So many times I am asked why wedding gowns are so expensive when you can buy online for so cheap overseas. There are many varying factors to consider which will affect the price structure of a gown; whether it be a Pnina Tornai, an Element of Style Gown or an Ebay dress. These are just a few to keep in mind when comparing apples with oranges (as all 3 are certainly NOT the same!): 1. Firstly the type of fabric will be considered when pricing a gown. A Silk gown is going to be considerably more expensive then a quality Delustered Bridal Satin (also referred to as Duchess Satin), whereas a Delustered Bridal Satin is going to be considerably more expensive then a lighter weight cheap Sateen. 2. Secondly the construction method of a gown and the materials needed will be the next consideration when pricing a gown. A Bridal gown with 10 plus bones, built in bra, double layered interlining, with outer-lining in both the skirt and bodice is going to be considerably more expensive in materials than a gown which has a lesser construction quality of only a few bones of 6 or less with single interlining (or if any in a lot of ebay dresses) and outer-lining to the bodice only. This type of construction will be considerably cheaper in materials and time to make so will alter the price expectation considerably. 3. Thirdly when pricing a gown the detail will need to be assessed. A gown with full lace overlay that is hand beaded with quality matsuno beads, glass bugle beads and swarovski crystals or an intricate hand beaded gown with intricate pattern work is going to be significantly more expensive than a gown with a few scattered sequins or machine embroidered and stitched plastic beading. 4. The fourth consideration when pricing a gown is the time it will take to fulfil your order. A gown which is being constructed from scratch will require first a pattern when being created by quality suppliers. It will take several weeks alone making a mock gown out of calico to best achieve the perfect design. A gown with several layers of materials is going to take a considerable length of time to piece together compared to a lesser quality gown which will take less time as their are less steps required for the actual make. Once you factor in the previous consideration of detail this will often take multiple hours alone (typically a lace gown with hand beaded lace appliqués with intricate train will take on average 60 hours of work for this step alone in JUST the beading thats not the time it takes to apply the appliques). Then the finishing cleaning etc is also factored into your order time frame and cost. When comparing a company who may take 4-6 mths to complete an order (as we do) to a company who may take 4-6 weeks (as you may see online with overseas sellers) it is obvious the difference in time spent on each consideration and therefore you must question all of the above when comparing the quality. When you average approximately 100 hours of work in designing and constructing the pattern; approximately 200 hours of work in the construction; a further 50-100 hours on the detail and a further 20 hours of finishing. From this you will see to make a high quality intricate couture gown without rushing the finishing you will easily spend around 400 hours. If you x this by the minimum wage of $16.75 the time alone should cost the customer $6,700 add on top the cost of materials and you will see the number run up into the 10s of thousands. Small-business Australian Designers are constantly asked to price match gowns which simply arent comparable, who are often working for free and charging for materials only with a small nominal amount on top for their efforts and to help cover overheads. This sees them working WELL below minimum wage. Add on top the expense of samples for try ons and it becomes an occupation of love rather than profession. This is an epidemic that is sweeping through the bridal industry of late with the word CHEAP being the first word out of the mouths of curious brides. Element of Style, Bridal & Formal Wear are not immune to this issue either and simply cannot compete with the pricing some brides expect to be able to receive a high quality gown for and will never price match such gowns which are are simply not comparable to our construction or materials when it comes to our Bridal Gowns (just like you would never expect Pnina to price match an Element of Style Gown!). We have always tried to keep our quality high and costs down as much and where possible for brides and will continue to do so; but we will not compromise on working with a quality company who appreciates and pays their loyal staff of dressmakers accordingly just so we can offer a substandard cheaper option. We refuse to support the manufacturing of gowns where they use cheap labour, poor working conditions, materials and construction and rush their orders through in a few weeks. These types of companies are taking advantage of their own dressmakers who are in turn taking advantage of Australian Designers by setting such an unrealistic benchmark. They are also taking advantage of the unsuspecting customers who do not realise the time and effort required to achieve a gown you would be proud to wear on such an important day, with many often being left with a disaster on their hands. So when thinking about the pricing of a wedding dress compare apples with apples and not apples with oranges. Look at the fabric, construction, detail and time frame to decide whether you are getting quality for your money not just the price tag. Hopefully our Brides will now appreciate the true value we offer with our gowns and have a little more insight into our industry
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 07:16:53 +0000
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