Franklin Dean
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when it comes to figuring out how to pay for your dream dress. While some brides may have their wedding dress funded by their family, others may need to consider financing options such as payment plans, credit cards, or loans. It's important to establish a budget that includes not just the dress but also alterations, accessories, and shoes to ensure you don't overspend. Most boutiques require a deposit upfront, ranging from 10% to 60%, with the remainder due when you pick up the dress or when alterations begin. Reading the fine print and understanding the payment terms is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Cash, credit card, debit card, financing options (e.g. Affirm, Layaway, Special Order Reservations) |
| Payment timing | Full payment upfront, deposit with remaining payment later, or installments |
| Payment amount | Full price, or deposit (ranging from 10-75%) with remaining payment later |
| Contract | Includes bridal salon details, consultant names, date and time of purchase, total amount, deposit amount and payment method, remaining amount and due date, number of fittings included and cost of additional fittings, payment method for alterations, designer name, style, colour, size, and measurements |
| Alterations | Additional cost, quoted separately and can range from $300 to $1000+ |
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What You'll Learn
Payment plans and financing options
When visiting boutiques, be clear about your budget and ask about payment options. Some boutiques may offer financing or accept a deposit with subsequent payments, while others may require a percentage upfront with the remainder due at pickup. It's important to read the fine print and understand the terms of any payment plan or financing option, including potential late fees.
Some companies, like The Last Minute Bride, offer payment plans with the option to exchange the dress if you change your mind. They allow you to split the payment into equal instalments, typically due every two weeks, with no additional fees for early repayment.
Other companies, like David's Bridal, offer financing options such as Affirm, Layaway, and Special Order Reservations, which provide transparent, flexible, and straightforward payment choices. Klarna is another payment solution that allows you to split your purchase into four instalments, with no interest or added fees when you pay on time.
Additionally, Abunda offers lease-to-own, interest-free instalments, and monthly payment plans for wedding dresses from various brands. They cater to customers with bad or no credit, providing accessible financing options regardless of credit score.
When considering payment plans and financing options, it's essential to carefully review the contract, understand the payment schedule, and be mindful of any additional charges or late payment fees.
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Budgeting for alterations
Wedding dress alterations are an important aspect of ensuring your gown is perfect for your big day. Whether your dress is custom-made or off the rack, alterations are often necessary to achieve the desired fit and look. When budgeting for alterations, there are several factors to consider:
Cost of Alterations
The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations, the fabric of the gown, and the rates of your seamstress or tailor. Basic alterations can range from $150 to $700, while standard alterations, including a hem, bustle, and adjustments to the top or bottom of the gown, typically cost between $700 to $1000. More complex alterations, such as those involving multiple pieces or high-level details, can cost over $1000. It is important to discuss the specific alterations needed for your dress and get an estimate from your seamstress or tailor before finalizing your budget.
Number of Alterations
The number of alterations needed can impact the overall cost. Multiple rounds of fittings and consultations will increase the expense. It is recommended to plan your alterations 4-5 months in advance to avoid rush charges, which can be more than $25 per service.
Fabric and Embellishments
The fabric and style of the gown can also affect the cost of alterations. Alterations for delicate fabrics like silk or satin, intricate embellishments, or detailed re-beading can be more expensive due to the need for delicate hand stitching. Lace dresses and heavily embellished gowns may also come with a higher price tag for alterations.
Flat Rate vs. A La Carte
Some bridal boutiques offer a flat alteration fee, which typically covers most basic alterations and ranges from $500 to $1000. Professional seamstresses often charge an a la carte rate, where each alteration has a minimum price that can increase based on complexity. Understanding the pricing structure of your chosen seamstress or bridal boutique is essential for accurate budgeting.
Customizations
Customizing your gown, such as redesigning a family heirloom or making significant style changes, can significantly increase alteration costs. Simple customizations like a neckline change may not be as expensive, but complex processes can cost over $1000.
When budgeting for alterations, it is important to remember that they can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the factors mentioned above. Discuss your budget with your seamstress or bridal boutique and ensure you have a detailed receipt or written agreement outlining the alterations and associated costs before proceeding.
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Wedding dress contracts
A wedding dress contract is a document that outlines the details of your purchase and is signed with the salon before buying a dress. It is important to carefully read the fine print and understand all the terms before signing. Here are some key aspects to consider and include in wedding dress contracts:
Details of the Dress
The contract should include specific details about the dress, such as the designer name, style or style number, exact colour, and size. Any alterations or customisations to the original design should also be listed. This ensures that both parties are clear on the final product and helps prevent any misunderstandings or errors.
Timing and Delivery
The contract should outline the expected delivery date of the dress. This is crucial for managing expectations and ensuring the dress arrives on time for the wedding. It can also include information about the timeline for alterations and fittings, especially if they are included in the price.
Payment Terms
Details about the payment should be outlined in the contract, including the total amount, any extra charges, and the amount deposited. The means of payment, such as cash, credit card, or payment plan, should also be specified. The contract should clarify when the remaining balance is due, such as upon pickup or when the dress arrives.
Salon Information
The contract should include the name, address, phone number, and email address of the bridal salon. Additionally, the names of the consultants who assisted you and the date and time of purchase should be documented.
Deposits and Cancellations
It is important to note that preservation of the wedding dress after the event is typically not included in the contract, so separate arrangements may need to be made for that service.
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Paying for bridal party attire
Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, and the bridal party attire is a significant part of the cost. While there are no steadfast rules, there are some traditional approaches and expectations regarding who pays for what.
Bridesmaids and Bridesmen
Bridesmaids and bridesmen are usually expected to pay for their own outfits, including dresses, suits, tuxedos, and shoes. This can be a significant expense, especially if the bride requests specific attire. To alleviate financial stress, some brides allow their bridal party to choose their own dresses within certain style, fit, and color parameters. This gives the bridal party more control over the cost and ensures they feel comfortable. Alternatively, the bride or couple can subsidize the cost or pay for the attire as a thank-you gift to the bridal party.
It is important to note that the bridal party may incur additional costs beyond their attire. These can include expenses for the bridal shower, bachelorette party, food, decor, activities, and gifts. Being honest about what one can afford is essential to managing these financial expectations and stressors.
Grooms and Groomsmen
Traditionally, the groom's family pays for his attire. However, it is not uncommon for the groom to cover the cost of his wedding suit or tuxedo himself. Similarly, groomsmen typically pay for their own suits or tuxedos. Renting attire can be a more affordable option for groomsmen, and it ensures a coordinated look.
Bride
Traditionally, the bride's family pays for her wedding dress, veil, and accessories. However, modern brides often choose to pay for their own gowns, especially if they opt for a custom design or alterations.
Mothers of the Bride and Groom
The mothers of the bride and groom are typically expected to cover the cost of their own wedding attire. The bride may request that their gowns coordinate with the bridal party in some way, adding to the expense.
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Deposits and instalments
Some boutiques offer financing options or accept credit card payments, which can provide more flexibility for brides. For example, David's Bridal offers Affirm, Layaway, and Special Order Reservations as payment options. These programs allow brides to purchase their dream dress on their terms, with transparent and straightforward payment plans. However, it is worth noting that some boutiques may not submit the order until full payment is made.
It is also important to consider additional costs, such as alterations, which can range from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the work required. These costs should be factored into the overall budget when deciding on a payment plan for the wedding dress.
Overall, it is recommended to have an established budget before shopping for a wedding dress and to communicate this budget to the consultants. This will help ensure that you do not fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range and allow them to show you options within your budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Read the contract carefully and thoroughly, and double-check that all the information is correct. The contract will include details such as the bridal salon's name, address, and contact information; the names of the consultants who assisted you; the date and time of purchase; the total amount (including any extra charges); the amount deposited and how it was paid; the amount still owed and the date the remainder of the balance needs to be paid; how many fittings are included and the cost of additional fittings; the means of payment and alterations; the designer name, style, colour, size, and measurements sent to the manufacturer.
Payment options vary depending on the bridal boutique. Some boutiques require payment in full before submitting your order, while others may accept a deposit (ranging from 10-75%) and allow you to pay the remaining balance in installments or when you pick up the dress. Common payment methods include cash, credit card, and financing options such as Affirm, Layaway, or Special Order Reservations. It is important to discuss payment options with the boutique before making a purchase.
Alterations are typically paid for separately from the cost of the dress. The cost of alterations can vary significantly, ranging from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the alterations and the expertise of the seamstress. Some boutiques may include alterations in the total cost of the dress, while others may require you to pay for alterations separately before taking your dress home. It is important to factor alterations into your budget and plan accordingly.
It is recommended that brides establish a budget before shopping for a wedding dress. This budget should include not only the dress but also accessories (veil, headpiece, jewellery), alterations, and shoes. Consider any desired customisations or add-ons to the dress, as these may incur additional costs. Communicate your budget clearly to the consultants to ensure they only suggest dresses within your price range.
Yes, in addition to the cost of the dress and alterations, you may need to consider sales tax, shipping costs, and the cost of additional fittings or consultations. These costs can add up, so it is important to factor them into your budget and discuss them with the bridal boutique before finalising your purchase.
