Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses can be expensive, but there are many ways to find a beautiful dress on a budget. The average cost of a wedding dress is $2000, but there are plenty of options available for under $1000, $500, or even $200. To save money, you can shop online, rent a dress, or look for affordable bridal shops or non-profit organisations that provide wedding dresses. You can also try department stores, such as Macy's, or fashion brands like Lulus, Revolve, and ASOS. It's important to know your budget, be open to different styles, and consider potential alterations and accessories. With some research and flexibility, you can find a stunning wedding dress without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Budget | $100-$2000 |
| Shopping options | Online, bridal shops, department stores, non-profit organisations |
| Online retailers | Lulus, Lyst, ShopStyle, Macy's, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, ASOS, Modcloth, Wolf & Badger, Dia & Co, The Knot, Anthropologie |
| Department stores | Macy's |
| Non-profit organisations | St. Anthony's Bridal |
| Style | Gown, short, A-line, slip dress, mermaid, sweetheart neckline, halter neckline, plunging neckline |
| Additional costs | Alterations, accessories, shoes, veil, hair, makeup |
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What You'll Learn
Try non-profit organisations
If you're looking for a budget wedding dress, it's worth considering non-profit organisations. These organisations often collect and resell wedding dresses, using the proceeds to support charitable causes.
One such organisation is Brides for a Cause, which has showrooms in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They collect wedding dresses from designers, manufacturers, and brides, and then resell them to raise funds for women-focused charities. Since 2012, they have collected over 40,000 wedding dresses and donated over $3,000,000 to charities across the country.
Another option is Adorned in Grace, which has locations in Oregon and Arizona. They sell wedding dresses, formal attire, mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl attire, veils, shoes, jewellery, bras, and petticoats. Their profits support efforts to prevent and raise awareness of sex trafficking.
Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland is another great choice. They stock designer gowns less than five years old, and any donated gowns support Success in Style, a non-profit that provides professional clothing and interview skills to clients in crisis.
Additionally, you can consider The Emma and Evan Foundation, which transforms donated wedding dresses into angel gowns, or burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are offered to grieving families as a source of comfort and remembrance.
By purchasing or donating your wedding dress through these non-profit organisations, you can find a budget-friendly option while also supporting worthwhile charitable causes.
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Look for online retailers with good return policies
When looking for a wedding dress on a budget, it's a good idea to explore online retailers, many of which offer a wide range of options under $1000. Shopping online gives you the convenience of trying before buying, and some retailers even offer free returns.
It is important to be cautious when ordering online, as some websites may sell knock-offs or cheap-quality dresses. Therefore, it is recommended to extensively review a retailer's shipping and returns policy before making a purchase. Look for retailers that offer flexible return policies, which allow you to return your dress within a reasonable timeframe, and preferably with free return shipping.
Some online retailers with good return policies include Lulus, which offers free standard shipping on orders over $50 and free returns within 10 days for a refund. Similarly, ASOS offers trendy yet affordable wedding dresses with free returns within 30 days, although there is a $7 fee for returns after 10 days. Nordstrom also has a great shipping and return policy, although most wedding dresses are available only in selected stores.
If you're looking for a well-made, fashionable, and budget-friendly dress, Azazie offers an impressive selection of wedding dresses, most retailing for under $300, with returns within 30 days for a small fee. Another option is Afarose, which offers free returns for standard-size dresses within seven days of delivery, provided they are in their original condition.
When shopping online, you can also take advantage of price filters to ensure you find a dress within your budget. Additionally, some websites offer the option to sort dresses by style, neckline, and length, making it easier to find your dream dress without breaking the bank.
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Consider renting your dress
Renting a wedding dress is a great way to save money, allowing you to wear your dream gown without the hefty price tag. Renting is an affordable, eco-friendly, and hassle-free option, with many rental shops offering extensive collections that keep up with the latest trends.
Renting a wedding dress will almost always be cheaper than buying one. The average cost of a wedding dress is around $2,000, whereas renting typically costs between $200 and $2,000. Renting a dress can give you access to high-end designer dresses, which would usually retail for $4,000 or more.
However, there are some drawbacks to renting. The dress you love may not be available for your wedding date, and you will likely be responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. It's important to carefully read the contract and familiarize yourself with the rental company's damage policies and fees.
When considering renting a wedding dress, it's essential to keep timing in mind. While there are plenty of options when it comes to designers and silhouettes, your preferred dress may not be available for your chosen date. Many rental companies recommend being prepared to make a decision during your appointment, as they cannot guarantee availability after that.
Overall, renting a wedding dress can be a fantastic way to save money and access designer gowns without the high price tag. However, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks and carefully consider the timing and availability of your chosen dress.
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Browse budget-friendly bridal shops
If you're looking for a wedding dress that won't break the bank, there are plenty of budget-friendly bridal shops to choose from. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Online Options
There are numerous online bridal shops that offer budget-friendly options. Sites like Lulus, Revolve, and ASOS have wedding dress sections with a variety of styles and price points. You can also try online department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus, which often have a wide range of options to choose from. If you're looking for a more affordable option, sites like Modcloth and ShopStyle offer wedding dresses at lower price points.
Sample Sales
Another great way to save money on your wedding dress is to look for sample sales at bridal boutiques. These dresses are usually heavily discounted and in great condition. You can find them at boutiques like Rachel Ash, which offers a wide range of styles, sizes, and designers at a fraction of the original price. Their knowledgeable stylists can help you find a dress that suits your style and budget.
Rental Options
If you're open to renting your wedding dress, there are several companies that offer this service. Rent the Runway, for example, has a dedicated section for brides, with a variety of styles and lengths to choose from. This option is perfect for brides who want a laid-back style or don't want to spend a lot of money on a dress they'll only wear once.
In-Person Boutiques
If you prefer to shop in person, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, know your budget and be open about it with the salon staff. Ask them to only show you dresses within your budget to avoid any temptation or disappointment. Be sure to leave room in your budget for potential alterations, as well. It's also a good idea to do some research beforehand and gather inspiration so you have an idea of the styles you're drawn to, but be open to trying on different things.
Budget-Friendly Designers
When it comes to finding a budget-friendly wedding dress, it's worth looking at bridal designers with affordable collections. Olivia Bottega, for example, offers luxurious and affordable wedding dresses made with high-quality fabrics and attention to detail. Azazie is another great option, with stylish and affordable dresses that won't sacrifice quality.
Remember, finding your dream wedding dress on a budget is definitely achievable with a bit of research and flexibility!
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Be open to alterations
Wedding dress alterations are an integral part of the bridal fashion journey. Even if your dress feels great when you first try it on, those little adjustments can help your gown fit like a glove. Be open to trying different things and be prepared to alter your chosen dress to make it absolutely perfect for you.
It's recommended that you buy your dress early, leaving plenty of time for fittings and tailoring. You should buy your dress about 10 months before the wedding, then schedule a fitting eight to 12 weeks before the big day and a final fitting no later than two weeks before. If you're making major changes, budget a few extra weeks. Your first dress fitting appointment will be the best time to determine your alterations needs. During the alteration process, a bride can see and feel what she will look like on her wedding day.
Wedding dress alterations can cost between $50 and $1,000+, depending on what you need to have done. Most dresses will need to be hemmed, have the sides taken in, and have a bustle added. More extensive changes can be made with enough budgeted time and money, such as adding off-the-shoulder straps, sleeves, train length, lace appliqués, beading, bustles, and buttons.
When you schedule a fitting with your alterations professional, they will carefully assess the fit of the dress on your body and suggest alterations accordingly. Seeking guidance from your bridal stylist can be invaluable. They have in-depth knowledge of the gowns and can provide valuable insights into what adjustments will enhance the fit and overall look of the dress. Trust their expertise and be open to their suggestions to achieve the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many online options for budget wedding dresses, including Lulus, Macy's, Nordstrom, ASOS, and Modcloth. You can also try searching for "non-profit wedding dress" + your state to find local non-profit organizations that provide affordable wedding dresses.
Experts say that wedding attire takes up 5-10% of a wedding budget, but this includes the couple's attire, alterations, accessories, and wedding day beauty. To get a rough idea of how much to spend on the dress, aim for the lower end of the spectrum (about 5%) for the dress itself.
Before you start trying on dresses, know the types of styles you are drawn to but be open to trying different things. When you visit salons, let them know your budget and ask them not to show you anything over your budget.
Alterations can cost a lot of money, so to avoid this extra cost, consider a dress with a corset back, which can give your dress a customized fit.
