Any bride will tell you, every dream gown comes with a price tag. I have come up with a few suggestions to decrease the price tag without compromising your idea of the perfect dress.
Shop sample racks, trunk shows
Every bridal boutique holds sample sales a few times a year, and if you’re a size eight to 10, you’re in LUCK. Most sample dresses come in sizes close to a 10. Even if you’re close to this size, you can buy a sample dress at a discount, pay for alterations, and still save money on your gown. You also can find discounted accessories such as veils and shoes at sample sales.
Another alternative to shopping for full-price gowns at a bridal store are Trunk shows. At trunk shows, dresses might not be sold at a very high discounted price, but designers are willing to make it a package deal by including other items (i.e. embellishments, bows, or straps) with the dress.
David’s Bridal also offers outlet sale prices on many of their dresses. You can shop the online store to find discounted gowns, and they will usually match that price in store.
Consider department stores
You would be surprised at the number of department stores that carry white and ivory dresses intended for formal events. Not only that, some department stores even have a bridal section (i.e. Macy’s, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth). These dresses typically have the same look and feel as most weddings gowns, but sell for about half the price. Your bridal party also can save money shopping at department stores for bridesmaid dresses.
Buy used
I know some brides do not like the idea of purchasing a used wedding dress because they want it to be there own, but you do not realize how many brides are giving away (yes, giving it away because cost is nearly cut in half) after their nuptials. Buying a used dress is a great option if you’re looking for that designer gown but are shopping with a strict budget. There are numerous online sites that act as trading grounds for brides who want to sell their dresses for reuse. Many of these sites offer ways to contact sellers directly, so you also can negotiate price.
Check out: PreownedWeddingDresses.com
Before you buy a dress online, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Find the retail price of the dress you are about to buy so you know if you’re getting a good price.
Be sure to ask the right questions about the dress before you make your final purchase. Obtain pictures, especially of the areas where the dress touches the ground, or other parts that could possibly have damage like the zipper area. Also request the measurements of the dress, not just the size, so you know for sure if it will fit you. Be sure to order the dress well in advance so you have time to get alterations if you need them.
What not to do
Now that you have been given the strategies for finding the best wedding gown on a budget, below are some other things to take into consideration in search for the perfect dress.
- Avoid extensive alterations. Making changes to a gown, even something as simple as altering a sleeve, can cost hundreds of extra dollars.
- Keep it simple. Don’t choose a dress with over-the-top embellishments. Ruling out dresses with lace or beading on the hemline, waistline, sleeves, or train will keep you within budget.
- Stay on budget. Do not try on a dress you know is well over your budget. You are setting yourself up for disaster. No need to fall in love with a dress that you know you cannot afford to purchase.
Regardless of what style or type of dress you are looking for it is more than likely you will find it on a discount. If you’re set on not purchasing a used dress, keep an open mind and hit up sample and trunk sales to find the perfect dress within your budget. By keeping the things in mind I mentioned above, you should be able to find your dream dress while still saving money.
WeddinGuru 