Spend The Savings On Your Honeymoon

Thu., March 30, 1995

Candy Barrie Sisters Syndicate

If there’s one outfit most women just won’t compromise on, it’s their wedding dress. But four-digit price tags leave many women wondering how they can fit that perfect dress into their wedding budget.

If you or someone close to you is an experienced sewer, consider making your wedding dress. Or find a professional seamstress. Either way, you can get your perfect dress for less.

Shop around first and try on gowns to determine what styles you like and what flatters you. Note the neckline, waist, bodice, sleeves, skirt, hem and train.

Even among home-sewn dresses, you can spend a lot on a designer pattern and expensive fabric, or economize as on our Dress For Less model.

For a 20-page color brochure from the American Home Sewing and Craft Council, with tips and techniques to help you make your own wedding dress, send $4 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to 177 Sound Beach Ave., Office 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870.

Designer version

Vogue Patterns No. 1324, Belville Sassoon bridal gown ($22.50)

For lace, silk satin, tulle and notions, including pearl buttons ($590.50)

Silver, rhinestone and faux pearl earrings by Carolee ($68)

Ivory pleated georgette pumps by Petra Firenze ($160)

Total: $841

Dress For Less version

Butterick Patterns No. 3183 ($11.95)

For satin, lace and notions, including faux pearl strands ($248.50)

Faux pearl and rhinestone earrings by Erwin Pearl on Bead Street at major department stores ($21)

White satin dyeable pumps by Kenneth Cole New York available at major department stores ($82)

Total: $363.45

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