You can completely blow your wedding budget if you find the perfect dress for the wrong price. But there are ways to stay within your budget and still look flawless.
If you aren’t sure where to find a wedding dress for less, here are some ways to save.
1. Shop on National Bridal Sale Day
Yes, there’s a day dedicated to discounts for brides. The third Saturday in July is National Bridal Sale Day, when bridal shops across the country offer sales on dresses. Many shops extend the sale throughout the following week so more brides-to-be can partake.
2. Don’t buy a ‘wedding’ dress
Anything with the word “wedding” attached to it is more expensive. Try shopping for white dresses instead. You’ll have more options regardless of where you shop, but check out department stores and other places that sell formalwear. You also could hit up thrift stores and consignment shops near you.
3. Ask a relative
Does your mom or another family member have a wedding dress stashed away somewhere? Give it a second life by wearing it again. You might have to pay to alter and clean it, but that typically will be cheaper than buying a brand-new dress.
Companies like the Wedding Gown Preservation Company will mail you a kit to package up your dress and send it in for cleaning. Restoration might cost only a couple hundred dollars. That’s a lot less than the average cost of $1,050 for a wedding dress, according to WeddingWire.
4. Buy online
Purchasing a dress at a brick-and-mortar store might be more expensive than buying a dress online, even if you opt for a pre-owned option.
Sally Lorensen Conant, executive director of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, suggested a few of her favorites. “Look online for PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, SmartBride Boutique, and Stillwhite,” she said.
Since many brides don’t plan to use their dresses again, some sell theirs online for much less than they originally paid. You can even check out sites like Etsy.
5. Pick a color
My favorite thing about my wedding dress was the fact that it wasn’t white. I took a chance and bought a royal blue dress and loved it. I’ve also been able to wear it again over the years. The dress cost $65, and I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth.
If you’re planning a less traditional wedding, you might want to opt for a less traditional dress. Picking a different color — whether it’s a wedding dress or not — can save you hundreds of dollars.
6. Hit a bridal show
You might be surprised to hear that you can save money by going to a bridal show, but many exhibitors offer deals for attendees. Even if you find an exhibitor you like without a deal, you can ask for a show discount. Companies are looking for your business as much as you’re looking for a dress.
7. Choose alterations wisely
Clothes aren’t made for one person; they’re made for the masses. So whether you find your perfect dress online, at a thrift shop, or at a department store, alterations are almost always necessary.
For a big day like your wedding, alterations aren’t something you should skimp on. Find a seamstress near you who comes highly recommended and give them plenty of time to make changes. Try not to get a total dress overhaul, though. Instead, make changes to help your dress suit you and fit your body.
If you know you’ll need some cash to put toward alterations, try earning extra money with a side hustle before your wedding or consider taking out a small personal loan to help you cover other costs.
Wedding dresses don’t have to be expensive
As you look for a dress for your big day, there are plenty of ways to save. Don’t go into major debt for your wedding. Make a budget, do your research, and don’t give up on things that are important to you.
With that said, be willing to compromise if better deals or opportunities arise. Your dress is just one aspect of your wedding day. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s only a small part of the rest of your life with your partner.
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