It’s finally time to pick out the gown of your dreams. Like many spouses-to-be, you’ve spent much time dreaming about what dress you would wear on your big day. Now that your time is finally here, you can bring your dreams to life by picking a beautiful gown, whether it’s a corset-style ball gown or a classic-style bridal gown.
However, getting your dream dress may be associated with a hefty price tag. But fear not—there are many ways you can save money on your gown! Start planning and follow these five tips to save money on your bridal gown.
Wear a Family Heirloom
A bridal gown that’s been passed down from generation to generation carries true sentimental value. Wearing one could also help you save money on a bridal gown. However, choosing to wear a family heirloom isn’t free. Depending on the dress’s condition, restoration and alternations may be necessary. This can cost you over a few hundred dollars.
If you are interested in wearing a vintage dress, it’s important that you look for a wedding restoration specialist. That way, your dress will be in good hands, and you could receive an honest evaluation.
Start Your Shopping Early
If wearing vintage is not written in the stars, you should start shopping for wedding dresses earlier. When you get engaged, it may seem like you have an eternity to find a wedding dress. Wrong—you should start shopping as soon as possible. It may take over 10 visits to a bridal shop before you find “the one.” Don’t wait until the last minute to start your shopping. Instead, if possible, plan to purchase your wedding dress no later than nine months before the wedding date.
Designers offer varying lead times, and purchasing your dress nine months ahead gives you time to make alterations and customizations. Starting your search early will allow you to make as many trips to the bridal shop as possible until you find the perfect match. Some bridal shops will offer first-time appointment discounts too!
Buy a Floor Sample Dress
If you’re in a time crunch or looking to get a couture gown for a discount price, buying a sample dress is a great way to save money on your bridal gown. With a sample dress, you will save money by purchasing the gown used for try-ons versus a new version of the dress. Sometimes, sample dresses may need extra tailoring, but you can find a designer dress within your gown budget.
Sample dresses can be marked down by 40 percent and more with your favorite designer or bridal boutiques. These sales typically happen twice yearly, so you should keep your notifications on or sign up for emails to know when these events occur.
Go With More Simple Styles
The more embroidery, lace, and sequins a dress has, the more you’re likely to pay for it. Purchasing a dress with heavy detailing or delicate lacing is the dream for some brides-to-be, but it can be one of the most expensive styles.
If you want to save money on your bridal gown, you can purchase a simpler dress and add customizations at your local bridal seamstress. By buying a simpler dress, you can also spend more money on your accessories and shoes. Sometimes, when you have a heavily detailed dress, it can be hard to accessorize your clothing, or your accessories can take away from the gown.
Attend Wedding Dress Trunk Shows
If you’re obsessed with a particular wedding dress designer, it may be your dream to walk down the aisle in one of their designs. The good news is, you can! Be on the lookout for trunk shows happening around your area because these events will help you save money big time on a wedding dress. If you attend the wedding dress trunk show, have your budget and idea of the dress in mind. With a dress in mind, you can make your purchase without worrying about someone snagging it first.
It’s important to remember that this is your dress and whichever one you choose will be special. Don’t stress yourself out. Start your shopping early by experimenting with different styles to find the perfect dress for you. Using our five tips for saving money on your bridal gown, you can walk down the aisle in style without breaking your budget.
