George Boyle
Buying a wedding dress is an important and exciting part of wedding planning. It can be a very different experience from buying clothes for your everyday wardrobe, so it's a good idea to do some research and go to your first appointment with an open mind. It's recommended that you start looking for your dress nine to twelve months before your wedding, and there are various online and in-person options to consider. You can buy directly from the designer, from pre-owned dress websites, or from a bridal boutique. It's also a good idea to have a budget in mind and to choose a supportive group of people to take with you to appointments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start shopping | Between 9 months to a year before the wedding date |
| Time to buy | Between 8 and 10 months before the wedding |
| Budgeting | $1200-$2000 |
| Online shopping | Possible, but check return policies |
| In-person shopping | Book appointments in advance |
| Style | Minimalist, colourful, simple, etc. |
| Customization | Available at some retailers |
| Fittings | Get precise measurements |
| People to bring | 3-5 supportive and honest people |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting and research
Budgeting for a wedding dress can be a tricky task, but with the right research and planning, you can find your dream dress without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Determining Your Budget
Before you start shopping, it's crucial to establish a clear and realistic budget for your wedding dress. Understand how much you can afford to spend by considering your overall wedding budget. According to experts, couples typically allocate around 6% to 10% of their total wedding budget to the attire and beauty expenses, which includes the wedding dress, alterations, and accessories. Knowing your budget beforehand will help you stay focused during your dress search and prevent you from falling in love with a dress that's beyond your means.
Researching and Exploring Options
Once you have a budget in mind, it's time to begin your research. Explore various options to find the best deals and choices within your price range. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Online retailers: Browse budget-friendly online retailers like Lulus, Azazie, ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, and Anthropologie. These websites offer a wide range of affordable wedding dresses, and you can easily compare prices and read customer reviews.
- Brick-and-mortar stores: Visit local bridal boutiques and shops to try on dresses within your budget. Be transparent about your price range with the bridal consultants to guide you towards suitable options.
- Custom and made-to-measure: Consider custom or made-to-measure gowns to avoid the additional cost of alterations. Brands like Azazie offer made-to-measure dresses at affordable prices.
- Sample sales and trunk shows: Keep an eye out for sample sales, trunk shows, and off-the-rack sales to score your dream dress at a discounted price. Follow your favourite brands on social media and mailing lists to stay informed about upcoming sales events.
- Renting: If you're open to the idea, renting a wedding dress can be a cost-effective option. Websites like Fitzroy Rentals offer this service.
- Non-wedding dresses: Think outside the box and explore "non-wedding" dresses such as bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, or gala gowns. These options often come in white or off-white colours and can be more affordable than traditional wedding dresses.
Factors Affecting Wedding Dress Costs
When budgeting for your wedding dress, it's essential to understand the factors that influence the cost. Here are some key considerations:
- Fabric: Luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, charmeuse, organza, and embroidered lace tend to be more expensive. Opting for synthetic or blended fabrics like crepe, rayon, chiffon, or polyester can be more budget-friendly.
- Designer: Wedding dresses by renowned designers like Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, or Dolce & Gabbana will carry a higher price tag due to their brand name and high-end materials.
- Embellishments: Beading, sequins, Swarovski crystals, and lace appliques will drive up the cost of your wedding dress. Consider a simpler design or add your own embellishments separately if you wish to enhance your gown.
- Alterations: Keep in mind that alterations are often necessary and can add to the overall cost. Some boutiques include alterations in the price, while others require you to find your own seamstress. Try to choose a dress that already "almost" fits to minimise alteration costs.
Additional Tips
- Prioritise your preferences: Decide what matters most to you in a gown. If you prioritise fabric, opt for a simpler silhouette. If you desire embellishments, consider adding them separately or choosing accessories that elevate your look.
- Accessories: Don't forget to budget for accessories like jewellery, shoes, and a veil or headpiece. These extras can range from $150 to $400, so choose them wisely and consider less expensive options if you want to splurge on your dress.
- Skip the signature cocktail: If you're looking to cut costs, consider skipping a signature cocktail option at your open bar. This can help free up funds for your dream dress.
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Timing and location
If you're ordering a custom-made dress, it's best to place your order at least 9 to 15 weeks before the wedding to allow for customization and fittings. This will help you avoid rush fees, which can be quite costly. Most bridal stylists recommend buying your gown nine months ahead of your wedding to accommodate alterations, customizations, and accessorizing. It's important to remember that dress production can take several months, so planning accordingly is essential to avoid limited options or rush order fees.
When it comes to location, you have the option of shopping online or visiting local bridal boutiques and salons. Online shopping offers convenience, allowing you to browse and purchase your dress from the comfort of your home. However, if you choose to shop online, it is highly recommended to have a seamstress take your measurements first to ensure a perfect fit. Local bridal boutiques, on the other hand, provide a more intimate and personalized shopping experience. They often have knowledgeable consultants who can offer valuable insights into the latest trends and styles. Additionally, they are familiar with the area and can suggest popular styles among local brides.
If you have a specific bridal shop in mind, especially one that is not close to your residence, you may want to plan a trip there. Just be sure to book your appointment well in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend. These stores often have a wide variety of dresses from numerous designers, ensuring a diverse range of options to choose from.
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Style and silhouette
The style and silhouette of your wedding dress are important as they speak volumes about your personality and style. It is also crucial that your gown makes you feel confident and happy. Here are some of the most popular wedding dress styles and silhouettes:
A-Line Wedding Dresses
A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering and perfect for brides who want coverage for their lower half. This style is also suitable for bigger-busted brides as the volume of the skirt balances out the upper body. A-line dresses are a good option for petite curvy brides as they give a soft, beautiful coverage that balances out the silhouette. This style is also a good choice for apple-shaped brides as the slight volume at the bottom of the gown balances out the silhouette.
Ball Gown Wedding Dresses
Ball gown wedding dresses are dramatic and classic, complementing most body types. The voluminous skirt balances the fitted top, accentuating the waist and hiding the lower body. This style is a good option for brides who want to cinch their waist and not have to worry about their hips or lower tummy area. Ball gowns are also a good choice for tall brides as they can handle a lot of volume without appearing shortened.
Empire Wedding Dresses
Empire wedding dresses have a fitted top and a waistline that sits several inches below the natural waist, usually at or below the hipbone, before extending into an A-line skirt. This style elongates the body, making it a good choice for petite brides or those who want to draw attention to their bust. It is also a suitable design for vintage-loving brides.
Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Mermaid wedding dresses contour the body and then flare out at the knees. This style emphasises the waist and hips and is a great choice for apple-shaped brides. This style is also a good option for brides who love their curves and want to show them off.
Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dresses
Fit-and-flare wedding dresses hug the bust, waist, and hips, and then flare out slightly for a pretty and romantic look. This style is a good choice for brides who want something form-fitting and sexy, but also comfortable and glamorous. It works for many different figures, including pear-shaped, hourglass, curvy, or athletic builds.
Column Wedding Dresses
Column wedding dresses are streamlined and fairly uninterrupted by drastic seamlines. This fuss-free style is simple yet stunning and is especially appealing with a halter neckline.
High-Low Wedding Dresses
High-low wedding dresses have an asymmetrical hemline, with the front shorter than the back. This style is a good choice for brides who want to show off their shoes.
Jumpsuit Wedding Dresses
Jumpsuit wedding dresses are a playful alternative to a formal gown and are perfect for warm-weather weddings. This style can be paired with a wide-legged pant or a pegged cigarette slimmer, along with a plunging neckline or a bustier corset.
Remember, it is important to keep an open mind and try on different types of silhouettes to find the one that makes you feel confident and happy.
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Fittings and alterations
Your wedding dress alterations appointment will usually consist of a meeting with a seamstress or tailor, who will modify the gown to fit your body perfectly. The bridal boutique will either have an in-house seamstress or they will recommend a trusted tailor. It typically takes about three fittings before a bride's ensemble is ready to wear, but this will depend on the style and size of the dress originally purchased, as well as the complexity of the alterations. The first fitting will typically last about an hour, with the tailor beginning to assess the dress and the alterations needed. Subsequent fittings will be shorter as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit.
It is recommended that brides come in for their first fitting consultation about 2-3 months before their wedding. This allows time for any necessary alterations and to review bustle options. The shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day are required during all of your fittings to complete your hem. If you don't have the exact shoes yet, bring another pair that is the same height and style. Your fitter will also be able to teach you how to bustle your gown, which is the act of gathering your train and pinning it up so that it doesn't drag behind you.
The cost of alterations will depend on the number of changes required. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $1,000 on alterations.
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Buying pre-owned
If you're looking to buy a pre-owned wedding dress, there are several online platforms that can help you find your dream dress at a fraction of the retail cost. Stillwhite, for example, is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, with over 96,000 gowns for sale. You can browse through hundreds of designers and pay securely using PayPal. Borrowing Magnolia is another platform that connects buyers and sellers of pre-owned wedding dresses, offering an easy and transparent process for purchasing second-hand dresses online.
When buying a pre-owned wedding dress, it's important to consider the timing of your purchase. Bridal stylists typically recommend buying your gown nine months ahead of your wedding to accommodate alterations, customizations, and accessorizing. However, if you order your dress eight to 12 months in advance, you can avoid rush fees, which can add up to 30% of the dress's price.
To find your dream dress, it's helpful to have a general idea of the style you're looking for before you start trying on dresses. Consider taking a style quiz or browsing popular wedding dress styles to determine the aesthetic, price range, and must-have features for your gown. Minimalist gowns, for example, tend to be more affordable than heavily adorned dresses, as handwork such as embroidery or beading can increase the cost.
When shopping for a pre-owned wedding dress online, it's important to take accurate measurements to ensure a proper fit. Consult a seamstress to get precise measurements down to the inch, and consider the type of undergarments you'll be wearing on your wedding day. Additionally, check the return policy of the platform or seller to understand your options if the dress doesn't meet your expectations.
By purchasing a pre-owned wedding dress, you can save money and add a unique element to your special day. With a wide range of styles, colors, and silhouettes available, you can find a dress that reflects your personal style and creates lasting memories.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start looking for your wedding dress as soon as possible, ideally between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This allows time for the dress to be made, tailored and customised.
Wedding dresses vary in price depending on the designer, style and customisation. On average, a wedding dress costs between $1200 and $2000, but remember to factor in alterations and accessories. If you are on a budget, consider buying a minimalist gown, as handwork like embroidery and beading can add to the cost.
You can buy your wedding dress online or in-store at a bridal boutique or salon. Buying online allows you to shop from the comfort of your home, but make sure to check the return policy in case the dress doesn't fit. If you buy from a bridal boutique, you will benefit from the expertise of bridal consultants, who can offer personalised recommendations based on your style, body type and budget.
Before trying on dresses, it is important to have a general idea of your dream wedding style or "vibe". Take a style quiz or create a Pinterest board to determine your aesthetic. When trying on dresses, make sure to wear proper-fitting undergarments, including a strapless bra and any shapewear you plan to wear on your wedding day. Take your time and trust your consultant, as they will be able to suggest options that capture your personal style and are within your budget.
