I also had issues with sizing, etc... I'm very petite. very. Anyway, I couldn't see having to spend 3,000 on a dress plus 700 in alterations.. plus, I never got that "its the one" feeling so I found an awesome seamstress, and copied 2 dress styles that I wanted (top from one, and bottom from another). My all silk, swarowski, corset inside, bra, the whole shabang dress will end up costing $1,100 plus $60 for the custom made veil.
I copied a Jim Helm top and a Lazaro Bottom.