DIY Tip # 7: Copy a Designer Dress

I didn't have a budget for a high-end designer dress. I couldn't even buy one that I liked off the rack. So I scoured the Net for a dress design that I liked and was determined to find an affordable designer who could transform my dream dress into reality.

The dress was based on a Carolina Herrera gown that I had viewed over at the galleries of theknot.com, a helpful resource with hundreds of pics of gowns. It looked soft, flowing, elegant and was simply embellished. It was exactly what I was looking for because I was determined to not have a gown that screamed "bridal." I wanted something light and airy, comfortable enough for me to spend almost half a day in. (FYI, I was in the dress for a good 12 hours!)

Here was the breakdown for the gown:

Initial designer's fee, with sketches (served as downpayment): P5,000.00
Cost of lining and chiffon overlays: P10,000.00
Chantilly lace bodice and beading: P3,000.00
Incidentals: P2,000.00
Total cost: P20,000.00

Everybody loved that the dress fell softly and wasn't at all difficult to walk in. I hardly even broke a sweat; it was that light and breathable!

For more information on how to get in touch with my sources for my gown, please comment on this post. I'll be glad to provide you with details.