George Boyle
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, there are a lot of steps involved, from budgeting to researching trends and booking appointments. It's recommended to start looking for a wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding and to order the gown 9-12 months prior to the big day. This is because made-to-order wedding gowns can take around six to nine months to create, and you'll need to allow time for alterations and customisations. In terms of payment, some boutiques may offer financing or payment plans, while others may require a deposit upfront, ranging from 10% to 60% of the total cost, with the remaining balance due when the dress is picked up. It's important to discuss budget expectations with your family and be clear about your budget with the boutique to avoid any surprises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start looking for a wedding dress | 12-18 months before the wedding |
| When to buy a wedding dress | 9-12 months before the wedding |
| Deposit amount | 10-60% |
| Payment options | Upfront, layaway, credit card, or installments |
| Remaining balance | Due when the dress arrives or is picked up |
| Alterations | Additional cost |
| Who pays for the wedding dress | Traditionally, the bride's family, but this is changing |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress deposits
The amount of deposit you'll need to pay for a wedding dress depends on the store's policies. Most stores will ask you for your budget, so it's important to have a clear budget in mind before shopping. Many stores offer payment plans, while others require payment in full upfront.
Some stores may require a deposit of 50% to 60% of the dress's price before ordering, with the remainder due when you pick up the dress. This deposit may be required to put the dress on hold. Other stores may offer a discount for paying in full upfront. It's important to read through the contract thoroughly and double-check that all the information is correct before signing.
The timeline for ordering a wedding dress is also important to consider. Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, so it's crucial to start looking for a dress sooner rather than later. You'll also need to factor in time for alterations, which can take a few months, depending on the tailor's availability.
Additionally, don't forget to budget for alterations, which can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the work needed. It's recommended to start researching tailors or booking appointments with them around the time you order your dress.
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Payment plans
Payment Plan Options
When it comes to payment plans, there are a few different options available. Some boutiques may require a deposit upfront, which is typically 50-60% of the total cost, with the remaining balance due when you pick up the dress. Other boutiques may offer more flexible plans, allowing you to split the cost into equal payments over several weeks or months. For example, The Last Minute Bride offers payment plans, allowing you to split the dress payment into 2-6 equal payments, with the option to extend to 8 payments for more expensive dresses.
Custom and Made-to-Order Dresses
If you are ordering a custom or made-to-order dress, keep in mind that production times can vary. Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, so it's important to start the process early. When opting for a payment plan, the production time usually starts after the payment is cleared, and all order details are received. During the busy wedding season, production times may be longer, so plan accordingly.
Alterations and Additional Costs
Don't forget to factor in the cost of alterations when creating your budget. Alterations can range from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the extent of the changes needed. Some boutiques offer in-house alterations, while others may recommend external tailors or seamstresses. It is important to ask about these additional costs upfront and whether they can be included in your payment plan.
Cancellation and Exchange Policies
When opting for a payment plan, be sure to clarify the store's cancellation and exchange policies. Some boutiques may offer refunds or exchanges, while others may only provide store credit if you decide to change your dress. For custom orders, there may be specific cancellation windows, after which only a partial refund is possible.
Communicating Your Budget
When visiting boutiques or speaking to online vendors, clearly communicate your budget. Most consultants will only suggest dresses within your specified budget, helping you avoid falling in love with a dress you cannot afford. Be sure to ask about payment plan options and any additional costs that may be incurred.
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Budgeting for alterations
Wedding dress alterations are an important part of the process of buying a wedding dress. It is atypical for a person to fall exactly into the designer's size chart, so alterations are usually necessary.
The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on several factors. On average, typical wedding dress alterations cost between $150 and $800. If you're customising your gown or modernising a relative's dress, expect to pay upwards of $1,000. The more complicated or custom the gown, the more expensive it will be.
Some bridal boutiques may charge flat fees, while other seamstresses may charge for individual alteration services. Some bridal stores have in-house tailors, while others will require you to find your own seamstress or tailor. It's important to plan your alterations 4-5 months in advance, as seamstresses tend to be fully booked during the wedding season. Approaching a professional right before the wedding could cause you to incur an additional fee of more than $25 per service.
- Hemming a wedding dress costs between $70 to $280, depending on the skirt style, fabric, and hemline embellishments.
- Bustling a dress costs between $10 to $200, depending on the number of attachment points.
- Adding a zipper, bra straps, buttons, or slits costs on average between $20 to $100.
- Redesigning or customising a gown can cost anywhere from $200 to upwards of $1,000, depending on the complexity of the alterations.
When budgeting for alterations, it's important to keep in mind the style and fabric of the gown. Alteration costs increase for gowns crafted from silk or satin because they require delicate hand stitching. The same is true for gowns that need detailed re-beading, lace dresses, and heavily embellished dresses. It's also worth noting that the number of alterations and fittings will impact the overall cost.
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Timing and traditional payment customs
The timing of payments for a wedding dress can vary depending on the shop or boutique's policies. Some common practices include paying a deposit upfront, ranging from 10-25% to 50-60% of the total cost, and then paying the remaining balance when the dress arrives or is picked up. Other shops may offer payment plans or require full payment upfront. It is important to confirm the payment expectations with the shop before placing an order.
In terms of timing, it is recommended to start looking for a wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding, with an industry-recommended timeline of ordering the gown 9-12 months in advance. This allows time for any necessary alterations and customisations, which can take several months. The optimal time to start hair and makeup trials is about five months before the wedding, and the dress should arrive at this time as well.
Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the majority of wedding-related expenses, including the wedding dress. However, these traditions are evolving, and modern weddings may involve contributions from the couple, the groom's family, or other sources. It is essential to have open and honest conversations about budgeting and expectations with all involved parties to ensure a smooth process.
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Payment upon pickup
The payment process for a wedding dress can be a complex and confusing affair. While some boutiques and shops offer financing or payment instalment options, others require full payment upfront. It is therefore important to be aware of the various options and requirements when it comes to paying for your wedding dress.
One common option is to pay a deposit upfront, which can range from 10-25% to 50-60% of the total cost, and then settle the remaining balance upon pickup. This allows brides to secure their dream dress without having to pay the full amount immediately. This option is especially useful for those who need time to save up for the dress or those who prefer to spread out their payments.
When paying the remaining balance upon pickup, it is important to remember that some boutiques may have specific policies and requirements. For example, some boutiques may require the full payment before alterations can be started, while others may include alteration fees in the final payment amount. It is crucial to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the boutique or shop to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the cost of alterations can be significant, ranging from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the extent of the work required. Therefore, it is essential to factor this into your overall budget when planning for the purchase of your wedding dress.
In conclusion, while the option of paying upon pickup provides flexibility and convenience, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and policies of the boutique or shop. By carefully reviewing the terms and conditions and factoring in the cost of alterations, brides can confidently secure their dream dress and manage their wedding finances effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
You should start looking for a wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding. This will give you time to browse bridal inspiration, establish your budget, and book appointments.
You should order your wedding dress 9-12 months before the wedding. This is because most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create.
You may be required to pay a deposit of 10-60% when you order your dress. The remaining balance is typically due when you pick up the dress or when alterations begin. Some boutiques offer financing or payment plans, but others require full payment upfront.
