Help! Need an inexpensive dress fast!

raeyn

Ever since the "$500 Dress Budget" post, I've been thinking I'm just not sure about the dress I bought. I've never actually gone to a bridal salon and tried on wedding dresses, because I didn't think I could find one I like for under $500. Last night I showed FI a bunch of photos of dresses to get his opinions, and his comments on them made me think he's not going to like the dress I bought. He vitoed one picture because it didn't look enough like a wedding dress -- but neither does mine! I found several Mori Lee dresses on online in my price range that I love, but I am out of time to have them made! My wedding is in just 3 months. Do you have any suggestions for places that have a good selection of affordable sample dresses for sale?

vszyman

Kasia's on Irving Park has a lot of "off the rack" dresses (but I would tell them your budget right away, maybe they'll work with you).Davids?  They have a lot of dresses in your price range- check with them online too...

awed81

Check out Kasia's Bridal on the NW side of the city. They had a big selection of reasonably priced sample dresses that have been very well taken care of. http://www.kasiasbridal.com/ Kasia's Bridal 6039-43 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL. 60634 P: 773.286.0320

awed81

Agh. Sorry to repeat what pp said! Great minds.... Check out Eva's in Oak Lawn, too! They have a whole separate room of sample dresses. http://evasbridalsofoaklawn.com/

Sparkette19

Bridesmart in Schaumburg is moving at the end of the month. They may be having a sale...I'm going there to check some things out on Sunday.

WoodsSeltzer09

I love your dress! It’s not the big ball gown that most people expect but it’s stunning on you. Are you wearing a veil? That would give it more of the “wedding feel”. I am going to go out on a limb and guess that your FI won’t care what the dress looks like the day of as long as you are both happy. – I’d keep the dress.

raeyn

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! WoodsSeltzer09, Thank you! I do love my dress, I just feel like I might regret not wearing something more wedding-y. I got a floor-length veil for just that reason, but I feel like I should at least try on some other options. Also when I bought the dress we'd just started planning and were intending to have a very small rather untraditional affair where it wouldn't have made sense to wear a a big gown. But over time it has morphed into a more traditional wedding. I've made an appointment at Eva's in Oak Lawn for tonight (Kasia's doesn't have anything available that fits my schedule for the next week and a half), so I'll try some things on and see what the options are. Maybe I'll walk away knowing my original choice was the right one, or maybe I'll walk away with a new dress. I'll let you know how it goes!

WoodsSeltzer09

Good luck! I am sure everything will work out great with the dress

tncassa

I think the dress you have is very pretty and will work either way - but I understand your concerns...that's what us brides do!  I am selling a sample dress I just bought (never worn and more "wedding-y") as I also had a huge change of heart.  I can send you pictures, just email me at tinadress16 at yahoo dot com

raeyn

Thanks tncassa. Your dress is gorgeous but unfortunately I look terrible in strapless. Good luck selling it, though!

Noron

I third (fourth?) Kasia's.  And I bet any store could get a dress in time, they just tell you it would take longer.  Stupid bridal industry! Good luck and keep us posted!

mocandy555

Since I am also looking more towards a sample dress - Here are some additional places to check (I haven't been YET, so not sure of all the price ranges): A Joyful Occasion in Naperville has some sample dresses Bridal Boutique in Naperville Wedding Belles in Barringon The store that The Bride's Room kind of moved to in Park Ridge FYI- This weekend is the last weekend for the Bridesmart before they move. I think she told me you could just come in and look, you didn't need an appt. I am having the SAME thoughts on the dresses I am looking at... will they not be wedding-y enough for him??? *** But I think you look really pretty in your dress and I guarantee your fiance will think you look perfect no your wedding day

Fink-Nottle

I also love your dress and think it looks like a vintage wedding gown, specially with your long veil...very 1930s. I think it's a good idea if you're feeling panicky to try on other dresses, but I wouldn't be surprised if you decided to keep the gorgeous one you already have.And I wouldn't worry too much about what your fiance may think. Men don't usually have a good understanding of what things are actually going to look like. Besides I know he'll be so happy to be marrying you he wouldn't care if you were in jeans!

raeyn

I went to Eva's in Oak Lawn tonight, and after the 2 1/2 hour drive in terrible traffic and pouring rain, I was unimpressed at first glance. But I figured I went all the way out there I may as well try a few on. And sure enough, I found the perfect dress!!! I'll try to take pics after my fitting on November 21st, but they wouldn't let me take any today. It's much simpler than the dress I had, but I look amazing in it. I'm very happy. Thank you all for your wonderful advice and support!