Post all "Knock Off Wedding Dress" questions/comments here

[MrsMontazemi]

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!

 

 

 

Originally Posted by prettypigpig 

yes, it was for you.  hahaha

first, do u know if the original dress is within ur budget? or can u find it off the rack at a sample sale? If yes, buy the original. If no, continue reading

second, have you tried on mermaid dresses with similar cut, color and style? If yes, continue reading...if no, go out and try on dresses. 

it is a dress that requires a lot of hand work, but not complex...just a lot of hand stitching...

so...I think Toppartner or Monica Bridal can do the job.  but you won't get it for $100, maybe for $400, you will get smth very nice.
 

 

 

[prettypigpig]

thx! I think it comes down to the quality of the fabrics. Normal dressmaker in China earns $300-$500 USD per month, your dress needs 2-3 days of work (like CRAZY handwork!) but that is only $30-$50 on labor, another $30 for shipping...the rest is about the materials.  Babyonline's tulle and organza are a bit rough, Monica Bridal's tulles and satin are very soft.  Topspartner's...I dunno, but I don't think they use cheap stuffs when I look at their pics and they said they use a lot of bonings to ensure the support ...etc etc.... Jasmine..I dunno, so far..I only saw 1 very simple chiffon grecian style dress from them on this forum, so again I dunno, but at $800, you can get a sample dress from a local shop or add a few hundred bucks..get a Vera Wang mermaid dress at Davids Bridal!

Originally Posted by MrsMontazemi 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

[MrsMontazemi]

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.

 

Originally Posted by gracimurano 

Hey ladies... I'm about to get married.. only 6days left... I can't believe it.. I still haven't decided wich dress I'm going to wear, but I promise to update pictures for you all next week... It's freezing cold in here.. I'm jealous of all you brides that are going to get married on the beach... just saw a funny video that made me think of you... be careful with the waves LOL:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqQ4gjiR8W4&feature=related

 

[prettypigpig]

Gracimurano,

 

me too, my day is coming soon. I just finished writing my vow, and now moving to write my thx speech.  

LOL, I won't have a beach ceremony, but will have a beach reception if the weather is ok. heehee!

[MrsMontazemi]

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!
 

Originally Posted by prettypigpig 

Gracimurano,

 

me too, my day is coming soon. I just finished writing my vow, and now moving to write my thx speech.  

LOL, I won't have a beach ceremony, but will have a beach reception if the weather is ok. heehee!

 

[DeAngelis2be]

Hi Ladies,

 

I already have my wedding dress but I'm looking to have a crystal belt made to go with my dress. Does anyone know if any of these China Dress Vendors make belts as well? The one I want at Macy's bridal is $750, there's no way I'm paying close to the same amount for a belt as I did for a bridal gown.

 

 

 

[prettypigpig]

DeAngelis,

 

Go check out Esty.com, I think you can get a very very blingy one for $200!

[sunnyfi]

 

I am getting married next year I have found a lovely dress just wondered what you all thought

 

 

 

[eholt]

Ladies, my wedding is past but I have a friend looking for a linen dress to possbily have made.  Any suggestions on who/where to find one???

[imara11]

Hey girls,

Sorry I've been MIA.  The last time I posed I wrote about how I hated my babyonline dress. After shoving it in my parent's closet and deciding to never see it again, I realized it was time to start shopping for another dress.  I really considered buying a replica dress, but ended up giving in and buying a Priscilla of Boston dress I fell in love with. (BTW, While I was there I saw the Vera Wang Diana, and I guess I'm over it.  Maybe I judged my replica dress too harshly, I think it's partially because I decided it's not the dress for me.)

 

Anyway....moving on to this babyonline dress, like I said before, I do have to give them credit for pulling off such a beautiful skirt.  I sincerely think they did an EXCELLENT job of recreating the David's Bridal VW351011 dress, but I didn't want to buy the original one because I wanted a sweetheart neckline and the DB one doesn't have boning to support making these alterations.  I think my mistake was asking them to make a corset back.  I figured it would help make up for any sizing mistakes, but instead they made the dress too big, even when I tried to get the corset tight. The inside of the dress is beautiful, very well made, has a built-in strap for extra support. The top of the dress has a double layer of fabric to get the pleated look, but the top layer seems to be too detached to the bottom one in certain sections.  It sticks out a bit.  Again, I would not get that type of design from Babyonline.  Look for dressmakers that can do nice even pleats in an organized manner.  Also, the transition from the top of the dress to the skirt was poorly made and not thought out.  They should have added one flat layer of organza to cover to give it a smooth look. There were minor mistakes throughout the dress (colored fabric/string that was stuck inside the organza folds, small tears) but none of these are visible once it's on. It still bothered me because I felt that they should have taken their time to put the dress together and make sure it was clean. Also, I ordered a belt that they said was "high quality" and it's honestly crap.  It look NOTHING AT ALL like what I ordered and some beads were falling off.  I don't think they even bothered to make it similar to what I ordered.  It's not "similar" or even "close", it's just flat out a belt that they made however they wanted to threw it in there.  I'm so disappointed about this, that it just did it for me.  It was so mad.  If they would have sent me pictures before they shipped it, I would have asked them to redo it or ask for my money back, which, I'm guessing, is why they didn't do it.  They also told me it was a mistake from the warehouse to ship it and that they fired the person...mhm...I've heard that excuse before.  I'm now disputing this through DHgate, not an easy process, but when I asked Babyonline for a refund they said they would only do half.  I said I was fine with half of the price of the dress, but I wanted a full refund for the belt because it's nothing like what I ordered.  They basically said no.  I gave in because in the end it was only a couple dollars more, so I agreed to half then they said half back, partially in cash and the other part in store-credit. WTF???? NO! Then they said "ok, let us check with the manager".  Which I think is BS.  So I opened a dispute.

 

Here are the pictures:

 

 

I didn't take picture of the belt, I just decided to not look at it, I was so mad.  But I'll show some more pictures since I need to send them in for the dispute.