Krystal
C,#2Consumer Suggestion
Fri, December 14, 2007
I promise that things will be ok. I've worked in weddings since I was 15. You said that you are outside of chicago? I would look into smaller bridal shops (not huge name ultra-expensive "salons" but rather small, mom and pop shops) Many of these shops have clearance sections, or will even sell to you off of the rack. I once walked into a local bridal shop and found a FoRMAL ballgown wedding dress, brand new, for $80. Ask the owner or manager if they have any clearance or discontinued dresses. Explain the situation. Also, many shop owners will sell their samples off the rack for a discounted price. In addition, you can also ask if they have any "no show" dresses....dresses that were ordered but never picked up. Often, you can buy these dresses for the unpaid balance of the order (50% off or more!) If that doesn't work, I sincerely suggest Goodwill. Before you balk, I have seen hundreds of beautiful, brand new dresses on the rack at goodwill over the years. Just recently, a major high end bridal shop donated a ton of their stock to a local Goodwill....They had an entire packed rack of couture wedding gowns ($3,000 +) for $200-$300. I wish there was something more I could do. I'm in St. Louis....too far away. If I had a shop, I would SEND you a dress for free. I'm just a dressmaker (and unfortunately there just isn't enough time to make her one) But if there is any other advice I can give you, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Krystal
C,#3Consumer Suggestion
Fri, December 14, 2007
I promise that things will be ok. I've worked in weddings since I was 15. You said that you are outside of chicago? I would look into smaller bridal shops (not huge name ultra-expensive "salons" but rather small, mom and pop shops) Many of these shops have clearance sections, or will even sell to you off of the rack. I once walked into a local bridal shop and found a FoRMAL ballgown wedding dress, brand new, for $80. Ask the owner or manager if they have any clearance or discontinued dresses. Explain the situation. Also, many shop owners will sell their samples off the rack for a discounted price. In addition, you can also ask if they have any "no show" dresses....dresses that were ordered but never picked up. Often, you can buy these dresses for the unpaid balance of the order (50% off or more!) If that doesn't work, I sincerely suggest Goodwill. Before you balk, I have seen hundreds of beautiful, brand new dresses on the rack at goodwill over the years. Just recently, a major high end bridal shop donated a ton of their stock to a local Goodwill....They had an entire packed rack of couture wedding gowns ($3,000 +) for $200-$300. I wish there was something more I could do. I'm in St. Louis....too far away. If I had a shop, I would SEND you a dress for free. I'm just a dressmaker (and unfortunately there just isn't enough time to make her one) But if there is any other advice I can give you, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Krystal
C,#4Consumer Suggestion
Fri, December 14, 2007
I promise that things will be ok. I've worked in weddings since I was 15. You said that you are outside of chicago? I would look into smaller bridal shops (not huge name ultra-expensive "salons" but rather small, mom and pop shops) Many of these shops have clearance sections, or will even sell to you off of the rack. I once walked into a local bridal shop and found a FoRMAL ballgown wedding dress, brand new, for $80. Ask the owner or manager if they have any clearance or discontinued dresses. Explain the situation. Also, many shop owners will sell their samples off the rack for a discounted price. In addition, you can also ask if they have any "no show" dresses....dresses that were ordered but never picked up. Often, you can buy these dresses for the unpaid balance of the order (50% off or more!) If that doesn't work, I sincerely suggest Goodwill. Before you balk, I have seen hundreds of beautiful, brand new dresses on the rack at goodwill over the years. Just recently, a major high end bridal shop donated a ton of their stock to a local Goodwill....They had an entire packed rack of couture wedding gowns ($3,000 +) for $200-$300. I wish there was something more I could do. I'm in St. Louis....too far away. If I had a shop, I would SEND you a dress for free. I'm just a dressmaker (and unfortunately there just isn't enough time to make her one) But if there is any other advice I can give you, please don't hesitate to contact me.