Everyone That Is Looking For A Dress FYI

I was going to have my dress designed and made. This involved a few trips to California, (my aunt is a retired fashion designer and remarkable seamstress). She worked in London for 20 years as the sole designer for a huge company and had made all of her sisters dresses, even my communion dress.

While I was searching bridal magazines for ideas I found THE DRESS. I didn`t want any modifications, I wanted her to do a replica, expecting that it would cost less than the dress pictured.

I did a little internet search on the designer and found the gown at houseofbrides.com. I live in Chicago, and this is an Illinois company. You cannot order through them if you live in Illinois. But you can have someone order for you who does not. The online savings for the exact dress I tried on at their Chicago location was over $800. You also get free shipping and there is no sales tax.

I decided to order the dress and save my aunt the hassle. The only catch is you must have a good seamstress as most gowns require alterations. Most bridal salons here will not alter a dress that is not purchased from them. I would not trust my wedding gown to the tailor in the dry cleaner down the street!

I ended up way ahead of the money I budgeted for the dress, and I also ordered my bridesmaid dresses on-line at a great savings as well. They have a huge selection of designers, and most likely you will be able to find a salon in your area who carries the same product (so you may see it for yourself before you buy) but for much more.

Another tip- most salons in the Chicago are cutting the tags out of their samples so you can`t comparison shop. Try finding a dress in a magazine or on-line. Then call local salons for prices.

I am so proud I got such a great deal on my dress, but I won`t be sharing this info with anyone at my wedding! My dress looks like it cost thousands.