How to Buy Discount Designer and Couture Wedding Dresses

Not every bride wants the same type of wedding dress, of course, because every bride is different. Some brides want designer and couture wedding dresses for their weddings. And, unfortunately, not every bride can afford a designer wedding dress. Fortunately, there are ways to get your dream couture wedding dress for less than retail.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. First, don't fear simple couture wedding dresses. A plain designer wedding dress will most likely be more affordable than an ornate couture wedding dress. So, choose a plain designer wedding dress that fits you well, then dress it up in your own personal style. Add jewelry, beading or gemstones to make the dress your own. You'll have your designer dress, and you'll have it with your own personal style.

2. Call upscale consignment stores in your area and ask if they have a bridal section. People may be eager to get their expensive wedding gowns out of their homes. You could get an amazing deal to begin with, but if the deal isn't good enough, you have the ability to bargain at a consignment store for a better price.

3. Shop the sale racks at local bridal boutiques. Just because a wedding dress is on sale does not mean that it can not be your couture dream dress. Wedding dress sales are great - comb through the racks until you find your perfect wedding dress.

4. Rent a wedding dress from a bridal salon. You'll only have your dream designer wedding dress for one day, but that's all you need it for, after all. Buying a designer dress can cost thousands of dollars, whereas renting it can cost a few hundred. Just be aware that you may not be able to make alterations on a rented dress, so you'll need to find a dress that fits you just right.

5. Find a local seamstress in your area. Go to this person with a picture of your couture dream dress. Ask the seamstress what it would cost to create a similar dress that fits your proportions perfectly. It will still cost you a decent amount of money to make your dream wedding dress a reality, but it will cost significantly less than choosing a designer dress. Plus, when a dress is custom made, it will be a perfect fit for your body and your personal style.

6. Visit websites which offer used and sample sale wedding dresses at discount prices. Encorebridal.com is a great website for this. However, when you buy a dress online, be sure that you love it, and it will be able to be altered. Also visit: bridecouture.com and scarlettscloset.com.

7. Shop classified ads for used dresses. Theknot.com and Craigslist.org have great options for brides looking to buy used wedding dresses. Search for your favorite designer on these sites, and you could walk away with a high fashion bridal gown at a bargain basement price.

8. Buy a designer dress - but not a wedding dress. A white designer gown can cost you less than a designer wedding gown. Find the perfect white evening gown, and dress it up with wedding jewelry, a tiara or a wedding veil. Shop department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks and Bloomingdales for white dresses, and you may be surprised at what you find.

9. Skip the couture dress and go for a more affordable piece of bridal attire: wedding tiara, wedding jewelry or wedding shoes. Shop the $99 sale for your dress at David's Bridal, and accent your dress with $700 Jimmy Choo shoes or Manolo Blahnik shoes or whatever else you want. Or, buy an amazing designer necklace, and let that be the focus of your bridal attire.

[edieness]

on 6/22/2009 Great tips on How to Buy Discount Designer and Couture Wedding Dresses.