Dress Shopping

When I started dress shopping, I tried on several dresses by designers that were known for creating gowns in the lower price range. As a matter of fact, I went into it imagining that I would make my own dress and keep the price tag around $100 - $350; we only went dress shopping for the experience and to find out what I liked. I stayed far away from the 'designer couture' gown section where dresses were selling for $1000 or more.

What I ended up liking was not what I ever imagined wearing! I went in saying that I would not wear a satin, strapless, poofy ballgown. I was looking for an all-over lace, simple, v-neck dress. The problem came in when I realized that the strapless, a-line satin gowns really fit my body type well and were the ones getting the most oooh's and ahhh's from friends and staff.

I tried on about 25 dresses at 3 different stores. Here are some of the favorites and their respective price tags:
This on the left was the most inexpensive of the dresses I tried on. It was also my favorite, and coincidentally the very first bridal gown I tried on. I would have paid to add a train (something I want because I love the look of a bustled train). $300.









This is by a very popular designer Alfred Angelo who is known for dresses that incorporate color. It was beautiful, but not appropriate for my budget, or our wedding. $699









Christina Wu $998. Everybody LOVED this dress, but I found it to be way to much for our wedding. I could see this dress at a hotel wedding, not an outdoor mountain wedding.










Once I knew what I wanted (simple, elegant, a-line, strapless with a sweetheart neckline, and a great price) I went shopping on Ebay. A lot of gowns there are really bad knockoffs from China, which I found could be sorted through and among the 1000's of auctions there are several 'diamonds in the rough.' I found a few hundred gorgeous store samples the were being offered at low prices, and after sleeping on it for a few weeks I bought the one that really stood out.

My dress is Marisa 569 by designer Tamera Kirstin. It is a silk-satin gown that was not only popular before being discontinued in 2008, but was also selling for $1600. After shipping I paid $170, and the dress arrived a few days later in stunning condition. I will pay $125 to have it cleaned (by d'Anneli bridals who carry the Marisa line and know how to care for the fabric she uses in her gowns) and have spend $3.00 on new buttons for the back. Altogether, I will have spent less than $300 for my dress, which is what Dave will be spending on his suit! The dress is simple, elegant, sweet, and romantic. I can't wait to wear this dress, and can't imagine any other gown to marry Dave in!