Are you looking for expensive looking yet affordable custom bridal dresses?

The search may not be as difficult as you think.

To find an amazing custom made wedding dress, you don't have to spend hours with a seamstress and thousands of dollars.

No, there really is a better and easier way.

If you want that perfect fitting gown, and maybe even a 'one of a kind', just follow these simple yet not so well known tips to get a customized wedding dress for a very affordable price.

1. Order your dress online.

Most brides wouldn't dream of ordering bridal dresses online.

BUT, if you're on a budget, and looking to save a ton of cash, AND you want a bridal dress that looks like it cost a fortune, then my dear, it is the wisest thing to do.

And, the best thing is.....it's quite easy.

Most of the online bridal factories are located in China. Since I have spent some years in Guangzhou,China (which is known for it's bridal factories), I can give you some first hand advice on 'what to do' and 'what not to do' to make your dress buying experience the best possible.

2. Get some detailed photos.

You can do this easily from the comfort of your own home by printing online photos of the dress you want. Or have your girlfriends help you find good clear photos of bridal dresses in a bridal magazine.

If you're a 'touchy-feely' person, then by all means go and try a few on at a boutique, just to give you an idea of what kind of look and material you want.

Take photos of the dress in detail. If you find a photo from a magazine or online, try to get as many photos of that design as you can.

And if you're the creative type, you could even consider designing your own gown to give it your personal signature.

3. Find a good company that will customize your dress.

After deciding exactly what you want, now it’s time to find a company online. Most of the online companies offer dresses in standard sizes as well as the option of ordering a dress custom made.

If they do not state it clearly on their website, just ask them if they custom make bridal dresses. Many times they will agree to make the dress for you from a detailed photo that you send them.

That Maggie Sottero bridal gown you've been dying for??.........Just ask them to duplicate it -- even add a few minor adjustments of your own if you wish.

The best part is, the price is much lower!

Before choosing a company, first ask these questions:

4. Is it a reputable company?

Make sure you find out all you can about a factory before you choose them.

Read testimonials from past customers to make sure they are legit.

The last thing you want to do is send your money to a factory overseas and never hear from them again.

This is usually not a problem these days with so much business being done in China, but it’s always good to double check.

5. How is the customer service and communication?

While people from the western culture place great value on good customer service and communication skills, Chinese people tend to view these things as not all that important.

Make sure that the company you choose is responding to all your questions in a timely manner from the very beginning.

This will give you an indication of how they will handle the whole process from beginning to end.

Also, during the 30-40 day production time, you may have a few questions that you must get answered.

6. Be sure of the details.

Make sure all your questions are answered about fabric, dress size, production time and shipping time.

Don’t just assume that they are clear with all the details or special requests. Make sure of it.

It’s also a good idea to save all your email correspondence in case of any discrepancies.

7. Send your correct measurements!!

This step is SO important! So do it right!

The best way to do it right?--Have a professional seamstress do it for you. Don't do it yourself. If you can't find a seamstress, then have a friend do it for you.

Most companies will not allow returns or refunds on custom made bridal dresses. And if your measurements are not taken correctly, your dress will not fit right.

You would have the option of having it altered if it doesn't fit, but why not get it fitting like a glove the first time. Alterations can cost a lot of money and the goal here is to SAVE!

8. Will they produce a dress of excellent quality?

Some Chinese companies show photos of bridal dresses they claim they can make; however, it has been my experience that they do not always come out looking exactly like that photo--- I’ve had to learn this the hard way!

Be very careful if they claim that the dress will turn out 90% like the photo.

That 10% that is not quite right is the part that transforms that ‘dream wedding dress’ from the photo into a ‘thrift shop find’ at the swap meet. Been there-done that!! Not fun!

So, make sure the company has a good reputation and that you feel confident with them.

It's a good idea to look for testimonials of previous clients.

If testimonials are not readily available on the website, ask if you can see previous bridal dresses they have produced for other clients along with the photo it was copied from.

The more examples you can see---the better.

9. Is the price fair?

Many online companies have their prices clearly listed for each standard size gown. However, some Chinese factories will require that you ask them for a quote first.

It has been my experience that they will quote you the highest price they think you will accept first....and hope you will agree to it.

If you think the price is too high, then negotiate--—this is the Chinese way. You will more than likely get a much better price if you do.

Price bargaining is one of the things I dislike about living in China, but if you learn how to do it well, it will work to your advantage in a situation such as this.

Follow these steps and your on your way to getting a great custom made gown at a fraction of the retail price.