Wedding Dress: Is it worth it?

[ysj99]

Hi everyone,

Today I randomly stopped by a bridal salon outlet and tried on a dress that, with modifications, I loved. Better yet, it is a Jim Hjelm dress that the shop owner hasn''t been able to sell. The retail sticker said $2210, the outlet sticker said $1500, but she said I could have it for $400.

The only problem is that it may have been a sample gown. Some beading is missing but other than that, I think a good clean and press would freshen it up beautifully. Also, it is "antique ivory" which is darker than an ivory.

What do you think? Is the antique ivory too dark for a wedding dress?

 

[blondebunny]

can u post a picture of it>?

 

[ysj99]

This is the dress. Jim Hjelm Couture 7005

 

[Keepingthefaith21]

I think if you are happy with the color that sounds like quite a steal!

Cleaning and pressing can help a TON. My prom dress, which was a wedding gown, was purchased from a vintage clothing store for $15 and after a dry cleaning session the dress looked almost brand new and the color was significantly brighter. I am sure the dress you are contemplating was cared for much better than mine was so a cleaning may not have quite as a dramatic result but it will certainly bring some life into the gown.

 

[mimzy]

it''s worth it if you love it and you''re okay with the color! don''t get it just because it''s cheap though!

i <3 darker ivory dresses! but you might want to make sure that it fits with the rest of your wedding

 

[CaliCushion]

Regarding the color, the name is irrelevant. Some ivories are very light, and some are very dark. What color dress are you happy with? As for the price--I''m not sure what your budget is, so be aware that cleaning/fixing/alterations could be very costly. Does the store offer cleaning and pressing? Can they give you an estimate for that, or can you get an estimate elsewhere? If this is the perfect dress for you, get it! Just be aware that you might be able to get a new one that is exactly what you wanted for the same price after cleaning/steaming/fixing missing beads etc.

 

[Aloros]

Are you happy with the color? If so, who cares? My wedding dress is a light gold, and I love it! I think the details are easier to see, it goes great with my skin tone, it''s just such a rich color.

$400 does sound like a steal.

 

[kittybean]

Ooh, $400 is a great price, but as other posters have said, you have to love it. No reason to get something just because it's a great deal! This is your wedding dress, and you should feel confident, happy, and pretty in it. Does this dress feel like it will do that for you? Do you feel like you'll have buyer's remorse later? No sense buying this dress, then buying another dress later because you reconsidered. Think this over carefully, and if you feel this dress is right for you, then it's a wonderful deal (and remember, if you're not sure it's right for you, it's not a deal at all).

Any shots of you in the dress?

ETA: No, I don't think "antique ivory" is too dark for a wedding dress. If you think it's too dark, then that's a problem; if you think it's just right, don't worry about the color.

 

[ysj99]

Thank you everyone for your responses! Unfortunately, I didn''t have my camera with me. I guess that''s what happens when you randomly pop into a store like I did.

I do love the style, that''s ultimately what I am looking for. I''m just unsure of the color...

 

[ysj99]

By the way, this is the color "antique ivory". The dress is no longer on the website though. Thanks!

http://www.jimhjelmbridal.com/jim_br/display_dress.php?imageno=8860&multimatch=x

 

[FrekeChild]

I don''t think it''s too dark at all! I think it''s beautiful!

And ditto to the rest of the posters with the price and if you love it...

 

[Nocturnius]

That is a lovely dress and a lovely color.

But as everyone else has said, you should be 100% positive you like it before you buy it. Nothing is worse than being in a dress you don''t love on your wedding day (trust me, I know.)

 

[gtn]

As others have said, if you love the dress and the color doesn''t bother you, yes it is totally worth it.

Also, as another poster said, cleaning and alterations can be very expensive, that is another reason why you must love it.

 

[AllieLuv83]

I loveeee it but I may be biased because it looks a lot like the dress I picked out for myself, material and cut wise. I tried on a dress in colors other than white and diamond white, more ivory looking colors look amazing on more tan or darker skin tones. I ended up going with diamond white but I get fairly tan in the summer and it still looked nice, the gold''s, ivory''s, and pearl''s I tried on looked great as well.

 

[mrsv]

400$ is not much, however what is the total cost to have the dress ready? If price in your main incentive to buy this dress then I would take a pass on it.
Costs:
steaming and pressing
correcting bead work
hemming?
Alterations in and out?
You mentioned modifications, have they already been done, if not what would the cost be to have them done?

 

[ysj99]

Thank you all for your responses. I went dress shopping again and fell in love with a dress, and I think I realize now that I was thinking about that dress for the name and the great price.

Thanks for talking some sense into me!

 

[Lanie]

YSJ99...I think that dress is beautiful and a definite steal IF you love it!

My dress is a darker ivory as well. I was hesitant to get it, but 2 different bridal consultants told me that warmer ivories are very popular right now. I loved mine to begin with, so their comments just sealed the deal!

Just make sure your veil is darker as well...(if you wear a veil).