I have been looking at dresses for my wedding in May. I want something pretty casual as we're getting married in an outdoor Cathedral in a local park, with just witnesses and our daughters present. Ive tried a few dresses on in stores, but the prices for the simplest of dresses are 179 and up. Online, a beautiful custom made dress can cost under 300, easy, and they are GORGEOUS. My cousin got hers, made and shipped from Hong Kong, for 223, delivered, all duty, taxes included. Still Im a little skeptical... If you have any knowledge of reputable companies to order from, suggestions on taking measurements etc, I'd be happy to have your input. My cousin mentioned that the dresses are generous in size, she was a size 18, ordered a 20 to be safe & it was big (but it was corsetted so it worked for her) Im thinking the wedding dresses for beach weddings are something I like, not a flowing trailed one. Thanks! (Im in Canada, so i definately only need online recommendations, and I want a new dress, not used )
I would only buy from reviewed sites, that offer a money back guarantee, ebay has lots.. but each seller seems to have their own reviews and there are soo many. These dresses cost a fraction of a gown in a store, so either its a pretty but affordablke dress I order online, or a simple thing from a local store, but I only want to spend 200 or so.
I don't have particular sites but if you google that site that the gorgeous dress is on and put reviews after it usually a ton of reviews that pertain to the website will come up.
*update*
I would go to outside sites, like when I get a hotel I read reviews on tripadvisor.com or something instead of the hotel's website. If there are a lot I pay attention to the most recent because the management could've changed or something like that.
.
Dresses tend to run small as they are made in the 'Jr.' sizes. So if you normally wear a 12, you could wear anywhere between a 14 and 16 in a wedding dress.
Go to a place that does alterations or even a dress shop and get your measurements.
Try these websites:
http://www.paradisestylegroup.com/cat_wedding_dresses_che...
http://www.aphrobridal.com/_10_Beach_Wedding_Dresses/
http://www.aphrobridal.com/All_Special_Occasion_Dresses/p...
Go to a reputable seamstress for your measurements. It shouldn't cost you too much, Also, it will build a rapport should you choose a style which requires alterations.
If you decide to shop domestic, have you looked at David's bridal? they've got a lot of styles which lend themselves to a beach wedding. plus being local, and not custom, you might be able to make a return.
Hi J.,
I would not unless you can take it back and return it to a retail location. I am sure there are plenty of inexpensive gowns out there. Search online for a dress you like and then take it to a bridal or department store to see if you can find a match or something close to it...Yikes...casual or not I am sure you want to look and feel great on your wedding day. Congrats.
I would only do it if I bought from the same place as your cousin, since she had a positive experience and can vouch for their honesty and product quality. Otherwise, you really don't know how cheap the dress fabric/quality will be in actuality versus pictures/lighting tricks.
Americas Bridal Discounters is a reputable website I purchse dmy dress from them. They have an online website and a store by a different name and they will match prices. You can also Try Group USA honestly I would steer away from David's Bridal when possible unless you are purchasing off the rack.
However, If you wedding is in May you will be cutting it close to get any dress on the internet as wedding dresses take a minimum of 6 weeks if you are a size 12 they may give you a dress off the rack and you can receive it in less time.
Not trying to stress you but start calling places today and ask what their standard delivery time is.
I bought my dress online at JCrew.com and I loved it. It was very simple, but elegant and I too, got married outside. I ordered it comparable to my regular size and the size chart they offered on the website. I did have to have it altered a bit to fit my upper body, but even with the alterations and shipping, the dress was less than $300. In fact my veil was more expensive than the dress! Just make sure you take exact measurements of your self and use their size chart. Even if the dress is a bit small, any tailor can take out some of the extra on the inside to accommodate small let-outs.
I agree with the other post that said to only get it from the same place as your cousin. I bought something from one of those "custom made" places once.... Will NEVER do it again. It looked nothing like the picture and was horribly done. Instead of sewing, they hot glued the trimmings on and so pourly that the glue had smeared all over. I may have paid a cheap price for it, but was stuck with something I couldn't even wear. I argued with them to get a refund, but never saw my money again.
