Thanks Jackielantern for the tips. As for the bleeding of the color I have to tell you that I dyed mine in the tub. lots of dye and swished it around with a little detergent. After I achieved the color I wanted I kept rinsing it out until no more of the color was running. Until the tub was clear. Then I filled the tub one last time with the dress in it and added some detergent and swished it around some more. Again no more dye came off. Dripped dry the dress and it came out beautiful. So I think if you guys follow my steps after dying it, rinsing until no more color runs and a quick wash with detergent. I think the garment shouldn't run. I hope anyway. Good luck.
Oh yes the lace parts of the dress are a much darker grey as jackielantern suggested, so If you can find a dress with lots of lace you should a better chance of getting the color darker. I knew the dress wouldn;t be black I was going for a gun metal grey. That's what I got. Also I think its one box of dye to every 3 yards of fabric. The more acurate you are with the directions the better your garment will come out.
Also don;t forget to check those thrift stores for old black ball gowns and dresses they can always be turned into a great mourners dress. good luck and let me know how you guys made out.

One more thing, keep in mind that my dress is mostly lace and tool, so it took the dye pretty well. The only satin type material is underneath and that came out like a cement color. Try to find a dress that is mostly lace and cotton. Again good luck