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We've heard many stories from brides that buy fake wedding dresses (knockoffs or replicas), often in an attempt to save money. However, they confess that this has come back to bite them on their wedding day. We have realized many brides need to learn the difference between classic authentic gowns and other fake wedding dresses. And that is why we created this wedding gown guide to help you avoid the mistakes other brides have made.
Here is the first difference: Original wedding dresses are designed and produced by the original designer, using High-Quality Materials and Skilled Craftsmanship. On the other hand, duplicate wedding dresses are made to look like the original dress. Still, they are often produced using cheaper materials, with lower-quality construction, and sold at a lower price point.
This tempts many brides to go for them since the prices are lower than those of original gowns. But it's important to know why some gowns are more expensive than others before you rush to buy a cheaper gown. So, let's start by understanding the costs of manufacturing an authentic gown.
Why are Some Wedding gowns more expensive than others?
The cost of a wedding dress is determined by a number of factors which include the following:
1. Quality of the Fabric
Different gowns have different fabrics made of different qualities. So, before buying a wedding gown, look at the quality of the fabrics. Original wedding dresses are made from high-quality materials like Silk, Charmeuse, Satin, Tulle, or Chiffon and that dictates their higher prices. But of course worth it! If the fabric feels cheap or flimsy, the dress is likely not original or made from cheaper materials.
2. The Type of Embellishments
There are a variety of embellishments that can make a wedding gown more expensive than others. Below are some of those high-end embellishments that may affect the price of your dream wedding gown:
Hand-Embroidery: This is a time-consuming and intricate process involving hand-stitching designs onto the fabric. This can be done with silk threads, crystals, and beads and can take hundreds of hours to complete. As a result, wedding gowns with this kind of embellishments will be expensive.
Lace: Fine, delicate, and high-quality lace is often imported from countries like France or Italy and is made with intricate patterns and designs, which can add to the cost.
Crystals: These are a popular embellishment which add sparkle and shine to the gown. Swarovski crystals are often used in high-end gowns and can be quite expensive.
Pearls: These are timeless and elegant embellishment that add a classic touch to a wedding gown. High-quality pearls, such as the South Sea, can be expensive and add to the gown's cost.
3. The Alterations necessary
In most cases, you will need extra customization on the gown to make it match your preferences. For example, shorten the length of the gown, adjust the neckline, add or remove sleeves, beading or other embellishments, and adding a bustle. Unless your gown is custom-made to perfection, there are higher chances that it will need some alteration to fit you flawlessly. The more alterations you want to make on the wedding dress, the more costs you must expect.
Five Ways to tell if a wedding dress is original or Fake
To avoid replicas, you must know what differentiates an authentic classic wedding gown from all those fake wedding dresses. So here are the five aspects you should look out for while choosing an authentic wedding dress for your big day:
1. You Must Check the label
It is always essential to look for the designer's label inside the dress. High-end designers usually have their labels sewn inside the dress, while lower-priced dresses may have a generic or no label.
On the other hand, authentic wedding dresses come with a certificate or authentication from the official designer or manufacturer. So, before you take the wedding gown, ensure all this is available to prove the dress is an original copy from the maker.
2. You Must Examine the stitching
Original wedding dresses have precise and careful stitching, with no loose threads or uneven seams. If the stitching is uneven or messy, the dress is likely, not original.
As well, you must compare the dress to the designer's website or lookbook. Of course, if it's an original dress, it should match the photos on the website or lookbook.
3. Purchase from a reputable retailer
Purchase your dress from a reputable retailer or directly from the designer. If buying online, read reviews and research the seller before purchasing. Original wedding dresses are usually only available through authorized retailers or directly from the designer.
This is where the certificate of authentication will help you. For instance, we are an authorized retailer for 25 renowned international wedding gown designers from the US and Europe. And for whichever wedding gown we give our clients, we always attach the certificate of authentication from the official designer.
4. Check the uniqueness of the Design.
Original wedding dresses feature unique designs and distinct features that set them apart from other wedding gowns. In other words, they are often trademarked or patented by the designer. However, duplicate dresses may be made to look like the original wedding dress but may have a different level of detail or craftsmanship.
For instance, the designer may incorporate special touches, such as a unique neckline or back detail, to make the gown stand out, which may be missing from its duplicates. So, be keen on the design of the dress before taking it up.
5. Check for Intricate details
A classic original wedding dress often features intricate details like embroidery, beading, or lacework. These details are usually carefully crafted and add a unique and special touch to the gown. On the other hand, fake wedding dresses may have loose threads or unfinished edges, and the construction will not match that of a classic authentic wedding dress.
Our Final Advice
Is your wedding dress fake? Beware of the dresses you choose. More so those that come at a cheaper cost. Don't rush to buy a dress if you are unsure of its authenticity. First, ask an expert to avoid all the mess around fake wedding dresses.
We have over a thousand authentic wedding dresses from 25 famous designers in USA and Europe, starting from a size 2 to a size 30. Plus, ten thousand more are available on order. So reach out to us today for a feel of classic authentic options for your wedding day.