I made my DIL dress 15 years ago. It was beautiful (if I do say so). I hand-beaded and hand-stitched all the lace to the bodice, sleeves (which were sheer with lace appliques), hem and train. I used very expensive lace but only had to buy very small amounts of it because I cut it apart and designed the motifs. It probably cost about $400 to make but was well worth it. I also made her veil and headpiece (again with beaded lace). That's the hardest most challenging thing I have ever made but I was so pleased with the way it turned out. I wish I had a pic of it on my computer I could send. Maybe I'll try to find one.