Wedding Cost of bridal gowns???

[blueyes157]

In the next few weeks I am going to begin the anticipated dress search! I have been doing my homework and browsing on here at all the lovely PSers dresses and the web. I have seen so many names like Maggie Sottero, Monique L'Huiller, Watters & Watters, Melissa Sweet, Pronovias thrown around and I could go on and on. The dresses are absolutely gorgeous and I have found a few that I must try on. I have looked on David's Bridal and nothing really caught my eye or looked unique.

My question is how much do these dresses run in the shops? I understand alterations is additional, but what am looking at for a dress from these designers before alterations?!

I am not sure what my dress budget is yet, I'm hoping not to go over $1,200 but of couse less would be great. Any insight would be great!

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

Remember that alterations can easily run in the hundreds of dollars, especially with beading involved. A lot of brides get a great deal on the dress and then pay far more than they expected on alterations. From what I have heard, even simple alterations on wedding gowns usually run about $200.

 

[neatfreak]

All of the above with the exception of Watters and some Maggies, will run over that amount especially with alterations. Some of the bigger names you are throwing around (Monique, Melissa, and Pronovias) will run into the thousands easily.

Just make sure to tell the dress shop your budget, and whether it includes $ for alterations, BEFORE you start trying on dresses so they won''t show you something over your budget.

 

[misysu2]

Hi Blueyes,

The costs of dresses will first, above all, depend on the designer. You'll start checking it out and notice quickly that Melissa Sweets, Jim Hjelms, Alvina Valenta, etc. will cost up to 1000's of $ more than others like Maggie Sottero, Casablanca, Winnie, Watters, etc.

Another factor will be- how simple is your dress? Is there beading or lace? This can sometimes skyrocket price.

If you'd like an idea, I tried this (Lazaro brand-- another $$$ designer) on at a store and the cost was $4500. I tried this similar Winnie Couture on (http://www.winniecouture.com/Spring2005Web/8211.htm) and it was $1400.

If I could recommend a brand for your price range, I'd start looking at Maggie Sottero's. They are very high quality, there are over 400 to chose from, and they are all reasonably priced.

 

[Independent Gal]

I can tell you that you won''t find anything brand new by Monique L''huillier for less than $3000, and most of them run around 5K. I think Pronovias start around $1500. Waters could be in your price range. Not sure about the other two.

Once you start trying them on, you''ll realize that you sort of get what you pay for, and the look and feel of a couture piece (which usually start around 2K) is TOTALLY DIFFERENT from something under 1K.

That said, I bought TWO great gowns, one new, one couture but once-worn, for a total cost of $1080. So, it can be done!

If you decide you like the couture gowns, I strongly suggest you consider buying a sample or a once-worn dress, many of which are in your price range. Check out bridepower.com, preownedweddingdresses.com etc. once you''ve tried on enough gowns to know what looks good on you.

And yeah, the alterations. Just for a sample, Sak''s alterations package is flat fee, $500. But the seamstress who works for the consignment shop I bought from has a $100 flat fee. So... shop around!

Hope that helps!

 

[blueyes157]

misysu2 thanks for the winnie site, it''s great!

Of course if I found the dress of my dreams, I would just have to have it... my parents are funding most of my wedding and said that the dress budget was flexible and if I had to come up with the difference I would most deffinitely! It''s my wedding dress!

)

I will try all of those sites. Dresses are expensive! And you only wear them once!

 

[mercoledi]

A quick guide:

Maggie Sottero roughly 500-1600
Watters&Watters roughly 800-1600. Less if buy from the 'maids' collection

All of these are mostl likely going to start over your budget, before alterations.
Melissa Sweet
Pronovias
Monique L'Huiller

If you really really want a high end gown you can try to get something second hand through the Knot or preownedweddingdresses.com or if you're a sample size, Glenn and Co. is selling off the last of its samples online, final sale.

Good luck starting your search!

ETA: if your tastes are simple, look into Jenny Yoo they run $300-$800.

 

[Independent Gal]

Nicole Miller is another good cost-effective option (800-2000 range) with beautiful cuts and creative styles.

 

[FLgirl41]

no one ever really mentions this designer, but Mori Lee runs from $300 to $1200. I got my dress for $600 and it is completely beaded and absolutely gorgious. Check it out and see if there is a retailer in you area that carries it.

 

[DivaDiamond007]

I got my dress from David''s Bridal and the dress was ~$600.00 and the alterations were ~$300.00. Not couture, but David''s does have a lot of selection and dresses at many price points. Good luck in your search!

~Jess~