personally I can't justify spending $7000 on a dress that i am only going to wear once....now saying that, i would also be an older mature bride so for me i wouldn't be spending it on my dream dress anyway...however if you want that once in a lifetime dress feel, then go for it and enjoy, you can do many things with it after....recycle for brides who can't afford an expensive dress, thinking green here....or pass it on to other members of family and friends who would love to wear your dress as their something borrowed...