George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, and the wedding dress is often one of the most costly items. However, there are several ways to find your dream dress without breaking the bank. From buying pre-owned or second-hand to shopping at department stores or online retailers, there are many options to explore. Starting early, attending sample sales and trunk shows, choosing simpler designs, and considering rentals or family heirlooms are also great ways to save money on your wedding dress. With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can walk down the aisle in a gorgeous dress that fits both your style and your budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Buying pre-owned | Websites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, Loved Twice Bridal, Nearly Newlywed, and Sell My Wedding Dress offer pre-owned designer dresses at discounted prices. |
| Renting | Rent the Runway and Nearly Newlywed are some websites that allow you to rent a wedding dress. |
| Buying off-the-rack | Buying off-the-rack gowns is cheaper and you can take them home the same day. |
| Buying from department stores | Department stores and online retailers like ASOS, JCPenney, or Target offer affordable white dresses that can be used for weddings. |
| Buying from sample sales | Buying sample gowns from bridal salons or sample sales can save you a significant amount of money. |
| Buying from trunk shows | Trunk shows typically offer discounts, allowing you to get a good deal on your dress. |
| Wearing a family heirloom | You can wear a wedding dress passed down from family members, with alterations if needed, which can be budget-friendly and add sentimental value. |
| Choosing simplicity | Opting for a simple dress can be more affordable, and you can customise it with accessories. |
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What You'll Learn
Buy pre-owned
If you're looking for a pre-owned wedding dress, there are several online platforms that can help you find your dream dress at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, offers over 96,000 wedding gowns for sale, including designer options. The website allows you to browse through various designers and pay securely using PayPal. You can even sell your dress on the same platform after your wedding to recoup some of your money.
Another option is Borrowing Magnolia, a platform that connects buyers and sellers of pre-owned wedding dresses. They offer an easy and transparent process, allowing you to browse through their collection, connect with sellers, and make your purchase. Borrowing Magnolia also provides a safe, online messaging system to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers.
Additionally, you can explore other online marketplaces, such as Nearly Newlywed, which specializes in connecting brides with pre-owned dresses. They make it simple for buyers to join their marketplace and find their dream dress.
When buying pre-owned, you can also consider checking Facebook Marketplace or local thrift stores, as recommended by some brides on Reddit. You might even find a store in your area that specifically resells wedding dresses and formal wear.
By choosing a pre-owned wedding dress, you can add to the rich history of the dress while also benefiting from significant cost savings.
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Wear a family member's dress
Wearing a family member's dress is a great way to save money on your wedding dress. It adds a special, unique touch to your wedding day and can be a beautiful way to honour a family member. Here are some tips to consider if you're thinking of wearing a family member's dress:
Firstly, consider which family member's dress you would like to wear. It could be your mother's or grandmother's dress, or perhaps you have a sister or cousin who recently got married and you love her dress. It's important to choose someone with a similar body type to you, as this will ensure the dress fits well and requires minimal alterations.
Next, communicate with your family about your idea. They may be thrilled that you want to wear a family member's dress and will be happy to help you access and alter it. However, it's important to be respectful and ask for permission, especially if the dress holds significant sentimental value.
Once you have the dress, take it to a trusted tailor or seamstress. They can help you alter the dress to fit your body and style. You can make the dress your own by adding personal touches, such as changing the sleeves, adding a train, or incorporating new embellishments.
If the dress is older, you may need to restore or clean it. This is a delicate process, so be sure to take it to a professional who specialises in vintage or antique clothing. They will be able to treat any stains, repair any damage, and ensure the dress looks its best for your wedding day.
Finally, consider your accessories carefully. You can use jewellery, shoes, and a veil to make the dress your own and modernise the look. For example, a simple dress can be dressed up with a statement necklace and earrings, while a more detailed dress may be paired with a simple pearl bracelet and drop earrings.
Wearing a family member's dress on your wedding day can be a beautiful and cost-effective choice. With some alterations and personal touches, you can make the dress your own and create a special memory with your family.
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Shop sample sales
Sample sales are a great way to get a designer wedding dress for less. Bridal shops hold sample sales to clear older inventory, so you can often find gowns for 25 to 50% off. Sample dresses are those that have been tried on by brides before they order their own gown. As a result, they may have some light wear, such as makeup marks, loose beading, or missing buttons. However, these issues can usually be fixed with a dry cleaner or alterations, which are taken into consideration during the pricing of the samples.
When shopping sample sales, it's important to keep in mind that sizes may be limited. Stores typically only carry one of each dress in-store, so you may need to make significant alterations to the sample gown. Bridal sizing is also different from regular street clothing and can often be 1-2 sizes larger. For this reason, it's helpful to have an idea of your bridal size before attending a sample sale. While seamstresses can often take in a wedding gown by up to 2 sizes, it's easier for them to take a gown in than to let it out. Therefore, it's recommended that you consider gowns one or two sizes larger if you don't find something you love in your size.
Sample sales can be a bit more chaotic than a standard gown shopping appointment, so it's a good idea to bring a friend to help you carry dresses and try on styles. You should also take your time to carefully inspect the dress you like, checking for any issues like pieces of fabric hanging off, missing buttons, or a dirty train. While these issues can often be fixed by a seamstress, alterations can be pricey, so it's important to keep these costs in mind.
Finally, keep in mind that sample dresses are typically final sale, so there are no returns or exchanges if you have a change of heart. However, if you're looking for a designer gown at a discounted price, sample sales are a great option to consider.
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Choose a simple dress
If you're looking for a cheap wedding dress, one option is to choose a simple dress. Simple wedding dresses often feature clean lines that softly flow over your silhouette. They are usually crafted from delicate chiffon or stiffer satin to give the cut more dimension. Simple bridal gowns are often modern cuts such as the sheath, but they can also be more classic mermaid shapes. These designs usually feature minimal details and sparkle, making them perfect for fitted designs that will show off your figure without any extra embellishments.
Simple wedding dresses are great for more intricate strap and corset details through the back, giving brides the chance to add a unique edge to these classic looks. You can browse modern, simple sheaths, shorter hemlines, minimalist gowns, or trainless styles to complement the setting and your vision. If you're looking for a sleek style, go for traditional satin or crepe. These unadorned gowns are suitable for the classic bride and may be accessorized in any manner you like.
If you're getting married on the beach, in your backyard, or among a small intimate group of wedding guests, you may want a dress with clean, crisp lines, no train, and a non-traditional point of view. You won't find anything over $500 at Asos, Reformation, BHLDN, and Lulus, and you can often rent a dress for a fraction of the sales price. Azazie also offers affordable wedding dresses, with prices starting at $149. You can also find discounted wedding dresses at TheDressWarehouse, with prices starting at $99.
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Buy off-the-rack
If you're looking for a wedding dress that won't break the bank, buying off-the-rack is a great option. Off-the-rack wedding dresses are premade gowns that you can try on, purchase, and take home on the same day. This option cuts out the long production time associated with made-to-order gowns, which can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to create. By buying off-the-rack, you can find your dream dress at a more affordable price point and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience.
When shopping off-the-rack, you'll typically choose from a selection of premade gowns available in the store's inventory. These dresses may be sample gowns that have been tried on by other brides, and they may be available in limited sizes. However, the treasure hunt-like experience of exploring sample dresses can lead you to unique styles and designs. You can find off-the-rack wedding dresses at bridal boutiques, local bridal salons, and retailers like Anthropologie and Reformation.
It's important to keep in mind that when buying off-the-rack, you may be required to pay for the dress in full at once, rather than in installments. Additionally, alterations may be needed, so be sure to budget enough time and money for any necessary adjustments. A skilled seamstress can often fix any minor issues, such as loose beading or embellishments, during the alterations process.
For those in a time crunch or seeking a cost-effective option, off-the-rack wedding dresses are an excellent choice. You can find high-quality, designer-inspired gowns at accessible price points, allowing you to stay within your budget without compromising style or quality. Some boutiques even offer curated selections of off-the-rack dresses from renowned designers, ensuring you can find a dress that matches your unique taste and vision for your special day.
Overall, buying an off-the-rack wedding dress is a convenient and budget-friendly option for brides who want to find their dream dress without the long wait associated with made-to-order gowns. With the potential for significant savings and the convenience of immediate availability, off-the-rack wedding dresses are a great choice for the practical yet stylish bride.
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Frequently asked questions
Buying a pre-owned dress is a great way to save money. Websites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Tradesy offer a wide range of designer dresses at a fraction of their retail price. You can also check out department stores and online retailers like ASOS, JCPenney, or Target for white dresses that can work for a wedding.
When buying a pre-owned dress, select a gown that's in great condition and bring it to the cleaners to freshen it up. Be cautious of buying online if you can't see it in person before purchasing.
Yes, you can wear a wedding dress passed down from a family member or purchase a floor sample dress from a bridal salon. You can also rent your wedding dress from retailers like Rent the Runway.
It's recommended to start looking for your dress 9 to 12 months before your wedding to give yourself the most options and avoid rush fees.
Attend designer trunk shows, which often offer discounts, or shop at bridal sample sales. You can also look for budget-friendly alternatives to expensive gowns, such as choosing a simple dress and adding accessories.
