Splurge vs. Steal - How to get the designer wedding gown look for less!

Serious fashionista's who commonly read Marie Claire magazine may be familiar with their monthly fashion feature of Splurge vs. Steal, where one outfit or "look" can be fulfilled two ways...one featuring a high price tag for those who can afford it (the splurge), and the less expensive version of the same outfit for a fabulous bargainista price (the steal).

So we here at On the Dot Event Planning are featuring our version of wedding gown Splurge vs. Steal. We hope you love our selections!

Our first dress dress selected is designed by none other than Vera Wang, the mother of the modern wedding gown. While perusing her Fall 2010 collection, I found "Esther", a modern take on the "church appropriate" lady-like lace gown. "Esther" features an illusion sweetheart bodice with a soft a-line skirt. Perfect for brides who still long for the ethereal elegance of Grace Kelly, or more recently, Ivanka Trump on their wedding day. "Esther" is adorned with multi-layered chantilly lace applique, has sheer tulle elbow-length sleeves with floating lace, and a dramatic horsehair sash. With all these fine designer details, "Esther" retails at a whopping $12,000.00.
Source: Misskhue.com

For those who would like to get the look for a lot less, there is no need to fear! The Vera Wang for David's Bridal collection is here! "Esther" apparently has a budget friendly sister in Style VW351023 from the White by Vera Wang collection for David's Bridal...and the best part is, this less expensive number has a removable sheer illusion lace "cover-up" for some serious partying at the reception! Last but not least, the price tag is a lot easier to swallow at a mere $1,300.00. Style VW351023 is a strapless satin-faced organza A-line gown with hand-appliqued lace and a removable illusion piece. The black horsehair sash is also available for an additional price. You could easily swap out the dramatic horsehair sash for something more sweet and preppy, like a pastel colored grosgrain sash.

Source: Weddinginspirasi.com

Next up is another wedding gown designer who is another perpetual favorite among celebrities. Yes, while Vera Wang rules NYC, Monique Lhuillier has captured the hearts of Angelenos with her sweet bridal shop located on Melrose Avenue.

While browsing Monique Lhuillier's Fall 2011 Platinum Collection, I found a gorgeous romantic ruffled gown called "Tuberose". "Tuberose" features an ivory embellished tulle sweetheart neckline corset with an ivory full A-line floral organza embroidered skirt. "Tuberose" retails at hefty $10,300.

With such intricate details on the bodice, and the amazing construction of the "hold it all in" corset, you're bound to look amazing. However, I would be hesitant to think that your pocket book would feel the same way. Seeing how most average brides are unable to afford such luxuries on their wedding day, Ms. Lhuillier has graciously introduced us to her less pricey, but equally enthralling budget line aptly named Bliss. Style BL1205 featured in the Bliss 2012 line, bears a striking resemblance to "Tuberose", featuring a silk white embellished lace and organza strapless sweetheart embroidered bodice and a textured A-line skirt. It seems the only major difference is the price tag. The Bliss line ranges from $2,500.00 to $3,500.

Lastly, for those brides who long to look like Kate Middleton (aka Duchess of Cambridge) on their wedding day...we strongly suggest that you not ask Sarah Burton from the house of Alexander McQueen to replicate her bridal masterpiece, which could set you back $400,000. Instead, take the plunge with lower priced knock-offs offered by David's Bridal and Nordstrom.

Kate's dress was made of French Chantilly lace and English Cluny lace throughout the bodice, skirt and underskirt, and featured ivory and white satin gazar (which was designed to emulate an opening flower). Her train measured almost nine feet long. Individual flowers were hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create the dress' design, which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. The back of the dress was finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops.

You can get the look for a lot less buy purchasing the Long Sleeved Satin and Lace Ball Gown (Style WG3401) from David's Bridal for only $849.00.

While you're shopping for a new pair of shoes on Nordstrom.com, be sure to take a look of their new Duchess Wedding Gown by JS Collections, retailing at a mere $698.00.

Now that you are properly armed with some fabulous budget friendly wedding gown options, we hope that you will breathe a little easier when you begin your dress shopping process. Stay tuned for our next fashion installment where we will feature some lovely wedding accessories!

Signing off for now,

Angie and Nancy. =)