Wedding dress shopping

See, I'm a bit more practical when it comes to my dress. I'm wanting to spend like $600 tops. Yes I do want to feel and look beautiful,  but I'm only wearing it for one day!  I understand the dress is the most important thing for some brides, but not for me. My biggest splurge will probably be the photographer because I want the memories forever. I'm not having flowers,  and most of the wedding will be DIY.

When I called one dress shop,  they said the alterations could easily be $700!

You might actually be better off with not getting a Wedding Dress.  It depends on your aesthetic, of course, but bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, or even just white dresses (or whatever color your want).  Adding "wedding" to anything makes it infinitely more expensive than the non-wedding labeled varieties!

I hear you! I was the same way - I spent the $$ on photos and honeymoon instead of the dress.  Really, there are so many options on the rack, you may be just fine.  I found my dress on the rack and it was perfect... only had to hem it and do up the bustle.  Good luck!

yeesh, $700!  Not worth it...that's how much my wedding gown cost TOTAL!  Keep the faith, I know you will find something and a lot of people here made great suggestions.  Maybe don't go the traditional route?  Macy's Bridal sections have some good stuff too and if you catch a sale, even better!

Good idea! I'm sure I'll find something and I'm going to have fun doing it  :-)

There is a think called a "rush cut"  you will pay more, but could get a dress in a shorter timeframe.

We had a short engagement, so my options were rush cut or off-the-rack. I went with off-the-rack, and I loved my dress.

If I were in your situation, I would call the dress shop you like, explain the situation, ask what brands have the shortest turn-around time available and plan to shop in the summer close to that deadline.  If you don't find something then, that still leaves a few months to find and off-the-rack option.

Try Vows in Watertown. www.bridepower.com  The gowns are all off the rack and they have designer gowns at discount prices.  It's a little hectic, but maybe you can get a bargain and the right price.

Yes that's one of the stores I called today! The woman was very helpful but agreed it was going to be a challenge. And the alterations were not going to be cheap. 

We were able to rush my dress.  To save money, I actually bought a bridesmaid dress and got it in ivory.  It was like $200 from Alfred Angelo.  We planned my wedding very quickly...less than 2 months from start of planning until wedding day and I had time.

Don't have much more to add other than Congratulations!  As another post mentioned, Vows sells discounted wedding dresses.  You could also check consignment stores and there are options out there to rent wedding dresses.  Best of luck to you and hope you post pictures of your day!