Wedding Dress from Overseas

Steampunk is a big thing right now. I'm hard pressed that you can't find someone who designs steampunk dresses in america. It sounds like you didn't search very hard.

I would keep looking before I bought a dress online without the ability to try it on or have alterations done by the person who made it/a local person.

1. I think if it's etsy and the person has ALOT of good reviews I might be down, but not for the price you are paying.

2. Not a fan of the dress, looks very gypsy-esk or something someone would wear to a renaissance fair. Wedding dresses are not costumes.

3. But, If that's the look you're going for I think you could find something state side

I don't like the dress, but I think you should maybe look around for a state side seamstress. Or look at the renaissance fairs for a dress. They have a ton of steampunk stuff. And don't listen to the people who put it down. My wedding is a steampunk masquerade ball theme. Less steampunk more masquerade ball but it will still have hints of steampunk.

That theme isn't for everyone- if YOU love it, and think you would feel your best in it, that is what matters most, not what some of us think about the style.

I also don't think $1200 is outrageous for a dress price? Mine was about $1000... Again, your wedding, your budget.

Lastly- Etsy, I'd trust Etsy to make my wedding dress, being it's typically a person who has actually dedicated time to learning the craft- if they have sold a dress, and someone was horrified- they're leaving a review. If they ordered a dress and it was late, or not as expected, they're going to say something. If you've been screwed by a shop, you're likely to want to prevent it from happening to others. If the shop has good reviews, and can back up that she does a good job, I'd say go for it, and good luck

Why cant you use this photo for inspiration and go to a local seamstress to have something similar made?

Go to OffbeatBride.com and enter "steampunk" in the search window...and voilà.

I would try to find someone local who is willing to make something like that. My bet is that you can find someone to design and make a custom dress for you, in your style, that you'll feel better about from the beginning. If you're questioning it, there's a reason. Put the word out on social media groups that you're looking for someone and I bet you can find something that makes you feel better.