It took me a while, but I realized that Monique Lhuillier is my dream wedding designer (though Vera Wang Luxe rocks too). I lusted and eventually got a Pronovias (La Sposa line) dress. All these lines have slim, elegant, feminine pieces.
But it’s really all about the lace. And Monique really works that lace.
I visited a few NYC stores to research alencon lace trim for my veil (more to come in a later post). I’ve discovered that my lust was quite expensive. I love my dress, but was worried it looked “cheap” because of the beading and appliques. I am totally a wedding dress snob. So I started hedging.
Preownedweddingdresses provide future brides with great once-worn dresses from past brides at a discount. The best part is that you can get lucky and find someone in your size. Yay for no alterations!
I found an awesome dress and the seller happened to be in NYC. We met and I tried on her dress. Drooollllll. The lace was insane. While it was more simple than my dress, I found the lace to be exquisite. The seller was super nice too. But we will now be having 2 mini receptions in Asia because a lot of family can’t come (my grandma broke her hip and can’t travel).
So, I had to break up with the dress.
It was so hard. I also liked the seller and wanted her to resell it for as much as she could get. $2500 was pretty rocking for that dress and a ridiculous veil. But still, Mr. Chic ‘n Cheap would not be pleased.
My consolation gift to myself it to buy the most awesome alencon lace trim and make the veil that got away. These pictures are from her iPhone. 🙂
Should I have bit the bullet and just bought it?
Oh well, my dress is cool. I might also get a $200 alencon lace dress. It’s 1 day and at the end, when the dress(es?) are put away, the pictures put on the shelves, and our rings on our fingers, we’ll have the rest of our marriage and the rest of our lives.
That veil and dress–gorgeous! I can see why you’re lusting after it.
Since you already have a dress from Pronovias (which I think makes lovely dresses,) I think it’s a good compromise to make the veil (I can’t wait to see your post on that!) out of alencon lace. Or maybe you can find someone selling theirs in the accessories section of preowned?
In any case, no matter what you decide, I’m sure you’ll look gorgeous on your wedding day. =)
I agree with Mo–goregous dress–BUT you will be beautiful no matter what. You can get similar items–as you suggested with making the veil–and get the look for less! 🙂
Oh wow, that must have been hard to do. You look great in it. Like Mo, Jonezy, I think making a veil would be so great!
p.s. thanks for the book valuation formula btw! I love it. I majored in math at one point so I understand. 😉
Wow, you ladies are too kind. Thanks for making me feel better! It was so hard to let go of that dress.
I am pretty excited about the veil too though it’s not a cheap project (since I’m splurging on the lace).