[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

If I ever end up picking out a wedding dress I'm going to lay down the law: Bring me a dress over budget and I shop somewhere else. On the show it seems like one of two things happens when they do this: either the bride buys a dress she cannot actually afford (which I will not do, hands down, end of story) or she leaves obsessing over the dress that can't be topped.

That's pretty much how it happens. My friend is a planner, but before that, she worked in a rather pricey bridal boutique in the area for many years.

She would always tell me stories of brides crying/arguing on the phone with dad/mom/whoever BEGGING for them to increase their budget to buy a dress that is 2 or 3x their price point. Or calling other vendors while in the store to make changes (ex: going from the 3 tiered cake to 2 or downgrading their photography package) in order to have more $ for the dream dress. Crazy.

I've always felt like YOU are the one in control (like you said). Even if someone brings you something out of your price range, it doesn't mean you have to try it on. It's kind of the same thing with cars. If you know the Lamborghini is out of your range, why test drive it and fall in love? Or house shopping. If you have only budgeted for $x, why let your realtor show you something that is $y?

You don't have to be all "OMGGG NO WAY I can't afford it" but a simple "No thanks." is enough to communicate that you want to stay in your price point.