Deborah Chan
There are several options available to pay for a wedding dress. Some boutiques and salons require full payment upfront, while others allow for payment plans, requiring a deposit upfront and the remainder of the balance once the dress arrives. Some stores offer credit card options, including Affirm, Layaway, and Klarna, which allow you to pay in interest-free instalments. It is important to carefully review the payment options and plans offered by the store or boutique to ensure you can purchase your dream dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Cash, credit card, layaway, Klarna, Affirm, Special Order Reservations, store credit card |
| Payment timing | Upfront, deposit then remainder later, payment plans, monthly payments, installments |
| Deposit amount | 10-25%, 50%, 60%, 75% |
| Payment of remainder | When dress arrives, at first fitting, when picked up, within 7 days of arrival, within 2 weeks of arrival |
| Additional costs | Alterations, fittings, sales tax |
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What You'll Learn
Payment plans
Many bridal shops offer payment plans to help you purchase your dream dress. The specific payment plan options vary depending on the shop, so it is important to discuss your preferred payment method with the shop before making a purchase. Here are some common payment plan options:
Deposit and Instalments
Some bridal shops allow you to pay a deposit first, usually ranging from 10% to 60% of the total cost, and then pay the remaining balance in instalments. The number of instalments can vary, and payments are typically due every two weeks. The dress may be ordered after the deposit is paid, or some shops may require a larger percentage of the total cost to be paid before placing the order. The remaining balance is usually due by the time of pickup or the first fitting.
Layaway
Some shops, such as David's Bridal, offer a layaway option. This typically involves making a down payment on the dress and then paying the full amount within a specified period, such as 60 days. The dress will then be ordered once the full payment is received.
Credit Options
Certain bridal shops, like David's Bridal, previously offered their own credit cards with promotional interest rates, such as 0% APR for a certain period. However, these programmes may no longer be available, and you may need to use a general credit card for purchases. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any credit card agreement before making a purchase.
Third-Party Payment Solutions
You can also utilise third-party payment solutions, such as Klarna or Affirm, which allow you to split your purchase into multiple interest-free instalments. These options are often available at checkout and can provide a smooth and secure payment experience.
When considering payment plans, it is important to keep in mind that alterations can add significant costs to your overall budget, so be sure to factor those in when deciding on a payment method.
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Credit cards
When it comes to choosing a credit card, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the rewards structure. Some cards offer sign-on bonuses, giving you points or miles after you spend a certain amount, which can be useful for your honeymoon or destination wedding expenses. Flat-rate cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on every purchase, while rotating category cards offer increased cash back in different categories each quarter. If you're looking for an interest-free option, cards with a 0% APR promotion can give you more time to make payments without incurring interest charges.
It's important to be mindful of the potential cons of using credit cards. Interest rates can be high, and if you don't pay off your balance each month, you can easily slip into debt. Additionally, be sure to inquire about any transaction fees associated with credit card payments, as these can impact your overall cost.
While David's Bridal previously offered a credit card program, they discontinued it in September 2022. However, they still accept credit card payments through third-party billing systems like Rock Paper Coin, Honeybook, or Maroo.
Using credit cards for wedding expenses can have its benefits, such as earning points or rewards, but it's essential to consider your broader financial situation and spend within your means.
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Layaway
The specific terms of layaway plans can vary, but generally, you will need to pay a deposit upfront, which is typically around 50-60% of the total cost. You can then take your dress home and make weekly or monthly payments until the full amount is paid off. Some stores may require the full amount to be paid before you take your dress home. It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of the layaway plan before signing up.
For example, David's Bridal offers a layaway plan where you put money down on the dress and then make weekly payments for 60 days. After 60 days, if the dress is paid in full, they will order it. Dimitra Designs has a similar layaway plan, where customers make monthly payments until 75% of the total cost of the dress is reached. Once this threshold is reached, they will order the dress.
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Upfront payment
Paying upfront for your wedding dress is a common practice, and there are several options available to you. Firstly, you can pay in cash, which is a straightforward and traditional method. Alternatively, you can use a credit card, which many boutiques accept. Some stores, such as David's Bridal, offer their own credit cards with promotional interest rates and payment plans. For example, David's Bridal previously offered a credit card with no interest for six months, allowing you to pay off the dress within this period without incurring additional charges. However, it's important to note that their credit card program ended on August 31, 2022.
Additionally, some boutiques offer layaway plans, where you can put down a deposit and make weekly payments over a specified period. For instance, certain boutiques require a 50% deposit to order the dress, and the remaining balance must be paid within two weeks of the dress arriving. This option provides flexibility, as you can make smaller payments over time instead of a single large payment.
It's worth noting that the payment structure can vary depending on the boutique and the specific dress you choose. Some boutiques may require a larger deposit, such as 60%, and the remaining balance may be due earlier, such as when alterations begin. Therefore, it's essential to inquire about the payment options and requirements when visiting different boutiques to find the best option for your needs.
Furthermore, when paying upfront, you may have more leverage to negotiate on other aspects of the purchase. For example, some brides have negotiated for free alterations or discounts by offering to pay the full amount upfront in cash. This can help you save money on additional costs associated with the wedding dress.
In conclusion, paying upfront for your wedding dress is a viable option, and it can provide benefits such as flexibility, negotiation power, and the ability to avoid interest charges. However, be sure to carefully review the payment terms and conditions of the boutique before committing to ensure you understand the expectations and requirements.
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Refunds
Wedding dresses are often expensive, and many brides opt for payment plans or deposit schemes. However, refunds are not always guaranteed, and policies vary from store to store.
Most bridal shops will require a deposit when you place your order, with the remainder due when the dress arrives. The deposit amount varies, but it is typically between 10% and 60% of the total cost. Some boutiques and stores will allow you to pay in instalments, while others will require the full amount upfront.
If you have signed a contract with a no-refund clause, it may be difficult to get your money back. Legally, the store is not obligated to refund you if you have agreed to such terms. However, if the dress hasn't been ordered yet, you may be able to get your deposit back or put it towards another dress.
Some stores offer more flexible refund policies, especially for sample sale dresses that are bought off the rack. In these cases, you might be able to return or exchange the dress within a certain timeframe. It's important to carefully read and understand the terms of your contract, including any extra charges, alterations, and the number of fittings included.
Additionally, if you were given false information or if the store fails to fulfil their obligations, you may have grounds for a refund. For example, if the dress doesn't arrive as specified in the contract, or if the store provides incorrect information that influences your purchase, you may be able to request a refund or take further legal action.
It's worth noting that laws and consumer rights can vary depending on your location, so it's always a good idea to review the specific regulations in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for paying for a wedding dress. You can pay for it in full upfront, or you can pay a deposit (usually 50-60%) and then pay the rest when the dress arrives. Some boutiques also offer financing or layaway options, or you can apply for a payment plan.
Layaway options allow you to put money down on your dress and then make weekly payments until it is paid in full. For example, David's Bridal offers a layaway option where you can make weekly payments for 60 days, after which they will order your dress.
Payment plans allow you to purchase your wedding dress at a discounted price and then make monthly payments until you have paid in full. This can be a good option if you fall in love with a dress that is outside your budget.
