Dress Dilemma

ejheart · March 2012

Ok ladies, I need your advice. While trying on dresses, I have been telling the consultants that we would like to stay around $1000-1500 but DEFINITELY no more than $2000. Of course, this past weekend when I went to try some on, I fell in love with a dress that after tax will be right under $2000. The reason I gave them a higher amount than what I truly wanted to spend was because I considered the idea of purchasing a used gown online, and knew that if I could find one, it would be less than retail. In the case of this dress, I have not been able to find a previously worn version.

My dilemma is that, although IMO it is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on one dress, I keep getting the "well, it's only one day, and it's the only time that you'll ever be buying a wedding dress" deal running through my mind. My mom is willing to help with the dress and she is fine with the price. She "just wants me to be happy." I talked to my dad about the dress last night and he was definitely LESS than happy. Although he said he would probably be willing to split it 3 ways. BUT, I still have to consider alterations, shoes, a veil, and other accesorries that I know will add up quickly. I know he would much rather me go with something more practical. I need to make a decision pretty quickly since my wedding is in September, and I have tried on a TON of dresses already.

So, my question is, how much did you pay for your dress? Did you end up spending more than your ideal amount, and if so, in the end were you happy with your decision or did you end up feeling guilty/regret the over-spending?

Here are some pictures of the Justin Alexander (#8558) that I'm in love with (for what it's worth). This is not me, btw. The shop I went to wouldn't allow pictures.

professorscience · March 2012

Well, I'm sure it doesn't help, but that dress is gorgeous.

My dress was 1250 before taxes. My mom paid for it, and I remember thinking that the limit she gave the consultant was way higher than the limit she'd given me when I started looking at dresses. I had a veil made for about half the price of buying one at the boutique where I bought my dress, and my shoes were about $80. In the end, I didn't feel like I had overspent, because, like you said -- that's the day. And I would have been just as married had I worn something that only cost $100, but that was the only dress that I truly loved. I tried on tons of dresses, but couldn't stop thinking about that one.

Have you checked at other bridal stores to see if they carry the dress in a lower price? Mockingbird Bridal gives discounts off the retail price. They're not huge, but they're there.

cwaggoner07 · March 2012

Have you considered going to one of those websites where girls sell their used wedding dresses? I forgot the name of it. I've also heard good things about Pearl's Place, which is a retail shop that sells online, although I don't know which brands. I ended up spending right at my budget, but the store I went to was having a 20% off every wedding dress, so retail price would have been too much.
When I started to wander off budget, I just started thinking about the things that were more important to me, like the alcohol and the band, and I didn't want to short-change on those items.
Not sure if that was helpful... but that was my experience. Good luck!

crash2729 · March 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_dress-dilemma?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:cfb3802a-093f-4fbc-9aec-76b96027b852Post:4bdd5160-1e2a-4497-b787-2f42a3ce472a">Re: Dress Dilemma</a>:
[QUOTE]Have you considered going <strong>to one of those websites where girls sell their used wedding dresses? I forgot the name of it</strong>. I've also heard good things about Pearl's Place, which is a retail shop that sells online, although I don't know which brands. I ended up spending right at my budget, but the store I went to was having a 20% off every wedding dress, so retail price would have been too much. When I started to wander off budget, I just started thinking about the things that were more important to me, like the alcohol and the band, and I didn't want to short-change on those items. Not sure if that was helpful... but that was my experience. Good luck!
Posted by cwaggoner07[/QUOTE]
RecycledBride.com I believe. <div>
</div><div>I'm of no help here really, because my dress was from David's.</div><div>The dress was $700, but I spent $160 on shoes (Boots)and I don't have a veil yet.

I don't think I overspent,my dress was the cheapest out of all I tried on, but it was what I liked. Even at $700 though I had to go through the "it's okay to spend that much on one dress for one day. it's special"</div>

ejheart · March 2012

Ooh, Amanda, I just checked out Mockingbird's website, and while they don't carry Justin Alexander (or at least they don't have it listed), but they DO carry a few other dresses that I had wanted to try on but wasn't ever able to find at other stores. Looks like I may have one more dress shopping day in my future.

Unfortunately, I have tried all of the preowned dress sites to no avail.

I think it may be because the dress is still so new (Spring 2012 I believe) that there aren't any brides selling it yet. It's just so frustrating because I am so indecisive and this is the first (and only) dress that I was really sure about. Sigh.

shannonemcd · March 2012

I agree about checking Mockingbird Bridal! I got my dress there for a little under $800 but it retails for $2700. My dad tried to talk me out of my dress into a more practical option that he thought looked better, but when it comes down to it, you've tried on a lot of dresses and if that's what you love you should get it! It is gorgeous!
The only other suggestion I have is calling around some local shops & see who sells Justin Alexander. Someone might be willing to drop a few hundred in order to get your business? I have a friend who did that and she got to order the dress in a size closer to hers so there were less alterations as well.
Good luck!

fallbride1109 · March 2012

Oh my gosh, that dress is gorgeous and I would spend $2k on it in a hearbeat.

My dress was $1750 I think but I got $200 off of that, so $1500+. And yes, it was more than I originally wanted to spend, that's almost the norm I think. I had buyer's remorse when I left the store but I got over it. My veil was $175 (I think), shoes $175, hair comb $54, garter $30, earrings $20, bracelet $25, and alterations $125. So yeah, it all adds up. I really, really wanted the long version of my veil but it was $400 and luckily I came to my senses.

If you don't want to keep the dress, you can possibly recoup a little in resale. If it's THE dress, I would do it, especially if you've tried on a ton already, and its technically within your budget. But only you can really say if it's worth it.

fallbride1109 · March 2012

Oh my gosh, that dress is gorgeous and I would spend $2k on it in a hearbeat.

My dress was $1750 I think but I got $200 off of that, so $1500+. And yes, it was more than I originally wanted to spend, that's almost the norm I think. I had buyer's remorse when I left the store but I got over it. My veil was $175 (I think), shoes $175, hair comb $54, garter $30, earrings $20, bracelet $25, and alterations $125. So yeah, it all adds up. I really, really wanted the long version of my veil but it was $400 and luckily I came to my senses.

If you don't want to keep the dress, you can possibly recoup a little in resale. If it's THE dress, I would do it, especially if you've tried on a ton already, and its technically within your budget. But only you can really say if it's worth it.

sparklingdiamond · March 2012

It's a beautiful dress! I ended up paying around $400 for my dress (not including alterations). I spent about what I wanted to spend.

professorscience · March 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_dress-dilemma?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:cfb3802a-093f-4fbc-9aec-76b96027b852Post:5278e045-f963-48b7-bb39-3fe8b853740d">Re: Dress Dilemma</a>:
[QUOTE]Ooh, Amanda, I just checked out Mockingbird's website, and while they don't carry Justin Alexander (or at least they don't have it listed), but they DO carry a few other dresses that I had wanted to try on but wasn't ever able to find at other stores. Looks like I may have one more dress shopping day in my future. Unfortunately, I have tried all of the preowned dress sites to no avail. :( I think it may be because the dress is still so new (Spring 2012 I believe) that there aren't any brides selling it yet. It's just so frustrating because I am so indecisive and this is the first (and only) dress that I was really sure about. Sigh.
Posted by ejheart[/QUOTE]

<div>If you go, ask for Maggie. I've heard some of the consultants there are not very nice and Maggie was amazing.</div>

juliebug1997 · March 2012

While that style (mermaid/trumpet) is definitely not me, I love the dress and if you can afford it, then I say go for it!

fallbride1109 · March 2012

My post disappeared when I killed the thread but here it is:

Oh my gosh, that dress is gorgeous and I would spend $2k on it in a hearbeat.My dress was $1750 I think but I got $200 off of that, so $1500+. And yes, it was more than I originally wanted to spend, that's almost the norm I think. I had buyer's remorse when I left the store but I got over it. My veil was $175 (I think), shoes $175, hair comb $54, garter $30, earrings $20, bracelet $25, and alterations $125. So yeah, it all adds up. I really, really wanted the long version of my veil but it was $400 and luckily I came to my senses.

If you don't want to keep the dress, you can possibly recoup a little in resale. If it's THE dress, I would do it, especially if you've tried on a ton already, and its technically within your budget. But only you can really say if it's worth it.

roseofdeborah · March 2012

I think that dress is gorgeous! I got mine for $1000 after tax and alterations but wanted to spend a little less. In the end it was what I really wanted and knew that if I went with a cheaper option I had found I would always want the dress that got away. When you try it on and you know that it's THE dress it's hard to say no.

angelsong21 · March 2012

I'm not usually into this much lace, but this dress is GORGEOUS. Wow. I would absolutely get this dress if its within your original price range and you can afford it. It's stunning!

MarieSD · March 2012

I spent $550 on my dress (pre-alterations), which was the absolute max I wanted to spend. I wish I'd tried on clearance and sale dresses first -- I bet I could've found something I loved for less. My personal feeling about wedding dresses was that there wasn't just one dress I would've fallen in love with -- there were probably hundreds, so why not spend as little as possible? But, my mother was with me, and she pursuaded me to try on and then buy the one I got.

But for you -- if you've tried on tons of dresses, including many at a lower price point, and haven't found anything you like, then I say go ahead and spend the money on the dress you love, of course! I just don't think people need to jump to the highest point of their budget right away because there are so many beautiful wedding dresses out there.

The pics you posted are gorgeous, btw.

When I bought my dress, I also tried on a veil with it that I loved -- until I found out how much it cost! I thought it was way too expensive (I think $350 or $400) but my mother bought it for me as a gift. I always regretted that so much was spent on that veil (even though it wasn't by me) because I know I would've found an equally beautiful veil for way less.

xobride · March 2012

That is a GORGEOUS dress! I definitely spent more than I had planned and I had to check with my girlfriends to make sure it wasn't totally insane since it is only for one day. I have never spent that much on a piece of clothing in my life! It was about 3 times what I had planned after taxes and having the changes I wanted done. I may still have to get it altered if I manage to lose 10 pounds before it comes in.

The worst part was the fact that I cried. I cried as soon as she zipped it up. I cried every time I thought about not getting it. I was the biggest baby in the world over a frickin dress! I'm not a big spender and am all about finding a deal, but if you love that dress and can't find a deal on it, then I say go for it!

eg4982 · March 2012

Dress looks awesome. My mom paid 1500 for my dress and that is not including a veil which are pretty pricey. Have you checked out Lulu's bridal salon. They have alot of name brands for cheaper.

maglinpa · March 2012

I don't post too much, but wanted to chime in. Have you tried Lasting Bridal Couture in Addison? I know they carry Justin Alexander. I bought my dress there and had the most wonderful experience. They were fantastic and everyone was super friendly and helpful. I tried on a Justin Alexander--it was the inspiration for my dress--but it was too poofy and did not have the scalloped hem that I wanted. They helped me custom make my dress and I LOVED it. When all was said and done, I spent about $1700 which included alterations, veil, hair comb, and shoes.

Good luck!!!

PeanutMom · March 2012

Beautiful dress! I can see why you have to have that one. If it helps, have you looked at other designers who also have similar lace dresses? I know that Allure has a dress that is very much like that, and probably a little less expensive. If that's not an option, and the one you want is within reach, I say go for it. Few things in a wedding are as important as how you feel when you look in the mirror and see yourself as a bride.

winechic25 · March 2012

I agree with xobride, I ended up spending a significant amount over my budget on my dress, and don't regret it for one second. But, like all PP, it's everything else that adds up, so just be aware! My mom and MOH were with me when I tried "the" dress on, and everyone agreed it was worth every dollar. And that dress is absolutely stunning!

ktwed1 · March 2012

I spent about $500 on my dress, veil was about $125 ( I only got the veil because my daughter wanted me to) I had a pretty strict budget and I really needed to stick to mine. Being an older bride it just wasn't as important to me. My youngest daughter is 17 and with her breaking the bank ( She graduates high school the week before the wedding) I just have different obligations and also want to make sure my daughter has a great senior year. With that being said and since your technically still within budget and that is THE dress, I say go for it if you can't find it at a lower price. It's your day after all.

itzfoxfire58 · March 2012

That is a lovely dress, I orginally put a dress on layaway at David's, but was really not satisfied with it, my daughter told me Mom if you put it on layaway that you should just stick with it ($499.00) the next week I went to Alfred Angelo and tried on nine dresses and the last one I tried on I fell in love with. 2119 it cost $900 and after $100 dollar discount it ended up at a little over $800. This was $300 over the budget, but I was in love with the dress and it made me feel like a bride. I am so glad I changed my mine and have not looked at another dress since I tried it on.

Dress Dilemma

Re: Dress Dilemma

Choose Another Board

Search Boards