subject: Saving Money On Your Perfect Wedding Dress [print this page] Many brides will look at their wedding dress as the most important item involved with the perfect dream wedding.
Not only is it the one thing most girl's can visualize at a very young age, but it is also the one thing that makes a woman feel unique and entitled on her special day.
The only time a problem arises is when the budget isn't large enough to meet the demands of the fantasy, and that's where the true dilemma begins.
Fortunately, though, there are at least four great ways to get a fabulous wedding dress without breaking the bank.
The first way to get a great dress is the most obvious and it takes into account all of the speciality shops and boutiques that sell bridal gowns.
By doing this you will get a good feel for the different styles available and know what to search for if one shop is too expensive for the type of dress that suits your figure.
You also need to remember that many bridal stores will not carry any larger sizes which, again may force the decision to go elsewhere.
If you manage to find the ideal dress but it's not available in the right size it's worth bearing in mind that a good tailor or seamstress can make adjustments of up to about two sizes.
Be wary of sales staff that encourage you to purchase a style that's not 100% what you are after.
A bride must be a strong advocate for herself and her needs in this instance, and should always take a second opinion along who is known for being truthful.
The internet is the next place to source discounted wedding gowns.
There are plenty of discounted brands to be found as well as all of of the more expensive designer labels.
There are specific niches that fit everything from larger physiques to knock off fashion choices, as well as unconventional choices for the bride who wants to use color or different variations of styles that may not represent the norm.
The main thing to remember here before buying is to read through the policies of the internet company in question.
For example, if a purchase is made and an imperfection is found, will money be refunded, or will an alternate selection be required instead of a cash return.
Also, plan well in advance and make sure you have a specific shipping date which leaves plenty of time for any necessary adjustments to be made in case the dress is too large or small.
Be sure to place communication high on the list of priorities if using the web to purchase the dress becomes a reality.
Last minute exchanges or changes in general are stressful and can be avoided by being a little more effective in the area of conversation or follow up.
Because a wedding dress is only worn for a short period of time, and in many instances never used again, there are a number of places that sell second hand gowns that can be a great boon to woman on a tighter budget.
It's no longer the case that the Salvation Army and a yellow colored, torn in a few places dress has to be endured as the only resale option.
You can find many resale stores with large selections of pre-used dresses so it's really just a case of deciding whether the one you like can be effectively altered if the sizing is slightly out.
Try to do some research ahead of time and know what type or style of dress is preferred before trying to shop second hand, and don't even bother to try one on if it does not fit the ideal.
The classified sections of any local newspaper will be a great source for finding wedding dresses that are a bargain in price but not in design.
Many former brides hang on to their dresses for a while and then realize that the sentimental value is in the memory and not in the physical creation itself, and at that point decide to put their gown up for sale.
Another sale option occurs when one bride buys a dress and for one reason or another does not make it to the altar, and needs to sell the dress for emotional as well as financial concerns.
Either way, it is far better to have the fantasy dress from another who has worn it before or never got a chance to wear it then to let the dress sit idle, not fulfilling any wishes and dreams.
The best place to find a higher number of choices is in the bigger cities, so if a short drive is necessary in order to secure the right dress, consider the savings, fill up the tank, and hit the road!
Wedding dresses are the main ingredient for the bride to have a successful day, and as such need to be a high priority with regards to the budget.
However if, after crunching the numbers, that Chanel number just isn't in the cards take heart, with a little patience and a hint of bridal luck, the perfect dress can be uncovered like a diamond in the rough.
