Wedding Tips - Saving on Your Wedding Gown

Tip: Alternatives To Bridal Shops

When shopping for a wedding dress, you might not immediately think of a consignment shop. However, these shops can be a great place to begin your search as long as you don't mind that the dress was previously worn. Look for specific wedding dress consignment shops or regular consignment shops that carry high-end garments. This can also be a great way to find the vintage gown of your dreams!

If a consignment shop is not for you, check outlets or warehouses. Designer dresses can sometimes be found for as little as $200. Grab as many gowns as you can so you have many choices in the dressing room. At outlets and warehouses, the best dresses go fast.

Tip: Designer Dresses at 75 Percent Off Retail

Most women have heard about the Running of the Brides in Boston. Twice a year, Filene's Basement holds a sale with deep discounts on wedding dresses. Women can score designer dresses for much lower than the retail price. Dresses are often marked down 75 percent or more.

If you're up for the challenge of saving on your wedding gown, find out when the next outlet or warehouse sale for bridal gowns will be held in your area. Typically, it's a one-day sale and widely publicized. Be prepared for some competition if you decide to go for it. Many brides will arrive the night before or early on the sale day to be first in line. When the doors open, the key is to get in the door and grab as many gowns as possible – don’t worry about dress size since it can be altered later. Don't expect to take your dresses to a fitting room, either. Many women just try them on in the middle of the store.

Tip: Finding A Wedding Dress On Sale or Clearance

Saving on a wedding gown can be as simple as finding a wedding dress on sale. Typically, wedding dresses go on sale after June. Not every bride has the flexibility of shopping for their dress at that time of year, but there are still ways to find discount wedding dresses.

The easiest method is to go online and search bridal store sites. Typically, they have a separate section of sale/clearance dresses. Take a look at what's available and make notes of any styles, designs or details you like. Sometimes these sales will only last for a limited time, but don't feel pressured to purchase a dress because there is a deadline. Bridal shops will have different sales and if you don't find the dress you love right away, don't rush it.

Tip: Keep Your Dress Simple

Most woman have visualized their perfect wedding gown at some point in their lives, but do you dream of the very last detail down to the stitching and embroidery? Probably not.

One way to keep costs down is by keeping your wedding dress fabrics and adornments simple. For instance, go for a less expensive fabric such as polysatin, instead of silk. When it comes to adornments and other details of your dress, keep it to a minimum. You want your dress to be unique and beautiful, but sometimes less is best. Find a dress with a great fit for your body and you'll need less beading, stitching and embroidery. None of your guests will wonder about the exact count of beads on your dress. If you can be more creative with your shoes, jewelry or veil, you could save plenty of money.

Tip: Shopping For Your Dress Online

Buying your wedding dress online can save you money and many bridal salons have websites where you can purchase your gown at a discounted rate. Some stores will let you make exchanges, but this could cost you more money because of a restocking fee.

It's a good idea to get references from brides who have used websites to purchase their wedding gown. This will give you a sense of the reputable sites and which companies have better online deals. If they were happy customers, consider using the same site to make your purchase.

Tip: Shopping The Large Bridal Dress Stores

There are plenty of large bridal stores with a vast selection of dresses. If you're interested in saving money on your gown, stop in at one of these stores. The trick with these stores is to buy the dress when you have it in your hand because it might not be there if you return later.

Because these stores have so many choices, it's important to go when you have a dress style in mind. Browse wedding magazines and have a plan when you go in to shop. Oftentimes, you will find a great dress at a large shop, but will need to make alterations with a seamstress. Make arrangements with the seamstress to secure a price for alterations. The last thing you want is to get a great deal on a dress only to pay exhorbitant alteration fees later.

Tip: Small Tricks Can Save You Big Money On A Wedding Dress

You may think that it's the big ticket items at your wedding that you can save money on, but there are smaller tricks you can use to save on your wedding dress.

One way to save money on your wedding gown is by having the gown ordered in your exact measurements. When you go for gown fittings, wear the exact undergarments you will wear on your wedding day. If the dress is made with the right measurements, you'll have to pay for less alterations.

Most brides want a unique dress that is also stylish. One way to get that trendy wedding dress is by shopping in places other than bridal boutiques. For instance, J. Crew recently introduced a bridal gown line. With a lovely selection of gowns, you can score a fantastic deal beginning at $260.

Wedding gowns are typically more expensive than other formal dresses (such as prom gowns), so take a look at white gowns made for other formal occasions. You could fall in love with a dress that is much cheaper and no one will know the difference!

Tip: Wearing An Heirloom Wedding Dress

Many brides have special bonds with other women in their family, such as their mother, grandmother, sister, cousin or an aunt. A wedding is the perfect time to strengthen that bond by wearing a wedding dress that has been in the family for years. Perhaps you've always loved your grandmother's wedding dress from 50 years ago. Not only will the dress be unique, but it will have a special meaning to both you and your family.

If you decide to wear an heirloom wedding gown, but it needs alterations, take these precautions:

Choose your seamstress carefully. Get references from friends or family. Make sure the seamstress has a good reputation and has worked with wedding dresses before.
Ask the seamstress questions. Agree on a price, time frame and any other important factors related to the dress ahead of time and get it in writing.
Get pictures, drawings or sewing patterns from the seamstress so you both agree on the end result.
Stress that the dress is an heirloom and special care should be taken when working on it.

Tip: Wedding Dress Sample Sales

If you decide to shop for a wedding dress at a sample sale, you could save big money, but there can be some drawbacks.

Typically, May and December are two good months to search out a sample dress sale. Bridal shops are usually trying to get rid of dresses that have been tried on by other brides. They also like to move old inventory out so they sell their existing stock at a lesser price. Dresses are usually sold "as is," so you might need to enlist a good seamstress or drycleaner if there are any imperfections.

If you find a dress you love at a wedding salon, ask the sales clerk to contact you when the price goes down or when the end-of-season sales begin. Be patient and keep in touch with the wedding salon and you might just be able to land that perfect dress for a perfect price.

Another way to save some cash on your dress is by wearing a shorter one. This can include the cocktail, ballerina or tea-length styles. You can find high-quality, short wedding gowns at much more affordable prices since less material is needed.

Tip: Wedding Gowns For Destination Weddings

If you are planning a destination wedding, you have to think carefully about the style of your wedding gown. While you still want romantic and contemporary, the gown has to be easy to pack so it doesn't get wrinkled or torn in transit. The good news is that designers are now creating dresses that are easy to travel with. If you do arrive at your destination and find your dress is damage, ask your wedding consultant to locate a good seamstress or drycleaner.

Of course, if you really want to throw caution to the wind, get to your wedding location early and find a dress when you arrive. Perhaps you want to dress like the locals if you are getting married in Africa or the Caribbean. This strategy isn't for everyone, but it can certainly save you a little money.

Reliable-Fast Shipping, Top Quality Gifts, Great Customer Service

Testimonials from past customers

You are viewing: