If you’re like most brides, you probably can’t wait to find the perfect bridal gown. It has to be a gown that will make you look like your most dazzling, radiant and gorgeous self — yet at the same time, the dress also has to fit well within your overall budget for wedding attire.
The problem is, some bridal gowns come with hidden costs that you might not be aware of. So even if you think you’re getting a fantastic deal on your wedding dress, you may be in for a surprise when you find out what your total costs will actually turn out to be. To avoid any surprises in that regard, you’ll want to be aware of the potential pricing pitfalls, and you’ll also want to be sure to set your total budget in advance of the time when you go shopping.
Budget for a Bridal Gown
There’s no set price for what a bridal gown should cost. You can buy used bridal gowns on the secondary market for prices as low as $25. At the high end of the market, you could spend many thousands of dollars on a bridal gown. There are options available within just about every budget. If your budget is lower than usual, you should expect to spend much more time shopping in order to find just the right gown at a workable price point.
American Clothing Express inc. suggests “If you’re on a tight budget, you have several options for finding affordable wedding gowns. You can borrow a gown from a friend or loved one. You can buy a used or vintage wedding gown. You could shop at sample sales. You could also consider renting a wedding gown.”
Budget for Professionally Cleaning and Repairing Your Bridal Gown
If you decide to borrow a bridal gown or buy a secondhand or vintage gown, you’ll probably need to invest some money upfront in having it professionally dry cleaned, and possibly mended or repaired as well. You may also have to deal with this reality if you buy a new gown that has been tried on many times, and is looking a little worse for the wear. It’s not uncommon to have to clean or mend wedding gowns purchased at sample sales.
Costs for these services vary widely, and they will differ from region to region and neighborhood to neighborhood. Costs may also be based on how soiled the dress is to start with, and how intricate its design happens to be; for example, does the dress have delicate beading that needs intensive care? If so, expect to pay more than you would for a simpler and less labor-intensive dry cleaning job.
Budget for Wedding Dress Alterations
You’ll get acquainted with the next set of possible hidden bridal gown costs when you find out your dream dress doesn’t quite fit you properly. Maybe your dress needs to be hemmed, or taken in at the bust, or be let out a bit. These expenses can be shockingly costly — again, especially, if you are dealing with an intricately beaded, embroidered or ornamented wedding dress design. Get several estimates from local tailors and alterations experts.
Budget for Wedding Lingerie
Wedding lingerie is an essential component of the look you’ll be presenting to the world on your wedding day. You’ll need lingerie that flawlessly complements your gown. Most brides won’t be able to wear just any old lingerie they already have hanging around in their wardrobe. It’s important to include your lingerie in your total overall budget for your wedding attire.
These are the main considerations for setting your bridal gown budget. If you set your budget ahead of time and know the costs upfront, you’re likelier to keep within your budget when you shop.
