Online Wedding Dress Shopping-Help!

ShyDreamer00

Hey Everyone,

    I need some advice/help regarding my wedding dress I am trying to find a reputable online website that will do a special cut for my size. I am currently working with PSBridal.com, but some of their designers who did a special cut, no longer do so.....I am above a size 32 (not by ALOT, but enough that I have to get a special cut done). This makes it difficult for me to even go into a bridal shop to even try on a dress...I have called around and most only have 1 dress available (a few sizes too small) to try on or none at all. There is also the issue that my wedding date is set for 6/22/2012 and I am trying to not spend more than 500.00 on a dress. I had to wait this long to even get a dress to make sure we were gonna be able to do the wedding (due to financial reasons). Most other websites that I see are based in China and just try to copy the dress-I've seen great reviews on their websites ofcourse, but when I research the company its horrible....PSBridal is the only reputable one that I have found so far. Any help, advice, or reputable online websites would be appreciated Thank you, Ladies!

EastSideBlonde

Sorry, I wish i knew one... Have you tried reaching out to any local shops that make dresses?? i know some start at 1k but depending on what you want and timing with prom dress season you might be able to get something custom and affordable - also i would try to ask around if you have any secret seamstresses in your life - i had no idea that my last manager was a sewing genius even made her own gown... maybe someone knows someone who is in your circle  and they would be  able to help you ♥ good luck i am sure you will find something and be gorgeous! !

QueerFemme

Some of David's Bridal dresses come in size 30. I know you said you were a little above a 32, but with a corset back and some alterations, you may be able to fit into one of those.  and their dresses are in your price range.  You could always order a 30 online and try it on and see how it works.  The dresses usually have 2-4 inches of room to let them out. 

I also second going to a local seamstress with a picture of a plus size gown that you like and see if they can make it for you.  If you use cheaper fabric and nothing too elaborate with beading, they might be able to do it.   The budget is going to be tough, but I'm sure you can make it work.

For example, the following dress comes in a 30W and you would still be within budget to do some alterations. ($299.00).  Call and ask David's how many inches are in each seam and how much space you would have to let out.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Off-the-shoulder-A-Line-with-Side-draped-bodice-9T9861

Look at David's bridal bridesmaids dresses too. 

You also might look for an Alfred Angelo signature store.  Some of their dresses come in a 30/32.  they are going to be a bit over your budget though.

Good luck !

QueerFemme

P.S.  Go into David's Bridal and have them take your measurements to see if you will fit into a 30 before you order the dress.   They should be able to look at your measurements and the measurements of the dress you are looking at to see if it would work.

If you are ordering a fuller gown, you may be able to try on a 26 or 28 just to get a feel for the dress.  I am a 16 and I was trying on size 12 dresses if they were A-Line and corset backs. 

QueerFemme

P.S.S.   I would really try avoid the online chinese shops.  good reviews or not... I think you will be extremely dissapointed.  The dresses never turn out how they look in the pictures and I have heard HORROR stories about the sizing being WAY off, even though you are giving them your measurements.

you don't want to spend 200-300 on a knockoff gown and end up with something you can't even wear and not have enough money to order something else.

entropicbeauty

I don't know how far of a drive the Metro-Detroit area is for you, but Bombshell Bridal in Saint Claire Shores caters to nothing BUT plus size women and I had fantastic luck finding my dress there. I was able to try on every single dress I wanted to and they have samples that range in size from 14-32 but can order larger than that.

The ladies who run the shop are AWESOME and I can't recommend it enough. I live in Grand Rapids and it was totally worth it to make the 2 1/2 hour drive to Detroit multiple times to find my dress with them.

QueerFemme

I totally forgot about Sydneys' Closet.  They have a BUNCH of dresses in your price range (many for much LESS than your price range) and they go up to size 44.  I've know quite a few people who have ordered other gowns (formalwear) from them, and they are great quality and their customer service is awesome.

http://www.sydneyscloset.com/glamour/signature-wedding-dresses/

Laurstar31

All these suggestions above are great. I would call David's Bridal and see if they can help you. They always seem to be reliable in crunch situations. Size 2 or size 32, you are going to be a beautiful bride so make sure you remind yourself of that Good Luck!

TYRAnnosaurus

I'm getting my dress from http://www.lightinthebox.com. They have tons of great reviews, do custom sizing, and aren't an arm and a leg. I know everyone always says stay away from buying bridal online but their stuff seems like great quality. A couple of friends of mine have ordered formal wear from there that turned out lovely.

trigger87

I'm planning to get mine from light in the box also. They have greagt reviews and pretty dresses at a reasonable cost.