Wedding apparel takes approximately 7% of your wedding budget—sometimes more. Here are some ways to save money on your wedding apparel.
Money Saving Tip #1 – buy your wedding dress through the mail, on-line, or from a discount house. These companies have smaller overhead costs, and can offer you the same dress for up to 20% to 30% less.
Money Saving Tip #2 – In a word–”haggle”. Ask for a better price. If you have another quote from a discount house, quote them the price and see if they will match it for you. Sometimes bridal salons have a “no frills” package at a lower price, but you will often have to forego the free gown bag, free pressing, and any other services they might normally include. If you are a perfect size 10, and don’t need alternations, haggle for a better price.
Money Saving Tip #3 – Rent your gown and accessories. This will give you a big cost savings, and no one will ever know. Many grooms and groomsmen rent their tuxedos, so why not rent your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses? You will be surprised at the cost savings, and you can often rent a more flamboyant, elegant, pricier wedding dress than what you could afford to purchase.
Money Saving Tip #4 – Buy a “sample gown” that the bridal shops use for brides to try on. These gowns are in perfect shape, but often come down in price, especially if the dress is no longer being carried by the shop. Ask at your bridal salon if they have any of these because they are often glad to sell the dress and are willing to do so at a discount.
Money Saving Tip #5 – Purchase a used dress. You can find beautiful, expensive wedding gowns, worn only once, at consignment shops, in newspaper ads, or even garage sales. Sometimes bridal salons take gowns on consignment, so ask if they have any in their store.
Money Saving Tip #6 – If you are planning on spending a lot of money on your wedding dress, you might consider custom designing and having a seamstress/tailor make it for you. If you are a sewer, you might consider making it yourself.
Money Saving Tip #7 – Some bridesmaid dresses are just as elaborate as a wedding dress, but come at a fraction of the price. You will have to add the bridal veil, headpiece, gloves, etc., but the cost will still be less than a wedding dress package. You will be surprised at some of the beautiful options you have if you explore this money saving tip.
Money Saving Tip #8 – Have a seamstress re-work your mother’s wedding dress, or maybe the wedding dress of a friend or relative. The problem often comes with what to do with the wedding dress after the wedding, so others may be happy to let the wedding gown go to you.
Money Saving Tip #9 – If you love the vintage look, you might be surprised at what you can find at a vintage clothings store—including authentic wedding dresses from another time.
Money Saving Tips #10 – Hire a student clothing designer. If you have a clothing design school nearby, inquire to see if any of the students are interested in creating your wedding dress. You can get a custom designed dress for much less than your local bridal salon.