How to save money on your wedding dress
Obviously cost should be a consideration when purchasing your wedding dress. Prices vary from approximately $100 dollars to thousands. There are numerous ways you can save, so I am listing a number of ideas that might help to get the gown of your dreams and still fit within your budget.
Jazz up a simple gown
Find a simple gown with only a little bead work or lace or none at all. You can buy from a manufacturer online from a warehouse, and then add further elegance with beads and mom's or grandmas jewelry. You could sew some lace and pearls around the hem and sleeves. In addition spruce it up with fancy jeweled tiara, a cute wrap or short jacket and of course some beaded or sparkling shoes. Heels are fine, but be cautious about how comfortable they will be to wear them all day. There is a great deal you can do to alter the gown to one of your dreams. If you don't have any sewing experience, most of which would be done by hand, then have a friend help you or show you. Everyone knows someone who sews.
Shopping
Department stores will often discount gowns from a previous season in order to make room for the newer styles. Don't hesitate to comb the newspapers for store ads, and local bridal salons and boutiques to verify their sales. I suggest that if they do advertise sales stop in a few days ahead of the sale to preview the selections. The actual day of the sale can become busy, and this way you will know ahead of time if they have the style you desire in your size.
Online, Outlet, and Bridal Warehouse Shopping
Shopping at warehouses and outlets can considerably reduce the cost of gowns. Don't be frightened about purchasing online. If you have done your homework on the style you want, you can home right in on a particular gown and compare prices. You will find considerable reductions compared to posh salons. One thing you should note; however, is that if you visit warehouses or outlets you will net get waited on or pampered like the salons. Changing rooms will be less than formal and may even lack doors, but the cost savings is worth it if you don't mind going through racks of gowns. I suggest when visiting these outlets and warehouse, be prepared to spend the day, so you can take your time to look through all of the racks. Bring along your mom and a friend to help comb through the racks. Don't bring too many friends or contradicting opinions may frustrate you.
Purchasing online is becoming popular. There is nothing wrong with this as many times gowns are brand new and go for a steal. Suggestions when purchasing from auctions online be sure that you get pictures of the gown from every angle as well as close up shots of detail work. Also make sure that there is something in writing on a return policy if the gown is damaged or stained.
Mom or Grandma's Gown
Do consider wearing your mother's or your grandmother's gown. If the gown was stored properly it would be an honor for them to see you wear the gown again. Don't say no right off the bat. Be willing to a least look at the gown. A good seamstress can not only alter the fitting, but the style too. They could add a train, change the lace, sleeves, and a number of other things that you may desire. The cost of alterations would be quite a savings to purchasing a new gown. If you value tradition and are sentimental about family items this is a good place to investigate.
Previously enjoyed wedding gowns
Don't snub this thought at first. There are some great charity organizations out there that take donated wedding gowns and then re-sell them with the profits going to worthy sources. An example of this is the Bridal Garden in New York where they donate the profits to benefit disadvantaged kids. There are some great benefits to wearing a previously worn gown. Don't forget to check out the Salvation Army. On occasion they too will get gowns in that could be altered. Many times the gowns have not even been worn, or are in pristine condition. There are some huge savings out there if you look around.
While the thought of going into a posh bridal salon and being pampered sounds great, that doesn't mean you shouldn't look elsewhere. If you truly want to save some money, do some shopping around, this is an area of your wedding that you can save considerably.