Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are often one of the most expensive items of clothing a person will buy, with the average cost of a wedding dress being $2,000 in the US and £1,500 in the UK. However, there are several ways to save money on a wedding dress, from buying off the rack to choosing a more simplistic style. In this article, we will explore various cost-cutting measures and expert tips to help you find your dream wedding dress without breaking the bank.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a non-traditional dress colour
Opting for a non-traditional dress colour is a great way to save money on your wedding dress. While white is the traditional colour for wedding dresses in Western countries, there is no rule that says you have to wear white on your wedding day.
Choosing a non-white dress can often be more affordable than a traditional white dress. Many non-bridal dresses, which come in a variety of colours and styles, can be far more affordable than traditional bridal gowns. You can explore online retailers such as ASOS, Anthropologie's BHLDN, Azazie, ModCloth, Etsy, or Amazon to find a wide range of non-traditional wedding dresses that suit your taste, style, and budget.
If you're looking for a colourful, flowy wedding dress, Leanne Marshall is a great option. Her dresses are made-to-order from silk and are often hand-dyed in the US. For a unique wedding dress, Flora and Lane offer the option to custom design a dress from scratch. Watters Designs also has a range of non-traditional dresses, including the romantic Rosabel dress and the bold and fun Orion dress.
Additionally, consider choosing a dress with a simple or minimalist design. Dresses with fewer intricate details and embellishments tend to be more affordable, as they require less work and materials. You can always add accessories like a sparkly sash or a dramatic veil to elevate your look without breaking the bank.
Remember, your wedding dress should reflect your unique style and personality. Whether you choose a colourful or simple dress, there are plenty of options available that won't sacrifice style or quality while staying within your budget.
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Opt for a micro dress
Opting for a micro dress is a great way to save money on your wedding attire. A micro dress is a simpler and less expensive option compared to most traditional gowns. Gaining popularity during the pandemic, micro dresses are well-suited for informal or outdoor weddings, offering a more relaxed vibe.
Micro dresses provide a stylish and elegant alternative without compromising your budget. They can be found at a fraction of the cost of traditional bridal gowns, with prices ranging from $139 to $749 for the micro dress collection from David's Bridals. This option allows you to allocate more funds towards other aspects of your wedding, such as a unique venue or entertainment.
Additionally, micro dresses are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them a practical choice for future events. You can easily accessorize and style a micro dress to create a unique look that reflects your personality and style.
When considering a micro dress, keep in mind that online sources for wedding gowns are abundant. Websites like Anthropologie's BHLDN, bridal boutique Azazie, ModCloth, Etsy, and Amazon offer a wide range of options. You can also explore rental services, such as The Dress Outlet and Rent the Runway, to wear a designer dress for a fraction of the purchase price.
Remember, a micro dress doesn't equate to sacrificing your dream wedding vision. With the money saved, you can enhance your special day in numerous ways, creating lasting memories without financial strain.
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Buy off-the-rack
If you're looking to save money on your wedding dress, buying off-the-rack is a great option. Bridal boutiques carry a selection of premade wedding gowns in various popular silhouettes, and you can try on and purchase your dream dress on the same day. This is especially helpful if you're in a time crunch or want to make the dress shopping experience quick and stress-free.
One of the main advantages of buying off-the-rack is the lower price point. Off-the-rack gowns are usually more affordable than made-to-order dresses, allowing you to stay within your budget. Additionally, you can save money by purchasing a sample dress, which is the actual dress used in the store for try-ons, rather than a new, made-to-order version. Sample dresses may require additional tailoring or alterations, but they can be a great way to find a designer gown within your budget.
When shopping for an off-the-rack wedding dress, it's important to keep an open mind and be prepared for some potential limitations. Off-the-rack dresses may be available in limited sizes, and you may need to pay for the dress all at once rather than in installments. Additionally, sample dresses may not be in perfectly new condition, so be sure to inspect them carefully.
To find off-the-rack wedding dresses, you can visit your local bridal salon or boutiques, as well as retailers like Anthropologie and Reformation. You can also check out online options, such as The Dress Outlet and Rent the Runway, to explore a wider range of choices.
Remember, buying off-the-rack doesn't mean sacrificing style or customisation. Many off-the-rack dresses look and feel custom-made, and you can always make alterations to ensure the dress fits you perfectly and aligns with your vision.
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$79.99
Shop sample sales
Sample sales are a great way to save money on your wedding dress. Bridal boutiques and designers usually organise sample sales once or twice a year to clear out last season's styles and make room for newer designs. Sample dresses are usually marked down by 50% or more, and you can find statement-making looks at a fraction of the price.
Sample wedding gowns are dresses produced to be used as example dresses. They are used in photoshoots for campaigns whenever a designer releases a new collection. Bridal shops order sample gowns, sometimes in a few sizes, for their customers to try on before ordering their official wedding dress. Sometimes, sample wedding gowns are in pristine condition but have an issue with their design, for example, a sample dress may have been ordered in the wrong lining colour or didn't have the proper customisations for a client.
Sample dresses may have been tried on by a few or many brides, and there may be small defects like missing beads or tiny tears. However, if the imperfections are unnoticeable or can be fixed by a tailor, it's worth it for the savings! Sample sales often feature popular designers, giving you the chance to score a high-quality gown at a discounted price.
To find sample sales, check your favourite designer's website or a local bridal salon. Many shops exclusively sell sample gowns or previous season bridal dresses for less. You can also subscribe to your local bridal boutiques' email newsletters or sign up for their newsletters to stay informed about upcoming sales.
Remember, sample dresses are typically final sales, so there are no returns or exchanges. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option and don't mind the potential risks, buying a sample gown is a great way to find a unique designer dress at a fantastic price!
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Rent your dress
Renting your wedding dress is a great way to save money. Renting a wedding dress is an affordable, eco-friendly, and hassle-free way to wear your dream gown. It is no secret that wedding dresses are expensive, with the average cost of a wedding dress being $2,000 in 2023. Renting a wedding dress will almost always be cheaper than buying it, even if the rental price is around the same cost as buying. This is because renting gives you access to high-end designer dresses that would retail for $4,000 or more, without the stress of reselling.
Renting a wedding dress can also save you money on dry cleaning and storage costs. Rental companies include dry cleaning with their services, which can save you up to $200. You also won't have to worry about where to store your dress after your wedding, freeing up storage space in your closet.
There are many rental companies that offer a range of on-trend, party-ready pieces for every wedding event and role. For example, Rent the Runway offers luxury, black-tie-worthy gowns, while Nuuly offers on-trend options for brides in search of a rehearsal dinner dress or a bridal shower outfit that won't break the bank.
However, there are a few drawbacks to renting a wedding dress. Firstly, there is always a chance that the dress you love won't be available for your wedding date. Additionally, you will likely be responsible for any damage to the dress beyond normal wear and tear, and most rental companies charge a small fee for insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to save money is to buy a second-hand dress. Websites like Stillwhite, Sell My Wedding Dress, and Facebook Marketplace offer second-hand dresses. You could also wear a hand-me-down dress from your mom or grandmother.
Alterations can be expensive, so consider choosing a dress with a simpler design and fewer intricate details. Corset styles are also adjustable without formal alterations. If you're buying a made-to-order gown, request any desired modifications before the dress is made to avoid paying extra later.
You can save money by buying a non-wedding dress in white or another color. These dresses are often far more affordable than traditional wedding dresses. You could also buy a sample dress from a bridal boutique or designer, which are usually sold at a discount to make room for newer designs.
Yes, you can rent a wedding dress from websites like The Dress Outlet, Rent the Runway, and Borrowing Magnolia. You could also buy a "micro dress," which is a simpler and less expensive option that gained popularity during the pandemic.
