While splurging on your wedding is not a new thing, I blame the show “Say Yes to the Dress” for making modern brides feel the need to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on their dress. Seriously, y’all, that is just ridonkulous. This is a dress you will be wearing for one day; you do not need to spend your future child’s college fund just to get the look you want!
There are many fast and easy ways to save on your wedding dress without sacrificing the look you desire. I detail a few of my favorites below. And be sure to comment on where you scored a deal on your dress. I would love to hear from you!
Buy Pre-Owned
By far, the best way to get the biggest savings a on a bridal dress, especially by a high-end designer, is to consider pre-owned. Not only are many brides choosing to sell their gown after their big day, often times you can find epic deals on dresses that haven’t even been worn. Some great places to search for pre-owned gowns include:
Limit Alterations
Believe it or not, alterations can take a huge chunk out of your budget. One way you can eliminate this is by finding a dress that fits you well enough not to need any alterations in the first place. Alternatively, consider a corset back. Not only are they beautiful, but they are much more adjustable than other dresses.
Trunk Shows
If you have your heart set on a specific designer, check their website and social media sites for information on their trunk shows. This is a great way of getting a designer dress at a substantial savings.
Floor Sample
Another way to save on your wedding dress is to purchase a floor sample from your local bridal shop. A floor sample is the dress that brides try on when considering which dress to order. Some stores have a big sale a couple times a year, while others may just have a floor sample section. Call and ask around. Just make sure to check for stains, rips, and other defects before purchasing.
Check Out Other Retailers
Believe it or not, my dears, you can find some pretty beautiful gowns at stores that don’t specialize specifically in bridal. This is especially true if you are looking for a slightly-less formal or intricate dress. Some great stores to find these budgets gowns include:
Etsy
Etsy, the place to go for everything handmade and custom, is an awesome option to save on your wedding dress. Plus, since nothing is mass-produced at Etsy, you can find something truly unique. Here are some my favorite gowns, or check out Etsy’s entire selection here.
Look Beyond Bridal
No one ever said that you had to wear an actual bridal gown to your wedding. In reality, many retailers sell dresses that would make perfect wedding dresses. You could also consider a beautiful suit or blouse if dresses aren’t your thing. Some great options for pretty apparel not labeled as bridal include:
Consider Dressilyme
This was the dress I ordered from Dressilyme
While I understand people’s hesitancy to purchase bridal gowns online from China, I had a very positive experience with the retailer Dressilyme. For under $300, I got a beautiful handmade gown. You can read all about what else I had to say about Dressilyme here.
See, I told you it wouldn’t be hard to save on your wedding dress! Now go out and SHOP!