Things You'll Need:
- Good attitude
- Bargaining skills
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Step 1
Buy a white bridesmaid dress. Peruse the dresses at a store that sells bridesmaid's dresses (For example, David's Bridal or J. Crew) and find a style that you love. You'll find every style: from very simple, to informal, to extremely formal. Now, because Bridesmaids are known for showing up at weddings in every color under the sun, you'll be pleased to find out that you're Bridesmaid dress probably comes in white and is hundreds of dollars cheaper.
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Step 2
Rent your wedding dress. If your lucky husband-to-be can rent a tux, you sure as heck can rent a bridal gown. This idea is growing in popularity and sites like www.rentabridalgown.com are sprouting up all over the place. You can even find shoppes in your area that offer that option. This is great for those who aren't as concerned with keeping the dress as an heirloom and also for someone who has a lot of time to plan their wedding. The selection isn't as great as it would be if you were purchasing, but there are plenty of options. *Note: Try to get a package that includes all the undergarments/veil.
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Step 3
Buy it used.It's okay to wear a wedding dress that has already been worn, because most likely it's only been worn one other time for less than 10 hours! You could even find the exact dress you wanted, for half the price like I did. Search on eBay, visit bridal gown selling sites like www.weddingdressmarket.com or even visit a resale shop. Keep in mind you can alter the dress as needed (more on alterations below).
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Step 4
4. Plan early and Get your butt to a sale. Ever heard of the "Annual $100 Bridal Gown Sale" at David's Bridal? Well, it's very real and a great way to save money. Also look for sales at recently opened Bridal Dress stores or those going out of business. If you're buying online, do a search for "The Store's Name + coupons." Perhaps you'll get luck and find a coupon code for 10% off. Or better!
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Step 5
Don't be afraid to ask for a discount on your wedding dress. It's not uncommon for those selling wedding dresses to hear, "Can you give me a better price?" If you are hurting financially, explain that to them. Chances are you'll get a break of some sort, and if not, the worst you'll hear is a stern, "No." If they're rude about it, you shouldn't give them your business anyway.
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Step 6
Hire a budding designer and have then create a personalized wedding dress. Call up colleges/universities near you that offer design school and ask if they offer discounts to people using the up-and-coming designers for their dress. You could also post and ad on www.craigslist.com. You'll be surprised at the desire the students have to please you and your wallet will thank you, too.
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Step 7
Don't get your dress altered by the big guns. I've heard horror stories of people getting items altered at the places they bought them (which costs an arm and a leg to begin with) and needed several more rounds of alterations at the buyer's expense. Don't get yourself into a bind and offer some business to a privately owned alterations specialist. The prices will probably be negotiable (and if not, much reduced) and you'll deal 1:1 with the person making the changes to your beloved dress.
Comments
adecesare said
on 5/15/2009 I happened to fall in love with a dress that had just been discontinued. I waited a little while and it basically went on clearance in some online stores as they were trying to get rid of the last one they had.
jull14 said
on 5/14/2009 Great information for those women that are preparing fort hat beautiful stage in their life. Thanks for sharing