How To Save Big Money On A Wedding Dress
Author: Strahan Leonard
Author: Strahan Leonard
If you've already started browsing for your wedding gown and bridesmaids' dresses, you've discovered that they will account for a substantial part of your costs. However, if you're willing to expend a bit of time and effort, there are ways to dramatically slash this expense.
One option is to consider a "recycled" gown. Many times, these have been worn once, but it is not uncommon to find one available that never made the trip down the aisle. The Internet is a good source to find these, particularly sites like eBay. (A word of caution though; it is difficult to assess the true condition and fit of a dress from a picture. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller, one with positive feedback, and ask questions before you bid. Verify that there are no stains, no missing beads, etc. and ascertain whether any alterations were made to the dress and what the exact measurements are).
You can also find deals from private sellers in the classifieds of your local paper, as well as area resale shops. These options allow you to inspect the gown and try it on before you spend any money. The difficulty lies in the scarcity of ads and the low percentage chance that you can find a style you like in your size.
Another possibility, if you have friends or relatives with wedding plans and similar tastes, is "gown pooling." This means that two or more brides select a gown together that each can wear in turn, splitting the costs. You would all need to be roughly the same size, since a size 14 dress can usually be altered to a size 12 but seldom can it be taken up more than one size without ruining the line or cut of the gown. (This is also a possibility for bridesmaid gowns. Even if each party consists of a varying number of attendants or the sizes don't match up, if you can pool even part of the dresses, this can result in significant savings).
If you know others with wedding plans, but who are drastically different sizes or have varied tastes, you might consider placing an order at the same time with a wholesaler. There are several online dealers who require only a minimum order of five gowns. Some of them also offer flower girl and bridesmaid dresses, as well as bustiers, petticoats, and veils. This can easily save you 50% on your gowns.
Don't rule out bridal shops, either. Many offer big discounts on end of season gowns or items that were incorrectly altered, resulting in a dress too small for the intended bride but which might be a perfect fit for you. Seldom, however, do their sales include bridal foundation garments; they are, however, pretty much the only game in town for these items, so you will either need to accept that fact or try online. There are many dealers who not only sell on eBay but offer the same item at the same price on their web site.About the Author:
In short, there are many
different solutions to cut your costs and still walk down the aisle in the perfect gown. All that is required is a little flexibility, some time spent doing your research, and the desire to put the money towards something else - like a honeymoon, perhaps.
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