Dream Dress too Expensive :(

miss l2b

I tried on the Amsale Kennedy dress recently and I'm totally smitten. I just can't get around the huge price tag ($$$$). All of my friends absolutely loved it on me, and agree it represents me and my style so well.

Can anyone think of any dress that might be similar to the Kennedy - similar skirt, style??

What do you guys think about getting a seamstress to make a similar dress??

Help

artbyallie

Could you perhaps find it pre-worn for less? And why did you try on a dress way outside your budget anyway? Rule number one.

Plus, having a dress made is not a way to save money. I sew, I know how much fabric and time cost.

aerinpegadrak

One shoulder gowns are majorly in right now.  Just start looking at gowns within your price range (PP is right, you should never even try on a gown that you can't afford) and you'll certainly find something.

ellone400

very pretty, try dressilyme they  make dresses by just looking at the pic

jagore08

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/19602/Amsale-Size-6.html

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/15123/Amsale-Fall-2010-Kennedy-Size-0.html

abadamson

Strapless gown, add your own silk bow strap?! Definitely can be done

GJones27

How much is it over budget?  You could possibly negotiate with the store for a lower price.  I managed to get my designer gown 20% off (originally $4600, got it to $3700 or so) just by asking.  You have to negotiate properly though.

Ticosparents

Your dress looks relatively easy to make for a seasoned tailor.  My BM's relative knows how to make a dress for about $500+.  It's definitely an option worth looking into. 

opalsky007

I agree, you've got a lot of options--you can find a similar dress, buy a strapless and add have a seamstress add the details you love, or have a dress custom made.

You could also look into a gently worn or sample gown. Try the gown resale sites already listed, as well as bravobride.com, which has a sample gown locator service--they'll find the dress you want at another shop and offer you a deal!

Cleo7

Whatever you do, stay away from any of the custom-made-in-china sort of sites.  This board has quite a few posts from very disappointed brides who ordered gowns that way and did not get anything close to what they wanted and now have little or no recourse to recover their money.

If you can't find it pre-owned, I'm sure you could find a similar strapless dress and ask a seamstress to fashion a similar bow and one-shoulder strap.  The dress is beautiful, but it's fairly simple - which is good for you, because that should make it easier to find something that will work!

Take a photo of the dress with you when you go dress shopping again (and this time- don't try on dresses that are out of budget!) and your consultant should be able to steer you toward dresses that are similar. 

miss l2b

Thanks for all the helpful hints. I've come to similar revelations myself after I posted this out of frustration.

I know that I love the simplicity of the dress and the fabric. So, I've decided to look for dresses that are similar in style when I head out shopping again.

Its funny - I know the rule about trying on dresses out my budget, but I've been eyeing this dress since I got engaged.

I will also look into the preworn option. Thanks for the links!!

TheCranberry

You may also ask the store whether they're willing to sell the sample.

This Priscilla of Boston style is similar, but it is not a trumpet, more straight down.  The strap does not come with the jewelry on it; they added a brooch.  You could probably add a bow if that's what you want or a brooch or other adornment.

http://www.priscillaofboston.com/dress_return.jsp?search=rita

marybeth80

I made the same "mistake" in trying on and falling in love with something I can't afford, this advice is really helpful. 

GJones 27, can you explain more about what you mean when you say you have to negotiate properly? 

Thanks!