With wedding season soon upon us, many a bride is looking for a way to create the most special day imaginable… without racking up the biggest debt imaginable.
The dress is no exception.
Wedding gowns can run into the thousands, which can eat into a good portion of any wedding budget. You want to look amazing, but you’d also like to give your guests something to eat, drink, and ideally sit on (even if Uncle Hal is more of the wander-around-inebriated type).
Wedding gowns are one area where you can significantly cut your costs. We don’t believe in compromising on looking absolutely stunning on your wedding day, but we do believe in being smart about looking for the best deal possible.
Though the price tag on many designer wedding gowns can feel daunting, the good news is it’s absolutely possible to find a stunning wedding dress without blowing your budget. With a few strategic moves and a bit of creativity, you can walk down the aisle feeling beautiful, confident, and savvy. Here’s your ultimate guide to scoring your dream dress for less.
1. Consider Pre-Owned Dresses
One of the best ways to save money on a wedding dress is to buy pre-owned. Sites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and StillWhite offer a wide range of designer dresses at a fraction of their retail price. Also be sure to check out Loved Twice Bridal, which has a hybrid in-store and e-commerce model. Many of these dresses were worn only once and are in excellent condition, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
Shopping for pre-owned dresses not only opens up the possibility of snagging a designer gown but also gives beautiful dresses a second life, which can appeal to brides with sustainability in mind. Don’t forget to check each platform’s customer reviews and return policies to ensure a safe and secure purchase.
2. Shop Sample Sales and Floor Samples
Another option for designer gowns at a discount is shopping at bridal sample sales or purchasing floor sample dresses from bridal salons. Many bridal stores offer sample sales where you can find gowns that have been tried on in-store but remain in excellent condition. By buying the sample gown rather than ordering new, you can save significantly on the price.
To stay informed, sign up for the newsletters of your favorite bridal shops so you’ll be the first to know when a sale is happening. Sample sales often feature popular designers, giving you a chance to score a high-quality gown for up to 50% off or more.
3. Revamp a Family Heirloom
If your mother or grandmother still has her wedding dress, consider giving it new life by having it altered to suit your style. Wearing a family heirloom dress is not only budget-friendly but also adds sentimental value to your big day. A skilled tailor can modernize a vintage gown by altering the fit, adding new embellishments, or making structural changes.
Imagine walking down the aisle in a gown filled with family memories, styled to make it uniquely yours. This approach combines tradition with personal flair, making it an option rich with meaning.
4. Buy a Simple or Non-Bridal Dress
You don’t have to shop exclusively at bridal boutiques to find a beautiful wedding dress. Many department stores and online retailers like ASOS, JCPenney, or even Target offer white dresses that can work beautifully for a wedding. These options tend to be simpler, which also means more affordable. You can then add your personal touch with accessories to create a look that’s true to you.
Choosing a simple dress offers a fresh canvas for customization. Whether you’re looking for a bohemian, minimalist, or classic style, adding a unique veil, jewelry, or a belt can elevate the dress and make it feel more bridal.
5. Explore Thrift Stores and Vintage Shops
For brides seeking a one-of-a-kind look, thrift stores and vintage shops are treasure troves waiting to be explored. Shopping secondhand not only supports sustainable fashion but also opens up the possibility of discovering unique, vintage gowns that no one else will have.
Thrift shopping can require some patience, as finding the right dress might take time. But if you’re open to searching, you may come across a gown that feels like a hidden gem—and at a fraction of the cost of a new dress.
6. Look for Dresses with Adjustable Features
Choosing a lace-up or corset-style dress is another way to save on alterations, as these dresses offer a level of flexibility in sizing. Corset backs allow for adjustments in fit, accommodating size fluctuations and making alterations less likely to be necessary. This feature is particularly useful if you’re buying a dress well in advance of your wedding day or if you’re anticipating any weight changes.
Corset dresses are not only beautiful and classic but are also practical for brides who want to avoid extra costs on alterations, providing a personalized fit without the added expense.
7. Explore Charity-Based Options
If you’re interested in giving back while you shop, consider looking into organizations like Brides Against Breast Cancer . They offer discounted wedding dresses, and the proceeds go toward supporting cancer patients. This way, you can find a beautiful dress while also contributing to a good cause—a win-win for a budget-savvy bride.
Many of these organizations host trunk shows featuring both new and gently used gowns. Look up local events or contact bridal charities to learn about upcoming sales that could help you find your perfect dress while making a positive impact.
8. Rent a Wedding Dress
Renting a wedding dress is a practical option for brides who want to wear a stunning gown without the significant expense of purchasing one. This approach provides access to designer dresses at a fraction of their retail price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking elegance on a budget.
Platforms like Rent the Runway offer a variety of formal white gowns suitable for weddings, allowing brides to rent their dream dress for a short period at an affordable cost. Another option is Pickle, a peer-to-peer fashion rental marketplace that enables users to rent high-quality apparel and accessories from a community of fashionable individuals. Pickle has also opened a physical store in Manhattan’s West Village, providing a space where customers can browse and rent items in person.
When considering renting a dress, it’s essential to book well in advance to ensure availability and allow time for any necessary fittings. Many services offer optional insurance to cover minor damages, which can provide peace of mind on your big day. However, rental dresses may have restrictions on alterations; confirm these policies before finalizing your rental.
Renting a wedding dress is an excellent choice for brides who value both style and practicality. It also promotes sustainability by reducing waste, aligning with eco-friendly values.
Additional Money-Saving Tips
• Timing Your Purchase: Consider purchasing during off-season or holiday sales, as some bridal boutiques and online retailers offer special discounts at these times.
• Focus on Alterations: When buying a pre-owned or sample dress, invest in a skilled tailor to ensure a perfect fit. Sizing tip: choose a dress based on your largest measurement (usually hips, bust, or waist) to avoid extensive alterations.
• Negotiate When Possible: Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount when purchasing floor samples or buying directly from individual sellers. Some vendors may be open to negotiating, especially if the dress has been in their inventory for a while.
The Bottom Line.
Your dream wedding dress doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming price tag. By exploring nontraditional options, keeping an open mind, and thinking outside the box, you can find a beautiful gown that fits both your style and your budget. Every bride deserves to feel her best, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to walking down the aisle in a dress you love—without the financial stress.
Most people don’t keep up with wedding gown fashion, so no one will ever recognize your dress or where you got it from– all the more incentive to go for the deal. Everyone that day will just be focused on how amazing you look. And you can use the extra money saved for those vintage earrings, renting the cotton candy machine, or your honeymoon–by then, your dress will just be a little heap that’s yesterday’s news.
Remember, the key to finding an affordable wedding dress is a blend of patience, creativity, and strategic shopping. Embrace the journey and enjoy the excitement of finding a gown that makes you feel beautiful on your big day!