Post # 1
Member
17 posts
Newbee
Hi All,
I wanted some opinions on dress. I tried on the Monique Candy dress in store, and loved it. Its about 6-7K when all is said and done which I just feel is a lot for something I will wear 1x. Then there is the used route, which I’ve found a Candy dress for 3.5K – the only issue is that it’s been altered, would require about 1K to alter. Finally the other option is a monique dress I found online that’s a bridesmaids dress (450)
I was thinking of getting the bridesmaids dress and doing some handsewing with some supplies from etsy – do you think this would be a good dress to have as a wedding dress? or would it look very plain – should i just go with a less expensive designer and get a ‘real dress’
Monique Candy
Bridesmaids dress
Post # 2
Member
5268 posts
Bee Keeper
bellaJax2014: I’m not sure if his is helpful or not, but David’s bridal has a dress that reminds me of that gown. I love the buttons down the back.
Post # 3
Member
2766 posts
Sugar bee
If you have the time, I suggest to keep shopping around & trying on dresses within the budget that you’re comfortable with.
Post # 4
Member
82 posts
Worker bee
- Wedding: June 2015 - Bottom Lounge
bellaJax2014: I would look around more! I love Monique as well but it was waaaay above my budget. There’s a store here near Boston called Vows. There’s a show I found the Gown films there.
But anyways I found my Monique gown there for $1850!!! Retail price $6500! Not altered but a sample gown.
So keep looking!
Post # 5
Member
1169 posts
Bumble bee
I purchased a preowned Gemma from an online wedding dress resale site. The dress has extensive fraying under the arms along the bust. A ripped underlayer and a very soiled hem. I had requested dated photographs of the dress but none of this showed up in the photos. The cost of cleaning and what can be repaired is substantial. I would suggest buying a new dress in your price range.
Post # 6
Member
932 posts
Busy bee
I think the dress is beautiful but it might be worth it just to keep looking for awhile. Even with a 6-7 thousand dollar dress brand new you can still expect alterations unfortunately.
Post # 7
Member
3372 posts
Sugar bee
I’d keep looking…I wouldn’t recommend trying to DIY that dress, I think you’d be disappointed. The Candy is really popular, if you have time I would wait and see if a preowned/sample pops up.
Post # 8
Member
403 posts
Helper bee
I agree with the other bees: keep looking.
My targeted designer was also Monique Lhuillier and I was aware of the steep price range so I search for a used dress first. Even though sellers say they only wore the gown once for a few hours, the material is so delicate that it can’t withstand the stress of that short amount of time. I tried on a used Monique Lourdes gown and much of the lace under the arms were frayed. Also, the dress looked droopy after the dry cleaning process.
One potential solution is to consider gowns from the Bliss line (2K-4K range). I bought one from a sample sale and only paid $1500 (regular 3500).
Post # 9
Member
137 posts
Blushing bee
- Wedding: July 2015 - Calamigos Ranch
I recommend continuing to look. I bought my Monique dress from a formalwear consignment shot. It’s a sample, has never been worn to a wedding and is in perfect condition. All for $700! It was an older season’s design, but I don’t mind. I used LeDress Boutique in Atlanta. They have a Monique dress that kinda has the same silhouette as the bridesmaid’s dress you posted. Check it out: http://www.ledressboutique.com/find-my-dress/wedding-gowns/search?keyword=monique+lhuillier&limitstart=0&option=com_virtuemart&view=category
Post # 10
Member
17 posts
Newbee
Excellent advice!!! You are right – the hand sewing would never turn out the same and I can definitely see how a used dress would look worn @esaints2 that is a great suggestion, I hadn’t looked there. Also, bridepower really has a great selection, definitely good advice to keep looking :)!!
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