Can I Afford a Custom Gown?
For most brides, the answer is yes! You’ll be relieved to know this exclusive experience doesn’t come with an exclusive price tag. If you’re shopping in the “affordable” to “moderate” gown price range listed on the major wedding web sites, you’ll find As You Like It fits right in your budget.
A $1000 gown at a bridal shop is equivalent to about an $1700 gown here. That may sound fishy, but it's really not: When you purchase a gown at a regular bridal store, you'll also need to have it altered and pressed, and buy underpinnings - usually a crinoline and a "foundation" garment (which is just a fancy name for a bra that gives good support and a smooth appearance). If you've been reading up on gown shopping, you probably already know you'll spend about $500 for standard alterations (bodice adjustments, hem and bustle). You may pay extra for steaming and pressing as well. Underpinnings usually cost about $150-$200.
By contrast, here everything's included: There are no alteration fees since we custom-make the gown for you. All underpinnings are included and in fact sewn right into the gown (a bonus - there's nothing to keep track of). The only thing you might need is a regular bra (certainly nothing like the heavy foundation garments you’ll be asked to buy elsewhere). All fittings are included in the cost. You won't even pay for a dress bag!
Our general price range starts at about $1500 for a simpler style in a fine-quality fabric (remember, that’s equivalent to buying a $800 gown in a regular bridal shop).
A gown with moderate embellishment, like a beautiful lace bodice overlay with a silk sash, or a ruched bodice design with some dramatic beading, might run around $2200 (if you’re planning to spend around $1500 at a bridal shop, this will fit right in your budget). The majority of gowns our brides select fall in this price range.
A very lavish design, for example a strapless ballgown made entirely from Alencon lace with a long Cathedral train, might reach to the top of our price range, around $3500 (that would equal about $2800 in a factory-made gown).
In short, if your budget for a gown purchased at a regular bridal salon falls between about $700 and $2700, you’ll be comfortable here. And you won’t have to worry about a thing – there are no hidden or additional costs, and all your underpinnings are included in the price.
If you have any questions about pricing, please feel free to call or !