One of a wedding’s biggest expenses can be the bride’s dress. Below are a few alternative ways to find a dress for your big day while being a little kinder to your bank account (or, if you’re like me, to have more money for the dessert bar!).
Sample Sales and Outlet Shopping
Still want a new dress? Going the sample sale or outlet route may be for you. These sales tend to have display dresses, manufacturer defect (but still tailorable) dresses and overstock dresses and are a great way to get a brand new dress for significantly less. The even better news? Sample sales are found across a broad variety of price points, designers and styles – meaning it’s possible your out-of-budget dress may now be IN budget!
General Clothing Stores
You’d be surprised how many white formal gowns are online that could pass as a wedding dress. It may take a little more searching and the dresses may be less extravagant, but if you were looking for something simpler or lighter in material, this may be a good option. For example – this satin jacquard slip dress at Nasty Gal ($132 USD), this strapless A-line dress at Nordstrom ($368 USD) or this fully lined ballgown at Dillards ($398 USD). Pro tip – move beyond the formal section and check out the prom dresses.
Consignment Shops
With a quick online search, it’s likely you’ll find a shop in your city that specializes in pre-loved dresses and bridal accessories. These shops are often well maintained and offer the same try-on experience you’d find in most new purchase bridal shops; many also offer alteration services so that your purchase is perfect for the big day. Be sure to visit the shop’s website or online review page for more information on what kinds of dresses they accept, how they source inventory and what their quality standards are.
Facebook Marketplace
It’s can be a bit daunting to buy pre-worn clothing online, much less a wedding dress, but Facebook is home to many wedding groups that offer its members’ pre-loved items at a much lower cost than new. Wedding dresses are one of the most popular items and it’s easy to find a broad range of styles, qualities and price points; many sellers offer the opportunity to preview the dress before committing, but buyer beware, buying/return terms are set to the individual seller.
Rent It
This one is a little harder to find locally (not impossible) but with a little bit of digging you can find online. Dress selections are limited and alterations are not an option, but you’ll feel the benefits in the bank account. For example – this Lazaro satin gown at Poshare (retails at $3290 USD, rents for $249+), this halter gown at Rent the Runway (retails at $790 USD, rents for $90+ USD) and this empress gown at Designerex (retails for $1789 USD, rents for $215+ USD). It’s definitely worth checking out.
Straight From the Manufacturer
This will be the hardest to find option, but if you’re lucky enough to find a manufacturer in your area – they may be willing to sell a design to you direct. Most dress shops source their gowns/samples from large manufacturers, then send your order to be made once you make your selection (hence why it can take so long to deliver). Even well known designers are known to contract with a central manufacturer vs. making in a specialty shop. On occasion, you may get a manufacturer that has a front desk to chat with, but your best bets are to find them at bridal shows or call around. PS – be sure to check out my post on wholesale diamonds for straight-from-manufacturer engagement rings and wedding bands.
Have a Custom Gown Made
This option isn’t the cheapest and will still be costly, but it can still save you money if high-end designer is your taste. If you’re hoping for a one of a kind look and not wanting to go the conventional route, look into the services of a dressmaker near you. Not only will you be supporting local business, but you’ll be able to create a dream gown with the collaboration of a professional. Can’t find a dressmaker in your area? Check out Etsy.
Friends and Family
This seems like an obvious, albeit tricky, solution, but you’d be surprised what you can accomplish by simply asking. What’s the worst that can happen? They say no, which is no further back than you were before. It’s your choice whether you ask to take or buy the dress from them, but it’s a sign of good faith and courtesy to offer something in exchange.
Dry Cleaners
It’s well known that many dry cleaners will sell abandoned clothing, but did you know that on occasion you might be able to score a wedding dress from them? Lots of brides have their dress cleaned after the big day, so it’s a possible, albeit unlikely, scenario to find (and buy) one that was forgotten. It’s worth calling around or checking out; the worst thing that can happen is you spend an hour (but zero money) making calls.
Bleach It
This isn’t for the faint of heart, should be done with an abundance of caution and only on cotton fabric, but bleaching is an option if you have a color gown on hand that would be perfect as a white wedding dress. It’s not guaranteed to work, but if you’re willing to try, check out this helpful guide over at the Clorox page.
