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How to save on your Wedding Dress

Bride and groom at sunset, nature backdrop, wedding day love.

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.

Wedding dress hanging at Al-Ru Wedding

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.

Expectations vs reality
Expectations vs reality

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.

Family Guy Wedding Dress

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.

sale

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.

Credit Cards

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.

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Wedding nerves and overcoming them

Templewood house wedding ceremony setup

Wedding nerves and how to deal with them

Your wedding ceremony is a moment you’ve envisioned countless times. Picture this: you’re about to gracefully walk down the aisle towards the love of your life, or you’re standing at the altar, heart fluttering, as you await the arrival of your partner. It’s a day brimming with emotions, a culmination of meticulous planning, energy, and heartfelt anticipation.

View from behind bride

Embracing the Moment: The Beauty of Anticipation

A lot of planning has gone in to today. A lot of work. A lot of energy and emotion. You’ve had a great morning getting ready and you know this will be the best day of your life… then why are you about to choomp your nails off from the knuckle? You stomach feels as though it’s down by the beach and you’d love to join it.

If the world ran on logic, you know this day will run well, you’ll be partying about at your reception in about 3 hours time after having had your wedding photography taken by the best wedding photographer in Adelaide, so what is there to worry about?

The morning of your wedding is a whirlwind of excitement. You’re surrounded by close friends and family, each moment bringing you closer to the pivotal point where two lives unite. It’s normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement – your hands may tremble, your heart races, and your stomach feels like it’s doing somersaults. But remember, this is Adelaide, where the sun shines brightly and the sea breeze brings a sense of calm and serenity.

Overcoming wedding nerves

All of this is a good thing and is completely natural. Being nervous keeps us alive and wedding nerves just show us that your senses are on overdrive! you notice that little bird singing that annoying song, your heartbeat, the tick of the giant grandfather clock in the entrance way to the church. You notice things you wouldn’t normally.

Your nerves are what have enabled you to get everything the way it is, the way you’ve dreamt it should be and the way it’s going down today. You’re not nervous you are EXCITED. Tell yourself that. Your body has no way of telling the difference between “I am nervous!” and “I am excited!” So instead of getting anxious, try to train yourself to tell yourself how excited you are instead, as it’s all the same thing neurologically speaking.

You have nothing to be nervous about, your wedding nerves are just you being excited about all your hard work coming into fruition. Get out there and marry your life partner!

Bride and Groom

The Power of Positive Thinking

Instead of succumbing to anxiety, remind yourself of the joy and excitement surrounding you. Transform those nerves into positive anticipation. Remember, your body can’t tell the difference between nervousness and excitement – both elicit similar physical responses. By framing your feelings as excitement, you shift your mindset and embrace the day with positivity.

Laughing bride and grom on bannister

Embracing the Adelaide Charm

In Adelaide, your wedding is set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, from the picturesque beaches to the lush Adelaide Hills. This setting adds an extra layer of magic to your day. As you prepare to step out and meet your partner, take a moment to breathe in the beauty of Adelaide, letting it infuse your day with its unique charm.

City of Adelaide

Celebrating Your Love

As you stand ready to exchange vows, remember that this moment is the fruition of all your planning and dreams. It’s not just about the perfect wedding photography or the seamless flow of events; it’s about the love you share and the life you’re about to embark on together. Let the excitement of this realization wash over you, replacing any lingering nerves.

A Day to Remember

Your wedding is more than a ceremony; it’s a celebration of love, a testament to your journey, and a step into a shared future. Embrace every moment, from the nervous anticipation to the joyous celebrations, and let the unique spirit of Adelaide enhance your special day. This is the beginning of your greatest adventure together.