I was browsing online and saw this dress through designer Bonny. Then I went through Netbride.com to get a quote, and I ended up paying $350 for a dress that normally retails for $750-$800. (Saw that price when I went to try it on at a local boutique.) That website saved me a ton of money, and I wouldn't have been able to make it for that even. And the embroidery and beadwork is just amazing. The website orders directly from the manufacturer, just like a store does, but they don't have rent to pay, etc., so they only do a slight mark-up on the stuff. I'm glad I went through them.
I figured it saved me some money and a lot of time, which is now ticking away really quickly, and I only have one centerpiece only 1/4 done. (I need to make 14 of 'em - all different.)
And I sure as hell am not about to put it in one of those large-sized 1970's "plastic and cardboard halloween costume boxes" after the wedding. Bleh. (Remember those? A little plastic jumpsuit with a plastic mask that "stared" through the plastic window on the small box. Eeeeek, I'm old. And gods, those things scared me on the store shelves.)
In the aftermath, I'm going to have it altered to fit Kevy so he can wear it for a photo shoot of more disturbing avatars for LoT.