Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses can be expensive, but there are many ways to find one that fits your budget. You could buy a pre-owned dress, wear a family member's wedding dress, or purchase a sample dress from a bridal salon. You can also rent a dress, buy off-the-rack, or opt for a non-wedding dress in white or ivory. Shopping online at places like Etsy, ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, Lulus, or Sachin & Babi can also help you find a beautiful dress at a lower cost. With some creativity and flexibility, you can find your dream wedding dress without compromising your budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Buy pre-owned | Websites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, and Loved Twice Bridal offer designer dresses at a fraction of the retail price. |
| Wear a family heirloom | You can wear the wedding dress of a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or other family member and alter it to suit your style. |
| Buy off-the-rack | Off-the-rack gowns tend to be cheaper than made-to-order dresses, and you can take them home the same day. |
| Buy a sample dress | Bridal salons sell sample dresses at discounted prices. This is a great way to find a designer dress at a more affordable rate. |
| Rent a dress | Renting allows you to secure a luxury wedding dress without the luxury price tag. Rental dresses are dry cleaned and repaired between uses. |
| Choose a lace-up or corset-style dress | These styles offer flexibility in sizing, reducing the need for alterations. |
| Shop online | Websites like Etsy, ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, Lulus, and Sachin & Babi offer affordable wedding dresses. |
| Shop in-store | Stores like David's Bridal have an 'Under $99' filter on their website and in-store options to fit your budget. |
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What You'll Learn
Buy pre-owned
Buying a pre-owned wedding dress is a great way to save money and can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice. Many pre-owned dresses have been worn only once and are in excellent condition. Shopping for pre-owned dresses opens up the possibility of snagging a designer gown at a fraction of the retail price, and also gives beautiful dresses a second life, which can appeal to brides with sustainability in mind.
There are many online platforms that connect buyers and sellers of pre-owned wedding dresses, such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, and Borrowing Magnolia. These sites offer a wide range of designer dresses, with some featuring over 97,000 wedding gowns for sale. You can browse through various designers and pay securely using platforms like PayPal. Some sites also offer safe and secure messaging systems that allow you to connect and chat with dress owners and sellers.
When buying a pre-owned dress, be cautious of purchasing online without seeing it first. Most bridal boutiques make dresses to order, so it's recommended to shop for your dress 9 to 12 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to make any necessary alterations. Even if the dress shows some signs of wear, hiring a seamstress to make alterations or having it dry cleaned will likely still save you money.
In addition to online platforms, you can also find pre-owned dresses at bridal sample sales or by purchasing floor samples from bridal salons. Bridal salons periodically update their sample dresses and often sell them at discounted prices. Just be sure to check for signs of wear and tear and keep in mind that there are usually no-return policies on sample sales.
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Wear a family member's dress
If you want to save money on your wedding dress, consider wearing a family member's dress. This is a beautiful way to honour your relatives and create family traditions. You could wear the dress as it is or have it altered to suit your style and current trends. Even if extensive alterations are needed, it will likely still be cheaper than buying a new dress. Plus, the sentimental value of wearing a beloved family heirloom is priceless.
If your mother or grandmother still has their wedding dress, consider giving it new life by having it altered. A skilled tailor can modernise a vintage gown by altering the fit, adding new embellishments, or making structural changes. Imagine walking down the aisle in a gown filled with family memories, styled to make it uniquely yours. This approach combines tradition with personal flair, making it an option rich with meaning.
You can also buy pre-owned wedding dresses online at a fraction of the retail price. Sites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, and Loved Twice Bridal offer a wide range of designer dresses. Many of these dresses were only worn once and are in excellent condition, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice. However, remember to be cautious when buying a pre-owned dress online if you can't see it before purchasing.
Bridal salons periodically update their sample dresses and often sell them at discounted prices. This is another great way to find a designer dress at a more affordable rate. Just be sure to check for signs of wear and tear and give yourself enough time for alterations. Keep in mind that there are usually no-return policies on sample sales, so make sure you're happy with your purchase before committing.
Finally, don't forget to consider thrift shopping. It requires patience, but you may find a hidden gem at a fraction of the cost of a new dress. Choosing a lace-up or corset-style dress is another way to save on alterations, as these offer flexibility in sizing.
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Shop at department stores
Department stores are a great option for brides-to-be who want to save money on their wedding dress without compromising on style. Many department stores offer a range of white dresses that can work beautifully for a wedding, and these options tend to be simpler and more affordable than those found in bridal boutiques.
Nordstrom, for example, offers a wide array of formal white dresses that are perfect for a low-key ceremony or reception. Similarly, Macy's has a range of wedding dresses, including Calvin Klein's High-Low A-Line Gown, which retails for $299. This option not only offers classic style but also comfort, as the high-low hem makes it easier to dance in.
In addition to Nordstrom and Macy's, other department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and JCPenney also offer wedding dress options. Shopping at department stores allows you to find a beautiful dress at a lower price, and you can always add your personal touch with accessories to create a unique look.
Online retailers like ASOS and Target are also worth considering, as they offer a range of white dresses that can work for a wedding. With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can find a stunning wedding dress within your budget by shopping at department stores.
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Look for sample sales
Sample sales are a great way to find cheap wedding dresses. Bridal salons periodically update their range of sample dresses, and they often sell off the older samples at discounted prices. Sample sales are perfect for brides with shorter timelines or those looking to stick to a budget without compromising on design. Sample dresses are also a more sustainable option, as you're purchasing a gown that has already been made, instead of putting a new garment into production.
Sample sale dresses are typically sold as-is and ship quickly, so be prepared to make your decision when you find the right one. Sample dresses are usually final sale, so make sure you're happy with your purchase before committing. Be sure to check for signs of wear and tear on the dress, and give yourself time to have alterations made so that the dress fits you perfectly.
Many online retailers offer sample sales, and you can browse through detailed descriptions and multiple photos to see exactly what you're purchasing. Sample sales typically offer a range of styles and sizes, and you can often find designer labels for a fraction of the original retail price. You can expect to save up to 70% or even 90% off the retail price of a sample dress.
In addition to online retailers, you can also find sample sales at brick-and-mortar bridal salons and boutiques. These sales offer the opportunity to try on dresses in person and ensure a perfect fit. Remember that sample dresses may have been tried on by other customers, so be sure to inspect the dress carefully and be prepared to have alterations made if needed.
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Rent a dress
If you're looking for a cheap wedding dress, renting is a great option. It's a genius way to secure a luxury dress without the hefty price tag. Rental dresses are thoroughly dry-cleaned and repaired between each use, so you don't have to worry about quality. Just be sure to keep the dress in perfect condition as you won't own it.
There are a variety of lengths, designs, and styles available for rent, so you can still find your dream dress. When renting, you can snag designer dresses no matter your budget. You can rent gorgeous gowns for your wedding and all the events leading up to your big day, like engagement parties and bridal showers.
If you're interested in renting a wedding dress, try looking at local dress shops, bridal boutiques, and online platforms. You can also check out companies that specifically rent out dresses, like The Dress Outlet, or pop-up bridal resale events.
While renting is a great option, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, give yourself plenty of time before the wedding in case you need alterations. Secondly, be cautious of renting a dress online if you can't see it in person before your big day. Lastly, remember that you'll need to keep the dress in perfect condition, so consider choosing a style that's easy to walk and dance in, like a flowy skirt or an A-line gown.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to save money is to buy a pre-owned dress. Websites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, and Loved Twice Bridal offer designer dresses at a fraction of the retail price. You can also check out bridal sample sales or purchase floor samples from bridal salons.
Some websites to check out for affordable wedding dresses include ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, Lulus, Sachin & Babi, and David's Bridal. Etsy is another great option for custom-made and pre-owned wedding dresses.
Yes, you can consider wearing a family heirloom dress and having it altered to suit your style. You can also look for dresses that are not labelled as "wedding dresses", such as bridesmaid or prom dresses, which tend to be more affordable. Additionally, choosing a lace-up or corset-style dress can help you save on alterations.
