It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. The venue, the flowers, the food, the music; all of these things can really add up. If you’re working on a budget, you really have to be wise when it comes to spending your money. The dress is one of the most important aspects of your wedding, but just because you’re on a budget, that doesn’t mean that you have to settle on a hand-me-down, or totally unstylish wedding gown.
If you are on a budget, here are some fabulous tips to help you find the perfect wedding dress without breaking the bank.
Shop Sample Sales
Bridal salons often host sample sales, and these are perfect events for brides who are looking to spend a minimal amount on a gown.
Sample sales are literally just that: A sale of sample wedding gowns. Bridal salons offer big discounts on these samples so that they can clear out their collection and make way for new gowns. Do keep in mind that these dresses are sold as-is, which means you may find a gown that has a snag, or one that is missing some beading. If you can deal with a few minor imperfections and have them corrected, you can score a pretty amazing dress for a really affordable price.
Think Bridesmaid
If you’re on a budget, skip the bridal gowns and shop the bridesmaid dresses instead.
Bridesmaid dresses are significantly less expensive than bridal gowns, which make them an ideal choice for a budget-savvy bride. Bridesmaid styles can be just as flashy, formal and breathtaking as bridal gowns, and they can be made in white or ivory; however, if you really want to make a statement, consider choosing a bridesmaid dress in a striking color.
Shop Department Stores
Off-the-rack retailers can be a great place for brides to find budget-friendly gowns. Stores like J. Crew and Ann Taylor often sell high-style, fashion-forward gowns that are perfect for wedding dresses, but they don’t have the high price tag. Also a good thing to note is the fact that many department stores do sell bridal gowns; Nordstrom, for example, offers an excellent collection of bridal gowns that fit in all types of budgets.
Consider Secondhand
The idea of shopping for a wedding dress at a consignment shop may be off-putting at first, however, you may be surprised to find that you can actually score a great gown at really awesome price. Some brides sell bridal gowns that they have never worn at consignment shops! This often happens when they find another dress after they have purchased one, but can’t return the initial gown to the store. You may also find a really great vintage dress that is truly one-of-a-kind at a consignment shop!
Go for a Color
You can save a pretty penny by foregoing white and choosing a wedding gown in a color. Wedding gowns come in a wide range of colors, and the colored options are usually less expensive than the white or ivory versions. If you’re a bride who wants to save money and you really want to turn heads, nixing white and choosing a colored gown will really allow you to make a show stopping statement.
Go Less Formal
The more formal and elaborate the wedding gown, the more expensive it will be. Materials and embellishments make the price tag go up. To keep costs down, opt for a simpler design in a less expensive fabric. A satin sheath dress with a simple belt would look simply stunning as wedding attire, and the price will be really nice, too!
Leave a Reply