How to Find a Great Bargain on Your Wedding Dress
It’s a new year and you just got engaged. Congratulations! There are so many things that need to get done now. But hold up! First things first. You need to find a gorgeous wedding gown. Once you found that piece of your wedding, it will feel like a weight is lifted off your shoulders. Here are some tips for the budget savvy bride on how to get a wedding dress for a bargain.
#1) Check Out Big Retailers
Many big retailers like J.Crew now carrying wedding gowns as well. They have surprisingly great bargains on bridal gowns now. With stores like that, you can custom fit your gown for less than bridal shops charge.
#2) Look Elsewhere
Lots of women dream of going to a fantasy wedding boutique with their mom and bridesmaids in tow, drinking chardonnay and having a great time. Let me tell you, it gets old fast. Especially when you see the price tags. Lots of brides still go to bridal shops but many brides are looking at online or in consignment shops as well.
#3) Consider a Used Gown
I know people say buying a used gown is tacky but really its only for one day and chances are the previous bride only wore it once. You can always have it cleaned professionally.
4) Get a Seamstress
A fantastic seamstress is key whether you bought a new or used gown. When buying a used gown, choose according to your largest measurement (bust, waist, hip). For example, if your hip measurement is size 8 but your bust is size 6, order the size 8. It’s always easier to take in.
5) The Bottom Line
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.
6) Rent a Dress
When there is something that you need for a short duration of time, you don’t buy it, you rent it. For example, on moving day, you rent a moving truck instead of buying one. The same argument can be used for a wedding dress. It’s expensive and will only be used for one day.
7) Don’t Forget to Negotiate
Even if you are unable to negotiate on the dress itself, see if you can negotiate a discount on shoes, a veil, accessories, and alterations.
8) Keep an Open Mind
Even if you are not crazy about a dress on the rack, try it on. Try on every dress you can because dresses look completely different on a person than on a hanger. Start with the most inexpensive ones and work your way up. You might just be surprised.
