You don't have to spend an enormous amount on your wedding gown to find the one of your dreams. (See blog post about custom dress finds on etsy.com) There are several ways to save.
Can you say 'Sample Sale'?
Back in the day I worked for a retail store, whose corporate office just happened to be down the street. And what was better then a discount at the store? Sample sales! held in the early hours before opening. (and yes when in college 7am is early). But talk about deals! I once purchased a $250 comforter for $5. Now you may not be able to find a wedding gown for $5 but you can find some incredible deals out there if you are willing to search them out. Samples sales are held by retailers such as Filene's Basement and sites like Scarlett's Closet & PreOwned Wedding Dresses .
Be aware, that often sample sales do not have an abundance of sizes in the style you like. So having the dress altered will need to be a part of your budget as well.
Have you ever heard of a Trunk Show?
Well most bridal boutiques carry select designers that they work with. Think of a trunk show as a nicer sample sale. A trunk show offers special discounts during the show only. Even designers like Vera Wang have trunk shows. Here you will get a chance to browse all the dresses, sometimes ever before they are available to the public. And there is someone at a trunk show (unlike a sample sale) that will help you try on and find a dress to fit your style. There are trunk shows throughout the year, but a majority of these shows will occur between Jan & Mar as the designers & dress shops prepare for the launch of the bridal season. Trunk shows are by appointment only and book fast. If for some reason you cannot make your appointment, be courteous and cancel. This will allow another bride to take your place.
Well most bridal boutiques carry select designers that they work with. Think of a trunk show as a nicer sample sale. A trunk show offers special discounts during the show only. Even designers like Vera Wang have trunk shows. Here you will get a chance to browse all the dresses, sometimes ever before they are available to the public. And there is someone at a trunk show (unlike a sample sale) that will help you try on and find a dress to fit your style. There are trunk shows throughout the year, but a majority of these shows will occur between Jan & Mar as the designers & dress shops prepare for the launch of the bridal season. Trunk shows are by appointment only and book fast. If for some reason you cannot make your appointment, be courteous and cancel. This will allow another bride to take your place.
There are a few tips to remember when shopping a sample sale or a trunk show:
* Begin by looking around at the designers and style to find out which is most appealing to you and which fall within your budget.
* Be prepared to buy the dress. If you find 'the one' now is the chance to get it. You won't be likely to repeat this type of discount at another time. However, if you are unsure about it, do not allow yourself to be pressured into making hasty decisions. Be 100% about your purchase.
* Bring two of your most trusted friends who know you well enough to help with this important decision. It can be tempting to bring more then two, but as they say 'too many cooks spoil the broth' and this can lead to a stressful time with too many questions and too many opinions.
* There are more then just dresses at a trunk show! If you already have the dress or are looking for it all, there are also accessories from jewelry to bridesmaids dresses, veils to shoes. (And of we love shoes!)
To find out when the next trunk show is, just check out a touring list of your favorite designers to find out when they will be in your area next.
Rent or Borrow
Or even buy one second hand. You can search out dresses on Ebay and Craigslist for great deals. I have already seen postings for a never-worn dress from someone who ended up with two after changing her mind.
Philanthropy
You can find the dress of your dreams and help out a cause at the same time by buying a from sites that support a cause. For example: www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org Or www.bridalgarden.org in New York City features bridal gowns by some of the top designers. The proceeds go to one of the designer's favorite charities.
Check out more bridal dress inspirations and ideas at the Lovely Bride Blog
Check out more bridal dress inspirations and ideas at the Lovely Bride Blog
(And Even if you don't find your dream gown at a charity site, you can still choose to give back and donate your gown or bridesmaid's dresses. Want to wear your gown again? Check out this blog post)
