Bargain Wedding Gowns

From LoveToKnow Weddings

With many couples more interested in saving than splurging, the interest in bargain wedding gowns is bigger than ever. Even a well-off woman or her family is probably thinking twice before spending five or even six figures on a dress that will only be worn one day, however special that day may be. The good news is that beautiful dresses can easily be found, and at prices that make them even more attractive.

Your dream dress doesn't have to cost a mint.

Classic Bargain Wedding Gowns

The tried-and-true methods of finding the dream dress at a dreamy price are still excellent. Many women are lucky enough to have a dress in the family, cut in a classic style that, with a little tailoring, looks perfect for a modern wedding.

For those who need or want to buy a dress, vintage shopping can be a favorite way to go. Many vintage wedding gowns are still in pristine condition and a slightly retro look is always beautiful. A 1940s wedding dress, for example, is often cut on the bias, making it flattering to any figure. You can find vintage or even reproduction gowns at rock-bottom prices, so long as you are prepared to seriously shop.

Discount warehouses are not glamorous, but women have always scored deals doing this kind of shopping. It takes monumental patience, but if you end up with a perfect dress for under $500, it’s worth it.

Filene’s Basement

Traditionally, this is the word in cheap wedding dresses. The famous “running of the brides” is not for the faint of heart. Since 1947, Filene’s has held an annual sale featuring designer gowns at deep-discount prices. Women start lining up in the wee hours and they come prepared – prospective brides bring mothers, sisters, or friends, and they may even have walkie-talkies or dress alike to more efficiently navigate the waters. The dresses are, at best, organized by size on the racks and the shopping can get hectic. There is virtually no sales assistance, but this is what your team member is for. Trying on gowns can be a challenge, and wise shoppers wear easily removable outfits and underwear decent enough that they can just strip off in the racks. Digital cameras make the experience better than ever, as you can try on ten dresses quickly and then skim through the lens to see what looks promising. A positive attitude and comfortable shoes are a must. It’s nothing like a quiet salon where you are being waited on hand and foot and made to feel like a princess, but scores of women find their wedding dress this way, and if it’s 75 percent cheaper than its suggested retail price, it’s worth the waiting outside and the madhouse inside.

Online Shopping

Simple styles are less expensive.

Buying a wedding dress online can be a smart and easy way to shop. Because the expectation with most dresses is that tailoring will be needed, you can be relaxed about an exact fit. Even if you want to try your luck with online auctions, you shouldn’t be too worried. No matter what, you will need some fitting, so be sure to have a good seamstress lined up before you start shopping.

There are many web sites on which to find great bargain wedding attire. This even includes a site called Bargain Wedding Gowns, which also has dresses for the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls.

Many vintage shops have an online presence and this can be a great way to shop for a vintage dress in a particular style. Some sites will let you leave a request, so they will contact you if a 1950s wedding dress is available in your size and price range.

You can also search clearance sale sections online from your favorite designers. Dresses can be marked down over 50 percent and shipping might even be free.