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Weddings

5 Easy Ways to Save Money on your Wedding Dress

It’s easy to fall in love with dresses that are simply out of your price range, so we’ve come up with a few fool-proof ways to save you some extra dollars.

Shopping for a wedding gown isn’t an easy feat, especially when you have a specific budget you have to keep in mind. It’s easy to fall in love with dresses that are simply out of your price range, so we’ve come up with a few fool-proof ways to save you some extra dollars.

Visit the right bridal store

Think about your wedding dress budget, and only visit stores that have dresses in your set range. Some bridal boutiques sell more expensive designers than others, and having higher-priced gowns around might tempt you to purchase something more expensive than you had planned. Try to aim for a store that carries prices you can afford so you don’t become disappointed when you fall for a dress but can’t buy it.

Be honest with your consultant

If you do visit a store with prices outside your range, let your stylist know right away you can’t go higher than a certain cost, no exceptions. The salon should be able to find you something you love at a reasonable price point if you let them know you’re serious about your budget.

Wear something borrowed

Try on your mother’s dress, or even her mother’s! Before you roll your eyes, you can’t know for sure how it might look until you try it on. If it’s a style you love but it feels too traditional you can always make alterations to give it a more modern feel. It can’t hurt to try it on, and think of all the money you’d save!

Factor in customization

While coming up with a wedding dress budget, don’t forget to include potential alterations. Removing fabric or adding something like a long train to a gown is going to cost you extra, and in some cases, put you over your budget. Keep this in mind while making changes, and either don’t make as many changes, or add some wiggle room to your budget.

Go to sample sales & trunk shows

Check the salons in your area and what upcoming events they have. Sample sales happen when the store is trying to get rid of last season’s gowns to make room for the newest collections. They can sell them up to 75% off, saving you big bucks. Designers frequently bring their newest dresses to local salons that aren’t sold in stores yet, and sometimes the stores will offer a discount if you buy one during the show.