Are you ready to save money on your wedding gown? I’m here to tell you how!
If you are intentional about your wedding dress shopping, it is possible to save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars on it. And yes, in some cases, you may have to make compromises. However, in others, you can totally have an amazing gown without giving up your style or vision. All you need to do is prepare for it, and act on those preparations.
Look, it’s really easy to walk into a store and buy your dream gown, if you have the funds for it. But let’s be real, here. Not everyone has unlimited money to spend on their wedding dress. Because of this, it’s important to know how to save money on your wedding gown. If you know how, you can make it happen, no problem.
How To Save Money On Your Wedding Gown
This post is going to share how to save money on your wedding gown. I promise that none of the ways are overwhelming, unethical, or all that difficult. They may, however, mean that you need to pay attention to what’s going on. You may have to be ready to strike while the irons hot, and take advantage of what’s available in the moment. The more you’re ready, the more you could save.
Let’s get into it.
SAVE BY SHOPPING DURING A SALE
One of the easiest ways to save money on your wedding gown is to shop a sale.
To take advantage of this money-saving event, you’ll have to be ready and do your research. It’s totally okay to try on wedding dresses, and ask about upcoming sales or events. If you have enough time before your wedding, put off on ordering your dress until the sale happens. Work with your local stores so you know how to ensure you get your dream dress, at a discount. Many stores will know when a sale may happen. Be ready to be there when it does.
SAVE MONEY BY BUYING YOUR GOWN SECOND-HAND
Is it okay to wear a wedding gown that has already been worn? Of course it is!
Don’t discard the power of second-hand clothes, even second-hand wedding dresses. Yes, it may have been worn before, but as long as it was cleaned afterwards, that is a gown that was probably only worn once. And you’re likely to get it at a steep discount because of it.
If you’re looking for a used dress, it’s easy to go on your local online markets, or visit a site like Still White or Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses.
SAVE BY LIMITING ALTERATIONS
Did you know that alterations can really add up? If you’re not careful about how you choose your dress, and getting the right fit, the costs can impact your overall wedding gown budget.
I once wrote a whole post about wedding gown alterations, but I’ll share with you the lowdown. Anything that you add to your dress, or have to have modified, will cost money. This means that if you want to save money on your wedding gown, be intentional about what you choose. Don’t buy a basic white gown if you intend to add a belt, overskirt, sleeves, etc. The same logic applies to the right fit. Letting a dress out, or taking it in, isn’t free. Get as close to the right size as you can.
SAVE ON YOUR WEDDING GOWN BY SHOPPING EARLY
When it comes to saving money on your wedding in general, time is your friend.
Shopping early for your wedding gown means that you won’t be in a rush to “throw money” at the issue of just needing a gown in time for your wedding. Time means you can leisurely look for a dress, and choose one that fits your budget. The pressure is off with time. And, you’ll have more opportunity to shop around and find the right one overall.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING GOWN BY RENTING IT
Did you know that you can rent your wedding gown? You totally can!
Look, renting a gown isn’t for everyone. However, it’s a great option. Rented wedding gowns can still be tailored to fit you perfectly. They arrive ahead of your wedding, and you’ll just need to send it back by the deadline. No, you won’t get to keep your wedding gown. But you will have a fantastic style, at a fraction of the cost than if you bought a dress.
For more details on renting a wedding gown, check out this post.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING GOWN BY KEEPING IT SIMPLE
The more there is to a gown, the more it will cost. It’s as simple as that.
Basic gowns are not everyone’s first choice, but they will save you money. Any extra beading, fabric, support, or embellishments mean that a dress will theoretically cost more. Basic gowns, with not much added to them, tend to be less expensive. Of course, factors like where you buy your dress, the designer, and the type of fabric all come into play. However, in general, basic will be your budget’s friend.
SAVE BY MAKING YOUR OWN WEDDING GOWN
Let’s approach this one with caution.
If you are skilled at making clothes, or are close to someone who is, making your own wedding gown is an option. You can end up saving a lot of money if the dress is done right. The same goes for if you have an older gown that is altered to fit your style. This approach should come with a warning, though. If something goes wrong, you’ll need a back up option. And, if that back up option is a rushed decision, it can be costly.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR GOWN BY BORROWING IT
Have you ever thought about borrowing a wedding dress? It happens all the time.
If you have a friend or family member who recently got married, and you’re roughly the same size with similar styles, why not consider borrowing their dress from them? Of course, this may mean some slight alterations. And, you’ll want to have the dress professionally cleaned before returning it to them. So, borrowing a dress isn’t exactly free. It can save lots of money on your wedding gown, though.
SAVE BY WEARING AN ALTERNATIVE GOWN
Just like with all things wedding, wedding gowns may be expensive because they are wedding-related.
Because of this, it may appeal to you to just go get a gown that isn’t a “wedding dress”, and wear that to your wedding. It can be white. Or not. Many gowns are gorgeous, and absolutely bride-appropriate, for the right bride. In this option, you can have a new, tailored gown, that could be a fraction of what you would pay if it was a “real” wedding gown.
SAVE ON YOUR WEDDING GOWN BY BUYING OFF-THE-RACK
Most brides buy their dress from a bridal store or boutique, and have it especially made for them. But did you know that you can actually go to a department store and buy a wedding dress, today?
You totally can.
Walk into any large department store that sells prom dresses, and you’ll likely find wedding dress options. Some may be short. Some may be strange styles. Many will be basic. They will be there, though. And, if they aren’t, they are likely to be on the store’s website, ready to ship to you. These dresses are often inexpensive compared to bridal boutique styles, and ready right away.
SAVE ON YOUR GOWN BY SELLING IT AFTER THE WEDDING
This is a bit of a long game to save money on your wedding gown, but worth mentioning.
If you sell your wedding gown after your wedding, you will save money. Maybe not the day you buy your dress, but eventually. Paying yourself back after the fact is a great way to recover wedding costs. Plus, you’ll be able to free up closet space and help someone else out. If you want to learn more about this option, check out this post.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Brides, there are so many ways to save money on your wedding gown. You just need to be open to them. Yes, if you have a quick engagement and wedding, and need a dress today, you’ll spend more. And, if you want to have the dress shopping experience, with a big poofy ballgown, it can be costly as well. However, if you’re intentional, prepared, and ready to have some slight compromises, your overall budget will thank you. Happy wedding planning!
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