OK ladies, I have to pipe in here. The last few pages of the wedding dress thread seem to be a lot about the prices. Don't take this the wrong way because I totally understand that when you have a budget you need to explore every avenue to save money. But PLEASE be very careful when buying a dress based on the price alone. Especially when buying from a discounter or internet site. Your dress is one of the most memorable things about a wedding - make sure you get the service that you deserve!
What happens if when the dress arrives on your doorstep, it is raining and it gets wet and water spotted? Do you think FedEx will care? Or suppose that you take it out of the box for a good look and you realize that there is big run or flaw in the fabric? Or what about when it needs to be hemmed, bustled and the bustline taken in so that your strapless gown doesn't show off all of your "personal" assets? Most bridal salons won't alter a gown that isn't purchased from them. Make sure that you know a good seamstress that has worked with bridal fabrics before. All of these are stories that I have heard before from real brides.
I had a girl in my bridal shop two weeks ago who loved a dress that I tried on her. It was $700 and that included hemming, bustling, side seam work and pressing. She called on Tuesday to let us know that she was buying it online for $500 with no alterations. I tried to reason with her - since that alteration package would cost $250 when priced out seperately - but nope, she was all about the price. I guess it was the right decision for her, but I just can't imagine! In the five years I have been selling wedding gowns, I have sold hundreds of them and only ONE needed no alterations at all. And it isn't because I measure the girls wrong, it's just that no one is exactly 5'9" with perfectly proportioned bust, waist and hips, except maybe Naomi Campbell, haha!
Again, budget where you need to, I do understand! Some other things are "less" important in my opinion. When I did event planning, I had a girl who had a wedding planned around a pink/coral theme. She didn't like the standard reception chairs which were burgundy/black, but also didn't want to add $5 per chair cover. When I asked her, "what color were the chairs at the last reception you were at?" She looked at me, laughed and said "I have no idea" Exactly! She worked her budget, didn't get the chair covers and was perfectly happy anyway. Budget where you can, but be careful budgeting with your dress! It will be very memorable!