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Shopping for a Couture Bridal Gown

Hey guys-

I'm just recently engaged and super excited about it. I'm not going to lie, I have a pretty big budget set aside for my wedding dress, but I'm totally clueless on where to shop and what kinds of trends are in style. I've been looking at shops and boutiques in the New England and New York areas...I've seen a couple of dresses, but nothing that has really struck my eye. I did go online to a shop called Bridal Reflections and they looked awesome. I'm going to their shop this weekend. Has anyone ever heard of this place? Or know of any good boutiques where I can find a high end couture dress? If could get back to me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much!

Carol

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Permalink Reply by Elle Couture Designs on November 24, 2009 at 5:23pm

Hi Carol~

I just saw your posting regarding shopping for a couture wedding dress. Today, more than ever before, brides have a wide range of styles to choose from. The mermaid (or trumpet) style gowns are gaining popularity are a great alternative to the traditional styles. The most important thing is to try on dresses that appeal to your sense of style and that suits your personality. Don't be afraid to try on a style that think you might not just because it doesn't look great on the hanger - you just might be surprised!

If you have a vision or an idea of what you want but just can't find the right dress, you may be the perfect candidate to have it custom made. Since you have a large budget for your gown, it may possible for us to work together even though it would involve travel expenses, which could be absorbed into your overall budget for the gown. Please visit my website at www.ellecouturedesigns.com for more information and to view some of my custom gowns. I am also the exclusive US sales representative for La Chatuise wedding dresses, a line of stunning gowns that are produced in Italy and are now being offered in the US. You can view their collection of gowns on my website by clicking on the "La Chatuise" tab. Congratulations on your engagement and I wish you much love and happiness in your future!

Best Regards,

Lori Davis

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Permalink Reply by Encore Bridal on November 30, 2009 at 5:13pm

Hi Carol,

Have you gone to Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier and Kleinfeld's in NYC? They carry a large selection of couture gowns by the most sought after designers -- such as Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Kenneth Pool, Oscar De La Renta, Elizabeth Fillmore, Romona Keveza, etc... You might want to go onto Brides.com or The Knot and take a look at different high-end designers and then do a search to see what salons in your area carry your favorites. Best of luck in your search!

Julie Jones
www.EncoreBridal.com

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Permalink Reply by Caren Jeanty on December 9, 2009 at 4:00pm

Carolina Herrera by the way is hosting a bridal event at Soiffer Haskin December 12-16 317 West 33rd St NYC from 9-5pm

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Permalink Reply by DressilyMe Occasions on December 16, 2009 at 3:45am

Hi Carol,

I am not sure if you have already found your dream wedding dress. Here I have some useful tips for your information, if you are still looking for your wedding gown, you may have a look at this artical:

"Brides today have many choices on where to purchase their wedding gowns or party dresses, whether it is from a chain store, a privately-owned bridal/dress shop, an online store or even eBay. Here are some tips to choose the best place to buy your dream dress.

Off-the-Rack (This is normally where the store stocks all gowns in the store)
This is not a recommended option unless you are really pressed on time and you want your gown today! There are several reasons why we say that:
Dressilyme offers accessories at discounted prices. We sell veils, tiaras, lingerie, shoes, flower girls, and Prom dressing accessories.
FYI- Dressilyme is a mega occasional wear distribution center that can save $100's on unnecessary markups for your dress as we do not have the overhead of a traditional store.

Ordering your dress Online (many options are available online, but you must be smart shopper)
"I am considering ordering my dress from a mail-order discounter or online. Bridal shops warn me if something goes wrong with the dress, the discounters won't fix the problem." Here's a common scare tactic full-price retailers use to frighten brides. Retailers say: 'If you order online and a problem happens with your order, you are left high and dry.' Nothing could be further from the truth. We found many reputable discounters that have excellent customer service reputations and stand behind what they sell. And we've found the best gown web sites will work hard to correct any problem with a dress order.

(Bridal Bargains)
It should not take any longer than 10 weeks to get a wedding gown or customized dress in unless it is a special/custom order gown. This is a BIG red flag. If the store tells you it will take longer than 10 weeks to get a standard gown go somewhere else. This is what we mentioned above about some stores using your money to pay their current bills and not ordering your dress from their suppliers, hoping that they will have the funds in the future to order your dress. Bottom line, you want to make sure the company can fill the order in a reasonable time.
If you walk into the bridal/prom dress store and the representatives don't acknowledge you, turn around and walk away. If the store is not clean, walk away. If the gowns are not neatly hung on the racks, walk away. If the store does not look stocked, walk away. Do not be afraid to walk away. If you are ignored or treated badly before they get your money, imagine how you will be treated after they get your money. Even if you live in a small town and it's the only bridal store for 100 miles, you still have other options. Trust us, for being a long-term wedding expert, we just know!
Avoid the website if it sells items other than just occasional apparel and occasional accessories. If the website sells everything from iPods to fishing equipment, and has wedding gowns thrown in the mix, do you really think they know anything about selling wedding gowns? They just want to sell stuff.

If you purchase from these sites you will most likely not be able to return your item. So don't even tempt fate.

http://www.dressilyme.com/where-to-buy-your-dresses%e2%80%a6-hd-41/

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Permalink Reply by Soulful Engagements on January 8, 2010 at 1:25pm

Depending on what you consider to be a big budget I would check out Kleinfeld. I got my dress there and had a great experience. They have a show on TLC called Say Yes to the Dress. It's a great way to see the price range of the dresses they sell and also check out which consultants you think you would work best with.

Also, if through your research you find a specific designer you love then I would definitely make an appointment to go to their flagship store (assuming it's within traveling distance)

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Permalink Reply by xia on January 13, 2010 at 12:13am

Hi Carol,

I am a wedding dress designer, I also have a wedding dress website

http://www.25degree.com

There are many different kinds of wedding dresses, luxurious, informal and bridesmaid, flower girls dresses and so on. We can customer made for you after you choose your design.