Attire & Accessories Forum — The Knot Community

RK Bridal Review

fortworthbridetobe — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:51:33 +0000

When I was searching for my wedding dress, I learned about RK Bridal, Pearl's Place, and other discount sites here, so I wanted to return the favor and leave my feedback! Having "THE dress" was very important to me, but the costs were hard to wrap my mind around! I'm typically a clearance rack shopper! I tried on "MY dress" in several area bridal shops before ordering, which I think is key! I definitely wouldn't order just based off a picture online! I contacted several places for pricing in addition to my local stores. I ended up ordering through RK bridal using their price match program. I printed their order from their website, and listed the price match information in the comments box. Additionally, I attached a screenshot from my dress designer's website showing the store I was price matching to as an authorized retailer. I e-mailed in my order and received a receipt back by e-mail. My receipt did not indicate the custom length I requested, so I called them back, and they sent me a new receipt to confirm that my custom length was ordered (side note, Casablanca dresses come with a free custom length, another big money saver!!!).

I was responsible for selecting my own size which I went back and forth on. In my area, the stores don't measure you unless you are placing an order there at the time of measurement, so I visited a local tailor who did it for free as well as measured myself multiple times to check. It would have been nice to have someone to help me more on picking the perfect size, but at the same time I feel like many stores try to order you a bigger size in order to make money on the alterations, so I wouldn't have entirely trusted them either! I'd recommend consulting your alterations person if you can. They would not allow me to order the dress with custom measurements because RK didn't want to be responsible for the sizing. My bust to waist ratio doesn't match up to the size chart, so that's really the only way I could have gotten away with no alterations I think! I'm still coming out ahead even with the alterations cost.

My dress was projected to arrive at their store in New York on September 22nd and then be shipped to me. I had it in in my hands on September 2nd after ordering on June 17th!!! Local retailers were saying that I might have to pay a rush free, and now I have my dress in plenty of time!! The dress arrived via UPS with a required signature. It was wrapped in a plastic dry cleaning type bag and folded into a cardboard box. A garment bag and hanger were also included with the shipment. The dress will need a little steaming, but wasn't a wrinkled mess or anything. Remember the dress has to be shipped to your local store too!

The only negative from ordering from them was that trying it on at my house squeezing in by my mirror wasn't as special as trying it on when it arrived a bridal shop with the big mirrors and atmosphere. Would that experience have been nice? yes. Does saving hundreds of dollars make up for it? ABSOLUTELY!!

Even if you prefer to order from a local store, I will say I definitely recommend price shopping the boutiques in your area. Two stores I visited were $325 more than I paid, but one local shop wanted $500 more! Additionally I didn't have to pay shipping or tax which adds up on a big purchase! I ordered my bridesmaid dresses from Pearl's Place (saved about 40%) and will update after those are received on that purchase!

Hope this helps someone else who is hesitating what to do!

Shoes of Prey

jlearish — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:30:45 +0000

Has anyone ordered their wedding shoes from http://shoesofprey.com ? If so can you fill me in on how your experience with them went? And if you're already married, how long were you able to wear them on your wedding day?

Thanks!

How much should be spent on an engagement ring?

finallyhismrs — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:03:18 +0000

I have heard 3 months worth of pay. 25% of annual income. What is average?

Ordering extra lace

jnm7222012 — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:30:50 +0000

I bought this dress after it was discontinued and we want to take out the bubbl hem and line the train in lace. Does anyone know where I can find lace that matches since Maggie Sottero no longer sells it?

Opinions Needed-Groom's attire

whodatbride — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:17:21 +0000

I need opinions...we are getting married Feb 28th. My groom wants to wear a tan suit, which is fine with me, but my mom feels like it isn't appropriate for the time of year. I feel like we don't live in an area where there is going to be snow on the ground or anything, so he can wear any color (we are getting married in New Orleans). What is your opinion?

My new stance on dress regret.

jenijoyk — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:26:37 +0000

Hey ladies. I know I've already posted a bunch of times on here about my dress saga. First, I posted about how I made the mistake of not inviting my mother to my first dress shopping appointment, decided the second dress I tried on was flattering enough and on a deep discount, and so purchased it. Of course, robbing my mother of the chance to go dress shopping with her only daughter - cue an insane amount of family drama. Then, several months later, I posted about how I was having major dress regret and fearing going into my first fitting only to realize I hated my dress. Everyone had lots of completely reasonable advice like "stop looking at dresses online" and relax and breathe and this is all normal, your dress will be awesome. I convinced myself this was totally rational (and it is! for most people!) and that my dress was fine. Maybe I also posted about a family member made a strange comment to me after seeing my dress about how great it will look when I'm done losing weight. (THANKS.) Then this past weekend was my first fitting and it was a nightmare. My fault for going to David's Bridal for my alterations, but it was a total shitshow. Arguments with a rando manager, a weird mom of the bride next to me offering to punch people in the face for me (not really necessary, lady, but thanks), my mom saying things like "This looks great on you" but doing so through a pained smile. I left giving DB $200 and secretly, deep down, hating my dress.

I have finally come to terms with the fact that I freaking want to throw this dress into a frothing tank of piranhas who will shred it into a million pieces. I swear this dress is cursed with a million terrible deeds worth of bad karma. So now, six weeks out from my wedding day, I am dedicating my weekend to finding a new dress that can somehow magically be ordered and altered before my mid-October wedding. Deep breaths. I know I can find it. And I will show it to no one, and tell no one, so that it can not be sullied by anyone's bad chi, drama, or weirdo comments.

I wanted to post just in case someone else is trying to convince themselves to ignore a deep, nagging, sense of foreboding whenever they see the dress bag hanging in their closet. Do not convince yourself that you just have cold feet. Have a come to Jesus talk with yourself. Find the room in your budget to correct your mistake. Ideally, earlier than 6 weeks before your wedding.

HELP - Bridal Gown Concern!

dande2129 — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 00:45:45 +0000

My name is Katy and I am using my BFF's account to ask you all for help/advice/thoughts!

I purchased my wedding gown from Wendy's Bridal in Columbus, OH on 8-28-14. It's made by Allure and I was told it could take some time - the ETA was sometime this coming winter (Jan-Feb). However I received notification on 9-4-14 that my gown was ready for pick-up. Somehow my 5-month wait turned into 5 business days. I don't know how that's even possible to accomplish.

I was reading on their website and I see that they have a Sample Sale for the month of September - Allure gowns being featured in this sale. My theory is that *my* dress was going to be apart of this sale, and since it just happened to be in my size, they decided to smack my name on it. Knowing that the sale prices can be anywhere from 30-70% off, I am going to be pretty ticked off if my dress was suppose to be apart of this.

Does anyone think I am overthinking this way too much? I LOVE my dress. It's the one. But there's something disheartening about it possibly being a sample, or being ripped off... This all assuming my particular style was apart of this sale.

I'm not able to physically SEE the dress until later in the week, so as you can see I am a little anxious about it. I emailed them twice, and finally received a reply today. It states the following: Thank you for contacting us about your concern! The girl who helped you set up your first try on appointment was correct--Allure very likely was ahead on production and had your dress almost ready to ship when we placed the order! Allure Bridals knows their gowns can take a while. So, they work ahead on certain styles, sizes, and colors so that they can be prepared for orders like yours Our Sample Sale is completely separate from your special order, and we would never try to pass off a sample as a new gown.

I just find it very suspicious... Can anyone provide some insight? How does a 5-month gown appear in 5-days?

Bridesmaid Dresses who are you using

[Deleted User] — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:59:28 +0000

I am having a heck of a time picking out dresses. I am trying to stay around the $150 mark... thought it'd be fun to see who everyone was using.

Find this BM dress?

WildMagelet — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 01:26:12 +0000

My google-fu has failed me and I know you guys are fabulous at this so I thought I'd come here The designer is Adrianna Papell. I believe its technically out of her "Evening" line. I'm looking for a style name/number and possibly a season. I believe it also comes in a floor length design. My FSIL loves them but has only been able to find it in one location online where it was out of stock. I've found one on tradesy and one one ebay in different colors but that's it.

To rent or buy suits?!?

Lindsey012 — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:17:46 +0000

Hi! For our wedding, we want the groomsmen to wear grey (or linen) suits, minus the suit jacket. So really just the pants, vest, shirt and tie. It seems to be when you rent, you get the whole kit and caboodle. Regardless if you want it all, you are paying for it. Plus, I am having a hard time finding a place to rent suits, not tuxes (we are in the Pittsburgh, Pa area!). Can anybody offer any suggestions where to rent suits, or where to buy them for an affordable price? Thanks!!

Tux vs. Suit-- Help please! Opinions needed

Knottie82656116 — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 01:04:28 +0000

I have always been of the mind that the groom should wear a tux to the wedding. Apparently my future mother in law has suggested that my fiance just buy a suit instead, that way he'll always have one and it's a better investment than a tux rental, etc. My wedding won't be super formal, but my bridesmaid dresses will be long and I just bought a $1300 dress...so it seems to me that a tux shouldn't be out of the question? I am kind of at a loss about this. I am looking for advice. What do you think about a tux vs. suit? When is it appropriate for either? Any help is appreciated.

Kleinfeld's?

ALittleLove — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:04:53 +0000

Hey Ladies! I have an appt. at Kleinfelds in Manhattan in a few weeks, and wanted to get feedback on people's experiences there? I watch SYTTD all the time, but wonder if it actually goes like that in real life, especially since you only get 1.5 hours and worry that is not enough time. I have done some homework and tried on other dresses so I have an idea of what styles I like so I wont have to worry about that as much. Any feedback on your appt's, fittings, Sales Girls would be great. Thanks! :)

Is my FMIL trying to outdo me?

mryltis — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 06:23:14 +0000

My FMIL does like me, but I'm marrying her first born, and she doesn't have daughters of her own. This is the second dress she's bought and she loves it, thinks it's perfect. We're doing a daytime wedding. I think her dress is way too formal and the ugliest thing I've ever seen. It reminds me of my grandmother's couch. The other is my dress. Is she trying to outdo me? I would love some honest feedback and advice on how to calm down.

When will Spring 2015 dresses be available in stores?

julybridekay — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:18:47 +0000

I've fallen in love with some Spring 2015 dresses from a few designers. Does anyone know when the next season's styles become available to try on and order in local stores? I am in the process of dress shopping and haven't found anything I love yet but thought I needed to order soon for my July 2015 wedding (10 months away)! Thanks for your help.

What should the officiant wear?

JennyColada — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:32:05 +0000

Fi asked me last night that our officiant asked what she should wear. I thought about it, and I really don't care. I tried picturing her in cut-off tye-dyed shorts and I still don't care. But Fi seemed a bit peeved at my apathy, so I figure that I'd come to you ladies and see what the general consensus is. Maybe business casual? Or cocktail?

Looking for purple wedges!

Bevin8 — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:11:35 +0000

I have been looking for purple wedges for my wedding without much luck. I have seen a number of forums from years ago, and many of the shoes are unavailable. Please let me know if you have suggestions. I would love something with a bow or flower, but I am really not too picky. Thanks!

showing fiance your wedding day shoes? (pics)

leideigh — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 02:56:07 +0000

hi all!

so i know a lot of people follow the tradition of not showing your fiance your dress before the wedding day.... but what about your wedding shoes?

my fiance does not want to see my dress before the wedding so we are on the same page there... but he is wondering what kind of shoes to wear. all is picked out but his shoes..... i want him to feel comfortable enough to say that he wants to wear flip flops or dressier shoes, but he needs some guidance and i'm not sure i can give it to him without showing him the shoes i'm going to wear.

FYI our wedding is outdoors, on a ranch in hawaii. attached are pics of his suit, my dress and my shoes.

looking forward to opinions

Where can I find these shoes?

jm465 — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 23:41:47 +0000

Hello! I found these two pairs of shoes on Pinterest that I'd like to get to see how they look with my dress... They're Vera Wang, but I'm unsure of what style name they are and I can't find them anywhere online! If anyone knows or has seen them anywhere, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

BEAUTIFUL, BRAND NEW Sottero & Midgley Adorae Louise Wedding Dress FOR SALE

Kpewitt92 — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:24:40 +0000

For sale is the BEAUTIFUL Sottero & Midgley Adorae Louise wedding dress! This dress is BRAND NEW! NEVER worn or altered! Size 6. Ivory. Retails for $1,333 but I am asking $850 OBO! Comes in pink dress cover.

Designer's description: This style creates a phenomenal figure with heavily ruched Demir Stretch Satin plunging below the hips and flaring into an A-line skirt. A glimmering beaded motif introduces a gentle fluted side drape. The V-neckline features a luxurious jeweled band accenting the empire waist.

Message me for details.

Bridesmaid Drama

CherylTish — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 12:45:38 +0000

So, my bridesmaids haven't been the easiest. For dresses, I allowed everyone to pick their own dress, long and eggplant were the criteria. Now we are two months away and my bridesmaids just informed me that cant find anything (but they just started looking). Hmmm, and if we are going to order dresses such as Dessy etc. - we need to order them asap in order to ensure we getting them in time. the Sister In Law picked up her dress four days ago, and after seeing it, I decided to pick a dress for everyone. The dress she picked was backless sheer netting with all this sequins on it and definitely more Pageant like than Bridesmaid like. I guess I should have been more clear. The reason I was letting everyone pick their own dress was because I want all my girls to feel good on my wedding day and realize there may be financial limits, but everyone waited to the last minute to look.

I finally just picked a bridesmaid dress, not one that I love, but one that will pass. One of my girls has a problem with expense for the dress, and well three others don't like the dress I picked. I have been looking and sending them pictures for months now and ALL bridesmaids are strongly opinionated. I have really had it and am tired. It would be much more prefer not have bridesmaids at this point, it will save them the $275 for a dress they will never wear again and it will save me $600 for flowers/gifts. While I love them all, I just hate asking them to spend this money. But, then there is the issue of groomsmen, we have five of them and so this would affect my fiancé

ugh, this wedding planning is hard stuff (who knew) it was so much work, and I plan events for a living!!!

Gold Accessories for Bridesmaids

VintageInez — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 23:15:57 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I'm in a wedding with four lovely bridesmaids (including myself) and the most wonderful bride. The bride has asked that we wear clover green dresses with gold accessories, but a lot of us are struggling to find gold accessories that look good on us (two bridesmaids are VERY pale and cool toned). We're looking for headbands (since we have a few bridesmaids with short hair), necklaces, earrings and bracelets if anyone has any pointers! Attached is the picture of the dress we'll be wearing. The bride is big on lace, flowers and celtic elements but dislikes rhinestones.

Thanks in advance!

which dress says...

Knottie52923642 — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 20:46:23 +0000

Which dress says outdoor wedding have appoint to try on in October

red lipstick

samsco — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 01:01:21 +0000

Hello! I am planning to wear red lipstick for my wedding, but I don't want my groom to also wear it...if you know what I'm saying. I have seriously bought 25 tubes of all different kinds (kinds that swear they don't rub off, but the totally do). Has anyone found any lipstick that's perfect for your nuptials? I'm not even concerned with the "last all day kind". I want truly kissable lipstick that won't come off on my groom's lips.

Thanks!

Need Referrals for Wedding Dress Alterations in Massachusetts

ktbdid — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:55:50 +0000

Accessorizing?

vulpiepop — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:24:32 +0000

Hi all!

I'm not very good with accessorizing so maybe you girls can help me. I have my wedding dress already and I love it! The problem I'm having is picking a veil to go with it. I think maybe something simple but I'm not sure. What do you guys think? Any suggestions? Would you recommend wearing a sash with it?

Here is the dress: Clicky

Waterproof mascara

Knottie67482196 — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:38:48 +0000

Looking for advice on the best value waterproof mascara. Anyone have a brand they swear by? Ideally, this would be one that is readily available in a drug store. Thanks in advance!

SELLING NWT ALFRED ANGELO STYLE 2000!!

melissahof — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:35:30 +0000

I am selling my brand new with tags Alfred Angelo Style 2000 wedding dress. The dress is Size 12 and Ivory with a chapel train. I bought this dress a few months ago and decided on a different dress for my church wedding. The priest preferred I wear a dress with more than spaghetti straps. This dress in in the garment bag and I have only tried it on twice! I paid $800 and I am willing to negotiate.

Please e-mail me at melsuebee at yahoo dot com. Or reply to this post if you are serious and I will give you my phone number. I live in California and will ship the dress for you!
Thanks!

DIY-ing Wedding Dress???

wanderwoman135 — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:15:26 +0000

Hey guys! I've got a vintage wedding dress that I'm completely gutting and restoring. Has anybody else been as insane as I am? If so I'd love your tips/stories. Also, if you care to see the dress...it has it's own blog. http://remakingthegown.wordpress.com/

Bridesmaid Dress Q...

adettma32 — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:46:30 +0000

I feel like as soon as "bridesmaid" is placed in front of the word dress... it ups the price by about $60-80. Does anyone have any recommendations of designers that have dresses in the low 100's. Other than David's Bridal and I think Alfred Angelo has some cheaper options? I'm not against the off the rack dresses from, say, Nordstrom's, etc. but it would be nice to have my bridesmaids order from a bridal salon that carries a cheaper designer as everyone is pretty spread out over the east coast/mid-west. Thanks for your help fellow brides!! xo

Dress Regret? What would you do?

bahamabride2015 — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:34:30 +0000

So I went with my sister, mother and best friend back in the spring to get my dress and at the time it was narrowed down to 2 beautiful dresses. One was a beautiful, more structured "couture" feeling gown with a beautiful lace top neckline. The other, a simple but beautiful strapless ball own with a sweetheart neckline and raw taffeta edges. I ultimately ended up going with the second as the wedding we had planned was at a small out-island resort in the Bahamas and I thought it felt more "boho" and casual.

Fast forward and our wedding plans have changed completely. We're now getting marred at a beautiful and exclusive club here in Nassau and I'm wishing I had bought the other dress No returns on wedding dresses obviously. What would you do?

It is also worth noting that the first dress is quite a bit more expensive but was still pretty much within my dress price range...

HELP!