Brides usually set aside a huge chunk of their wedding budget for the perfect wedding dress. Even when you decide to splurge on this special dress, shopping for it can be a challenge. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, the task is much tougher. Nonetheless, it is possible to find a beautiful wedding dress on a small budget if you plan it well.
Here are some practical shopping tips from Canada’s Best for Bride team of bridal fashion experts to help you successfully find a wedding gown on a strict budget.
Search for sales
Most bridal stores host sales few times a year to get rid of older dresses and make space for new stock. Dress prices are considerably slashed during these sales. Therefore, it is a good idea to look out for such sales to snag a dress at a bargain price. Visit boutique websites or enquire over the phone to find out when these sales are, and mark your calendar. It is likely that the dresses on sale will be from previous seasons and not trendy now. However, few people will notice, as not all your guests will be aware of the latest in bridal fashion trends.
Check out shop floor samples
By sample dresses, we mean the shop floor dresses that brides try on during their bridal appointment. Some bridal shops are open to selling these samples at a discounted price, when brides express interest in them. If the dress is in relatively good condition, you should be able to clean it and restore the brand new look for a small amount. The downside of this option is that sample dresses are available in limited sizes. Therefore, it depends on whether you can find a dress you like in a size that you can alter to fit you perfectly.
Explore second-hand options
Once-worn wedding dresses that have been diligently cleaned and preserved soon after use are another smart option to consider, when you are on a budget. Local to Sacramento is Second Summer Bride who specializes in pre-owned gowns, samples and discontinued designer gowns. This article on the Brides website will tell you what you need to know about buying such pre-owned wedding dresses.
Think outside the box
With a little research, you may find beautiful and elegant dresses in bridesmaids dress collections or dresses for special occasions. Although these dresses are not typical bridal fare, it should work if you are flexible with your choices. Bridesmaids dresses may in fact be the best option for certain themes, like a beach wedding. Not only do you save a ton of money by choosing your wedding dress from such collections, you can always enhance your look with the right accessories. This post on A Practical wedding will show you some stunning bridesmaids dresses that easily pass off as wedding gowns.
Order online
There is no denying that shopping at a bridal store is exciting. However, similar wedding dresses can also be found online. Shopping online allows you to compare prices and make use of exclusive online discounts that take your budget further. Although there are scams associated with online dress shopping, you can find a totally legit dress if you plan it right. Only shop at a reputable store, and always go by their reviews to judge the quality of their service. Also, plan your shopping well in advance, to allow for shipping delays. For some tips on doing your online shopping efficiently, visit this post on Destination Wedding Details. **
Mix and match
Bridal separates are a big trend in wedding fashion. Embrace this trend and you will have a beautiful wedding dress at a lower cost. For the top and bottom sections of your dress, explore different options that can be mixed and matched to fit your budget and vision at the same time. This approach is quite modern and you can achieve a unique look. The best part of wearing separates is that you can even pick an inexpensive half from a retail store or mass marketer, and splurge on the other half to create a stunning overall effect.
Choose a simple style
Opulent embellishments and beautiful details are the reason most wedding dresses are very expensive. Typical wedding dresses also involve several layers of fabric and internal boning that add to its cost. When you steer clear of too many details, the price will automatically come down. Look for simple silhouettes like the sheath or A-line wedding gown with minimal embellishments, and it is bound to be cheaper. Simply throw in few statement accessories to dress up a simple dress, and you will be a ravishing bride. Also, remember that wedding dress alterations are rather costly. Find a dress that satisfies you as such and involves minimum amount of fabric, to keep fitting charges to a minimum.
Author Bio: Best for Bride is the modern bridal shopping destination of Canada, featuring designer wedding dress collections and wedding day accessories for the bride-to-be. They also carry bridal party collections and have a range of wedding day services. Visit their website to view their bridal gallery and all other details about their services for weddings. (www.BestForBride.com)
