Wedding Pickle: Bridal Stores

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Dialogue: Wanting the Magazine Gown

You just got your first bridal magazines and you peruse the pages to find your dream dress. All of a sudden, you gasp. There it is! You rip it out and find yourself comparing every dress to that one. You have to have it.

Annika by Maggie Sottero

I remember watching an episode of Girl Meets Gown where a bride didn't like any dress because she had her heart set on the magazine dress that the store didn't carry. The owners seemed to be complaining in the commentary that it is hard when a bride wants that one gown and won't give other gowns like it a chance. Of course, in the end, she did end up with her magazine dream gown. They made it happen by pulling some strings!

I say, go for it! I wanted a magazine gown, but I did end up falling in love with a similar gown instead. Any of you brides-to-be or former brides have a magazine dream gown? Did you end up with that gown or with something similar? I love how-I-found-my-dress stories so do share!

All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. - Psalm 45:13

Monday, January 3, 2011

Pickle: It Costs How Much to Alter My Dress?

The holidays are over. I hope everyone had a great one! I'm back to posting regularly, so no more waiting.

If you are on pretty tight budget, this is an issue you cannot overlook. You maybe found the perfect dress but it is right at budget or a little over budget. You are debating that it is totally worth it. And, it might be but there are some extra costs brides often overlook.

How much will it cost to alter your dress?

The Pickle: You found the dress, but it may the thing that busts your budget. You didn't take into account the cost for alterations, tax, and the veil/headpiece. All together, the costs can have your jaw dropping to the floor.

The Solution: I am a strong believer in the dream dress and never settling for less. So the key to finding the best price for your dress to to check with as many bridal stores that carry the dress designer as you can.

I found my dress at one store, the only store in town that carried the exact dress for me to try on. Once, I knew it was The One, I didn't buy it right away. I searched and found another store that I knew carried the designer of my dress. The plus was that they had a $200 dollar off anniversary sale and free alterations. This not only covered the cost for my headpiece but my shoes as well! Talk about a deal!

Steps to take:
1. Make a list of as many bridal stores you can, and are willing to drive to, that carry your dress designer. (Remember, they don't have to carry the actual dress)

2. Check the tax rate in the different areas that those stores are located. This can help you determine what you save in addition to what they offer.

3. Ask for any sales or specials. They may not mention it right away, so it never hurts to ask. There might be discounts or free stuff thrown in with your purchase up to a certain amount. You may get a free veil out of this!

4. Ask about alterations. Do they have their own in-store tailor? Is it discounted? Is it included with your purchase?

If you are on the fence on some dresses, take these things into consideration as well to save some money.
~ See if the dress model has a corset back option instead of a zipper. If you gain or lose a little weight, a corset can be more forgiving and will keep the dress from having to be altered again.
~ Lacier designs can cost more to alter. For example, below the first dress will be a lot simpler to shorten then the second one, which will no doubt take extra work just to move the lace floral designs up. (P.S. I am a Maggie Sottero fan if you haven't noticed!)