Question for the Ladies

[smilybob1]

I'm going with my favorite lady to a black tie event and I have offered to go shopping with her for a dress for the event. My question is should I set a limit on the amount I'm willing to pay for the dress or is that just poor etiquette. I have my own opinion on this but would like some input. I'm not cheap as most of my dates with this lady is usually 4 or more hours and usually overnights.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Petzel]

Not a lady but have an idea. Take her shopping and see what she chooses. If it's within your budget then great, but if it's out of your budget, just politely say "I'm sorry hon. I just can't afford that much". Then she'll get the message without you having to awkwardly spell it out before hand.

 

[TheKing]

Some questions before I can answer your question above:

Will you get future "value" out of this dress? Will you want her to wear it again (ie. in the bedroom, just for you) and/or will you be taking her to fugure events where she'll wear it?
Will you be choosing exactly what you want, or will it be a decision between you?

The reason I ask is that if she's going to wear it over and over for you, and it is something she may not 100% totally love (but you think it's awesome) you are probably better off splurging for a great dress even if it's out of your price range.

In any case, I would do what the person above mentioned. First pick the top and 2nd choice dress, then let her know you have a limit (if the price is higher than your limit)

It will put a damper on her fun shopping if she knows there is a limit. Never underestimate the power of women wanting to feel like a princess with an unlimited budget.

Just go with the flow and then tell her later if it's out of your range.

 

[smilybob1]

It something that I would hope she like and I wouldn't really expect her to wear it for me on any future dates. I would hope she picks something she like and makes her feel great.

 

[smilybob1]

Also to any ladies what is the usual price of a nice evening gown ??? I'm a guy ... I have no idea LOL

 

[Petzel]

Also to any ladies what is the usual price of a nice evening gown ??? I'm a guy ... I have no idea LOL

Figure a few hundred $$$!

 

[shack]

Not a lady but have an idea. Take her shopping and see what she chooses. If it's within your budget then great, but if it's out of your budget, just politely say "I'm sorry hon. I just can't afford that much". Then she'll get the message without you having to awkwardly spell it out before hand.

That we he gets to save the awkward moment for after she has her heart set on a particular dress.

 

[DELETDrileydaniels]

you should definitely set a limit but don't tell you have a limit evening gowns are expensive. and if she picks something out of your budget suggest another dress that you like or have the store clerk help you , you could also have let the clerk know your suprising her but dont want he to go over board on the spending. plus she might try and suck up to you for shoes, a purse and earings to match.

dresses are like $300 an up and is this something she could wear again or is this a one time wear. if your shopping so that she can wear the dress again you don't need to go expensive to kill your budget but you can get something that is well made and not killing your bank account.

 

[Jennifer_]

set a limit. I personally would not find that offensive...

A woman can find a nice dress in any price range if she's a decent shopper. Don't set yourself up to be taken advantage of (*I'm not saying she will take advantage of you - but it's better to be clear to her what you are comfortable with in order to avoid awkwardness).

Riley's right - she may want some type of accessory to match her dress.

 

[smilybob1]

Thank you everyone so far for your reply and to the ladies who have replied. The lady and I have a pretty good relationship and no I don't think she would take advantage of anything.

 

[Closer68]

My question is should I set a limit on the amount I'm willing to pay for the dress or is that just poor etiquette.

Let's be real here: There already is a limit.

If you don't communicate the limit to her in advance, then you run the risk of looking stupid once she picks out a dress that's over your budget. On the other hand, the upside is that you look great if she picks out something well within your means and you say yes.

The truth is, she is a sex worker... so, really, who gives a shit? This is a business transaction. She will understand.

 

[Jennifer_]

Thank you everyone so far for your reply and to the ladies who have replied. The lady and I have a pretty good relationship and no I don't think she would take advantage of anything.

Good

she can find a nice dress at a reasonable price - don't fret too much. If you are with her, you'll be able to provide input I still think you should keep a limit in mind. If you are going somewhere like the Eaton Centre together - you won't spend too much. Look at Marciano's website for an idea of the type of dress she may be attracted to to get an idea of prices.http://guessbymarciano.guess.ca/ (that is always my go-to but their clothing options vary depending on the season - there doesn't seem to be much in terms of formal options right now.... ) If you end up in Yorkville - I'll decline giving advise on what you may spend

All that said ~ I live in comfy clothes and don't do dinner dates - I may not be the best person to give advice on where she might find the perfect dress..... But there aren't many dress options in the Eaton Centre beyond Marciano's price range.