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One of the biggest dreams that many women have is to get married in a beautiful dress, but finding a man to walk down the aisle with will only get them halfway. The next part is actually buying the dress, and they can be really expensive. In fact, the average wedding dress cost in the United States is $1,000. Not everyone can or wants to spend that much money on it. So they improvise. And to great success.

There's a subreddit called r/Weddingsunder10k and it's perfect for those who are planning their big day on a budget. Brides and grooms are sharing all kinds of tips and tricks that saved them a dollar or two. Or a couple of hundred! Some of the most popular posts are women sharing pictures of their stunning dresses, revealing they didn't have to spend a fortune on them. Clearly, more expensive doesn't always mean prettier.

#1

$30 Salvation Army Find! Fits Like A Glove, Already Altered To A 32” Rib Cage And Has The Breast Pads And Perfect Length. Either The Previous Bride Was My Exact Size Or This Was Made For Me Oh, And Pockets!!

$30 Salvation Army Find! Fits Like A Glove, Already Altered To A 32” Rib Cage And Has The Breast Pads And Perfect Length. Either The Previous Bride Was My Exact Size Or This Was Made For Me Oh, And Pockets!!

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Rosemarie, the writer behind the blog Busy Budgeter, said the dress was the only thing she didn't want to compromise when she was planning her wedding. "I really wanted an amazing wedding dress," she wrote. "But where can you find an any dress for the $200 I had budgeted, much less an amazing one? I went to Bridal Shops and tried on an array of dresses. They were beautiful, stunning, elegant, and they were also between $700-$1,500, way over my budget."

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    #2

    Dress Was $170 On Etsy, Cape Veil Was $170 On Etsy, Alterations Were $170! Very Excited For Our Small Airbnb Wedding (Hopefully It Won't Get Cancelled)

    Dress Was $170 On Etsy, Cape Veil Was $170 On Etsy, Alterations Were $170! Very Excited For Our Small Airbnb Wedding (Hopefully It Won't Get Cancelled)

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    Rosemarie tried to shop online, but was worried. "It never looks as good on you as it does on the model. I looked for an alternative evening gown that I could wear as a wedding dress, but had no luck."

    "So my mom, my 10 year old future step daughter and I drive to the location, which is open Saturdays from 10 am-12 pm. St Anthonys bridal is located in Maryland, and we find the place with no problem at all (thanks to GPS!) located inside an establishment called Dogtopia."

    As they walk inside, they immediately see dresses everywhere – hanging on racks sorted by sizes. "The woman at the front desk tells us that all dresses in the store are on sale for $150 plus when you purchase a dress you also receive a free veil. She gives us some direction as to the dressing area locations, and which type of dresses can be found in which areas and sends us into the adjoining rooms. The only request? If the dress is not for you- hang it up and return it to the rack that you found it on. Not a problem."


    #3

    My $368 Wedding Dress From Etsy Came In Today And It Looks Exactly Like It Does In The Pictures!! (More Info In Comments)

    My $368 Wedding Dress From Etsy Came In Today And It Looks Exactly Like It Does In The Pictures!! (More Info In Comments)

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    So they find Rosemarie's size and hit the dressing rooms with 2 dresses. 10 dresses later, the bride-to-be looked in the mirror and there it was, the dress! "It wasn’t until after I left that I noticed the designer name on the tags that were still flawlessly attached. So naturally I googled it."

    It was a Demetrios designer dress. The online retail of these dresses are about $3,000.

    So what did Rosemarie had to suggest to others who find themselves in the need of a budget wedding dress? "Try heading over to Google, and typing in their state and “non profit wedding dress” to see if they have a similar store close to them."

    #4

    Thought I Found My Dress Months Ago.. Then This One Came In The Mail. Finally, At 4’11 I Feel Bridal And Grown Up Lol. Price: $82

    Thought I Found My Dress Months Ago.. Then This One Came In The Mail. Finally, At 4’11 I Feel Bridal And Grown Up Lol. Price: $82

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    #6

    I Went To Try On Dresses At A Boutique That Was Way Over My Price Range, When I Got There And Said My Absolute Maximum Budget Was $600, The Stylist Said That The Dresses On The Floor Start Around $1000, But She Was So Nice And Found Me A Beautiful Discontinued Dress In The Basement For 400$!

    I Went To Try On Dresses At A Boutique That Was Way Over My Price Range, When I Got There And Said My Absolute Maximum Budget Was $600, The Stylist Said That The Dresses On The Floor Start Around $1000, But She Was So Nice And Found Me A Beautiful Discontinued Dress In The Basement For 400$!

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    Tabitha L
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is a wonderful sales person. Instead of pressuring the bride to be, she made it happen.

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    #7

    My Vintage 1950s Wedding Dress (Purchased From Etsy For $170 Total) Arrived Today! Nothing Extra Was Added For All This Amazing Skirt Volume

    My Vintage 1950s Wedding Dress (Purchased From Etsy For $170 Total) Arrived Today! Nothing Extra Was Added For All This Amazing Skirt Volume

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    #9

    Purchased My Dress From Salvation Army For $20 And It Turned Out Beautiful In The Pictures. Also Homemade Bouquet For About $3.

    Purchased My Dress From Salvation Army For $20 And It Turned Out Beautiful In The Pictures. Also Homemade Bouquet For About $3.

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    #10

    I Found My Reception Dress For $25 At Goodwill

    I Found My Reception Dress For $25 At Goodwill

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    Pamela24
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, that's what I call a bargain! And you both look gorgeous too!

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    #11

    Got This Beautiful Dress For My Halloween Wedding Handmade On Etsy For $311 With Rush Shipping Included.

    Got This Beautiful Dress For My Halloween Wedding Handmade On Etsy For $311 With Rush Shipping Included.

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    #12

    I Said Yes To A Hail Mary Of A Dress After Almost Losing Hope, And I Love It! 99 Dollars.

    I Said Yes To A Hail Mary Of A Dress After Almost Losing Hope, And I Love It! 99 Dollars.

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    #13

    As A Plus Sized Bride, I Never Thought I'd Find A Dress I Could Feel Pretty In. Took A Chance On This Beauty For $250. Floral Print!

    As A Plus Sized Bride, I Never Thought I'd Find A Dress I Could Feel Pretty In. Took A Chance On This Beauty For $250. Floral Print!

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    #14

    An Asos Wedding Dress For £300... I Love It!

    An Asos Wedding Dress For £300... I Love It!

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    Pamela24
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not gonna lie - I know that wedding gown can cost a lot more but 300 pounds still doesn't sound like a bargain.

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    #15

    Brides, Don't Rule Out Second Hand Dresses - I Saved 1k On This Dress, And Saved £50 For Each Bridesmaid Dress So Far!

    Brides, Don't Rule Out Second Hand Dresses - I Saved 1k On This Dress, And Saved £50 For Each Bridesmaid Dress So Far!

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    #16

    Found My Beautiful Dreas For Only $25. Couldn't Be Happier

    Found My Beautiful Dreas For Only $25. Couldn't Be Happier

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    #17

    Bought A Dress For $94 On Amazon... Comparable To David's

    Bought A Dress For $94 On Amazon... Comparable To David's

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    Anna McHugh
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lovely and actually fits you in the bust! The bosom-falling-out look is really not a good one.

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    #18

    $200, Thrifted/Vintage, And Fits Perfectly! Couldn’t Have Designed A More “Me” Dress!

    $200, Thrifted/Vintage, And Fits Perfectly! Couldn’t Have Designed A More “Me” Dress!

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    #19

    Dress From Amazon $100, Veil Also From Amazon $10, Earrings From Walmart $2, Flowers From Albertsons $25. I Think I Pulled It Off Well!!

    Dress From Amazon $100, Veil Also From Amazon $10, Earrings From Walmart $2, Flowers From Albertsons $25. I Think I Pulled It Off Well!!

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    #20

    My 300€ Asos Wedding Dress! Better Than Any Designer Dress I Have Tried On

    My 300€ Asos Wedding Dress! Better Than Any Designer Dress I Have Tried On

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    #21

    If You’re Looking For A Really Inexpensive Dress, Mine Turned Out Great!

    If You’re Looking For A Really Inexpensive Dress, Mine Turned Out Great!

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    Dragonfruit'nrollerskates
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The resembleance between her and her brother is uncanny...I've heard of genes copying and pasting but this is another level

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    #22

    So I’m Having A Courthouse Wedding And I Wasn’t Gonna Go For Anything Big But You Know What. You Only Get One Wedding! So I Went To Local Stores To Look For Something Nice But Affordable And I Found This Gem For $53 It’s So Beautiful And I’m So Happy About It!!

    So I’m Having A Courthouse Wedding And I Wasn’t Gonna Go For Anything Big But You Know What. You Only Get One Wedding! So I Went To Local Stores To Look For Something Nice But Affordable And I Found This Gem For $53 It’s So Beautiful And I’m So Happy About It!!

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    #23

    Can't Help But Share My Excitement Over My Dress. It Is A New Martina Liana (#942) In Champagne And Ivory That I Found Via Poshmark For $500 Total (3k Retail). Could Not Have Asked For More. I Am In Love With It!

    Can't Help But Share My Excitement Over My Dress. It Is A New Martina Liana (#942) In Champagne And Ivory That I Found Via Poshmark For $500 Total (3k Retail). Could Not Have Asked For More. I Am In Love With It!

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    #24

    $90 Dress, $7 Veil, And Dollar Store Bouquet. I Don't Want To Take Them Off!

    $90 Dress, $7 Veil, And Dollar Store Bouquet. I Don't Want To Take Them Off!

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    lara
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The lace is gorgeous. May you be as happy in forty years as you are now. Bless you.

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    #25

    Got Married Yesterday. Waiting For The Professional Pics To Come In But In The Meantime Here Is My $92 Dress From Amazon And My Homemade Bouquet At Our Free Venue In Austin Texas

    Got Married Yesterday. Waiting For The Professional Pics To Come In But In The Meantime Here Is My $92 Dress From Amazon And My Homemade Bouquet At Our Free Venue In Austin Texas

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    spirit wolf
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People!!! She looks fab and she loved her dress and that's all that matters!!

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    #26

    Yayayayayay! (My Dress Just Came In And I Got It $100 Off On Poshmark!)

    Yayayayayay! (My Dress Just Came In And I Got It $100 Off On Poshmark!)

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    #27

    I Think I Found The One For Only $500! It Fit Me Like A Glove, I Just Have To Show It To My Mom And Sister In Person For The Final Approval. Perfect For My Beach Wedding!

    I Think I Found The One For Only $500! It Fit Me Like A Glove, I Just Have To Show It To My Mom And Sister In Person For The Final Approval. Perfect For My Beach Wedding!

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    Melissa Sawicki
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful Dress but it is your wedding. Why are you needing your mother and sisters approval??? Who cares what anyone else has to say about your Dress?? It is your day, no one else's. You look great girl!! Rock that dress and congratulations

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    #28

    Found My Dream Dress For Only $285! Need Some Ideas For Jewelry And Shoes.

    Found My Dream Dress For Only $285! Need Some Ideas For Jewelry And Shoes.

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    #29

    $100 Asos Dress, $20 Alterations, $40 Veil From Another Reddit User. First Full Try On!

    $100 Asos Dress, $20 Alterations, $40 Veil From Another Reddit User. First Full Try On!

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    #31

    Found The Dress Of My Dreams! $150 At Brides For A Cause, When I’m Done With It I’ll Donate It Back To The Boutique For Another Lucky Bride To Fall In Love With.

    Found The Dress Of My Dreams! $150 At Brides For A Cause, When I’m Done With It I’ll Donate It Back To The Boutique For Another Lucky Bride To Fall In Love With.

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    Tabitha L
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an amazing charity and service - reasonably priced dress and funds raised go to charity Win-win. https://www.bridesforacause.com/

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    #32

    Final Dress Update- Found The One On Poshmark For $260! I Live In A Super Rural Area, Aside From 1 Trip To David's Bridal The Search Was Done Entirely Online. So Happy To Finally Have A Dress!(Sorry For The Mirror Pic- No One But My Fiance Here To Take A Photo Of Me In It).

    Final Dress Update- Found The One On Poshmark For $260! I Live In A Super Rural Area, Aside From 1 Trip To David's Bridal The Search Was Done Entirely Online. So Happy To Finally Have A Dress!(Sorry For The Mirror Pic- No One But My Fiance Here To Take A Photo Of Me In It).

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    #33

    My Wife's Dress Was $250 At David's Bridal, She Then Sewed On The Tulle Which She Got From Wish For 10 Dollars.

    My Wife's Dress Was $250 At David's Bridal, She Then Sewed On The Tulle Which She Got From Wish For 10 Dollars.

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    #34

    Prom Dress On Clearance For Wedding Dress - $26 Included Tax!

    Prom Dress On Clearance For Wedding Dress - $26 Included Tax!

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    #35

    I Said Yes To The Dress... And To 87% Off! Bought In A Sample Sale - So Happy!

    I Said Yes To The Dress... And To 87% Off! Bought In A Sample Sale - So Happy!

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    #36

    I Chose My Wedding Dress Today! Paid Under 500 Dollars With Custom Sizing And In Champagne And Ivory!!

    I Chose My Wedding Dress Today! Paid Under 500 Dollars With Custom Sizing And In Champagne And Ivory!!

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    #37

    Updated My Mom's Wedding Dress From The 80's For $300! I Wasn't Sure If I Would Like It Based On How It Looked On Me Before The Adjustments But It Really Worked Out And Was Super Special! Most Of The Time It Is Way Cheaper To Remake A Dress Than It Is To Buy A New One!

    Updated My Mom's Wedding Dress From The 80's For $300! I Wasn't Sure If I Would Like It Based On How It Looked On Me Before The Adjustments But It Really Worked Out And Was Super Special! Most Of The Time It Is Way Cheaper To Remake A Dress Than It Is To Buy A New One!

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    #38

    Returned My $80 Lulus Dress For A $48 Amazon One And It Feels So Right!

    Returned My $80 Lulus Dress For A $48 Amazon One And It Feels So Right!

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    #39

    My Dress Arrived This Morning And I Love It. $549.00

    My Dress Arrived This Morning And I Love It. $549.00

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    #40

    Our Wedding Was Yesterday! Dress:$250 Veil:$40 Felt Bouquet I Made: $10 Sunglasses:$10

    Our Wedding Was Yesterday! Dress:$250 Veil:$40 Felt Bouquet I Made: $10 Sunglasses:$10

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    #41

    Just Got My Dress For $250! If You’re In Oregon Or Washington, Definitely Check Out Brides For A Cause!

    Just Got My Dress For $250! If You’re In Oregon Or Washington, Definitely Check Out Brides For A Cause!

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    #42

    This Is From Lulus! “In Dreams White Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress”. It Was $82!!!!

    This Is From Lulus! “In Dreams White Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress”. It Was $82!!!!

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    #43

    Bought My Dress For $400 Down From $1300!

    Bought My Dress For $400 Down From $1300!

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    #44

    Found My Dress On Sale For Only 200 Yesterday!!

    Found My Dress On Sale For Only 200 Yesterday!!

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    #45

    Just Got My Wedding Dress At An Op-Shop For $20

    Just Got My Wedding Dress At An Op-Shop For $20

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    #47

    Found My Dream Dress At The White Room For $300 During A Sample Sale!

    Found My Dream Dress At The White Room For $300 During A Sample Sale!

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    lara
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are gorgeous, the lace is so delicate and I wish you many, many years of joy and I hope that you and your "significant other" will celebrate many, many years together. I wish you health, strength and joy. Bless you and be well.

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    #48

    The First And Only Dress I Tried On $250

    The First And Only Dress I Tried On $250

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    #49

    Bought A Bridesmaids Dress In Ivory And Covered It With A Cape, Total Under $400

    Bought A Bridesmaids Dress In Ivory And Covered It With A Cape, Total Under $400

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    #50

    Poshmark Bhldn Dress Under $250 😍 Moving Forward With A 9/5 Wedding That’ll Either Happen Or We’ll Elope In Our Backyard. Covid-19 Be Damned!

    Poshmark Bhldn Dress Under $250 😍 Moving Forward With A 9/5 Wedding That’ll Either Happen Or We’ll Elope In Our Backyard. Covid-19 Be Damned!

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    Ames Demo
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my favorite out of them all! Beautiful, elegant, stunning!

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    #51

    I Can't Believe You Can Get A Dress Like This On Asos! Price: £395.00

    I Can't Believe You Can Get A Dress Like This On Asos! Price: £395.00

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    #52

    Update: Finished Alterations On $95 Lastminutebride Wedding Dress

    Update: Finished Alterations On $95 Lastminutebride Wedding Dress

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    #53

    Got My Wedding Dress At A Pop Up Shop For Discounted Dresses! A Steal At $319 (Originally $1400)

    Got My Wedding Dress At A Pop Up Shop For Discounted Dresses! A Steal At $319 (Originally $1400)

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    #54

    My $799 Dress - $1,300 Below Retail

    My $799 Dress - $1,300 Below Retail

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    #55

    Had The First Fitting For My $600 Wedding Dress This Weekend! Fits Almost Perfectly And I'm So Excited About My Dress. Trying To Hold Onto That Feeling When Think About My November 2020 Texas Wedding That Will Probably Have To Be Postponed 💙

    Had The First Fitting For My $600 Wedding Dress This Weekend! Fits Almost Perfectly And I'm So Excited About My Dress. Trying To Hold Onto That Feeling When Think About My November 2020 Texas Wedding That Will Probably Have To Be Postponed 💙

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    #56

    Found My Dress!! $150 On Poshmark! Fits Like A Glove No Alterations Needed!

    Found My Dress!! $150 On Poshmark! Fits Like A Glove No Alterations Needed!

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    #57

    I Found My Dress! $70 On Sale From Modcloth And I’m In Love - Just Needs A Little Steaming And Tailoring.

    I Found My Dress! $70 On Sale From Modcloth And I’m In Love - Just Needs A Little Steaming And Tailoring.

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    #58

    I Found My Wedding Dress At A Resale Shop For $500!

    I Found My Wedding Dress At A Resale Shop For $500!

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    J Farr
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You look incredibly lovely. That style is beautiful on your frame.

    #59

    I Found My Dress Today For $230! It Still Needs Minor Alterations, But I'm Just So Excited I Wanted To Share Now.

    I Found My Dress Today For $230! It Still Needs Minor Alterations, But I'm Just So Excited I Wanted To Share Now.

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    Dilly Millandry
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's lovely. The only downside to very structured dresses around the bust is that they can stay still when you turn your shoulders. Seen it happen. Hopefully that won't be the case here though.

    #60

    Found My Dress Today For $399 And I Couldn’t Be Happier!!

    Found My Dress Today For $399 And I Couldn’t Be Happier!!

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    #61

    $399 Dress Down To $99 At The Register!

    $399 Dress Down To $99 At The Register!

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    #62

    300$ Y'all! It's So Perfect, I'm Gonna Die!!

    300$ Y'all! It's So Perfect, I'm Gonna Die!!

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    #63

    Found My Wedding Dress On Clearance For $499! I’m In Love!

    Found My Wedding Dress On Clearance For $499! I’m In Love!

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    #64

    $40usd Reception Dress From Zuliliy! Thanks For The Heads Up Cheesecake_12

    $40usd Reception Dress From Zuliliy! Thanks For The Heads Up Cheesecake_12

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    #65

    I Found The One For $29, I've Never Felt So Pretty Or Feminine

    I Found The One For $29, I've Never Felt So Pretty Or Feminine

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    #66

    My $590 Wedding Dress From Etsy. In Love

    My $590 Wedding Dress From Etsy. In Love

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    Isabella
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    1. Reaaaaly pricey in comparision to others 2. Sorry but it does not flatter your body shape, and I say this as a seamstress

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    #67

    Said Yes To A Dress I Never Thought I Would Fall In Love With! Price: $250.00

    Said Yes To A Dress I Never Thought I Would Fall In Love With! Price: $250.00

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