5 |
| kat2014 | 5 |
| vreelans | 5 |
| lioness_89 | 5 |
| Ms Flamenco | 4 |
| princesswedding | 4 |
| angela85 | 3 |
Since I just have 6months to plan this wedding, I've been scrambling to try on and educate myself to different wedding dress designers and styles that I like (doing this when your still 15-20lbs more than what you want to be doesn't help when trying to squeeze into those size 8 & 10 samples!)
Up until today I had found some 'possibles'..... and then I went to Sak's and found THE ONE. And that, my dear Bee's is why I am sad.
It's Carolina Herrera. It's fresh off the Runway. It's got the perfect french vintage vibe i was looking for. and it's $9000.
NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!!!!!
Anything else I try on just doesn't compare. ugh. I'm so bummed.