Wedding Dresses and Prices ... or lack thereof

d2va

Hello knotties!

Ive been just checking around for dresses, just get an idea of what I would like before I actually start stressing about finding one. 

Of course, I have a budget... so I like to see the prices of the dresses. I noticed A LOT that hardly any designer, or bridal store that carry dresses (aside from DBs) has prices. 

I feel like this is only making my search harder and more difficult. I dont want to fall in love or think I can get something, and then be shocked in the salon about the price.

HELP! 

Maggie0829

When looking at dresses online don't get caught up in who the designer is.  Instead focus on the elements of the dresses you like.  Look at silhouettes, fabrics, lace, no lace, embellisments, no embellishments, etc, etc.  Then when you go into the stores tell them your budget first thing and then show them pictures of what you like.  The consultants should be able to pull you dresses that meet what you are looking for.

You could also call up local bridal salons and ask them what their price ranges are.

AddieCake

Ditto Maggie. The pics you see online and in magazines very often are the pricier dresses, so you may or may not be able to afford them, but consultants can help you find dresses that are similar and that better fit your price range. 

itzMS

It can be really tough.

Here's a few tips as you begin your search

1. Definitely wait a few more months to start shopping if your wedding isn't until August 2014. Save a little bit of extra money, keeping in mind you don't necessarily need to spend it. Decide what style of dress you like, and start there. Keep in mind that silk, lace, and lots of embelishments normally equal a higher price
2. You can get a dress for as low as $100 at David's Bridal if you want (a friend of mine just did this)
3. Look for discount/outlet bridal shops in your area (offering designer gowns in limited sizes for 50% off or more). In addition, there are often charity sales (Brides against Breast Cancer, etc) where you can get some great deals for a good cause.
4. Most anything you see in a Bridal magazine will be in the $2,000 and up range
5. Consider a gently used dress from a site like Preownedweddingdresses or OnceWed
6. If you do choose to go to a Bridal Salon, tell them your budget (with alterations) upfront. Don't waiver, and if they try to upsell you, move on.

d2va

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_wedding-dresses-and-prices-or-lack-thereof?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:e6d36f41-b10e-4e73-b9d5-6acd74905861Post:9ea7187b-94b2-4b65-8596-a16801669cd1">Re: Wedding Dresses and Prices ... or lack thereof</a>:
[QUOTE]It can be really tough. Here's a few tips as you begin your search 1. Definitely wait a few more months to start shopping if your wedding isn't until August 2014. Save a little bit of extra money, keeping in mind you don't necessarily need to spend it. Decide what style of dress you like, and start there. Keep in mind that silk, lace, and lots of embelishments normally equal a higher price 2. You can get a dress for as low as $100 at David's Bridal if you want (a friend of mine just did this) 3. Look for discount/outlet bridal shops in your area (offering designer gowns in limited sizes for 50% off or more). In addition, there are often charity sales (Brides against Breast Cancer, etc) where you can get some great deals for a good cause. 4. Most anything you see in a Bridal magazine will be in the $2,000 and up range 5. Consider a gently used dress from a site like Preownedweddingdresses or OnceWed 6. If you do choose to go to a Bridal Salon, tell them your budget (with alterations) upfront. Don't waiver, and if they try to upsell you, move on.
Posted by itzMS[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>
</div><div>Thank you all ladies!</div><div>
</div><div>My date is up in the air, as we are in the process of selecting a venue. but May June 2014. </div><div>
</div><div>I know I have to wait, but hey its exciting! haha</div><div>
</div><div>I also know that anything I see ANYWHERE is expensive, but I just wanted to get a feel for what I could actually afford. One of my closest friends have a woman who made her mothers dress for her wedding from scratch so Im also considering this option, if its affordable. (The only problem with that is... if it will look good!)</div><div>
</div><div>I found this dress on a fake chinese website LOL</div><div>
</div><div>
<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/10/9/aac7a46a-4b7d-4332-9994-636ea2098022.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/10/9/aac7a46a-4b7d-4332-9994-636ea2098022.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
</div><div>
</div><div>AND I really like it, and its concept (except white tulle on the bottom) I wont be ordering it from there as its clearly fake, and I did some checking on the website, no reviews. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>So, if anyone knows where I could find the REAL thing that would be great too. </div><div>
</div><div>Its just a big frustrating since Im on a budget that NOT ONE deisgner or store or boutique has prices for these dresses.</div><div>
</div><div>**SIGH</div><div>
</div><div>I will be asking the girls in my local board if they know of local outlets/ stores etc.</div><div>
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hyechica81

go to the salon with a clear expectation of what you want price range look up reviews of the places some places have a section of discountiuned gowns ready to purchase ( you are getting the sample off the rack) i know a few places where i am in ct have an atic section of cancelled dresses or discountinued gowns the thing with that is the sizes are going to be in the smaller rang maybe you might find a 12 or 14 nothing higher and not really any plus size unless the store specializes in plus... 

call ahead and find out what sizes they carry to try on if you are bigger than the sample sizes and they have a designer you love find  a few styles and ask them if they can get the dress on loan in your size from the designer or close to your size. ( most designers will have 16s 18s and 20s sometimes 24's that can be send on loan) but if you are in the normal size range most salons carry 8's 10s sometimes 6s 

ask the salon what the going rate is for the dresses tell them your budget on the phone if they dont have anything in that price range or cant work with you then move on.  you dont want to make an apt knowing they have nothing you can afford 

bring only a few people with you the more people you have the more fustrating it is bring your mom mil if you have any sisters the important people 

d2va

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_wedding-dresses-and-prices-or-lack-thereof?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:e6d36f41-b10e-4e73-b9d5-6acd74905861Post:3c95ef71-c1cb-4f6f-aebd-82f2d1f30f0c">Re: Wedding Dresses and Prices ... or lack thereof</a>:
[QUOTE]go to the salon with a clear expectation of what you want price range look up reviews of the places some places have a section of discountiuned gowns ready to purchase ( you are getting the sample off the rack) i know a few places where i am in ct have an atic section of cancelled dresses or discountinued gowns the thing with that is the sizes are going to be in the smaller rang maybe you might find a 12 or 14 nothing higher and not really any plus size unless the store specializes in plus...  call ahead and find out what sizes they carry to try on if you are bigger than the sample sizes and they have a designer you love find  a few styles and ask them if they can get the dress on loan in your size from the designer or close to your size. ( most designers will have 16s 18s and 20s sometimes 24's that can be send on loan) but if you are in the normal size range most salons carry 8's 10s sometimes 6s  ask the salon what the going rate is for the dresses tell them your budget on the phone if they dont have anything in that price range or cant work with you then move on.  <strong>you dont want to make an apt knowing they have nothing you can afford  bring only a few people with you the more people you have the more fustrating it is bring your mom mil if you have any sisters the important people </strong>
Posted by hyechica81[/QUOTE]

<div>Im regularly a size 12ish ? in dresses... so I dont think ill have too much of a problem, maybe off the rack, depending!</div><div>
</div><div>Right on with the part that I bolded! I will def. call places and ask their price ranges before! Great advice!</div><div>
</div><div>Also, I plan to have no more than 4/5 people. Mom, MOH, SIL, Grandma, and maybe one bridesmaid. </div><div>
</div>

itzMS

These two at David's Bridal have similar qualities to the Chinese knockoff one.

Make an appointment to try them on!

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Satin-Fit-and-Flare-Gown-with-Beaded-Lace-Bodice-1210686_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Silhouette-Mermaid-Trumpet

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Sweetheart-Gown-with-Beaded-Waist-WG3436_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Silhouette-Mermaid-Trumpet

d2va

PS... I am so upset that there are so many fake bridal attire websites. 

Thankfully I am internet savvy, but it would be so easy to just be like "OH MY GO THIS DRESS IS ONLY $500" and I know some people fall for it.

I actually almost did once, I ordered a Michael Kors wallet, and then I realized it was som BS website from China or Japan, and thankfully after 2 weeks of arguing and yelling and complaining to their merchant account I got my money beore I got the merch. 

lisabeats

Just as an aside, a lot of time dresses will vary slightly in cost depending on the store or boutique. This is why they don't post prices. If you DO find a dress you like from a popular designer, you might consider finding other stores in your area who carry the line who may be able to get it for a different price. Just a thought! Best of luck in your search

QueerFemme

What is your budget?   You can look at the wedding dresses here on TK and it will give you a $ sign that will give you an idea of the price ranges that a particular designer sells for.

Some "budget friendly" designers are Alfred Angelo, Mori Lee, Casablanca.  You can get those dresses in the $700-1400.00 range, depending on the style. 

Allure gowns can run from $1200-$2000ish.  Maggie Sottero will be $1300-2200.00ish.  Lazaro will run $4,000-7,000.00. 

Those are just some examples of the many, many designers out there. But, you can get an idea of which salons to avoid based on which designers they carry.  If they are way out of your price range, don't bother making an appointment at that salon.

QueerFemme

PS - the dress you posted is actually an evening gown by La Femme and will sell for between $500-800.00

http://www.newyorkdress.com/La_Femme/18951.html


And, P.S.S. -  If your street size is a 12, don't be surprised or frustrated if your wedding/formalwear size is more like a 14-18.   Wedding gowns are often sized dramatically different than your street clothes.  I am a 14/16 and my wedding gown was a size 20.  Some girls here who are a size 4 or 6 ended up with a size 10 dress.

erinmatt2014

too many places have a range ... that is really about a $600 range. I must say, that I was greatly pleased that Claire's fashions not only stayed within my budget for any suggestions, but in thier book the prices are marked! Amazing!

ps. The girls were also fantastic!

csweaney

Ask family and friends for recommendations for a bridal salon. When you go in make sure you tell them you have a strict budget of X amount of money and you want to stick to it. The consultants will guide you toward the right dresses in your price range. 

Also focus on what you want in a dress. Bring pictures for the consultant. This will help the consultant narrow it down even more.

d2va

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_wedding-dresses-and-prices-or-lack-thereof?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:e6d36f41-b10e-4e73-b9d5-6acd74905861Post:5b63d0af-2bbd-477b-a8ed-1c8ec2ba9af7">Re: Wedding Dresses and Prices ... or lack thereof</a>:
[QUOTE]What is your budget?   You can look at the wedding dresses here on TK and it will give you a $ sign that will give you an idea of the price ranges that a particular designer sells for. Some "budget friendly" designers are Alfred Angelo, Mori Lee, Casablanca.  You can get those dresses in the $700-1400.00 range, depending on the style.  Allure gowns can run from $1200-$2000ish.  Maggie Sottero will be $1300-2200.00ish.  Lazaro will run $4,000-7,000.00.  Those are just some examples of the many, many designers out there. But, you can get an idea of which salons to avoid based on which designers they carry.  If they are way out of your price range, don't bother making an appointment at that salon.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

<div>My budget is MAX 1K with general alterations! ;) Ive been looking at the dresse on TK and I have favorited a few too! </div><div>
</div><div>Thank you for the tips on the Designers that helps a lot! I dont want to waste my time OR their time if their dresses are above my budget!</div><div>
</div><div><3</div>

d2va

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_wedding-dresses-and-prices-or-lack-thereof?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:e6d36f41-b10e-4e73-b9d5-6acd74905861Post:607f23e7-14ff-444a-bde5-ea19a20d06ee">Re: Wedding Dresses and Prices ... or lack thereof</a>:
[QUOTE]PS - the dress you posted is actually an evening gown by La Femme and will sell for between $500-800.00 <a href="http://www.newyorkdress.com/La_Femme/18951.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.newyorkdress.com/La_Femme/18951.html</a> And, P.S.S. -  If your street size is a 12, don't be surprised or frustrated if your wedding/formalwear size is more like a 14-18.   Wedding gowns are often sized dramatically different than your street clothes.  I am a 14/16 and my wedding gown was a size 20.  Some girls here who are a size 4 or 6 ended up with a size 10 dress.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]
WONDERFUL! Thank you sooo much! <div>
</div><div>Im not worried about the size lol. I already know that dress sizes are weird when I got my MOH dress for my cousins wedding, but thank you!<span style="white-space:pre;" class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></div>