Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are expensive, with the average cost of a wedding dress ranging from $1,000 to $2,400, and designer gowns costing upwards of $5,000. However, there are several ways to save money on your dream dress. You could shop at off-season sales, sample sales, or trunk shows, or buy a used dress from consignment stores or online resellers. You could also opt for a simpler style, a micro wedding dress, or a tea-length dress, which are typically less expensive than full-length gowns. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you could even make it yourself, or enlist the help of a talented friend or family member.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of a wedding dress | $1,000 to $2,439 |
| Wedding dress cost in the UK | £1,500 |
| Wedding dress cost in 2019 | $1,600 |
| Wedding dress cost in 2024 | $2,000 |
| Cost-saving methods | Buying a used dress, shopping at off-season sales, buying from consignment stores, buying from online resellers, bargaining, comparing prices, buying from a local tailor or seamstress, having a friend or family member make the dress, choosing a less expensive style, buying from sample sales, buying from trunk shows, renting a dress, buying off the rack, buying a micro wedding dress |
| Cost-increasing factors | Alterations, intricate details, customization |
| Payment methods | Savings, credit cards, money-saving apps |
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What You'll Learn
Shop around and compare prices
Shopping around and comparing prices is a great way to save money on your wedding dress. Wedding dress prices can vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, so it is important to set a budget and stick to it. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping around:
- Online shopping: Browsing affordable wedding dresses online is a good way to compare prices and find budget-friendly options. Websites like Lulus, Azazie, and Anthropologie offer gorgeous dresses at lower price points. However, when buying online, always check the return policy, shipping costs, and reviews to make an informed decision.
- In-store shopping: If you prefer in-person shopping, you can still find ways to stay within your budget. Visit multiple bridal boutiques and compare the prices of the dresses you like. Keep in mind that the price of a wedding dress is usually set by the designer, so you may find the same dress at different stores for a similar price.
- Sample sales and off-the-rack options: Look for sample sales or off-the-rack dresses, which are pre-made ensembles that bridal salons offer at more affordable prices. Sample dresses are the actual dresses used for try-ons, while off-the-rack dresses are ready-to-wear options that save you the time and cost of customizations.
- Simplistic styles: Opting for a simpler silhouette and fewer embellishments can help reduce the cost. Intricate details like beading, lace, and intricate silhouettes increase the price tag due to the time and materials required.
- Accessories: Instead of a fully beaded gown, consider using accessories like a sequined belt or a dramatic veil to add glamour to a simpler dress.
- Think outside the box: Consider alternative options like renting a dress, buying a used dress, or choosing a non-traditional colour. These options can offer significant savings without compromising your style.
By shopping around and comparing prices, you can find a wedding dress that fits both your budget and your dream vision.
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Choose a cheaper dress style
The average cost of a wedding dress is estimated to be around $2,000 to $2,439, but costs can go considerably higher. However, you can still find cheaper dress styles without sacrificing style. Here are some tips to consider:
Choose a simpler dress style
Opting for a simpler dress style can save you money. Micro dresses, for example, are simpler and less expensive than most traditional gowns. These dresses gained popularity during the pandemic when weddings became more intimate and informal. A micro dress could save you money without sacrificing the bridal look. For instance, David's Bridal offers micro dresses ranging from $139 to $749.
Buy off-the-rack
Buying a wedding dress off-the-rack is one of the most economical ways to shop. Bridal salons need to keep their stock up to date, so they offer pre-made ensembles at a lower cost since you're not paying for a custom-made or heavily altered dress.
Shop sample sales
Bridal boutiques and designers organize sample sales to clear out last season's styles, usually once or twice a year. You can find designer dresses at these sales, often marked down by up to 70%.
Rent a wedding dress
Renting a wedding dress is another option to consider. While it may not be the most sentimental choice, it can save you a significant amount of money.
Choose a dress that requires minimal alterations
Alterations can easily run into the hundreds of dollars. Opt for a dress with fewer intricate details to keep alteration costs down. A corset-style dress, for instance, offers adjustability without formal alterations.
Remember, with some creative sourcing and smart shopping, you can find a beautiful wedding dress that fits within your budget.
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Buy a used dress
One way to save money on your wedding dress is to buy a used one. Borrowing Magnolia, for example, is a platform that connects buyers with sellers of pre-owned wedding dresses. It offers a wide range of styles, colours, and silhouettes, with dresses that are "like new" and available at a significantly lower price point. Stillwhite is another online marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, with over 97,000 wedding gowns for sale at a fraction of the retail cost. You can browse through hundreds of designers and pay safely using PayPal.
Another option is to wear a vintage dress that belonged to your mother or grandmother. This option carries sentimental value and can save you money. However, depending on the age and condition of the dress, restoring and altering it can cost a few hundred dollars or more. If you choose this route, be sure to consult a wedding dress restoration specialist to evaluate the necessary alterations and their associated costs.
Additionally, you can consider purchasing a dress "off the rack" from a bridal salon. Bridal salons need to unload their inventory to keep their stock up to date, so they offer pre-made ensembles at more affordable prices. This option saves you money because you avoid the costs of customisation or made-to-order gowns.
When buying a used wedding dress, keep in mind that alterations may be necessary. Research the cost of alteration services in your area to set a separate budget for any desired modifications. By choosing a dress that requires fewer intricate details or opting for a corset style, you can help keep alteration costs down.
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Have a local tailor make it
If you're looking for ways to save money on your wedding dress, one option is to have it made by a local tailor. This can be a more affordable alternative to purchasing a designer gown or even a dress off the rack.
When you choose to have your wedding dress made by a local tailor, you can be sure that it will be a one-of-a-kind creation that perfectly fits your body and your style. While it may take some time to find the right tailor and go through the design and fitting process, the result will be a dress that is truly yours.
To start, do your research to find a skilled and reliable seamstress or bridal alterations specialist in your area. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members who have recently been married can be a great way to find someone trustworthy. You can also look online for reviews of local tailors and seamstresses who specialize in wedding dresses.
Once you've found a few potential candidates, reach out to them to discuss your vision, their process, and their pricing. Be sure to ask for references and photos of their previous work, especially if they haven't created many wedding dresses before. It's important to feel comfortable and confident in your choice of tailor, as they will be playing a significant role in bringing your dream dress to life.
After you've selected your tailor, the fun part begins! Work with them to sketch out your dress and choose the perfect fabrics and details. Be open to their expertise and suggestions, as they may have ideas that can enhance your vision or help to keep costs down. For example, they might suggest simpler alterations or specific fabrics that are more affordable without sacrificing style or quality.
Throughout the process, be sure to schedule fittings to ensure that your dress is coming together as planned and fits you like a glove. The number of fittings will depend on the complexity of your dress and the tailor's process, but typically three fittings are recommended. During these fittings, don't be afraid to speak up if there are adjustments you'd like to be made. It's also important to bring your wedding-day essentials, such as your chosen underwear and shoes, to ensure the most accurate fit.
By choosing to work with a local tailor, you can create a wedding dress that is not only budget-friendly but also a true reflection of your unique style. With their expertise and your vision, you'll be well on your way to having the dress of your dreams without breaking the bank.
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Look for sales and coupons
One of the best ways to save money on your wedding dress is to look for sales and coupons. Many bridal shops have sales throughout the year, so it's worth keeping an eye out for these. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite bridal shops so you'll be the first to know when a sale is happening. You can also follow their social media accounts to stay informed about upcoming sales.
Bridal shops often have end-of-season sales where you can save up to 50% on dresses that are being discontinued. Sample sales are another great way to find discounts on designer dresses. Bridal boutiques and designers usually organise these sales once or twice a year to clear out last season's styles and make room for newer designs. You can find statement-making looks that are up to 70% off! So, be sure to check your favourite designer's website or a local bridal salon to find out when they're planning on selling samples.
If you're buying a brand-new dress, you can also browse the designer's ready-to-wear collection. This can give you more options for lower-priced styles that you can purchase off-the-rack. Buying off-the-rack is one of the most economical ways to shop for a wedding dress. You can bring your dress home with you the same day and avoid the higher costs of having a dress made from scratch or customised.
Trunk shows are another option to consider for finding discounts on wedding dresses. These shows are a great way to save money, especially if you're looking for a couture gown. You can also wait for a trunk show to purchase a gown at a discount, or ask about other discounts if there isn't a show coming up soon.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to save money on your wedding dress. You could shop around and compare prices at different stores, buy a used dress, have your dress made by a local tailor, or look for sales and coupons. You could also opt for a micro wedding dress, which is simpler and less expensive than most traditional gowns.
The average cost of a wedding dress is around $1,000, but they can cost much more. In 2019, the average cost was $1,600, and in 2024, it was $2,000. The cost will depend on various factors, such as the fabric, design, and labour involved.
You could save up beforehand to avoid going into debt, or use a credit card, which gives you various ways to pay. You could also consider using a money-saving app or the automatic savings features in your banking app.
Alterations can be expensive, so choosing a dress with fewer intricate details can help keep costs down. You could also consider a corset style, which offers adjustability without formal alterations. If you opt for a made-to-order gown, you can request modifications before the dress is made to avoid paying extra after the fact.
