I'm not worried about the expense as the fabric was less than $40 at Joann's (as long as you count actual yardage used and don't factor in I bought enough for 3 dresses since I was paranoid about running out). The rhinestones will cost as much as the dress, but I think I'm going to buy the sew on appliques in addition to the loose ones. Then after she wears the dress I can remove the appliques and use them another time.
Got a great deal on the shoes -- I walked past Macy's shoe sale racks on Thursday and found a $90 paid of silver shoes with rhinestones that ended up being $16 with the extra discount for using the Macy's card!

I may end up using the same pattern for the second dress as she really loves short little strapless dresses. And there are so many variations possible. Although if I'm feeling ambitious and have the time, I may talk her into trying something else just to keep me on my toes! But I told her I have the final say since I'm making it! She said OK because even though she doubted my taste level (I'm a mom so therefore I have no taste) she loves the dress I'm currently making. She says it's her "dream dress". Hopefully she's still saying that when she sees the finished product...