I’m a bride, and I know how important it is to find the “perfect” wedding dress. But I also understand what it’s like to shop for a dress on a strict budget. I found an amazing wedding gown that was originally $5000. Could I afford a $5000 wedding dress? Not unless I wanted to starve my guests. I ended up purchasing the dress for less than $2000. You’re probably wondering how I did it. I bought my wedding dress at
The Bridal Garden which is a non-profit bridal shop in New York that sells wedding gowns that have been donated by designers, other bridal shops, and brides. They sell new and used wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost and donate all the profits to charity. I got the dress of my dreams and helped out a great cause at the same time.
You can find a wedding dress in your budget if you have the time (I would suggest shopping a year in advance if you’re looking for a deal), determination, and patience. Here are 10 ways to save money on your wedding dress.
1. Get your dress from
The Bridal Garden in New York. If you live near NY or taking a trip to the big city anytime soon, I suggest you visit this bridal shop. Make sure you set up an appointment before your trip, because this bridal shop is by appointment only. I WOULD NOT make a special trip just to go to this bridal shop, because some days are much better than others. One day a bride might find three dresses she loves and the next not be able to find one. The merchandise changes daily and they usually only have each dress in one size.
2. Purchase your wedding dress online. There are many websites that you can find gorgeous dresses for less than 50% of what they would sell in a bridal shop. Be careful when you shop online. Read reviews and try on similar dresses to the one you want to buy to make sure it looks good on your body type.
3. Look for wedding dresses on
eBay. Some days there are great finds for wedding dresses, veils, and shoes on this website.
4. Buy your dress used from
Once Wed or
preownedweddingdresses.com. Many brides have begun to sell their wedding gowns after they wear them on their wedding day. If you go this route, make sure you see detailed pictures of the front and back of the actual dress (not pictures from the runway or designer’s website) and ask the bride if she had the dress altered.
5. Get your wedding dress custom made. If you can find a trusted seamstress that has multiple recommendations, make an appointment to show her pictures of your dream dress. See if she can replicate it or make something similar for less.
6. Wear your mom’s, aunt’s, or friend’s wedding dress. It doesn’t hurt to ask your female relatives about their wedding dresses. Sometimes a bride may like the basic design of her mother’s wedding dress but want to add some lace or beading.
7. Buy a sample gown. One of the world’s leading bridal shops,
Kleinfeld Bridal, has sample sales on a regular basis. This is a good reason to visit New York. Also, go to your local bridal shops and ask if they have sample sales. Ask them to add you to their mailing list, so you’ll know when they big day happens to be.
8. Purchase a wedding dress from
Dillard’s or
Nordstrom. Did you even know they sell wedding dresses? Most of them are less than $400 and some are closer to $150. You can’t beat that price. Look online at the selections they offer.
9. Don’t buy a wedding gown. There are plenty of beautiful white dresses that aren’t labeled as wedding dresses which means they won’t be as expensive. Shop at non-bridal shops that sell formal dresses.
10. Arrange to sell your gown after the wedding. If you can afford to pay the bill upfront if you promise to sell the dress after the wedding, this might be the option for you. If you have to buy the $5000 wedding dress, you might be able to sell it for $3500 or $3000 after the wedding on eBay, preownedweddingdresses.com, Craig’s List, or Once Wed. That means you really only spent $2000 in the long run.
Article found at http://stylisheventsblog.com/2009/07/21/10-ways-to-save-money-on-your-wedding-dress/
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