Dressed for Success??

The Q: "I am the maid of honor for my girlfriend.She is getting married and has set aside
$1000 for her bridal dress.  She has fallen in love with a $3000 dress and is fretting about spending that much money.  I think she can get a beautiful dress within her budget and to keep looking.  She has already tried on some dresses in her range and has looked terrific. She still has other expenses to think about.  I think she might be loosing her focus.  any suggestions?"

The A: Wow! You sound like me with one of our clients!!!   I think you are being a good MOH in trying to dissuade her, but it's hard to change the course of a determined bride, especially when it comes to the dress.

However, I think the best thing that you can do is to show her what the 2K difference can buy her.  2K can pay for an extra 10 guests at her wedding.  2K can cover her ceremony flowers and possibly her personal flowers.  2K can more than cover transportation.  2K can go towards the honeymoon.  2K can pay for all of the alterations, shoes, foundation garments, hair and make up AND a cute Tory Burch dress for her Rehearsal dinner.  I think that rather than make a vague suggestion about how she can use her money, just showcase for her HOW far that money can go (and will need to go) in certain other areas.  She can pay for her DJ and live ceremony musicians with that money.  I could go on and on and on... I hope that helps- but remember, it's her show- don't allow yourself to get frustrated with her decisions- ultimately, you'll just bicker amongst yourselves and both be frustrated by the experience.

Comments

[Michelle]

Just a thought, if she continues to look for a dress in her range, tell her not to try on any dresses out of her range!! Always tell the shop assistant (or friend picking out dresses) what the limit is and don't go over!! The last thing you want is to feel deprived on your wedding day, or to later look back and realize that 2K could have been very helpful in another part of the budget.

[Julie]

Hi,

I just happened to read the comment about your friend. She should try the website www.preownedweddingdresses.com. At least, I think that's the exact website. Goggle it and see. At the website, she may be able to find the exact dress only worn one time for a fraction of the price. I didn't go with this website for my dress, but I think it's a great option for someone in her position. They put up new postings every Tuesday. I hope this was helpful,
Julie

[Victoria]

This is great advise. I wish I had this advise when I was the MOH of my sister's wedding. I tried to explain this to her so many ways that in the end she ended thinking I was not trying to help her. This is great info and should help many MOH.