Upon getting engaged, most women’s thoughts and dreams turn towards their future wedding gown. Navigating through the endless sea of styles, colors, fabrics, and details can be overwhelming. Many times, the ideal dress pictured in a bride’s mind doesn’t align with their budget. Prices of wedding dresses can be intimidating once the shopping begins, quickly revealing that the dream dress and the budget of choice may not coincide. Still, no one wants to wear a less-than-perfect dress on their big day. The question then arises, how does one find an ideal dress while staying within a budget? Here’s a list of eight places where budget-friendly wedding dresses can be found.
1. EXPLORE YOUR FAVORITE RETAILERS
A common misconception is that wedding gowns should be bought from bridal boutiques. Even though these shops have a wide variety of options, prices can be steep. Instead, think about your frequently visited retailers. Brands such as J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Anthropologie offer beautiful, affordable wedding gown collections. Moreover, buying from these stores allows you to spend the saved cash on dress customization.
2. SAMPLE SALES ARE WORTH A LOOK
Most bridal boutiques hold seasonal sample sales as part of their inventory turnover. During these blowout sales, you can often snag elegant dresses at significant discounts. The condition of these sample dresses can vary since they’ve been tried on by numerous brides, so check them thoroughly to ensure that any minor defects can be fixed easily.
3. ENTERTAIN THE VINTAGE ROUTE
Treasure seekers who enjoy scanning through vintage stores may find this to be a good option for finding a dress that is as unique as it is affordable. That said, this option requires patience and perseverance as the quest for the perfect vintage wedding dress can be long and arduous.
4. CONTEMPLATE A PRE-LOVED GOWN
In addition to vintage gowns, consider seeking a dress that has been worn before. Websites like WoreItOnce.com have a treasure trove of gently used dresses at great prices.
5. CONSIDER A PROM OR FANCY DRESS
This may be a tough pill to swallow, but the idea of buying a “wedding dress” often inflates the price. Start checking the formal sections in local shops or department stores. They frequently stock dresses perfect for weddings at much smaller prices.
6. EXPLORE LESSER-KNOWN DESIGNERS
Big designer name exposure tends to hike the prices of wedding dresses, considering unknown or new designers can secure a unique dress at a lower price.
7. RENT YOUR WEDDING DRESS
If the idea of keeping the dress forever isn’t fully cemented in your mind, consider rental options. Websites like Rent the Runway, Vow to be Chic, or Borrowing Magnolia, offer a range of designer dresses at a fraction of the cost of buying.
8. GO FOR A CUSTOM-MADE DRESS
Custom doesn’t always mean expensive. Find a local dressmaker or seamstress who can create your dress, and pay only for materials and their time.
Budget constraints shouldn’t hold you back from the dress of your dreams. Exploring these unconventional and creative options could help you to find the perfect dress while saving money. Have you searched for a budget wedding gown in these unconventional places or considered any of these options?
