Low Price Wedding Gowns

Is a Low Price Wedding Gown Right For You?

There's both a good side and a bad side to low price wedding dresses. Before looking for discount prices for your big day, it's important to figure out if a low priced dress is right for you.

Pros

• Cost: Instead of spending several thousand dollars on a gown, you can spend that money on a honeymoon, savings, or investments.
• Uniqueness: With many lower cost dresses online, some of them are one of a kind or vintage pieces.
• Simplicity: If you're going for a simple wedding, this is your chance.
• Coordination: For the low cost dresses that are mass produced, it's much easier to find matching accessories such as wedding veils.

Cons

• Size: If you're a particular size (especially a larger or very petite size) it can often be difficult to find a dress you like in that style.
• Designs: If you're seeking a particular style, it may be harder to find at a lower cost.
• Alterations: Outside of sizing the dress, there is very little you can do to change a dress without increasing the price.
• Fittings: With some online sites, you may never get to try a dress until you've already bought it.

Finding Dresses at the Right Price

There are plenty of sites available online where anyone can purchase or view low price wedding gowns.

• Netbride.com features a stunning selection of popular wedding dress designers at a low cost. You can request a free quote on any gown. The site also features a plus sized dress section.
• Houseofbrides.com states that it is the world's largest online wedding store and with their selection of dresses, it's easy to see why! The site features dresses available by designer and also features a separate section for plus sized dresses.
• Bridalcouture features an online catalog where potential costumers can search by designer, silhouette, neckline, size, or price. Though their selection is limited compared to other sites, the site is constantly adding new products to fill demand so be sure to check the site often.
• Lilywedding.com features a large selection of dresses and a large number of ways to search for them. You can find a gown by best sellers, top rated gowns, or most dress features (such as the train, straps, or sleeves).
• Elegantgowns.com has a great selection of dresses and a clearance selection with dresses under $149. The site also features a lenient dress return policy--only a 10 percent restocking fee.
• Lightinthebox.com features a limited selection of super low price dresses--many under $100.
• Weddingo.net features separate sections for wedding dresses, couture wedding dresses, informal wedding dresses, and plus-sized wedding dresses.
• BudgetBridalGowns features gown rentals in the event you'd like to just rent a dress for the big day.
• Bridalonlinestore.com features another great collection of dresses at great prices.

More Sites of Interest

David's Bridal is a known name in the world of weddings for their inexpensive gowns and large variety. The site and its retail locations are a great source for dresses and any other wedding needs you may have. Check out their sample sales and other promotions for lower prices on gowns.

Etsy.com is an online store much like ebay.com that allows people to create items and sell them or to sell vintage products. If homemade or vintage wedding gowns pique your interest, be sure to scour through etsy. Many designers on the site are also willing to help you design your own wedding dress -- for a price you're sure to love.

Keep In Mind

Timing

Especially when looking for a sale, timing can be everything. With wedding dresses, fall tends to be one of the best seasons to find discounted rates as many brides choose to marry in the spring or summer. Be on the lookout for 'off season' dresses at this time since fall is the time of the year when designers begin to roll their seasonal looks over--passing the discounts on to you.

Designer Dresses

Often, the phrases 'affordable' and 'designer' do not go in the same sentence. But with wedding gowns, they sometimes can. While any designer wedding dress can be low priced in the off season or by luck, there are some who also try to pass their savings to the consumer. Vera Wang, Forever Yours, Oleg Cassini, Jessica McClintock, and Reva Mivasagar often have dresses available for affordable prices.

Other Tips

• Check return policies before you order -- especially if you order the dress online. Many online retailers will not allow you to return or exchange a dress.
• Research websites to see where they get their dresses. Just because they say the dress is a designer original doesn't mean it's not a cheap knock off. Also, be sure of the quality of your actual dress. Examine the dress to make sure all seems and detail work (such as beading, buttons, or snaps) are properly affixed. Make sure there are no visible threads and the dress retains some form of shape on a hanger.
• Many boutiques will offer discounts on wedding gowns if all the bridal party dresses have been purchased at that location. Some locations will even allow you to 'rent' a dress as long as they are receiving business from your wedding in other ways.

It is easy to find low price wedding gowns if you know how to look and what to look for, and you’ll find plenty of savings along the way.