MrsMontazemi

Ditto! I've tried contacting them thru DHgate, but get little to no response. I'm hoping I have the wrong contact info!

Oh, wow! You are just days away! Almost in counting down the hours mode. When do you head for the beach? Something tells me you'll be fine writing that speech. I don't picture you being at a loss for words. <he,he> I'm excited for all you "almost there" brides!

gracimurano - Don't let the rush of these final days become a blur. Enjoy every minute... make memories to last a lifetime! I for want can't wait to see your pics! :-) ... and thanks for the video.

prettypigpig - I have to say that I chuckle everytime I read your posts! Thanks for the words of advice. I haven't been able to get a price for the original dress, as it hasn't even started shipping yet, so that is still an unknown and probably makes a sample sale highly unlikely in the near future. I have tried on mermaid gowns and gowns in similar colors though. I love them both! As far as style, I've tried on various embellished gowns and lace gowns. I know I don't want many crystals or any sequins (I don't want to look like a disco ball), but loved the lace and tulle over satin look with "pearl" beading, etc. I've not found anything in salons I've visited though that resembles the organza flower style embellishment of this gown, so that would be a leap of faith. I had already requested a price quote from Jasmine, Babyonline, and Topspartner, but I'll start talks with Monica Bridal now, as well. Thanks for the suggestion! Ladies - So far, the price quotes I received are all over the map: "around $300" (Babyonline), $550 (Topspartner), and $880 (Jasmine). Topspartner and Jasmine both provided detailed information about the work necessary to create that dress, stressing the handywork needed before providing their quotes. That left me with a good vibe that they really looked at the dress and understood it was a significant undertaking. However, I don't know if those prices are over inflated or not. I appreciate everyone's words of caution and guidance as far as expectations go. Any input / suggestions / or additional guidance would (again!) be much appreciated. Many thanks!

Thanks, misskim_red! I think managing my own expectations for any dress are a critical part of deciding to go the knock-off route. I also must agree that falling in love with a professional picture is not ideal. I've seen several pictures of gowns that I no where near loved when you seen them in person or on real people. I guess I had kind of thought not seeing it would actually help me not expect too much or too similar of embellishments. Maybe not, eh? I'm so confused!

Thanks, JQLong! I appreciate the words of support. I simply can't stop looking at it. I've been inexplicably drawn to it since I stumbled across it. I had already talked to Jasmine's about the dress I'd shopped originally, so I've asked them if they think they can do this dress and at what cost. I'm waiting anxiously to hear what they have to say. I've also asked Topspartner and Babyonline whether they think they could do it and, if so, for a quote. Worried though that they'll all tell me they're confident, but it's really too much to take on or that no one will want to tackle it because it is complex. All but holding my breath till I hear back. If anyone has any suggestions of other vendors that my be capable, I'd sure love to hear their plugs. :-)

Hey, prettypigpig... Any chance that was a response for me? I hate to presume, so IF SO... any thoughts on whether there's someone out there capable of a close approximation in your opinion?

(Sorry if this is a duplicate! It doesn't appear to have gone through, but it's my first post, so not sure I did it right. ) OK, Ladies... I figure I've lurked in the shadows long enough. :-) Let me start by saying I've read (and re-read) the hundreds of posts contributed to this topic and I can't thank you all enough for sharing your experiences! Based on everything I read, I've worked up enough courage to take the leap and hopefully enough knowledge to do so intelligently. However, I was all set to order my gown, but find myself at a cross roads now and would REALLY appreciate some objective feedback. For reference, I visited several local bridal salons and tried on countless gowns. Well, I found nothing I loved, but I learned a lot about my taste in gowns.... For my body type (5'10", street size 4, but with a butt and boobs), I definitely want a mermaid silhouette. I do not, however like shiny fabrics. I love things that remind me of Old Hollywood have an antique or vintage vibe. I fully intend to wear a French net, birdcage veil and will likely carry a broach bouquet. My fiance's only request was that I not hide the girls, so I've been leaning towards a sweetheart neckline. When I found nothing I loved in the shops, I basically spec'd out a composite picture of a gown composed of elements from other gowns I liked, and started shopping my gown (two tone, mermaid gown in ivory lace and netting over dark champagne satin, with a deep sweetheart neckline and brush train), based on the recos found here. And then... just before I was ready to make a decision on maker and pull the trigger on ordering, I stumbled across a picture of a new gown. It isn't even in stores yet and won't be until fall, so I couldn't look at it in person if I wanted to. I can't seem to insert pictures here, but you can see large pictures of it here --> http://www.bestbridalprices.com/images/allure/f2011/large/C184.html So... (finally) my questions... I'd like some honest feedback on the dress I stumbled across. Is it "too much"? Overdone? Too blingy? Even if it could be replicated, do you think I'd look back at pictures of it later with regret? I'm not sure if it's just my anxiety over ordering online that has me second guessing and considering something new or not. If this new gown really is my gown, have I just killed the idea of having it custom made? In other words, is there a reliable shop out there that may be able to pull it off? I'm SO confused! Any and all feedback would be welcomed! Thanks in advance!

(Long, sorry!) OK, Ladies... I figure I've lerked in the shadows long enough. :-) Let me start by saying I've read (and re-read) the hundreds of posts contributed to this topic and I can't thank you all enough for sharing your experiences! Based on everything I read, I've worked up enough courage to take the leap and hopefully enough knowledge to do so intelligently. However, I was all set to order my gown, but find myself at a cross roads now and would REALLY appreciate some objective feedback. For reference, I visited several local bridal salons and tried on countless gowns. Well, I found nothing I loved, but I learned a lot about my taste in gowns.... For my body type (5'10", street size 4, but with a butt and boobs), I definitely want a mermaid silhouette. I do not, however like shiny fabrics. I love things that remind me of Old Hollywood have an antique or vintage vibe. I fully intend to wear a French net, birdcage veil and will likely carry a broach bouquet. My fiance's only request was that I not hide the girls, so I've been leaning towards a sweetheart neckline. When I found nothing I loved in the shops, I basically spec'd out a composite picture of a gown composed of elements from other gowns I liked, and started shopping my gown (two tone, mermaid gown in ivory lace and netting over dark champagne satin, with a deep sweetheart neckline and brush train), based on the recos found here. And then... just before I was ready to make a decision on maker and pull the trigger on ordering, I stumbled across a picture of a new gown. It isn't even in stores yet and won't be until fall, so I couldn't look at it in person if I wanted to. You can see large pictures of it here --> http://www.bestbridalprices.com/images/allure/f2011/large/C184.html So... Finally, my questions... I'd like some honest feedback on the dress I stumbled across. Is it "too much", overdone, too blingy? Even if it could be replicated, do you think I'd look back at pictures of it later with regret? I'm not sure if it's just my anxiety over ordering online that has me second guessing and considering something new or not. If this new gown really is my gown, have I just killed the idea of having it custom made? In other words, is there a reliable shop out there that may be able to pull it off? I'm SO confused! Any and all feedback would be welcomed! Thank you!