Are you tying the knot in the near future? Are you wondering about wedding dress prices and how you’re going to fit your fluffy creation into your budget?
As you may have guessed, the price of your gown will depend upon a number of factors. Given the number of wedding dress styles and vendors now available, you can purchase a dress at nearly any price range.
Yet how much does a wedding dress cost on average, and what should you expect to spend on a new gown?
Let’s take a look.
How Much Does A Wedding Dress Cost?
The average bride will spend about $1,564 on a wedding dress. Of course, choosing a brand-name designer or expensive fabric will cost you more. For example, dresses made entirely from silk or with extra tulle or lace will cost you more.
In general, dresses made from materials like rayon and polyester can save you money. You can also opt for minimal embellishments. If you want a lot of beading, lace, or crystals, you will end up paying more.
Wedding dress alternations can cost you anywhere from $100 to $600. Major alterations like changing the silhouette or neckline will cost the most. Hems and taking out the bodice could cost you less, depending on what you’re looking for.
If you’re really adding a lot of beadwork or customizations, your alterations could cost as much as $1,000. The size of your wedding dress will also influence the final cost.
Your geographical location will play a role as well. For example, you’ll pay more for a dress in New York than you will in Pennsylvania. Yet you’ll want to stay local as you’ll probably have several fittings before your big day.
Once you’ve found “the one,” it’s important to get the entire wedding dress cost in writing. At your first fitting, make sure you get a detailed receipt that lists all of the work to be done. This can help you in case something goes wrong, or to prevent you from being charged more than you were originally quoted.
How Can I Save Money On A Wedding Dress?
Of course, choosing a gown with fewer embellishments can help you to save a great deal of money. The same holds true for fabric. If you want to get a good price, you may want to for a slim sheath rather than a poofy ball gown.
Custom alterations can also really cost you. If you want to stay within your budget, aim to find a dress that you love just the way it is.
Shopping sample sales can also help you to save. You may want to wait until the second or third day of these in order to avoid suffocating crowds but still have a good selection.
If you’re the same size as the floor sample, you’re in luck! You can save up to 50% off by purchasing one. However, it’s important to check it carefully for stains or tears before you commit to it.
Some brides purchase once-worn gowns that they find on social media. These can get you a great price of up to 80% off.
Again, you’ll need to check out the merchandise in person first. Try it on and make sure you get it dry-cleaned before wearing it Buying used is also an eco-friendly option.
Some retailers become a partner with a dress club that sells wholesale dresses. They can provide some customization and fast delivery.
The advantage of this type of arrangement is that they get a wide range of sizes and styles that aren’t always available when brides are buying a used dress. They can also provide lovely options to plus-sized customers.
How Do I Find The Right Wedding Dress?
One of the first considerations when choosing a wedding dress will be your budget. Your entire ensemble shouldn’t be more than 10% of the overall cost of the wedding.
Your budget is limiting, so make sure you know if you are going to need to stick with used or sale options before you start your search. This can also help you figure out how much wiggle room you have when it comes to alterations. Make sure you don’t try on dresses at salons where gowns are out of your price range if you want to save time.
It’s important to think about your wedding’s theme before you start searching. For example, if your reception is in a barn, you may want to opt for something with more antique touches. A modern wedding dress will work well for sleeker venues.
Make sure you start shopping about eight months before your wedding, as it can take that long to get your dress altered and customized. If you’re in a rush, you could end up paying more for faster delivery.
Shopping on a weekday can make your search easier, as you’ll be getting a lot of personalized attention. You can bring in photos of dresses that you found appealing.
It also helps to bring along only one or two people whose opinion matters most. Too many ideas can become overwhelming and cause strife within your wedding party.
Keep in mind that, while you want to look fantastic, you’ll be moving around a lot on your wedding day. Between the walk, pictures, and dancing, you’ll want to be comfortable. Your dress, shoes, and undergarments should be things you’re okay with getting around in.
Down The Aisle
How much does a wedding dress cost? Much will depend upon your vendor, gown style, and alterations. As long as you keep your budget in mind, you could be walking down the aisle in the dress of your dreams in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about your fashion and lifestyle now. For more great advice, read our blog today.
