I bought a wedding dress this week at the "Running of the Brides" in New York at Filenes (which they are all non-returnable). The dress is a beautiful $4,000 gown from Janell Berte's 2007 Couture Line. I paid $499! When I bought the dress, I couldn't even really see what I looked like in it... I had to try it on right in the aisle and look in the little mirror at the sunglass stand! Now I am having seconds thoughts... While the dress is very pretty and everyone was trying to barter me for it, it is nothing like all of the dresses I have picked out in magazines, and it's strapless which I never thought I wanted.
I am planning on taking it to a seamstress to have some straps added, which I think will make it more my taste. I am really torn what to do though. Do I go to a seamstress and try to alter this to be more like my "dream dress"? Or, is that a waste of money? Do I just try to sell it on e-bay and buy a new dress? Any thoughts? I am really stuck!
2007-03-03 13:16:12 · 33 answers · asked by NoTurningBackNow 5 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Go under the Couture Line... It's the first dress on the top.
http://www.berte.com/
2007-03-03 13:20:34 · update #1
First off, the dress is beautiful. I ended up buying a dress that looked NOTHING like what I was picking out in magazines. You have to go and try stuff on because 99% of brides I've met, including myself, have bought dresses that look completely different when they start trying stuff on. Things look completely different on than on the hanger. You have to see what you feel beautiful in and what you feel like a bride in.
Did you buy the first dress you ever tried on? If so, that may be why you're having buyer's remorse. You may feel like there's something better out there for you.
You should consider going to bridal shops and trying dresses on. You may find something you love more, in which case you can sell your dress on ebay or at a consignment shop or other online bridal shop (they have sites similar to ebay for bridal gowns). If you go to bridal shops and you don't see anything that you love more than your gown, you keep your gown (and celebrate the AMAZING deal you got!). If you think you'll feel more comfortable in straps after you've tried dresses on, you can get a seamstress put straps on the dress for you.
When you go to bridal shops and try on dresses, be sure to bring a picture of yourself in the dress you've bought so that you can make a comparison between whatever you're trying on and what you've bought because after a while all of the bridal gowns start to look the same in your mind and run together!
Most importantly, you have to let go of this idea of your "dream dress" based on what you've seen in magazines. You really won't know what your "dream dress" is until you've tried on dresses. Trust me! I thought I'd want something slinky and lacy. My dress is neither. And I love it!
2007-03-04 03:44:36 · answer #1 · answered by ms. teacher ft 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think the dress is georgeous, but that is my opinion. I love the strapless look, unless someone has very fat arms, then I like a cap sleeve. If everything else about it is what you want, I would take it to a seamstress and have some straps added or have her make cap sleeves for you. I don't the seamstress would charge you that much to add the straps. But, if you still feel unsure, then sell it on ebay. But don't expect to get what you paid for it...as ebay buyers want things for practically nothing. I know because I am an ebay seller. So get what you can get for it, and buy a gown that you really love and are sure of your selection. The decision is really up to you. But remember, you are letting a $4,000 gown go and can you afford paying that for another gown of your choice. Good Luck whatever you decide.
2007-03-04 12:23:45 · answer #2 · answered by cardgirl2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the seamstress, and have her gently tack in a few straps to give you an idea what it would look like. No permanent alterations yet until you're sure! Ask her what other ideas she might have for the neckline to make it more your taste. Then put the dress away for a week or so, to give yourself time to calm and look at it objectively.
If you're still not sure, go out and look for another dress. You already have one -- if you find one you like more, you can sell off the bargain dress and be glad. If you don't, you can have the alteration made and be happy too.
2007-03-03 13:22:23 · answer #3 · answered by Jarien 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why you bought a dress that was not your style and you don't like in the first place was the reall waste of money. I think that adding straps to a strapless wedding gown could be a mess but perhaps the style will lend it self to straps with a skillful tailor.
I think that you need to stop lookiing at the magazines and get to likeing the dress you already got. Your wedding is important but it is only one day and if you keep throwing away money like you have done with this dress you are not gonna have a very happy or wealthy life.
2007-03-03 13:21:49 · answer #4 · answered by CindyLu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do whatever makes you happy. This is your special day and you should wear whatever makes you feel the most beautiful, and not worry too much about the cost.
If the dress is worth $4,000, you should be able to get something for it on eBay, if you find a different dress you like better. On the other hand, if you think your seamstress can alter it to look how you envisioned, then go for it! Remember, you saved $3,501, so don't worry if you have to spend a little more to make the dress perfect.
Best of luck!
2007-03-03 15:31:17 · answer #5 · answered by emily 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should consult w a seamstress and see what they think but dont make any actual alterations right away. Once you do that it will be hard to unload if you dont want to keep it. I looked at the photo and it is a pretty simple kind of plain dress to me - honestly I would never think it was worth 4000! You only spent 500 and you can still resell it so dont get too upset you havent done anything that cant be undone and you would be able to sell it to someone who wants a "name" dress at any time.
2007-03-03 14:15:30 · answer #6 · answered by jillmarie2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say if you think the seamstress can really do wonders and make it your perfect dress go for it but to me it seems you have already answered your question if you are questioning it and the dress...I would say try ebay and see what your best offer is...if you get anywhere close to what you paid sell and let someone else have it as their perfect dress while you find the one that suits you better!!! remember your wedding day is very special and your dress should be no exception
2007-03-03 13:24:15 · answer #7 · answered by Ashton 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a shame, it is a really pretty dress...take it to the seamstress first and if she can't alter it then post it on Ebay, make sure you put a reserve on it though or it could sell for buttons and you'll be left at square one with less money to spend.
2007-03-05 00:57:52 · answer #8 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not a waste of time or money if you end up with the dress that makes you feel wonderful.
Any good seamstress will be able to tell you if it's a possibility. Take the pictures with you so she or a tailor(which are WONDERFUL) knows EXACTLY what it is you are trying to achieve.
2007-03-03 13:59:56 · answer #9 · answered by weddrev 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a seamstress first. Take her a picture of your dream dress and the dress you bought. Ask her what she can do to make it work and what the cost would be. If you are happy with her ideas and it isn't cost prohibitive then go for it. If after talking to her you still are not happy with the options you have for this dress, sell it and use the money towards your dream dress.
2007-03-03 13:21:26 · answer #10 · answered by Starshine 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋