Need a bridal gown for my niece...WHERE?

[golfgal]

Biggest thing to keep in mind is to dump the street-clothing size. Go by measurements ONLY. A 14 in street clothes is a 16, sometimes an 18 in wedding gowns, b/c gowns go with pattern sizing, and have never changed the size/measurement "ratio".


Since she's still losing weight, it's going to be hard as well. I would recommend getting what fits at the time you buy it, but make sure you have a GREAT seamstress on call for when she says "enough" to losing.


Oh I gotta do something with my gown...it's just sitting there...if only it were cap sleeves etc!

I agree-my wedding dress was a size 10 and only needed to be shortened. I weighted all of 115 lbs then and normally wore a size 4 -that of course has changed some since kids and age set in

I would try all of the above suggestions but I would just start trying one every dress in your price range. She may like the empire waist/cap sleeves but maybe that isn't the right style for her frame and that is why you can't find one that is "IT". Also, I found that I didn't look good in the pure white gowns after trying on one in Ivory. My dress ended up being very different then what I was looking at in the bridal magazines but I STILL love my dress even 20 years later.

 

[princess momma]

Well, if she could find a gown or style she liked it could probably be found on ebay for a fraction of the price. I have a friend who bought a wedding gown, then found one she liked better, then found another one she liked better. She ended up selling 2 brand new wedding gowns on ebay for almost nothing.

 

[mjkacmom]

I agree-my wedding dress was a size 10 and only needed to be shortened. I weighted all of 115 lbs then and normally wore a size 4 -that of course has changed some since kids and age set in

I would try all of the above suggestions but I would just start trying one every dress in your price range. She may like the empire waist/cap sleeves but maybe that isn't the right style for her frame and that is why you can't find one that is "IT". Also, I found that I didn't look good in the pure white gowns after trying on one in Ivory. My dress ended up being very different then what I was looking at in the bridal magazines but I STILL love my dress even 20 years later.

I'm 5'8", and was 125, and wore a 10, too. OP, you say she has a large bust - empire waists don't always look good with big ****s, and and much more flattering on small busted women. Have her try other styles.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I got mine at a small private bridal shop in the next town over from us. It was an Alfred Angelo dress that I saw in a magazine, and I had the picture to show them an idea of what I was looking for, and they said they could order that exact dress for me (I was young and clueless, let me tell you!). They handled the alterations for me, and it was kept at the store until close to time for the wedding; they had it pressed before I picked it up. I couldn't have asked for better treatment.

 

[Shugardrawers]

Well, if she could find a gown or style she liked it could probably be found on ebay for a fraction of the price. I have a friend who bought a wedding gown, then found one she liked better, then found another one she liked better. She ended up selling 2 brand new wedding gowns on ebay for almost nothing.

I found one on eBay and suggested that but she's not too keen on the idea. She's worried about not trying it on, getting screwed etc. I'm trying to convince her there are really reputable sellers out there if you look carefully.

I agree-my wedding dress was a size 10 and only needed to be shortened. I weighted all of 115 lbs then and normally wore a size 4 -that of course has changed some since kids and age set in

I would try all of the above suggestions but I would just start trying one every dress in your price range. She may like the empire waist/cap sleeves but maybe that isn't the right style for her frame and that is why you can't find one that is "IT". Also, I found that I didn't look good in the pure white gowns after trying on one in Ivory. My dress ended up being very different then what I was looking at in the bridal magazines but I STILL love my dress even 20 years later.

I'm not sure about that style on her either but I haven't seen her in it yet. I at least talked her out of strapless

We have several consignment shops here and you can get really expensive gowns for $200 and less. I went in one shop with a friend and they had over 100 wedding gowns. Could she alter and wear yours?

Another great idea I hadn't thought of! I did offer her my gown which is only 8 years old but she wasn't interested at all. Which is a bummer because the style and size would probably suit her almost perfectly. I wore a size 16 at the time and it's an Alfred Angelo size 18

I'm 5'8", and was 125, and wore a 10, too. OP, you say she has a large bust - empire waists don't always look good with big ****s, and and much more flattering on small busted women. Have her try other styles.

Hmmm I'll check with my chestily blessed friends for style suggestions. Thanks for that tip.

I got mine at a small private bridal shop in the next town over from us. It was an Alfred Angelo dress that I saw in a magazine, and I had the picture to show them an idea of what I was looking for, and they said they could order that exact dress for me (I was young and clueless, let me tell you!). They handled the alterations for me, and it was kept at the store until close to time for the wedding; they had it pressed before I picked it up. I couldn't have asked for better treatment.

And these days a small shop owner might be willing to make a good deal as well. I really appreciate all your suggestions. She's asked me to act as her wedding planner/fashion consultant/mother of the bride/matron of honor/florist and she isn't giving me much time to get this all accomplished

 

[Disney Doll]

I'd try googling "inexpensive wedding gowns". I just did that and there are MANY websites. Even if she is hesitant about buying online, you could get an idea of designers and then see if a local bridal store can get it for you.

 

[Shugardrawers]

I'd try googling "inexpensive wedding gowns". I just did that and there are MANY websites. Even if she is hesitant about buying online, you could get an idea of designers and then see if a local bridal store can get it for you.

Ok that's just spooky. I was just googling that EXACT phrase before I came here. Found several sites with excellent prices. Most are located in China. Being an eBay seller with some contacts in China I have a little (very little) knowledge of how to tell when they are legit sites. I've put in an email to my Hong Kong supplier asking him for legit wedding suppliers he can recommend since he's never steered me wrong. I asked specifically about a couple that sell to the public on their websites, some gowns retailing for $1k and up selling straight from the manufacturer for $150 to $800. If it turns out to be legit I'll give you the source.

 

[hoosll]

Try J. Crew or Penneys

 

[Caradana]

You want to go to Group USA in Olathe, KY. They also have locations within a couple of hours of Newport News. You will not believe how fabulous their off-the-rack, under-$600 wedding dresses are. It's in a whole other class beyond David's. Check it out:
http://www.groupusa.com/c-prodsub.cfm?gid=9&cid=2

I was ready to buy a Reem Acra dress when my mother and grandmother convinced me to visit a Group USA in New Jersey so we could "play dress up." An hour later, I owned a dress that looked even nicer, cost only $499 and needed no alterations. It was one of the thrills of my wedding.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Have you thought of renting the gown? There are several gown rental places here in CA. A friend of mine rented hers for less than $200. If actually "owning" isn't important to your niece, I would try that route.

Good luck!