Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be expensive, but finding the perfect wedding dress doesn't have to be. It's important to know how much you can realistically spend on your wedding dress before shopping. You can allocate about 10% of your total wedding budget to your wedding dress, alterations, and accessories. To save money, you can buy a pre-owned dress, wear a family member's wedding dress, or shop at affordable bridal shops like Lulus, ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, and Anthropologie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average wedding dress cost | $2,000 |
| Online shops | Lulus, ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, Cocomelody, David's Bridal |
| Physical shops | Anthropologie |
| Budget-saving tips | Buy pre-owned, wear a family member's dress, opt for cheaper fabrics and fewer embellishments, allocate 10% of the total wedding budget |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Set a budget
Setting a budget for your wedding dress is an important step in the wedding planning process. Wedding dresses can range in price from $100 to $10,000, so it's crucial to determine how much you are willing to spend. Consider the overall wedding budget and decide what percentage of it you want to allocate to the dress. Be realistic about what you can afford and try not to go overboard.
When setting a budget, keep in mind any additional costs that may be incurred, such as alterations, accessories, and dry cleaning. Alterations can range from $15 to $300 or more, depending on the complexity of the changes. It's a good idea to get a consultation with a tailor to get an accurate estimate for any desired alterations.
If you have a specific dress in mind, factor in the cost of that particular style. For example, ballgowns and dresses with intricate details or high-quality fabrics may be more expensive. On the other hand, simple silhouettes and shorter lengths tend to be more affordable.
Additionally, consider the timing of your purchase. Wedding dresses typically go on sale during the holidays and at the end of each season, so keep an eye out for these sales to snag a dress at a discounted price. Bridal boutiques also sell sample dresses at fantastic prices, so don't forget to explore those options as well.
Remember, setting a budget for your wedding dress doesn't mean sacrificing style or elegance. With careful planning and research, you can find a stunning dress that fits within your financial plan.
Transforming Your Wedding Dress: DIY Home Dye Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shop second-hand
Shopping second-hand is a great way to find a budget wedding dress. Borrowing Magnolia is a platform that connects buyers and sellers of pre-owned wedding dresses, allowing buyers to save money and make sustainable choices. Stillwhite is another online marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses, where you can find designer gowns at affordable prices.
You can also try Nearly Newlywed, which has been helping connect dress buyers and sellers since 2004. These platforms offer a wide variety of wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost of retail, allowing you to stay within your budget.
When buying a second-hand wedding dress, you can browse through listings, interact with sellers, and negotiate prices. You can also sell your wedding dress after your big day to recoup some of your money. Shopping second-hand is a sustainable and cost-effective way to find your dream wedding dress without compromising on style or quality. With a little bit of searching, you can find a dress that fits your budget and makes your special day even more memorable.
Amelia Sposa Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$92.99
$116.99 $122.99
Wear a family heirloom
Wearing a family heirloom is a great way to save money on your wedding dress, and it can add a special, meaningful touch to your big day. There are a few things to consider when deciding to wear a family heirloom as your wedding dress.
Firstly, you should assess the condition of the dress. Take it to a restoration specialist to get it cleaned and to assess what kind of damage there is and how it can be fixed. The fabric of older dresses is likely to be more delicate, so it's important to take it to a specialist rather than a regular dry cleaner.
Secondly, you may want to make alterations to the dress to suit your personal style. You could get in touch with a seamstress to discuss what changes can be made to the dress. If you want to keep the dress as original as possible, you may only need to get it cleaned.
There are also other ways to incorporate a family heirloom into your wedding day if you don't want to wear the exact dress. You could use the fabric to make a garter, a handkerchief, a bridal bouquet wrap, a ring bearer pillow, or a patch for the inside of your bridal gown.
If you're set on wearing a family heirloom dress, but it's not quite your style, you could get it reworked. For example, one person shared how they got their mother's 80s puffy-sleeved gown altered into something more modern and elegant.
Wearing a family heirloom dress can add a special, emotional touch to your wedding day and is a great way to save money on your wedding dress.
Vera Wang Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Opt for cheaper fabrics
Opting for cheaper fabrics is a great way to save money on your wedding dress. The type of fabric you choose can make a big difference in the overall cost of your dress, as certain fabrics are naturally more expensive than others.
Silk, for example, is a luxurious and rich fabric that is often more expensive. Its soft drape makes it popular for flowing styles, but it is not always the best choice for a winter wedding as it may not provide enough warmth. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can opt for synthetic alternatives that mimic the look of silk at a lower cost. Chiffon, which is often used as an overlay or accent detail due to its sheer and transparent style, is another lightweight fabric that is usually less expensive.
Other fabrics to consider for a more budget-friendly option include crepe, satin, polyester, and tulle. These fabrics can give you a similar look and feel to more expensive options without breaking the bank. For example, satin can range from a basic synthetic blend to high-grade silk satin, so you can choose the option that fits your budget.
Additionally, consider the style and silhouette you are looking for. Simple styles and silhouettes often require less fabric and can be more affordable. Fabric choice impacts the aesthetic and fit of a bridal gown, so choosing a style that uses less fabric can help you save money.
By opting for cheaper fabrics and considering the style and silhouette, you can find a wedding dress that fits both your vision and your budget.
Ways to Address a Couple: Wedding Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$89.99 $105.99
Shop online
Shopping online for a wedding dress is a great way to stick to a budget. There are many online retailers that offer a range of styles at affordable prices.
Lulus, for example, offers a curated collection of wedding dresses, from trendy to timeless, casual to luxe, and in a range of sizes. Many of their dresses are under $200, with nothing over $600. They also offer free shipping on select orders and easy returns.
TheDressWarehouse is another great option for budget-friendly wedding dresses, with prices starting at just $99. They offer a full style spectrum, from contemporary to traditional, with a variety of silhouettes, including A-line gowns, fitted sheath dresses, and mermaid gowns.
If you're looking for a custom gown, Cocomelody allows brides to design their own look, with gowns typically under $500.
For those who want to rent a dress instead of buying, Rent the Runway offers bridal looks, including white and off-white dresses, jumpsuits, and separates.
Other online retailers that offer affordable wedding dresses include BHLDN, Torrid, ASOS, and Revolve.
When shopping online, it's important to keep in mind that you may not be able to try on the dress in advance. However, many websites offer size charts and easy return policies to make finding the right fit easier.
Returning Wedding Dresses: David's Bridal Policy Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you allocate about 10% of your total wedding budget to your wedding dress, alterations, and accessories. The average cost of a wedding dress is $2,000, so any dress below that price point is considered cheap.
There are many places to find budget-friendly wedding dresses, both online and in-store. Some popular options include Lulus, ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, Cocomelody, Anthropologie, and David's Bridal.
There are several ways to save money on your wedding dress. You can opt for a pre-owned dress, wear a family member's wedding dress, or choose a dress with simpler fabric and fewer embellishments, as these tend to be more expensive.
When buying a budget wedding dress, it's important to factor in the cost of alterations, which can range from $15 to $300 or more, depending on the complexity of the changes. Additionally, don't forget to budget for accessories such as jewellery, shoes, and a veil or headpiece, which can also add to the overall cost.
