What is your budget for the dress?

[FIFAbride]

I wanted to keep my dress, alterations and such under $800.  I know that doesn't sound like very much but we are getting married on the beach and it will be just the two of us and officiate.  Found a beautiful galina lace dress!!!

[inloveinkorea]

The original dress I wanted was undre $300, custom made. However, when I saw photos of real brides wearing it, I changed my mind. Now I'm looking in the 700-1,000 range. I'm planning on buying off of once-wed or another similar "used" venue. You can find lots of deals there! 

[Mlite83]

I was hoping to keep my dress under $1k -- but at luck would have it a bridal store a short distance way was closing and they had everything marked WAY down -- I got my dress for just under $400!!  It was a sample but it had come in less than a month prior so it hadn't been tried on a ton of times.  I was also able to get my hair piece and jewelry that day for 70% off so all said and done my entire day of apparel will be like half of what I had originally budgeted just for the dress!  Gotta love deals like that!

[kellykanester]

my budget was 1500, we got my dress for 1300 and then the veil was 150, Havent bought my shoes yet so I will be going over budget for sure

[shannonmarie]

You girls make me nervous! It's going to be a real challenge to find a dress in my price range. Ugh, not sure the whole dress thing is going to be my favorite thing to do!

[AllieH]

Don't be nervous about it! You can find an amazing dress in your price range. Just be open to other options - like samples, close outs, sales, trunk shows, etc. The bridal shop that is doing my alterations does a twice yearly sale where they knock dresses down as low as $99. She carries a wide variety of lines from Maggie Sottero to private labels.

 

Do some research in your area with the shops and find out when they hold their sales. Follow the shops on Twitter and FB if possible and get on their email lists - that's how I have found out about sales and trunk shows. And since you have a year before your wedding, you have time to shop around and look for the sales. 

 

I want to go dress shopping again and again just for the fun of it - and I have my dress (and absolutely LOVE it) lol Enjoy the process, don't let it stress you out (easier said than done?). Good luck!!! 

 

 

Originally Posted by shannonmarie 

You girls make me nervous! It's going to be a real challenge to find a dress in my price range. Ugh, not sure the whole dress thing is going to be my favorite thing to do!

 

 

[shannonmarie]

Originally Posted by AllieH 

 

Don't be nervous about it! You can find an amazing dress in your price range. Just be open to other options - like samples, close outs, sales, trunk shows, etc. The bridal shop that is doing my alterations does a twice yearly sale where they knock dresses down as low as $99. She carries a wide variety of lines from Maggie Sottero to private labels.

 

Do some research in your area with the shops and find out when they hold their sales. Follow the shops on Twitter and FB if possible and get on their email lists - that's how I have found out about sales and trunk shows. And since you have a year before your wedding, you have time to shop around and look for the sales. 

 

I want to go dress shopping again and again just for the fun of it - and I have my dress (and absolutely LOVE it) lol Enjoy the process, don't let it stress you out (easier said than done?). Good luck!!! 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for the advice! It made me feel much better!

[Branya2012]

I'm sure you'll find something you love within your price range! I paid just over $1,200 for my dress (with my mom pitching in for half). I initially didn't want to spend more than $1,000, but when my mom offered to pitch in, I let myself try one on that was over my budget, and am I ever glad I did!

 

Have fun shopping!!

[JayKay]

My budget was $1000.  In the end my dress was $800 plus alterations which were about $90 so I was slightly under budget.

[Islandsunrise]

My budget was $1500, but it tripled without me even realizing it. I stopped by this small bridal salon (Winnie Couture) and instantly fell in love with my gown. Checked out the price tag and nearly fainted. I must agree with AllieH….SAMPLE SALE…that’s what I’m hoping for, but if not I’ll just save…its so worth it to me.