Custom dress or shopping experience with families?

I’m torn between wether or not to go custom for my dress or do the whole bridal boutique shopping experience with my bridesmaids, my fiancé’s mom, and my mom. The designer that Ive been working with has been really communicative and flexible when it comes to my budget. She originally quoted me $2800. I was transparent with her and said that my budget allowed for $2200. She worked with me.She’s also designing my bridesmaids dresses and my reception outfit. My dilemma here is that she lives in a different state and shipping costs + traveling for fittings has to be accounted for in my dress budget (the bridesmaids will not have to travel for fittings). My parents will be helping with the dress but I’m not sure how much because they are also helping out where they can with the wedding. Another issue Is I didn’t think the fitting experience was important to me, but now I’m thinking that I’ll regret missing out on it.I’m for sure having the designer do the bridesmaids, and my reception look which will be much more affordable. I’m just torn about the dress. Help! via /r/weddingplanning https://ift.tt/3DwBFsk