Given the current recession, we are all hyper aware of the financial anxieties looming out there. It is easy to cut some costs - from cooking at home more often to opting for the great outdoors when it comes to recreation – but most of us still get a bit wary when it comes to the point of purchasing. So where does this leave women on a budget shopping for their ‘once and a lifetime’ wedding gown?
Many customers who visit our boutique have tight purse strings and we completely understand. At Blush, we pride ourselves on the wide selection of beautiful and reputable lines that we carry. If you have fallen in love with a gown but cringed at the price tag, please don’t feel discouraged or intimidated because we can still help you find the perfect dress for your special day.
All we need to know is your price range and what inspires you (many of our customers bring in pictures from magazines) and we will give you some gorgeous alternatives. We are pleased to let you know that we offer a wide selection of dresses (some starting at $190) by celebrated fashion designers - Lela Rose, Alfred Sung, Venus, Dessy - and we are also happy to offer some of our higher end gowns ‘off the rack’ at a generously discounted price. Whether your budget is $200 or $2000, we will have something special in store for you.
As professionals in the bridal industry, we sometimes hear about outlets claiming to have access to high-end designers at a fraction of the retail cost. In times like these, it may be tempting to ignore the ‘too good to be true” rule of thumb! Whether or not you are considering such an outlet, please heed our concerns first.
At our shop, we sometimes find ourselves in an unfortunate “disaster management position” as we try to help brides who are horribly disappointed with their imitation gown. More often than not, these brides have originally fallen in love with the real thing at a bridal shop but were shy of the designer price. They explore other 'avenues' hoping to get the same dress for less. When that does not happen, panic sets in and a replacement gown is needed fast.
The most common complaint about knock offs is that the fit is not even close to the original design or that the textiles feel “cheap”. This is because they are cheap! One of the ways that these operators have cut their costs is by substituting materials with lower cost textiles and beading. When viewing a photo online or even a sample floor model, it is virtually impossible to see the difference in quality. However, try to imagine the look and feel of silk chiffon and now think about a crunchy synthetic material posing to have the same beautiful draping effect. 'Impostor' fabrics are not only hard on the eye but they feel very rough on sensitive skin and they make for a completely different fit. Similarly, plastic beads do not give off the same sparkle as Swarovksi crystals or Rhinestones. If you appreciate a designer gown because of its beautiful movement or the way it picks up the light, quality textiles play a major role here - they cannot be substituted.
Another common complaint about imitation gowns is that they are the wrong color. This is because there is often little to no quality control and a lack of consistency between gowns because the factory is often working from a photo! Ivory becomes yellow, light gold becomes the color of grandma’s pantyhose and white becomes so blue-white that a pair of UV protection sunglasses are needed just to look at the gown. You are supposed to feel amazing on your wedding day - not self-conscious in a dress that is less than satisfactory.
There is nothing wrong with searching for the best possible deal but don’t let anyone mislead you. We at Blush want you to look back on your wedding day in years to come and feel great about your dress and your choice. If you have a champagne taste but happen to be on a beer budget, there is still fine wine to be had that won’t break the bank! Name your price and we’ll find you something with an exquisite nose, delicious taste notes and a beautiful finish. Book a free consultation with the ladies at Blush and we will show you a variety of beautiful gowns in your price range!
No comments:
Post a Comment