Ways to Save - Your Wedding Gown Budget

With these smart ways to save on wedding dresses, brides on a budget can still walk down the aisle in style.

When it comes to the most important – and most photographed – garment purchase of your lifetime, the last thing you want is to limit yourself to a small selection of dresses that fit within your budget. The good news is: you don’t have to spend like royalty to look like a princess on your wedding day. With our smart strategies, you can still walk down the aisle feeling like a million bucks (without having to spend just that).

How to Score An Inexpensive Wedding Dress That Looks Anything But…

Something borrowed

Today, anything retro screams chic. So consider donning your mother’s wedding gown. You’ll not only honor a family legacy, you’ll save a pretty penny, too! With vintage lace overlays and crystal embellishments making a comeback, you won’t have to worry about looking dated. With a few simple (and inexpensive) alterations, you can make it your own.

Avoid added adornments

Beading, pleating, stitching, embroidering…all of these trimmings add up and are going to cost you extra. Consider a dress that is simply embellished, yet still elegant.

Show some shoe

Consider a trendy tea length dress, as they can often be less expensive than full length gowns, and will allow you to show off your fabulous shoes all day long. This could also allow for you to wear a designer you’ve always dreamed of because their shorter dresses may better suit your budget.

Shop savvy

Be on the lookout for sample sales, trunk shows, and outlet bargains. Bridal shops are trying to rid their racks of the previous season’s styles to make room for new ones in the late-summer/winter months. Get ready to brave the crowds for super savings.

Don’t name drop

Sure, designer duds are nice, but if you’re on a budget, you may want to skip the sought-after label. The good news is that you won’t have to sacrifice on style. If you find a look you like from a high-end dress designer, you can almost always find something similar by another name in your price range.

Be honest

Just because your wedding dress budget doesn’t match your elaborate vision doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the look you want. Approach this shopping decision with an open mind. When stepping into a bridal boutique, tell them exactly what you can realistically spend, and let them take care of the rest. They are the experts, and you might be surprised to see what they can come up with – the perfect wedding gown exists at every price point.

Think outside traditional tulle and lace

There’s no written rule that says your wedding day attire has to be an official bridal gown. The look you are going for is often available through another avenue. For instance: A standard white or ivory dress can be a less expensive, less fussy alternative to the traditional wedding dress.