cleaning and altering a used wedding gown

well, i finally got around to calling the dry cleaners about my $80 beaded gown today. found out that they need to see it to give a proper estimate based on the detailing of the beads, but that without seeing it, the estimate would be $239. that's just to clean it! that doesn't include alterations or anything! and depending on the beading, it could go up even higher. needless to say, this is not my dress. for that much money, i could go get a dress off ebay instead. custom made from china. and i think i just might. post coming soon with option. i'll need some help choosing!