Discount Options For Your Wedding Dress Shopping
You can shop for your wedding dress with a price tag a lot less expensive than a an outlet by going through mail-order discounters or those with home representatives, provided you know exactly what you want down to the last digit of the style number. Of course, the only way to know that, and to know how sizes run and whether or not a style will flatter you, is by first taking advantage of the good faith of your local full-service retailer.
In order to buy successfully this way, you will either have to be dishonest about your intentions in a bridal salon, or you'll need incredible luck to buy a gown sight unseen, which is probably not the way you usually shop. And there's no recourse after the fact. You will pay in full up front, plus shipping and handling, and the gown will be sent directly to your home. Alterations are your problem and, if the dress is delayed, damaged, incorrect, or otherwise below your expectations, you'll have a hassle on your hands.
Vintage clothing stores and consignment shops:
For a distinctive look from a bygone era or a fabulous designer gown at a frankly affordable price, you can check antique clothing shops and secondhand apparel stores. Such places are not always easy to find, but some women swear by them. You will probably be able to use credit cards, though you may not be able to return the dress once it's purchased. Refurbishing and alterations can be expensive, and clothes should be in good condition to begin with. Check with an accomplished seamstress or with a dry cleaner that specializes in refurbishing and preserving wedding gowns before you buy so you'll know what you're getting into, what is possible, and what is not.
Wearing someone else's dress:
Whether it is a family heirloom or a dress that belongs to a friend, you will have to take it to a seamstress or a good dry cleaner to see what has to be done to make it suitable for you, and how much time and money will be involved in doing it. If the gown belongs to a friend and she wants it back, there may be a limit to the alterations that you can reasonably expect to make. Also, how will you feel about not owning your wedding gown?
Rentals:
If wearing a dress someone else has worn doesn't bother you, you might consider buying from a bridal consignment shop, or even renting a gown from one of the women's formal wear rental shops that have sprung up in major cities. Prices are calculated on a percentage of the original cost of the gown, so that you might typically be able to rent even a lavish creation for as little as $250. Minor alterations and cleaning are included in the charge.
Custom-made:
Consider having the gown made or making it yourself. Major pattern companies and better fabric stores sell everything you need to create a complete bridal outfit. The only thing you have to supply is the expertise, and that is considerably more sewing ability than is required to make a simple skirt or sun dress. If you or someone you know is an expert seamstress, and if your sense of style is so unerring as to make you completely confident about the end result, then you can probably have the dress of your dreams for less than half the cost of buying it retail.
