Gown Dilemma

I had my first appointment with Veluz Reyes last Saturday. I was excited and also a bit nervous because I really had no idea what I wanted. I was there alone (as usual), which added to my apprehension, because I really am not good at talking to absolute strangers.

I arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule (despite getting lost again), but I still had to wait because there were two other brides ahead of me. Another bride came in while I was waiting to have the members of her entourage measured. When my turn came to talk to Veluz, everything had settled down and the place was empty apart from me and her staff. Because I didn’t know what I wanted in my gown, I just started off by telling her what I didn’t want – long trains, tube styles and an ivory white gown. I tried to explain the styles that appealed to me – lacy and romantic gowns (ala Monique Lhuillier) – which were very simple and classy.

I explained my theme to Veluz, although I don’t think she quite agreed on it. She did say that the pearl portion of the theme fit me perfectly, but was a bit doubtful with the Aphrodite part of everything. As we were talking and she started sketching, I did feel that she got my personality. She really wanted to make me a Grace Kelly kind of gown (the kind with long sleeved lace), but I didn’t feel that I could pull it off. I think she had a hard time with me, because she wanted to be able to accentuate my shoulders and neck, but still follow my wish to not have it tube style.

Anyway, after finishing three sketches, she was still thinking about what kind of gown would suit me. She felt that the gowns by Melissa Sweet would be perfect for me, and that was when I mentioned that I liked the designs of Reem Acra. She laughed and showed me her second sketch, saying that was the kind of design of Reem Acra. It wasn’t exactly simple, because the lace and beading detail of the bodice seemed to be intricate (which already worried Niko, her assistant). She gave me her quote on the gowns, and I tried not to faint when she said it would cost me at least P50,000!

I loved her designs and it was really great talking to her! I was so excited to tell Danz about it, although I knew exactly what he was going to say. Of course, he laughed when I told him how much it would cost. I told him that I would just meet with other designers and compare prices and everything.

Here are the sketches she made for me (click to enlarge):


Which of these do you think is the best? (I personally love Gown B!)

I’m wondering…would the P50,000 be worth it? I mean, I’m just going to wear this gown once in my life. But then again, might as well go all out…Especially since what I wear will be immortalized in all of our photos and videos. I mean, I would really hate it if I wore a gown I didn’t like (and I’m sure my disappointment will show in the pictures).

Anyway, Danz was really nice and told me I could go and get that gown. But I still want to check out other designers and see what they have to offer.