How to find your dream dress for less than $1,000. By Nicole Keen
It’s tempting to pretend that money is no object when it comes to selecting your ultimate wedding gown, but the reality is that spending tens of thousands of dollars on a big-name designer creation just isn’t in the cards for most of you—unless you plan on starving your guests! Indeed, according to our recent Weddingbells survey, the average amount most of you are willing to spend on your dress is $1,028. That being said, there are plenty of ways to find the dress of your dreams on a budget. From bargain hunting to borrowing, here are our tips on finding your perfect fit for less.
Point and Click
Not only is internet shopping convenient (imagine shopping for your dress from the comfort of home!), it’s also a great way to access some unbelievable deals. You’d be surprised how many amazing, brand-new gowns are going for a song on the web, often because a bride-to-be simply changed her mind. Well-known sites like eBay offer a plethora of choices, while Craigslist and Kijiji abound with ads from brides looking to sell. If you have a specific style in mind, it might be worth posting a listing of your own on one of these sites―you just might meet your sartorial match!
Bargain Hunt
Sample sales are definitely not for the faint of heart (sharpen your claws, ladies!), but when it comes to finding designer dresses for less, they can’t be beat. Our advice? Come prepared. Scope out the store ahead of time, and hit the racks with a clear idea of what you’re looking for. More importantly, dress the part. Comfort is essential, and you may have to try gowns on over your clothes.
Secondhand stores, especially upscale consignment stores, are another great resource. Thrift stores in an upscale part of town are an especially good bet when it comes to unearthing a hidden treasure. From vintage to new, never-worn gowns, previously owned dresses are a smart (and stylish!) way to save a buck.
Borrow
Want an even cheaper option? Ask co-workers, friends and relatives if they have a wedding dress you can borrow for the big day. Wearing a dress with a little history and whole lot of sentimental value will add an extra-special touch to the day’s festivities (and it’s budget-friendly, too!).
Compromise
The price of a gown is determined by numerous factors, such as the amount of detail, the type of fabric, and the quality of the fabric itself. Therefore, when it comes to saving money, you should choose which area is most important to you and focus on that. For instance, if you’ve always dreamed of a lace gown, look for one with minimal beading and embroidery and forgo fancy French lace for a more affordable variety. Also, don’t hesitate to ask whether a gown you like is available in a different fabric or with less embellishment.
Customize
One of the major advantages of having a gown made-to-measure is that you can control the fabric choice and amount of detail from the get-go, and everything is created from scratch with your budget in mind. Additionally, your custom designer may be able to recreate a high-end style that you have always admired, but at a fraction of the cost. Lastly, since the gown is made according to your measurements, you’ll avoid paying for costly alterations.
Our Picks
There are plenty of stylish and affordable lines out there that offer couture-inspired dresses for less by cutting back on expensive fabrics and intricate detailing. Here are three of our faves—gowns that are so good-looking everyone will think you spent a fortune!
Blue by Enzoani “Acapulco” dress, $950. bluebyenzoani.com. This elegant strapless A-line gown with just a touch of beaded detailing at the waist would be perfect for a sophisticated soiree.
Wtoo Brides “Josephine” dress, $600. watters.com. If you’re looking for sexy, old-Hollywood glamour, this is the dress for you. In slinky charmeuse with a deep V-neck and sweep train, this gown will hug your curves in all the right places.
Mon Cheri Bridals “Tasha” dress, $813. mcbridals.com. In luxurious silk shantung, this modified A-line halter is great for accenting your décolleté.