How to Save Money on a Wedding Dress

Finding the right wedding dress can be fun and stressful at the same time. You want to find the perfect dress for your special day, but do not want to break your budget to do so. Wedding dresses can be quite expensive unless you have a plan and are determined to save money on it. Here are some different ways to save money on your wedding dress.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• computer

Instructions

1. Shop online stores. Purchasing online could save you money, because it eliminates the middleman. You could purchase directly from the manufacturer.

2. Haggle. As long as you are not visiting a chain-store, you should be able to haggle on the price. Ask if you purchase your bridesmaid's dresses from them, will they take a discount off of your wedding dress?

3. Purchase your gown off the rack. You will be able to save money if you are able to purchase your gown off of the rack, and only have to have minor alterations done.

4. Check the online auctions and classifieds. In the sad event that a wedding got canceled, a bride will be willing to sell her wedding dress at fraction of the cost.

5. Make your own. Do you have someone that sews in your family? Could they make your dress for you? You would be able to get exactly the fabric and pattern that you want.

6. Wear your mom or friend's dress. Almost all girls dream of wearing their mother's wedding dress when they get married. If your mom's dress will fit you or only needs minor alterations, you are in luck. Look and see if there are any changes that you could make to make it uniquely yours (i.e., change the collar or sleeves).

7. Look for dresses in the off-season. Most weddings are in late spring/early summer. If you shop for your dress in the fall, you will not be shopping at the ultimate time. Stores may offer sales to lure brides into their stores during the slow time of the year.

Tips & Warnings

• Look through bridal magazines and decide what kinds of dresses you are looking for. Have a few different possibilities. The dress you want may not be available.

• Take along your mom or friend, another opinion always helps.

• Check the references of online auction sellers. Ask if you could see the dress. They may state that it is "unworn" or "spotless" and it really is not.

• Don't get stuck on one dress. Shopping outlets and discount stores may make that impossible. Have a style in mind, not one particular dress.