How to Save Money on Your Wedding Dress

A lot of people say that the bride’s dress sets the tone for the rest of the wedding. It’s also what most brides-to-be start shopping for from the moment they are engaged! And with so many options available, how do you find the right dress without blowing your entire budget? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re looking for “the one”.

1. Examine your budget for this purchase. If you have $500 dedicated, does that include alterations, under garments, the veil? The best time to decide this amount is when you aren’t standing in front of the mirrors with your mom and sisters crying and exclaiming over the dress you just had to try on in the store. Be honest with yourself and your groom; you can always come in below the top amount and use it on something else instead.

2. If you don’t already know what type of dress you prefer, it’s time to find out. Some of us look better in some silhouettes than others. Whether you want sleeveless, tea length, or mermaid, the best way to find out is to start trying on dresses. It can be hard to imagine what you will look like since most of us don’t wear this type of dress any other time in our lives! And don’t rule anything out right away that someone important suggests to you; often times, they see something that we don’t.

3. Look for bargains! Every bridal salon in the country runs sales or promotions almost year round. They sell their samples (i.e. the ones you try on) at a steep discount or if they had a bride order a dress and then change their mind, or maybe have a trunk show for a designer’s new line. This is also a great opportunity to ask friends and family about any connections or employee discounts that might be available for you.

4. Consider borrowing a dress from a friend or family member. You may have grown up thinking you’d get married in Mom’s dress. Or perhaps your best friend had an awesome dress that with a few changes, would be perfect for your style! The tradition of saving your dress isn’t as popular as it used to be, and most women would love to have their dress put to good use after their own wedding.

5. Shop online to find a good deal on the dress you just have to have! Too often, blushing brides find the perfect dress in a store, only to want to weep at the price tag. Chances are if you shop online, you can find that same dress (or something pretty darn close) for a sweeter price. A lot of the sellers list the measurements right up front, so have your tailor (or a trusted friend) take your measurements and keep them on hand to find what would fit the best. Keep in mind, however, unless there is something wrong with the manufacturing of the dress (a stain or uneven hem), most sales are final. And you may still need to have it altered, just as you would at the local dress shop.

There’s no right or wrong way to find your dress. It just matters that you are happy with your choice and you didn’t break the bank, causing you to have to make sacrifices in another equally important area of your wedding.