One of a Bride’s biggest dilemmas is picking out that perfect wedding dress. It’s something she’s dreamt about for a long time now- walking down the aisle with all eyes on her in a beautiful long white dress. It’s a very daunting task to find that perfect dress for someone with who doesn’t have to think of the price too much and even more so for one who does. The dress is ONE thing the bride is NOT going to be happy to settle for anything less than what she’s imagined and why should she?!There are ways to get that dress of you dreams or at least something very close by not burning a hole in your pocket. It’s a matter of having the patience and knowing where to look….so I’m going to help you out as much as I can in this post and also post some great dresses as I find them…so keep track of my blog.
Now before you enter the maze of wedding dresses out there consider these few points-
- Think about your body type and what dress type best suits you. Consider different necklines like scoop neck, halter, strapless, spaghetti straps, square neck and so on.
- The more fabric required in the dress the costlier it becomes.
- The material is a huge cost factor in the dress. Silk and silk satin is a lot more expensive than poly-satin which looks very similar.
- Color: If your not too particular consider going for an off-white or ivory dress instead of a pure white gown which is the most expensive.
- The more embellishments on the dress the more expensive especially rhinestones or crystals. If you know a good seamstress you could also personalize a plain dress with some detailing features.
Off the Rack Sales: Most bridal stores have sales at to get rid of their older stock. These dresses are offered at huge discounts and often way below cost. This is a good option if you can battle it out with hundreds of other women looking to find their dress at a reduced rate as well. The shop doors open early and there are no appointments. It’s best to get a bunch of friends to help you search for the type of dress you’re looking for through the racks. Since the changing rooms are bound to be full you may have to strip down in the showroom itself to try on a gown, so wear good lingerie or even a bathing suit when you go shopping. Make sure you like what you pick as there are no returns with these prices.
Thrift stores and Consignment stores: This is a great option if you’re looking for a vintage dress as most of the gowns are outdated.
If you are looking for good quality or expensive piece at reduced rates try thrift stores in upscale areas as things are usually donated by locals. Watch out for damaged dresses and see what you can work with. Mostly the dresses will just require a good dry cleaning.Try Online: Now I know this can be a scary option as you can’t try it on and sometimes the pictures online maybe deceptive BUT you can get a perfectly good new dress or second a hand dress for significantly less and then get it tailored for the right fit. It’s best if you’re an easy going bride and not too fussy about minute details of the dress if your considering this option. If you are looking at buying your dress online, make sure you-
1) Order it well in advance.
2) Check the store is a credible seller by researching online and reading customer reviews and feedback.
3) Check the stores return policy carefully. If the dress is on sale most stores have a no return, no refund or exchange policy…so if you really like the dress and if it’s at a huge discount you may have to take a chance.
4) Read what material the dress is made of in the details and whether it’s lined or needs a petticoat.
5) Check the stores sizing chart and if in doubt buy one size bigger than your usual size as you can always have it tailored to fit perfectly if needed but it’s tougher to loosen a ready to wear dress.
6) Always enlarge the image and check the details in the dress especially if it has any beading.7) E-mail and ask the seller if you have any doubts or questions like- Is the Dress second hand? Is it white or off-white? Does it have a zipper, corset or button to do it up? How is it packed?
8) Only when you’re satisfied with all the details, make the purchase.
There are lots of options out there for a budget bride. It’s just a matter of keeping an open mind, doing some research and a little imagination topped up with patience. Have fun shopping for your dress it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Most importantly wear a smile and remember that you have what everyone craves, LOVE and you will look gorgeous on your wedding day no matter what!
View Bridal Gowns for $199
Planning a Wedding on a shoestring budget is not easy, especially for the Bride who has probably been imagining and planning tiny details of the special day most of her life. In the all excitement and anticipation it’s easy to forget what it’s really about. It’s more than just a Party and Celebration. As clichéd as it may sound, it’s about the Feelings. It’s about the emotions you go through as you prepare to share your life with another…It’s about the Journey.
