Make Your Wedding Dreams Come True Without Breaking the Bank: Tips for Finding an Affordable Gown

Your wedding day should be a dream come true without breaking the bank. Finding a beautiful, affordable gown for your big day is tricky, but it can be done! We’ve gathered some of the best tips to help you get the perfect wedding dress at a price you can afford. Read on to get the insider secrets and make your wedding day even more special.

Look for Discounts

Many bridal shops have special promotions that offer discounts on their gowns. Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and discounts that can save you hundreds of dollars. It’s also a good idea to sign up for email lists and to follow your favorite bridal shops on social media so that you can stay up to date on their latest promotions. 

Shop at Sample Sales

Sample sales are a great way to score a bargain on a wedding gown. Often, bridal shops will offer sample gowns that were previously used for display or for photo shoots at a discounted price. Sample sales will usually be held for a limited time and offer the best deals, so make sure to check with your bridal shops to see when these are available.

Choose a Less Expensive Fabric

Leaving out expensive details like rhinestones and sparkles can help to cut costs, but you can also save money by using less expensive fabrics. Many bridal dresses are made with luxurious fabrics, such as silk and satin, which can be very expensive. By opting for fabrics like polyester or chiffon, you can still look stunning while keeping the overall cost down.

Consider Renting

Renting a wedding gown can be a great way to save money while still looking your best. You can find amazing gowns without breaking the bank when you turn to rental sites like Rent the Runway, Weddingtonway, and Borrowing Magnolia. These websites feature a variety of stunning gowns that can be rented for much less than it would cost to purchase the dress brand new. 

Shop Off Season 

Most bridal boutiques offer discounts during the off-season, so be sure to take advantage of these deals. Taking the time to look for discounts could save you a great deal on your wedding dress. Look out for special sales, clearance items, coupons, and even seasonal discounts exclusive to bridal shops. You could end up with your dream wedding dress for less than you thought possible! 

Consider a Pre-Owned Dress 

Buying a pre-owned dress can be a great way to score a deal while having your dream look. Many brides choose to sell their gowns after the wedding, and the price can be much lower than the original price. Sites like Oncewed.com and Preownedweddingdress.com are great places to find beautiful, discounted pre-owned dresses.

Look for Alternatives

If you have your heart set on an intricately beaded dress for a special occasion, it might seem tempting to settle for the closest thing you can find, but keep your options open. Be open to alternatives that may still give you the look you want. For example, if you want a dress with intricate beading, why not explore dresses with intricate lace appliques instead? They might provide the same charm, with a different but equally elegant texture.

Opt for a Different Silhouette

If you're seeking an equally beautiful but less expensive alternative to a mermaid or ball gown silhouette, an A-line or sheath silhouette should be a great option. The A-line and sheath silhouettes create a similar effect to the ball gown and mermaid but without the hefty price tag. With clean lines and simple styling, these silhouettes are flattering and timeless, ideal for making a fashion-forward statement.

Choose Ready-to-Wear 

Ready-to-wear gowns are a great and cost-effective alternative to custom-made gowns. These gowns offer the same stunning look and elegance as custom-made gowns, with the added advantage of being available at much more reasonable prices. Bridal boutiques are a great place to find these gowns, as they are often sold for a much lower cost than other retailers.