Posted by Natalie
Dreaming of a designer wedding dress but can't seem to fit the price into your budget? Today's post offers a few suggestions on how to get your dream dress without paying more than you can afford.
Many brides have seen at least one episode of TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" (I have seen many!). A bride goes to premier bridal salon Kleinfeld hoping to find the perfect wedding dress. And the one question that is always asked by the staff member is "What is the budget for your dress?". While a handful of brides have an unlimited budget, that is not usually the case. Here are a few tips on how to find your dream dress and stay within your budget.
Borrow a dress - Does a friend or family member have a dress you could borrow? Perhaps they will even let you modify the dress to create something that is unique and perfect for you. This could also count as your Something Borrowed!
Buy used - Sites such as preownedweddingdresses.com and oncewed.com sell gently used designer wedding dresses at a fraction of the price.
Search online - Found your perfect dress but it's still more than you can afford? Search bridal shops online to see if you can find the same dress at a marked down price.
Have your dress made - Depending on the type of dress you are looking for, finding a seamstress at a local dress shop could be just for you! This gives you the opportunity to combine features from a few dresses you like at a price lower than that of a designer gown.
Last season sales - Many bridal shops sell last season's designs at discounts of 30 percent or more!
Buy off the rack - Sample dresses are oftentimes sold "off the rack" at discounted prices. Even though it has been tried on a few times by other brides, the dress will be good as new with a quick spot cleaning!
A few things to remember when shopping for your dress:
-Get on your local bridal salon email lists to receive news and updates such as sample sales and trunk shows.
-Consider reselling your dress after the wedding. This is a good way to recoup your investment on your perfect (yet pricey) dress.
-Don't forget to ask about alteration fees.
Jen found her wedding dress at a hole in the wall bridal boutique and after a few alterations, it was her perfect dress. The best part? The dress plus alterations was under $400! Read about it here: Finding the perfect wedding dress Just keep in mind that Bella Donna Bridal mentioned in this past post, is now called La Soie which we link to below.
Above photos courtesy of Beth Baugher of True Love Photo.
I found my dress at House of Fashion in Sacramento for $800! It was a design from last season and the designer had a limited number remaining. I changed it to a sweetheart neckline, but other than that, I loved it!
The above photo is courtesy of The Memory Journalists.
Call the bridal shops in your area and ask about their sales! If you're looking for some great deals in the Greater Sacramento area, check out these bridal salons:
House of Fashion - Discounts on Eve of Milady dresses in the month of October and a Blow Out designer sale at the end of the year! They even have an outlet store: House of Fashion II
Diamond Bridal Gallery - Designer sample gowns on sale now!
La Soie Bridal - Designer sample sale this weekend priced from $200 to $1500!
Miosa Couture - Jim Hjelm trunk sale November 2-4; Designer sample sale November 16-18; Alvina Valenta truck sale December 7-9
Bridal Box - Get an additional $100 off discontinued dresses in October; receive $120 veil credit and $50 shoe credit with the purchase of an Anjolique or Maggie Sottero dress!
Dreamnette Bridal - Designer sample sale on now (over 50% off!); February 2013 trunk sale
It's All About Me Bridal Boutique - Half off rack in the store
Alfred Angelo Bridal Roseville - $75-$400 off select wedding dresses
Haven Bridal Mart - Ongoing off the rack sale!
The best advice I can give is to not stress out, take your time, and do not settle for something you don't love. You will find your perfect dress!
You can read our other Budget Saving Tips for your wedding on the blog.