saving money on fancy dress?

[Elaine]

I am thinking of a certain kind of dress but I'm having a hard time finding it in my price range. I was thinking of buying the same style dress without beadwork or lace and then having someone add those little touches for me. I could find a bridesmaid dress or simple wedding gown within my price... and then add the lace and crystals...

Does anyone have experience with this? Will it save me money or does the lace and beading cost so much that I may as well get a dress that already has it?

I have a seamstress in the family but she doesn't want to do the intricate still like beading and lace. I might be able to do some of it myself, but I'm afraid it would be too time consuming since I haven't done that before.

Is this a good idea or should I just keep looking for the right dress?

[SarahK]

I am thinking of a certain kind of dress but I'm having a hard time finding it in my price range. I was thinking of buying the same style dress without beadwork or lace and then having someone add those little touches for me. I could find a bridesmaid dress or simple wedding gown within my price... and then add the lace and crystals...

Does anyone have experience with this? Will it save me money or does the lace and beading cost so much that I may as well get a dress that already has it?

I have a seamstress in the family but she doesn't want to do the intricate still like beading and lace. I might be able to do some of it myself, but I'm afraid it would be too time consuming since I haven't done that before.

Is this a good idea or should I just keep looking for the right dress?

Its not a bad idea, however, it might be tough for you and whoever adds the detailing. Before you go that route, let me post a few sites where I have found beautiful dresses for a very good price.

http://www.bridesave.com

http://www.thebeautifulbrideokc.com/index.html

http://www.bridalmartsuperstore.com/bridal_gowns_wedding_dress.html

Maybe one of these will have the dress of your dreams.

[kg4eoh]

try www.bridalmart.com as well. That is where I got my dress and they had several with the beading, lace and crystals that were designer in the $200-$500. I actually tried on a PC Mary's dress there that was beautiful for $300. I decided on another one, but that was a great price.