It took me months to research the design I want for my wedding gown. But it only took me less than a couple of hours to buy my dress off the rack. Yes, off the rack. Specifically off the rack of the one of the many bridal dress shops in Divisoria.
Why off the rack?
Because as I’ve mentioned here, a custom-made wedding gown has a minimum price no matter how simple the design is. I’ve inquired on a number of dressmakers and they all gave me a price higher than what I expect the gown would cost. So in this case, budget prevailed over preference.
But how about the quality?
Ok, I will not lie on this one. My gown is not something I can rave about. Although it may look nice at first glance, you’ll notice the flaw upon close inspection.
The fabric is nothing special. The embroidery is beautiful enough, although I’ve seen a few loose threads and missing beads. I’m still thinking about taking off all sequins because I’m not too fond of them. But I realized that from afar, they add glitter to the gown and collectively, doesn’t look that bad at all. The trail is sewn in the middle and it distracts the ‘flow’. And did I tell you I’m not excited about a gown with a trail? It just makes walking complicated.
Oh well, one can’t really expect too much from a wedding gown that costs a little over a regular bridesmaid’s dress. And it will be illogical to compare this one with something haute couture. A few thousands is a lot different from tens of thousands.
So, how much it is?
It’s originally P3,500. But through the power of haggling, I got it for P3,300. And I dare say that the quality and craftsmanship is way too good for a gown that is way too cheap.
But! As with anything that is bought off the rack (whether it is a designer gown or not), the biggest risk will come in the fitting. And to my dismay, my gown needs a wee bit of alteration.
I disobeyed two superstitions here: 1) I fitted my gown (I even took a picture of myself), and 2) I showed the picture to D (heck, I’m even showing it to you now).
D said that it looks okay (and on this picture, it does look okay). But I swear, it’s two inches wider on the waist and an inch bigger on the breastline. It’s just a minor adjustment and I’m almost sure it can be altered. I’m still a little worried though.
As I was stepping out of the gown, I realized that it all comes down to the fitting. Sometimes the design, the fabric and the price don’t matter much if your wedding gown doesn’t fit you to a tee. And that’s what brides are paying custom designers and dressmakers for, for a wedding gown that has their exact measurements–so that it will look like it was made only for them. In that sense, the gown becomes more personal and special. Kinda like Cinderella whose crystal shoes fit no one else’s but her feet.
So, do I regret buying off the rack?
No, I don’t and I am happy with my purchase. Being someone who don’t want to spend too much on a dress that I will only wear once, my wedding gown is exactly what I have in mind–budget and beautiful. And if it were not for the small problem with the fitting, my off-the-rack wedding gown would have been perfect. Oh, and if the trail is a whole fabric instead of two separate fabrics sewn together, then it would have been really perfect.
But am I happy with the gown?
Hmm… Let me think about it. =)
to be continued. . . continuation here.
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