How to save on your Wedding Dress
Are you an Adelaide bride-to-be dreaming of a stunning wedding dress without breaking the bank? You’re not alone! I recently documented a wedding where the bride astoundingly snagged her dress for just $50. It was far from a fashion disaster – instead, it was a gorgeous, well-crafted gown. What’s more, she bought three dresses at this price by taking advantage of a closing-down sale at a local bridal shop.
As a seasoned wedding photographer in Adelaide, I’ve witnessed numerous weddings and have gathered invaluable tips on how to save on your wedding dress without overspending.
Tips on how to save on your Wedding Dress
1. Prioritize Local Shops Over Online Stores
While online shopping offers affordability and variety, the risks can be high. Imagine the disappointment of receiving a dress that’s completely different from what you ordered. By choosing local bridal shops, you support our community and avoid last-minute dress disasters and exorbitant shipping costs.
2. Know your price range before you shop
Buying a wedding dress is often a highly emotional affair, which vendors can pick up on and cause you to start spending over and above what you expected, or budgeted to pay. If you’re familiar with the TV show Family Guy (s10e21), there is a scene about this exact scenario. The dress was out of their budget, but the salesman talked them into buying it all the same because he picked up on the bride’s emotions. Try to only try on dressed that you know you can afford, do not get tempted by that more expensive dress as you know once you put it on you’ll have to cut back on more important things, like a few extra nights on your honeymoon.
3. Check out ‘Trunk Shows’
Trunk shows are fantastic for viewing new bridal designs and snagging previous collections at a discount, sometimes up to 50% off. Adelaide frequently hosts bridal fairs at venues like the Adelaide Showground and the Convention Centre, offering prime opportunities for deals.
4. Get lucky with sales and changing stock
Many brides have found their dream dresses at a fraction of the cost by purchasing floor samples or taking advantage of sales. Adelaide bridal stores often reduce prices on these items, making it a perfect opportunity to find a high-quality gown at a lower price.
5. Plan way ahead of your wedding
Planning months in advance of your wedding will save you money in a number of ways, first you know what you want, you have a reasonable budget and you can take your time choosing and hoping for that amazing bargain. Second if you leave it too late you may have to spring for huge express shipping fees just to make sure your gown is with you on time.
6. Use your credit card
When buying your dress, consider using a credit card that offers rewards, like frequent flyer points. This strategy can help extend your honeymoon or provide additional benefits for your wedding expenses.
Understanding how to save on your wedding dress is key to achieving your dream wedding in Adelaide without overspending. By focusing on local shopping experiences, setting a realistic budget, taking advantage of trunk shows, scouting for sales and floor samples, planning ahead, and making smart use of credit card rewards, you can find a beautiful gown that meets both your style and budgetary needs.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to looking stunning on your big day while keeping your finances in check. Remember, a savvy approach to wedding dress shopping doesn’t just save money—it also paves the way for a more enjoyable and stress-free wedding planning experience.
