Weddings are exciting and fun. For the bride, choosing the wedding dress is the most exciting decision she can ever make for her wedding. Nevertheless, the budget for a wedding can go overboard because wedding dresses are quite expensive. This can lead to financial restrictions on planning a honeymoon or other wedding essentials such as the wedding ring. Below are 5 ways to save money on a wedding dress that every bride can consider about when planning her wedding.
1. Make a Budget
The most important decision to do while planning a wedding is to plan a budget especially for a wedding gown. Most brides have an image of their dream wedding dress and when you find that dress it is very easy to forget about the its price. Write down your dress budget on paper and stick to it despite being tempted by a gorgeous but expensive wedding dress. It is also easy to overstep your budget while using a credit card, so strive to keep cash and pay for the wedding gown in cash. Also remember to include in your wedding dress budget money required for accessories, alterations and cleaning costs after the wedding.
2. Go Vintage
Ask a special woman in your life for her wedding dress. It could be either your mother or aunt or your grandmother. It can also be your close friend or another woman whom you love and respect. Many are happy to see their wedding dress being worn again by someone whom they love. And mothers especially save their wedding gown for their daughters to wear at their weddings. If you love vintage dresses and if it is the right size, then wear the wedding gown as it is. Accessorize with vintage or modern jewelry and accessories to complete the look. If you want to alter the size or alter the style, then choose a good tailor who specializes in wedding dresses to make the necessary changes. You can also add more fabric or remove fabrics such as the sleeves for a modern look. Also check out for stores that sell vintage wedding gowns at reasonable prices or at a discount.
3. Make Your Own Gown
If you are good at sewing, then there is no one better than you to sew your own wedding gown. You can design your own wedding gown which would definitely be one-of-a-kind gown. Buying your own fabrics also saves a lot of money. Visit a wholesale store and buy adequate supply of your desired fabric at a lesser price. You save money on the sewing costs as well. Even if you cannot possibly sew your own gown, you can hire a family member or friend who can sew. Or you can hire a local seamstress to sew the dress as per your design. It will definitely cost less than purchasing a wedding gown.
4. Be Simple
A wedding dress of silk or lace with lots of embellishments such as beadwork or embroidery can not only drive up the cost of a wedding dress but also increases the cost for alterations and cleaning after the wedding. Opt for fabrics such as synthetic and silk-polyester blends to get the same look as a silk dress. Choose fabrics such as chiffon and taffeta as they are reasonably priced when compared to something intricate such as Chantilly lace. Also choose wedding dresses that have design accents created by pleating, ruffling and stitching that offer great detailing rather than hand sewn pearls or crystals.
5. Shop Online
Online shopping offers a variety of options in fabrics, styles and prices. It is possible to find a wedding gown in the style and size you want at the price that fits your budget. Opt for websites with return policies and refunds in case you are not happy with the dress in person.