Deborah Chan
There are various ways to pay off a wedding dress. While some boutiques and salons require payment in full upfront, others allow for a deposit to be paid, with the remainder due when the dress arrives. Some stores offer payment plans, allowing customers to pay in instalments over time. It is important to carefully read the wedding dress contract, which will include details such as the total amount, the amount deposited, the amount still owed, and the date the remainder of the balance needs to be paid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Deposit required | 50%-75% |
| Payment of remainder | Upon arrival of the dress, before alterations, or in instalments |
| Payment methods | Cash, credit card, cheque, gift card, layaway, credit card alternatives, payment plans |
| Additional costs | Alterations, tax |
| Returns and exchanges | Possible at some stores |
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What You'll Learn
Payment plans and financing options
Some bridal boutiques may require a deposit to order the dress, with the remainder due when the dress arrives or at the first fitting. This deposit is typically around 50-60% of the total order, but can vary from salon to salon. You should also expect to pay extra for alterations, which can be an additional cost on top of the price of the dress.
Some companies, such as The Last Minute Bride, offer payment plans to help make your dream dress more affordable. These plans can be set up directly with the company and allow you to split the dress payment into equal instalments, with payments typically due every 2 weeks. Abunda is another company that offers financing options for wedding dresses, including lease-to-own, interest-free instalments, and monthly payment plans. David's Bridal also offers payment options such as Affirm, Layaway, and Special Order Reservations, as well as credit card options.
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Paying upfront
Typically, when paying upfront for a wedding dress, you can expect to pay the full amount at the time of purchase. This means that you will need to have the funds readily available and be prepared to make a one-time payment. Paying upfront ensures that you take ownership of the dress immediately, and there are no outstanding debts or payments associated with the dress. This can be a great option if you have the financial means, as it simplifies the transaction and eliminates any concerns about debt or interest charges.
Some boutiques may offer a deposit system, where you pay a percentage of the total cost upfront (typically around 50% but can vary) and then pay the remaining balance when the dress arrives or before alterations are made. This allows you to secure the dress with a smaller initial payment, but it's important to be aware of the remaining payments and their due dates to avoid any complications. It is recommended to clarify the total cost, including any additional charges for alterations, before signing any contracts or making deposits.
When paying upfront, it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the purchase, including the return and exchange policy. Bridal gowns are typically customised to some extent, so understanding the boutique's policies on returns and exchanges is crucial. Ensure that you receive a detailed receipt or invoice that outlines the payment method, amount paid, and any other relevant details of the transaction.
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Deposits and remainder payments
The payment structure for wedding dresses varies from store to store. Some boutiques and salons require a 50% deposit to order the dress, with the remainder due when the dress arrives. Others require a higher deposit of 60% or 75%, with the remaining balance due upon arrival of the dress or at the first fitting. Some stores require full payment upfront, especially for sample dresses or sale items.
Some companies, such as David's Bridal, offer flexible payment options, including layaway, credit card payments, and payment plans. These plans can include 0% APR and no hidden fees, but interest may be charged if the balance is not paid within the promotional period. Other companies, such as The Last Minute Bride, also offer payment plans for discounted designer dresses.
It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any payment plan or credit agreement, including monthly payment requirements and potential interest charges. Additionally, a wedding dress contract should be read thoroughly before signing, ensuring that all details are correct and that important information is included, such as the total amount, payment dates, and any additional charges for fittings or alterations.
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Credit cards and layaway
Some bridal salons, such as David's Bridal, offer their own credit cards with promotional periods of no interest. For example, David's Bridal previously offered a credit card with no interest for 6 months. However, it is important to note that David's Bridal discontinued their credit card program in 2022. Other bridal salons may also offer similar credit card programs, so it is worth inquiring about these options when shopping for your wedding dress.
Layaway plans are another option for paying off a wedding dress. With a layaway plan, you typically put down a deposit on the dress and then make regular payments over a set period of time, such as 60 days. Once the dress is paid off in full, it will be ordered or shipped to you. Layaway plans can be a good choice if you want to avoid taking on debt or if you prefer to make smaller, more manageable payments over time. However, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any layaway plan, as there may be fees or penalties for cancellation or non-payment.
Ultimately, the decision to use a credit card or layaway plan for your wedding dress depends on your financial situation and preferences. Both options can provide flexibility and convenience, but it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any payment plan to ensure you understand the potential risks and benefits.
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Alterations and additional costs
The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, fabric type, and the extent of the adjustments needed. Basic bridal gown alterations typically range from $150 to $700, while flat alteration fees offered by some boutiques can range from $500 to $1000. It is recommended to plan for a budget of $400 to $800 for alterations, as they can sometimes cost as much as the dress itself.
- Hemming: $70 to $280 for a simple gown, potentially reaching $540 for multi-layered or detailed dresses
- Bodice adjustments: $35 to $175
- Adjusting straps: $25 to $65
- Adding a bustle: $45 to $95
- Modifying the neckline: $45 to $55
- Waist adjustments: $125 to $270
- Sleeve alterations: $60 to $150
- Adding a zipper, bra straps, buttons, or slits: $20 to $100
It is important to note that the cost of alterations can also depend on the timeline. Last-minute alterations may incur additional rush fees, and it is best to avoid scheduling alterations during busy seasons to ensure the availability of your preferred seamstress.
Additionally, some boutiques may include the cost of alterations in the overall price of the dress. For example, David's Bridal offers layaway and credit options, while other boutiques may require a deposit and subsequent payments. It is always a good idea to carefully review the wedding dress contract, which should include details such as the total amount, deposit amount, payment methods, and any extra charges.
To effectively budget for alterations, it is recommended to get a preliminary quote from your tailor, factor in potential additional adjustments, and set aside a portion of your wedding budget for this purpose. Selecting an experienced and well-reviewed seamstress or tailor can also help ensure a perfect fit while staying within your budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Payment plans vary depending on the store. Some boutiques require a deposit to order the dress, then the rest is due either when the dress arrives or before alterations can be made. Other stores offer payment plans that allow you to pay in installments over time.
The amount you need to pay upfront for a wedding dress varies from salon to salon. You can expect to pay around 50% to 60% upfront, but some boutiques may require 75% upfront. Some stores may also offer a "pay in full" option, where you pay 100% upfront but have the option to return the dress for a refund.
Accepted payment methods vary depending on the store. Many boutiques accept cash and credit card, while others may offer alternatives such as gift cards, layaway, or special order reservations. Some stores may also offer financing options or payment plans to help make the dress more affordable.
The remaining balance for a wedding dress is typically due once the dress arrives from the designer. Some boutiques may require the remaining balance to be paid before alterations can be made or before you can take the dress home. It's important to carefully review the terms of your wedding dress contract to understand when the remaining balance is due.
A wedding dress contract includes important details such as the bridal salon's name, address, and contact information; the names of the consultants who assisted you; the date and time of purchase; the total amount, including any extra charges; the amount deposited and the means of payment; the amount still owed and the date the remainder is due; the number of fittings included and the cost of additional fittings; and any alterations that will be made. It's important to carefully review and understand the terms of the contract before signing.
