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Mail Order.
Did you realize that you can order nationally-advertised
wedding gowns at 20%-30% savings which are shipped directly to
you cutting out the middleman? One of the best is JC Penny's,
(800) 527-8345 bridal catalog. They feature affordably price gowns
from Alfred Angelo and Sweetheart from $160-$540. They also have
bridesmaids dresses, flowergirl dresses, veils, shoes and other
accessories. Another useful resource is Bridal Discount Service
(800) 874-8794. Similar savings can be had but be sure to allow
plenty of time for delivery. You will pay about $30-$40 for shipping
and insurance but the savings on high end designer dresses can
be significant. Other opportunities are Talbot's (800) 882-5268,
Bloomingdale's (800) 777-0000, Spiegel (800) 345-4500 and Chadwick's
of Boston (800) 525-6650. We've heard good things about Talbot's
and Chadwick's.
Haggle. Go online and look
for discounts and then check out mail order opportunities to get
your best price. Then take those prices with you if you intend
to shop locally
for your wedding dress. Ask for discounts because most
discounts available are not advertised. A good business person
will match the price in order to not loose your business. Just
be sure to check for any "hidden" costs or high markups
on basic things like alterations, pressing or garmet bags.
Rent a gown. Yes, you can rent
a bridal gown, and a really nice designer one too! They are hard
to find and will range generally from about $100 to $600 for an
elegant gown dripping with pearls and lace. They are dry
cleaned between rentals. Be prepared to pay a deposit of $100-$200
in addition to the cost of rental. But even with shipping costs
if you cannot find one locally, there's huge savings to be had
in addition to wearing the dress of your dreams...and that costs
for something too!
Classified Ads. Every town has
a newspaper but that is not where you will find the dress of your
dreams. You need to find national classified ads, classified ads
in Sunday's paper, and in major cities like NY, LA, Chicago, Atlanta
and even Cincinnati and Louisville. The Lexington Herald Leader
has very few show up on its pages. Online classified ads are another
great way to find the dress you are looking for at a price you
can afford.
Auctions. Keep an eye out for
estate and specialty auctions. For sentimental sake, women often
keep their wedding dresses, only to find they serve no other purpose.
When hard times hit, divorce or even death, they are put up for
auction along with everything else. Another and possible the best
tip is online auctions like ebay (http://www.ebay.com/theme/weddings.html).
We have heard several really good stories about brides to
be getting expensive designer dresses at a good price because
the previous bride has a personal reason for disposing of the
dress. Either way, you win!
Copy an Original. Use our
Wedding Gown
Gallery to find the dress of you dreams. Then print
a picture of it with as much detail as possible. Go to a local
seamstress an get them to "custom design". The seamstress
can usually buy the fabric at a discount, you avoid alteration
costs and it fits like a glove! You can see savings of 50% or
more. The more expensive the design and original...the more you
will be saving.
Filene's Basement Sale. Pay attention
to this one! Four times a year Filene's Basement in Boston (617)
542-2011 has a sale to beat all sales. You can buy a wedding dress
costing $2,000-$3,500 for only $249! Now, be prepared to try the
dress on right in the isles (wear a bodysuit) because this sale
is aggressive. Arrive early and take some help with you (maybe
some elbow pads too). You will come away with a great dress at
a great price!
Sew it Yourself. Patterns
are available at local fabric shops and maybe you know someone
who can help. The cost of materials to make a $1,000 designer
dress will be about $250.
Sample Gowns. Since most dresses are special orders.
You can save up to 50% savings on the sample gowns which are used
as demonstrations in the store. Check for the sample rack sales
in stores and keep a look out in the paper for special "sample
gown" sales. Be sure to inspect the sample gowns closely
for stains, wear and tear.
Wear Mom's or Borrow a Dress. It
costs a fraction of the full cost of a new dress to alter one,
even vintage dresses. Ask around, maybe one of your friends has
a dress that has been tucked away but now would love nothing better
than to help a friend with their wedding. It truly is a sign of
friendship.
Wear A Less Formal Dress. Bridesmaids
dresses can be ordered in white. For a less formal wedding you
can get a dress for $75-$150. A designer bridesmaid dresses from
the likes of Jessica McClintock range from $200-$800 for a stunningly
beautiful dress without a train.
Bridal Outlet Stores. While there
are not that many outlet stores for wedding dresses around, it
would be worth your while to check out one of the online yellow
page directories for outlet stores near you or where you might
be traveling on business or pleasure in the near future. JC Penny's
(972) 431-0226 has 13 outlet stores. Besides, you know you like
to shop while traveling!
Consignment Shops. Not only
can you get a great deal on a wedding dress, you can sell
yours too! Check out the little shops not just the more prominent
ones. You never know when you will find that little gem you have
been looking for. Local
consignment shops are listed here.
Vintage Clothing Shops. You will
probably have to go to the larger cities to find these stores
but if you are out and want to check out what might turn out to
be an opportunity to save money and find a unique and awesome
wedding dress at the same time, we suggest you not count this
one out.
Out of State or Country. Again,
keep you eyes open when traveling or better yet, plan a trip and
buy a dress. A woman's dream weekend trip. You never know where
you will find that special dress or bargain. Canada and Mexico
offer terrific bargains due to lower cost and exchange rates.
You could save up to 40% and we heard from one bride when she
bought here dress in Canada where it was too good to pass up (ever
used that one?).
Swap the Fabric. While not rocket
science it sure can save some bucks. You might opt for satin or
even polyester which a lot of dresses are made of but keep the
styling and detail. It might just make the difference in your
budget.
Make your Own Headpiece.
Now this is a no brainer if you have any crafting in you
at all. Besides, it's easy. Just go to any craft store (Michael's),
start with a comb or head band. Add some ribbon, flowers and pearls.
Attach 3 yards of Tulle with Velcro and whala! You've got a great
looking headpiece or veil at a fraction of the price.
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