Ways To Save: Bridal Gowns On A Budget
Posted by Jolene on Jan 01, 2010. Filed under Budget Wedding Ideas, Expert Advice, Fashion, Trend Watch, Wedding Dresses
Comments (11), Permalink
I paid $220 for my wedding dress. My colleague Jennifer? Got hers for $125. Since we were both footing the bill for our own weddings, there was precious little in the budget for our gowns (I had to make sure there were enough offerings at the pasta bar to satisfy my Italian relatives!). We both looked lovely, by the way, even without spending two months’ rent on our wedding attire.
Here are some of our dress-shopping secrets:
- Jennifer had no problem shopping a sale at Macy’s; though not designed specifically for weddings, her long, white Battenburg lace dress was a lot less pricey! So if pretty-and-white will work for you, check out the formal wear at your favorite department store.
- I wanted my wedding gown to be sexy and glamorous—and when I tried on a certain chiffon Watters & Watters bridesmaid’s dress, I couldn’t imagine letting my gal-pals steal the spotlight in that red-hot number! Shopping the ‘maids catalogs is a great way to save. Find what you like and then order it in white or ecru (or maybe like me, you’ll decide to walk down the aisle in living color!) Hint: Designer Siri has darling bridesmaid dresses which you can order in your choice of fabric and color—for under $400!
- Sure, maybe you’ll get lucky and find a once-used Reem Acra silk wedding dress in size 6 on eBay…but what if you don’t? Reputable, quality bridal resale stores, such as Encore Bridal, offer more options with less risk.
- Shopping Sample Sales or Salon Outlet stores can yield pretty amazing designer bargains. Lili Bridals has a “back room” with designer gowns starting at just $99, Orange County’s Mon Amie has a designer outlet, and Glamour Closet has boutiques in both LA and San Francisco that carry deeply discounted designer samples.
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Comments
Mine was $75 and I got it on eBay (even though you advised against it). I agree it was risky however it was also so worth it. When the dress arrived and I pulled it out of the box, I knew it was MY dress. I was prepared to go through numerous alterations, but to my biggest surprise it fit perfectly - I didn’t have to change a thing. Me and this dress were simply destined to meet.
During these tough economic times, it just doesn’t make sense to spend alot of money on a wedding dress.
Another great way to save money on a wedding gown is to buy a short one! Less fabric means less money!
I purchased my dress for $175 from a friend who originally paid $750 for it. However, shopping the bridesmaid catalog is an excellent idea. I’ll be sure to pass that bit of information on. I love that red dress by the way.
Another great way to save money is to have one custom sewn for you. Mine will cost about $500… $100 for the materials (from the fashion district in LA) and $400 for the seamstress. :)
You can also use a comparison website like WedScout.com to save money on your bridal gown.
Good luck finding a dress. I agree the economy is not so good now, but I’m sure you will be beautiful no matter what. :-)
I agree that buying a gown online can be risky but well worth it! If you do buy a wedding gown online you can use Escrow.com. For a small fee they provide protection for the buyer and seller. I founded BravoBride.com http://www.bravobride.com after my own wedding in 2008. We’ve helped thousands of brides buy and sell wedding items. Your wedding gown is probably the most important dress you’ll ever buy but it doesn’t have to be the most expensive.
Mine was $150
just a tip brides and bridesmaids. something chic to include in your bridal emergency kit! I used this at my wedding, just thought you might like it! It’s called
‘after flats’ very cute! affordable! :)
I think their website is http://www.afterflats.com
Don’t forget when shopping in the bridal section of a store, ask where the clearance section is - many times it’s hid somewhere all the way in the back. Also ask when and if there will be a sale on some of the dresses or items you see.
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Mine was $175. I found it at one of the many sari outlets in Berkeley on University Avenue. Lots of choices there.