Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses can be expensive, with the average cost of a high-end designer dress ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. As a result, many brides opt for payment plans or layaway options to secure their dream dress. While some boutiques require full payment before submitting an order, others offer flexibility with deposits ranging from 10% to 60% of the total cost. David's Bridal, for example, offers a 60-day layaway plan with a 25% down payment, while other stores may require a 50% deposit before placing an order. It's important to note that some stores may only offer layaway for dresses above a certain price point, and alterations can add significantly to the overall cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average wedding dress cost | $3,000-$4,000 for a high-end designer dress |
| Typical down payment amount | 10-20% of the overall dress cost |
| Deposit amount range | 30%-60% |
| Payment plans | Offered by most bridal salons |
| Layaway options | Available at David's Bridal and DB |
| Layaway duration | 30-60 days |
| Minimum down payment for layaway | 25% |
| Minimum purchase amount for layaway | $75 |
| Payment methods | Credit card, cash, loan, or financial aid from family and friends |
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What You'll Learn
Many bridal salons offer payment plans
Some bridal salons offer layaway options, which allow brides to pay a deposit and make payments over time. For example, David's Bridal offers a regular layaway option for dresses bought off the rack and a special order reserve layaway option for dresses that need to be ordered. Similarly, DB offers a 60-day layaway option with a minimum down payment of $250. Other bridal salons may offer similar layaway options or allow brides to pay a deposit and make payments as they are able.
However, it is important to note that not all bridal salons offer payment plans or layaway options. Some boutiques require payment in full before submitting an order, as most gowns are made-to-order. Additionally, payment plans may not always be the most cost-effective option, as they can involve additional fees or interest charges.
When considering a payment plan, it is essential to ask the vendor about their specific terms and conditions. It is also crucial to remember that the final balance for many vendors will be due before the wedding day, so it is important to plan and budget accordingly.
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Some boutiques require full payment before submitting an order
The payment policies for wedding dresses vary across boutiques. While some bridal shops allow brides to pay in instalments, some boutiques require full payment before submitting an order. This is because most gowns are made-to-order, and boutiques will only start creating the dress once they have received the full payment.
For instance, a bride shared that she had to pay in full when she ordered her dress. She mentioned that the boutique she purchased from accepted 50% of the payment, but they would not submit the order until full payment was made. Another bride also shared that she had to pay in full for her dress, which cost $600, for the boutique to place the order.
Some bridal boutiques also offer payment plans, such as DB, which offers a 60-day layaway plan. Brides can put down a 25% down payment and then make weekly payments. Once the dress is fully paid for after 60 days, the boutique will then order the dress.
Other boutiques also offer a deposit payment scheme, where brides can pay a deposit, usually around 50% of the dress price, and pay the remaining balance when the dress arrives or at the time of alterations.
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Layaway options are available at some stores
While some boutiques and bridal shops require payment in full for a wedding dress, many others offer payment plans or layaway options. Layaway allows customers to put down a deposit on a dress and pay the remainder at a later date.
David's Bridal, for example, offers a layaway option, although it is only available for purchases over a certain amount (possibly $800). Customers can put down a 25% deposit and then make weekly payments until the dress is paid off within 60 days. At this point, the dress will be ordered. DB (possibly the same company as David's Bridal) also offers a similar layaway option.
Kleinfeld's offers a room of sample dresses that can be purchased off the rack and taken home the same day, although these dresses are not returnable.
Some boutiques and shops will allow customers to put down a deposit (typically between 10% and 60%) and then pay the remainder when the dress arrives. However, some shops will not order the dress until a certain amount has been paid.
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A deposit of 10-20% is common, with the remainder due when picking up the dress
Wedding dresses can be expensive, often ranging from $250 to $4,000, with the average cost being around $2,955. This can be a large expense for brides, and many cannot afford to pay the full price upfront. As a result, many bridal boutiques offer payment plans or layaway options.
A deposit of 10-20% is a common practice for wedding dress purchases, with the remainder due when picking up the dress. This allows brides to finance the remaining cost of the dress and avoid putting the entire purchase price on a credit card. This down payment also provides a cushion in case alterations or returns are needed. For a $3,000 dress, a 10-20% down payment would be $300-$600.
Some boutiques may require a larger deposit of around 30-50% before ordering the dress, with the remainder due upon pickup or the first fitting. This ensures that a good portion of the cost is covered, and the bride can finance the remaining amount. However, it's important to note that each boutique has its own policies, and some may require full payment upfront or upon ordering.
Layaway options are also available at some stores, such as David's Bridal, where dresses can be put on layaway for 60 days. During this period, weekly payments are made, and the dress is ordered once the full payment is received. This allows brides to secure their dream dress without financial strain.
It's always a good idea to discuss payment options with the bridal boutique and understand their policies and payment plans. This ensures that brides can budget effectively and not exceed their financial limits.
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Some stores offer interest-free credit card payments
While some stores offer layaway options, others offer interest-free credit card payments. Wedding dress shopping can be daunting, especially with the high costs of dresses and alterations. Many wedding vendors, including wedding dress designers, accept credit cards as a form of payment.
If you need to spread out payments, a credit card with a 0% APR promotion can give you at least a year to make payments without interest. The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card, for example, offers a 0% intro APR period of almost two years, which is perfect for paying off big-ticket items like a wedding dress. Similarly, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card has a long introductory zero-interest period, with 0% APR for 21 billing cycles and no annual fee.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, you may not qualify for a high enough credit limit to cover the entire cost of the dress. Additionally, once the no-interest promotional period ends, you will owe interest on any remaining balance. It's important to be mindful of your financial situation and ensure you have a plan to pay off the debt.
Some stores, like David's Bridal, offer their own credit cards with interest-free promotions. David's Bridal, for instance, offers six months of interest-free payments on their credit card. This can be a great option if you're looking for a little extra time to pay off your dream dress without incurring additional costs.
When deciding on a payment method, it's important to consider your budget and financial situation. While credit cards can provide flexibility, they should be used mindfully to avoid taking on more debt than you can manage.
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Frequently asked questions
Most bridal boutiques offer payment plans, but these vary. Some boutiques offer layaway options, but only for dresses bought off the rack. For special orders, you may need to pay in full.
A typical payment plan for a wedding dress involves paying a 50% deposit and the remaining 50% when picking up the dress. However, some boutiques may offer more flexible payment plans, allowing you to pay in instalments.
A good rule of thumb is to budget 10-20% of the overall dress cost as a down payment. This allows you to finance the remaining cost without breaking the bank.
In addition to the cost of the dress, you should also consider the cost of alterations, which can range from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the work required. Don't forget to factor in taxes and shipping or rush charges as well.
