How to Cut Wedding Dress Costs

The average cost of a wedding is greater than $25,000, but brides who know how to cut wedding dress costs can look stunning on their special day without spending a mint. There are several ways to trim a wedding dress budget without trimming style, beauty, or that special feeling of finding just the right dress.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wedding dress budget
• Wedding dress catalogs
• Bridal magazines
• Seamstress or sewing skills (optional)
• Dry cleaner

1. Decide on a wedding dress budget. This should include the cost of alterations and dress accessories such as wedding shoes, a wedding veil and a garter.

2. Browse wedding dress catalogs and bridal magazines to learn what dresses are in style. Clip or bookmark pictures of styles you prefer to use as a reference when shopping for your gown.

3. Visit local or regional bridal shows to learn what local designs are popular. Consider purchasing a show-worn gown instead of a new gown – prices are often drastically reduced.

4. Visit bridal stores in your area to compare styles in your dress budget to the styles you clipped from magazines. You may need to adjust your budget if necessary, or you may need to change your style considerations.

5. Buy a used, discounted or clearance gown for great savings. Many wedding boutiques will heavily discounts older but still stylish gowns to make way for new, more expensive designs.

6. Take the time to alter the gown yourself if possible, or shop around for the seamstress with the best price in alterations for your needs.

7. Have dress cleaned only once, after the fittings and alterations are completed, to save on the cost of multiple cleanings.

8. Store the dress carefully once it is ready for the wedding to avoid the need for additional cleanings or pressings.

9. After the wedding, consider selling the dress to recoup some of the purchase and alterations cost and save even more money overall.

Tips & Warnings

• Simple gown styles are less expensive than elaborate designer wedding dresses. Consider a tea length dress or a prom or homecoming dress instead of an official wedding gown.
• Online auctions, thrift stores and yard sales can be great sources for cheap wedding dresses, but be sure the size and condition of the dress are appropriate before buying.
• Shop for a wedding dress as early as possible to avoid rush charges for shipping, alterations or cleaning.
• Consider renting or borrowing a wedding gown instead of buying one outright.
• Many wedding guests will not be able to tell a designer dress from a knock-off style, and having a seamstress make your gown instead of ordering an exclusive design can be much more affordable.
• Always check cheap wedding dresses carefully for stains or damage that cannot be hidden or repaired.
• The cost of accessories, including a veil, headpiece, undergarments, shoes and jewelry to go with the wedding dress can add up quickly. Be sure your budget can handle all the related expenses.
• Keep all receipts and service contracts (alterations, cleanings, etc.) until after the wedding just in case unexpected problems occur with the dress.

Resources

• Cheap Wedding Dresses at LoveToKnow Weddings