Weddings Online Forums - Wedding Discussion, Wedding Chat

[color=#FF0040][/color]Hi all,

Want to buy my niece (and god-daughter) her wedding dress but the prices I've seen so far are way beyond what I can afford ... I'm in shock tbh. She's over from Munich for one week 5-12 May have that time to going looking.

Any ideas on where to go for sample sales, tips about on-line sites ? I've looked on donedeal and sent her some ideas but we have v little time due to Bank holiday w/end, many shops closed on Sun & Mon - ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT - I'm not up to date on the bridal scene at all

She's getting married in Oct 12 in Munich, Registry office so simple, classic dress - she's a size 10 5ft 5in and slim.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERTISE you brides to be out there xxx

Cathy

I would definitely recommend Alexanders bridal in Dublin City. The lady there is lovely and I know she'll be having a sale at the beginning of May, not sure of the dates though. She also stocks dresses that aren't in the sale for between €400 and €650 and they are really nice. If your on facebook check her out at the following link. http://www.facebook.com/Alexandersbridal Hope this helps

Barnardos charity have a bridal shop with all new dresses (donated by bridal shops) for less than 300 euro i believe. Also a shop in temple bar sells second hand dresses (only worn once!!) and it's supposed to be v good value, can't remember name! Also if she is looking for something fairly simple u could try some high street stores like Debenhams and monsoon, they also do lovely stuff and quite good value.

I was also going to recommend Barnardos, or Oxfam.

Don't Monsoon and Coast do bridal wear too?

Barnardos charity have a bridal shop with all new dresses (donated by bridal shops) for less than 300 euro i believe. Also a shop in temple bar sells second hand dresses (only worn once!!) and it's supposed to be v good value, can't remember name!

Was gonna suggest Monsoon. They do some Bridal wear...

The Wedding Collection in Carlow or Memories Bridal Boutique in Cork and Dublin.

Hi Cathy,

I hope you won't be offended by this- but are you sure this is what she wants? What I mean is that, sometimes as a bride, when people offer to pay for things, it can be a bit frustrating, if you have the money yourself to spend X and get what you want and then you find yourself having to go for Y so as to not seem demanding. I am not saying this is the case with your niece- but it could be- maybe she is happy to spend $$$ on the dress of her dreams and can't because you have offered and have more of a limit (don't get me wrong the dress prices out there are crazy).

Best of luck with it- there are smaller things you could get her instead- veil, jewellery if this was the case (Hopefully not!).

Hi Emmaswedding,

don't panic yet! There are lots of lovely sample gowns on sale for well under €1000, so don't worry!

Many bridal shops carry a sample rail throughout the year. Remember, if you go to a sample sale, often they will be on a 'first come, first serve' basis (no appointments), so, since your niece has only just started looking, it might be a bit rushed. such sales are really better suited to someone who has a very clear idea of what they want. she might need to take a bit of time to try stuff on and see what she likes/what suits. Ideally, if you went out looking midweek, shops would be quieter and sales assistants would have more time to spend on her. Remember, also, if you have both agreed on a budget, to mention this to the sales assistant, or she may end up bringing you dresses that are out of budget which may cause problems if your niece tries one on & then falls in love with it!

The Bridal Outlet in Baldoyle, Co. Dublin are supposed to be good stock and price wise.

Also, have a look at the special offers on the website of Aibheil bridal in Adare, Co.Limerick: http://www.adarebridal.ie/content/special-offers

If you're in Cork, there is a bridal boutique called Memories that sells vintage & preloved (second hand) stock - here's their site: http://www.memoriesbridalboutique.com/

In Galway, Tracy Bridal have a large range of stock & may have something to suit on their sample rail: http://www.tracybridal.com/COLLECTIONS/ ... esses.html

Similarly, Wedding World in Galway also: http://weddingworld.ie/sale-bridal.html

Best of luck!

+ 1 to flor Sample sales can be good, you can get a dress for about 500 euro or cheaper. However you can also be faced with dresses that are less than thrilling and can look like they need a good wash. I went to about 13 bridal shops before making my decision because of my budget. And when I did find the right dress I thought I was really lucky for the price I got it for.

Frilly Frocks in Drogheda is really good for sample sales. They usually advertise their sale dresses online aswell so you can see if you like anything in advance. http://www.frillyfrocks.ie.

Drogheda has loads of bridal shops so it wont be a wasted journey just to the one shop. Other shops there are Protocol, Ophelia Bridal, Bridal Studio and Edel Tuite.

I take onboard Lillian's point there aswell unless the bride is ok with the budget she might feel more inclined to go for a certain type of dress because of price over the one she might really really want. It can be hard going to bridal shops when you know your budget wont stretch to the 1500 euro (and more) price tags I often came across (and that doesnt include alterations!) But if you and your niece are on the same wave length about the cost than it should be fine.

There is a closing down sale in a boutique in the bloomfield shopping centre, in Dun Laoighre, just inside the main entrance on your right and they have about 4 large racks of wedding dresses knocked down to 300+ was only in there today thinking how I never even knew they stocked bridal! good luck! x

Hi Cathy,

I can definitely recommend 'Memories Bridal Boutique' in Cork (and they've a Dublin store). The service was fantastic and the selection didn't break the bank. I didn't find anything that was my style which is a pity because I would have loved to give them the business.

Ballybegbride1 do you know the name of that shop in Dun Laoighre or when they're having their sale? I didn't realise there was even a bridal shop in Bloomfield centre! Do they have a lot of stock??? Very interested!

HI everyone,

Thank you all SO much for your input and info - really a great help.

She's told me that she doesn't want to spend more than e500 for a dress - and I haven't told her yet that I'd like to buy her dress so she won't be unduly influenced by my good intentions/not huge budget while making her choice. I just dying to share the experience with her !

She lives in Munich n works for Lufthansa as a flight attendant so she's in USA a lot - but trying on samples n then ordering is a bit iffy as her schedule is beyond her control, though I get the impression that there is very good bang for your buck to be got Stateside.

I'm just really shocked that people spend such huge amounts for a one wear only - but maybe I'm just a world weary 50 something who doesn't get it and has forgotten the romantic dream of the BIG DAY.

I've got some great ideas from your posts and will attack the phone tomorrow.

Lovely to be a guest in your bride to be world, thanks girls,

love, Aunt Cathy

Hi Cathy,

Ah your niece is very lucky to have you in her life treating her.

Heres a link to some wedding dresses on the Debenhams website, they all cost less than your budget.

http://www.debenhams.com/women/dresses/wedding-dresses