So its Spring and love is in the air, but that's not all as some lovers are planning a wedding. What kind of wedding they will have probably depends on many factors but one in particular may be on their mind. The cost! In these tough economic times it is perhaps the major consideration and many brides may feel guilty for imposing their desires and dreams of a perfect wedding on those who will pay for it. So where do they turn with their shopping list and plans?

There are some great bargains to be had on the Internet and, at first glance, one can get just about any designer dress from places, such as China for a fraction of what it might cost in say the USA. There is also eBay where bridal clothes are auctioned off at what might be considered to be a great price. That is until they arrive, or don't arrive as is sometimes the case.

Recently a friend bought a bridal gown for her daughter from China. All appeared great including the price. A few days before the wedding the gown arrived. The daughter tried it on and burst into tears. The dress was a mile too big in some places and too narrow in others. Sequins were stuck on instead of being sewn, the zipper was crooked, the seams buckled and the waist went downhill to the left. There were many other things wrong with it and without any spare material the dressmaker they took it too for urgent alterations was facing an uphill battle to get the dress ready in time.

 
The only place the latter could take some material from in order to let out seams where it was tight was from the hem. But try as she might she could not make this disaster into anything near a perfect wedding gown. The daughter was married but the day was not an enjoyable one for her and the final cost of the dress when everything was paid for was, in fact, above that of the local retailer for a similar garment.

Another friend bought what she thought was a great dress off eBay. The price was certainly good and the dress arrived as expected. Things were going well until it was taken from the box. It was instantly apparent that this dress had been worn several times. There were sweat stains under the armholes, food stains (although less noticeable) were splattered down the front and the hem had been dragged through dirt.

My friend tried to get her money back but the dress had not been sold as new, which she did not realize, and she had no leg to stand on. In fact she now believes she possibly bought it from a hiring out company who sell their less desirable well worn goods off through auction places where those hungry for a bargain get carried away and fail to check items out properly. There are also no laws in Asia and other parts of the world to prevent ruthless companies from making copies of designer clothes featured on the web and representing them with stolen photos. Their products are obviously inferior, poorly finished and often nothing like the photo. As purchasers buy directly from them they have no recourse and no way to recover their money.

So are there any safeguards about buying essential items, such as a wedding dress and accessories, on the Internet. Yes! There certainly are. Many Companies pride themselves in having earned the respect of their customer by selling first class real (not copied) designer garments to the public for even less than what these friends of mine paid. No one has worn them before the bride and her party and the gowns are perfect fits, according to the measurements submitted.

Dresses bought through a regular store are tried on by numerous people before they are sold. So they are not 'new' in the sense of never having been worn. Some of the dresses are damaged by over sized people trying to jam themselves into them or by lip stick smears, sweat marks and so on. But when purchased from a reputable company online, again for far less money, they are perfect, never having been tried on or even touched by another person outside of the manufacturer. They are also true to photographs and perfectly made.

So it is possible for a bride and groom to have their day and fulfill their dreams without feeling guilty. The search for their garments should only take place on the Internet through Companies that have built up a great reputation and been in business long enough to have good credibility. Many sell their products through online marketers who won't deal with shady businesses as their own reputation is also at stake. The end result is joy and a happy day for far less cost and a lot more peace of mind.