What's in a name?

When it comes to bridal gowns, a designer name can mean the world or nothing at all depending on the bride wearing the gown! Of course, everyone knows designers to the stars like Monique Lhuillier and Vera Wang and you will shell out a pretty penny to wear one of their custom frocks.
Others like Kleinfeld’s own Pnina Tornai of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” series could put you back the cost of a nice car! Elaborate hand-sewn beaded and lace gowns can go for five figures in the luxury salon in NYC.

But, whether you wear an off-the-rack sample by a no-name manufacturer or a one-of-a-kind ensemble from a fancy designer, chances are your guests won’t know the difference. Yes, the quality of the fabrics and attention to detail and construction will undoubtedly be better from a high-end designer, but you can certainly find a beautiful and well-made gown at a reasonable price point. And unless you tell each guest (which is kind of tacky) they won’t have a clue what the label on the inside of your gown says. So look for quality and don’t worry about the name. If you feel
beautiful in the gown, it doesn’t matter whose name is sewn inside. However, if you've got your heart set on that designer gown and you don't have to put a second mortgage on your house to afford it, then go for it!