I’m going to Tarantino this and go back in time to tell the story of how I got my wedding dress. I have to confess, I didn’t get it in Ireland. I got it in the States just before I moved here in August of ‘07. When I visited Ireland in April I priced the dresses here and, I’m sorry to say but, it just wasn’t in the budget.
While visiting my family in Florida two weeks before moving to Ireland, I ventured into David’s Bridal, a chain of bridal stores in the US. I wandered around the store gazing at all the gorgeous ‘out of my range’ dresses and came across a few I wanted to at least try on. I decided to not even look at the prices and just grab what I liked because an elbow to the ribs alerted me to the fact that it was a madhouse in there. Couldn’t believe I actually got a dressing room. Was there a mad rush of proposals in Orlando, Florida?
I got my favorite 5 dresses, grabbed my assistant, and ran into my dressing room. I tried on dress after dress checking myself out in the mirror and feeling like I was a kid playing dress up I put on one dress twice because something about it really appealed to me. It was bright white, strapless, with no train. Sounds basic but the detail was just exquisite. A design of small flowers and iridescent beads were sewn on the bodice and the skirt had a slit that opened up in the front to reveal the same pattern. My assistant retrieved a tiara and veil for me to try on as well.
Once the package was complete and I was wearing all accessories, I stood in front of the mirror and paused. I stared at myself. I couldn’t believe it was really my turn. I had visions of walking down the aisle and my handsome groom waiting for me at the altar. I even thought of how I’m going to have to walk alone with only my bouquet and a photo of my father. He passed away in September of 2003 and I swore I’d never get married after he died. It was the one thing I was looking forward to ever since my sister got married when I was twelve. I noticed tears welling up in my eyes and quickly blinked them away. I didn’t want to spoil the occasion so I put on a big smile and asked what they thought.
I saw the look in my family’s eyes. A combination look of disbelief that the baby of the family was finally getting married and amazement at how gorgeous the dresses made me look. I took that as a good sign. It was light and comfortable and priced at only $400. Who could say no to comfort and affordability? As I’m looking at my family getting nods of approval, my assistant came over and nonchalantly mentioned that particular dress was ½ off. WHAT?? $200 for a wedding dress?
We gasped at the price. Our mouths dropped and eyes bugged out of our heads like a Bugs Bunny cartoon. I wasn’t sure if I should buy the first dress I fell in love with and so long before the wedding. I texted Anton and he quickly called back. After sounding like a giddy fool and asking ‘what should I do?’ he simply replied “Get it!” He was right, what was I thinking? At that price if I decided I didn’t like it anymore I could always buy another one! HA! I walked back over to my family and simply stated, “I’m getting my wedding dress today.”
If you can’t afford a trip to the States to pick out a dress I have a few ideas. As I walked around Cork today I noticed Enable Ireland had gorgeous wedding dresses in the window. You can also check Oxfam, T.K. Maxx (I know someone who got a great deal on a gorgeous dress there), and antique shops. No one ever said you had to be the only one to get married in your dress. Also family members might want to bequeath their dress to you. If it’s a little out of fashion you could always get it tailored to your specifications. Bye bye poofy arms, hello strapless. Find out how much getting an entire dress made costs too. You might be able to find someone who will make a dress cheaper than a store bought one. There are a number of ways to get the right dress for you at the right price. Sometimes you just have to get a little creative. Happy hunting!
Weddings on a dime are cheeper in Florida
[…] Original post by jessicaroy […]
Wow you got a great deal!
Another option is to get it made. Not only do you get exactly what you want from stitching to fabric to detail, but you save a bundle! Mine cost $400 and it was amazing. I took pictures of various dresses that I liked bits of and we came up with a new design which was exactly what I wanted! Was even able to pick the fabric. Fantastic.
I get to go watch my brother’s fiancee try on dresses soon. SO excited. All her family is in the states, so I get to be “her person!” Very cool!
@Deborah In the last paragraph I touched lightly on the subject of getting one completely made but thanks for highlighting it. It can be a bit stressful getting one made from scratch unless you know the reputation of the person. Not being from here I wouldn’t have chanced it though. I worry like that. Bad, I know.