Brides spend way too much time and money looking for the perfect dress that they’re only going to wear once. Of course, this is because they want to look their best on their very special day since the spotlight will be on them. But, you don't need to break the bank to look your very best. Here are a few ways that you could find the wedding dress of your dreams for much less than the typical boutique prices:
Brides spend way too much time and money looking for the perfect dress that they’re only going to wear once. Of course, this is because they want to look their best on their very special day since the spotlight will be on them.
But, you don't need to break the bank to look your very best. Here are a few ways that you could find the wedding dress of your dreams for much less than the typical boutique prices:
1. Buying Secondhand
Probably the absolute best way to save money on a wedding dress is to buy a secondhand gown. If you are lucky, you will probably be able to find a premium brand dress at a deeply-discounted price. After all, the bride is not going to wear it again, even if she does get remarried in the future. So, you will pay half as much for a frock that was only worn for six to eight hours total.
You can find secondhand wedding dresses in different ways. Try perusing the local classified section of your newspaper, or you can search online. You will find many sites that sell secondhand goods, such as Poshmark, eBay, and Etsy, which all sell wedding dresses. There are also sites that are specifically dedicated to the sale of secondhand wedding dresses and other clothing items associated with nuptials.
Another option, and probably the most popular, is simply going to a secondhand or consignment shop. Many of the wedding dresses that you will find in stock are simply gorgeous, with deep discounts of up to 50% off the original price. And, these are for big designer names.
The only drawback is that you need to ensure that the gown was properly cared for once it was surrendered. It should have been boxed and not hung, because hanging could cause it to yellow, misshapen, and leaves it to the mercy of moths. It should have been properly cleaned prior to boxing as well.
You may also have to take the frock to a tailor to adjust its size and shape to fit your body. Just remember this can also get costly, so it is best to find a dress that's as close as possible to your actual size.
2. Pursuing Retail Stores
While most brides prefer to shop for their wedding and bridesmaids' dresses at boutiques, it is becoming increasingly popular these days to shop at retail stores that carry bridal lines. The gowns are much cheaper since they are mass-produced as opposed to being made especially for one person.
Many of these stores have several ready-to-wear gowns, and you can pick the one that you feel is best for you and really suits your style. Though they come in a variety of sizes, you may still have to get some tailoring done, however, you will still save massively on the price of the dress itself.
While these stores do not have the exclusive designer dresses that boutiques are known for, they still have beautiful gowns, and they will cost you significantly less money. Remember, your wedding, hopefully, is a one-time event, so you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket.
3. Renting a Gown
Speaking of which, if you really want to honor your budget, why even bother to purchase something that you're only going to wear one time? Many stores and boutiques now are renting wedding gowns. There are also specific wedding gown renting services.
You should first check if there is a brick-and-mortar renting service near you locally. If there is, you should head over there, but, if there is not, there is a plethora of online services that can ship you a gown to use, and once you say "I do," you can ship it back as is. This is another great way to get an exclusive designer gown on the cheap.
4. Looking for Samples
Many boutiques have a variety of sample dresses that been tried on by aspiring brides. These dresses are gently worn and may contain a few minor imperfections as a result. If you don't mind getting a few things repaired, such as loose or missing embellishments, or minor alterations done for size adjustment, sample dresses may be a way to go. As a matter of fact, many bridal boutiques offer such dresses at steep discounts just to let them go before the new season of dresses arrives.
So, if you don't mind paying the bill for some minor cleaning and adjustments, ask the boutique owners around your area if they have any sample dresses that they are willing to give you at a discounted price.
In conclusion, there are many ways to get the dress of your dreams for your very special day and still save money that could be used for other things, like your honeymoon! You don't need to go in debt for a dress worn one time, though you could still look radiant in your photos for years to come. Simply take these tips into consideration before you go dress shopping.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.