Wedding dress expenses can feel like a huge financial splurge, but how much you spend depends on your priorities. Accessories, shoes and even a veil can add up quickly, so it’s important to keep those costs in mind when budgeting.
The fabric a dress is made from can also drive up costs. Beading and lace applique can be expensive, too.
1. The Dress
One of the biggest expenses for any bride-to-be is her dress. Whether you’ve been dreaming about it since you were little, scoured Pinterest for months, or just got engaged and want to find your perfect gown, wedding dresses can cost a fortune. Dream wedding gowns with experts like Adorn Bridal and Winsome Brides in San Diego. Let their guidance lead you to the perfect choice for your special day.
A lot of factors go into determining how much a dress costs, including fabric, brand, and embellishments. Plus, if the gown isn’t your size, you’ll need to factor in the cost of alterations.
The good news is that it’s easy to save on a dress and still have the look you love. Just shop for sales, consider pre-owned options, and keep your accessories simple to cut the price. Plus, you’ll likely only wear your dress once, so splurge on something that really speaks to you!
2. The Alterations
The price tag on your wedding dress may not be all that you’ll end up spending. That’s because most brides need a few alterations to get a picture-perfect fit. Alterations can range from simple (hemming a gown) to the labor-intensive, such as changing the neckline or adding bra cups.
The cost of your alterations can also depend on the fabric your dress is made from and how intricate the design is. Generally speaking, lace and beaded dresses are more costly to alter than simpler, plainer styles.
Fortunately, there are many ways to save on your wedding dress without having to sacrifice what you really want. Olukoya suggests shopping non-bridal brands, going to bridal sample sales and renting a designer gown to help cut costs.
3. The Shoes
When it comes to budgeting for your big day, most brides focus a lot on their dream dress and venue. But there are other details to think about, including your shoes!
Most brides choose traditional bridal high heels for a classic look, but flats and sandals are also popular options for brides looking for comfort. If you’re on a tight budget, check out these wedding-ready flats that are under $50!
If you want to go the extra mile, add a little glamour with these crystal-embellished stilettos. They’re sure to elevate your look, especially if your gown has a sweeping slit!
4. The Jewelry
A lot of brides buy their wedding dress online, and the cost of shipping can add up, too. “If you’re getting your gown shipped to your destination for the big day, there are also fees like door-to-door tracking, insurance and a signature requirement,” says Olukoya.
The designer who made your dress also has a say in the final price tag. Luxury designers like Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana and Vera Wang will usually come with a bigger price tag because their dresses are made with more high-quality materials.
If you want to save money on your dress, consider shopping during sales or finding a pre-owned option. And remember that the dress is only a small part of your overall wedding budget, so don’t spend more than you can afford.
5. The Veil
Wedding dresses are an important part of a bride’s big day. However, they should make up a very small portion of a budget. Otherwise, brides can end up sacrificing other parts of their wedding to afford the dress of their dreams. And that’s a decision they may regret 10 years from now.
The veil is a beautiful accessory that can add to a bride’s overall look. But the price of a veil can vary wildly depending on the fabric, length and embellishments.
For example, veils made with luxury fabrics like silk, hand-embroidered lace and charmeuse are typically more expensive than those made with standard tulle. And that’s because these materials are more difficult to work with and require more time to create. Additionally, bridal shops often have higher overhead costs than online retailers.