Tag: alteration

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8 important things brides should know about sample and clearance sales

There are several ways of finding your wedding gown for a great bargain. While you can always spend a fortune picking up a brand new gown, it isn’t always necessary. For the budget-savvy bride, who wants a fabulous gown sans the hefty price, sample and clearance sales are your best friend. Sales are also held for bridesmaids, mother-of-bride and flower girl dresses. So, look around and you may find fantastic options to dress your entire wedding party with, at very reasonable prices.

Nevertheless, you need to know all you can about what they involve, so you can make the most of it when the chance comes. Here is a list of eight important things to help you get the most out of your wedding dress shopping experience by choosing to buy it on sale.

1.What are sample sales and clearance sales? How are they different?

Every wedding boutique houses several hundreds of wedding dresses. As with any other shop, these cannot be retained for ever for two reasons: lack of space and changing demand. Wedding fashion, like fashion in general, is always evolving. New designs enter the market every season, and all the wedding boutiques have to carry the latest dresses that most brides come in asking for. With only so much space to house old stock, most bridal boutiques will host sales on a regular basis to sell the ones that belong to previous collections and make way for new dresses.

During sample sales, shops sell off the gowns that were used on the shop floor for trials by the brides who visited them. These will have little to no damage. For the simple reason that they’ve been out of their original packaging and tried on, you can snatch them at a bargain price, which will usually be several hundreds lesser than the original price.

Clearance sales are the other option. Here, the reason remains the same—getting older unsold stock out of the way to make space for new stock. However, these dresses are untouched and in perfect condition. They will still be in the original form they were delivered to the store, and yet be sold at a huge discount. So, if you want a brand new, unused gown for your wedding day at the best price possible, you should consider a clearance sale.

2.Do I just turn up for a sample sale?

This depends on the boutique or shop that is hosting the sale. Your best bet is to call up in advance and find out for yourself. While some shops will simply allow you to walk in and look through what is available and make your choice, others let you do so only by appointment. Certain shops can be thickly crowded and you may have to battle your way through several other bridal parties who are there for the same reason. This reminds me of the Friends episode where Monica had her mind set on a wedding dress, and she decided to find it at a sample sale with her best friends in tow. They were few among the hundreds of other girls who were there to search for the perfect wedding dress at a bargain, and it was quite chaotic, to say the least. So much for a hilarious episode, but it is not too far from the truth. If you aren’t up for all this adventure, it may be a good idea to stay away from the sale on the first day and instead visit on the second or third day. There may be fewer dresses, but you will still have enough to look at, all the same.

3.How can I prepare in advance?

Don’t ever assume that you can walk in to a sample sale and just find a dress. No! You need to know what you want to get beforehand. When you attend the sale, you should already know your dress model number and size, or you will find yourself lost in the midst of hundreds of gowns. Brides who make their way to sales usually visit a bridal salon in advance, try on the samples in store and find out exactly what they want before they go sample shopping. At Best for Bride, our clearance section has hundreds of gowns, but it won’t be easy finding the right fit just by looking at it. Our suggestion is to first fix your appointment with our store, come in and try on the dress and find what size will fit you. Then attend the clearance sale with this detail in hand. This will allow you to pick the right dress with minimum hassle, while making use of the sale.

Before you even decide to attend a sale, make sure you know what dresses and in which sizes will be on sale. Don’t ever expect to find the current year and season’s models, they will still be on the rack. You will more likely find the previous year’s collections on sale. You can always check with the store for information, sometimes they may be able to tell you which designer collections and sizes that are on sale. So, you needn’t go all the way and return empty-handed.

4.Is it a good idea to attend the sample sale all by myself?

This depends on how good you are at finding what you want. Remember that this is a dress that needn’t be too easy to spot among the hundreds of other white wedding gowns there. There may not be too many pieces in the same size either, and you never know if there are other brides who are on the search for precisely the same dress in the same size. It would be much better if you get your friends to pitch in to help. Pull in one or two bridesmaids and the combined effort will most likely help you find the dress faster. Before you go to the store, provide specific instructions on how the dress looks and how they can make out if it is the one. Also show them pictures of the dress that are available on the internet, so they know exactly how it looks. If possible print out the pictures, so they can refer to it when they are at the sale.

5.How good are my chances if I have only a single gown in mind?

Not too good, we would say! If there is another bride who is after the same gown, or worse if someone finds the one you want first and decides to go with it, you will not be able to make use of this golden opportunity. There is a lot of luck involved, as most stores do not have too many samples of the same model. Brides who wish to buy their wedding dress at a sample sale should ideally have at least a few dresses in mind. We suggest you visit a few boutiques in advance, try on several dresses and shortlist a few that you love. This will make it easier for you to find at least one of these dresses at the sale. Remember that you will be competing against many other brides to find one particular dress, your chances are much better if you are open to more options. This article on the Huffington Post tells us that many brides who actually nail a deal at sample sales have been visiting bridal salons for up to six months prior to attending the sale. This way they know what they want, have already learned about what will work and what won’t, and hence are more likely to find it.

Now, if you do not find the gowns that you shortlisted, you can still see what’s available and make a pick from those. Sample sales allow brides to try on gowns, however the trial rooms will be rushed and very chaotic. So, don’t expect to spend all your time there trying on one gown after another, just like you would if you were at a regular wedding dress appointment. Your decision will have to be made quickly. So, it helps if you already know how you look in a style and can judge whether a dress will work or not without much delay.

6.What if I can’t find my size?

This is a given risk when you go wedding gown shopping at a sale. Unlike the regular wedding shopping experience, where you can ask the boutique to arrange for the dress you like in your size, this is not possible here. You will have to choose from what is available. It makes it all the more difficult if your size is at either end of the spectrum. Another factor is that many shops do not disclose which sizes they will be having at the sample sale, in advance. Nevertheless, you can always call and check in advance.

The good news, however, is that you do not need to find a gown in precisely your size, as this is what alterations can help you with. In fact, almost every wedding dress has to be altered to fit any bride perfectly. All you need to know is what sizes can be altered to fit you. Usually, wedding dresses are chosen in sizes that are bigger than your actual measurements. This allows the extra fabric to be taken out, which is much easier than adding extra inches to an existing size. Nevertheless, there are limitations on the extent to which alterations can be performed on a gown. If you buy one that is too big, all the measurements will be totally off and the entire look may be altered once it is made to fit you. If there are design elements that you love on a gown in the neckline or hemline, but the gown is too big, you may lose these features when it is altered. So, always choose a size closest to your actual measurements or just slightly bigger. Since wedding dresses are sized differently in comparison to other dresses, make sure you know where you are on the size chart before you buy a gown.

7.When can I expect these sales?

Many boutiques run discount sales all year round. For example, at Best for Bride, we have gowns on sale all the time. All you have to do is visit the clearance section on our website, to find out which gowns are covered in the sale. Sample sales on the other hand, are usually held just before the new stock for the current and next season are due for arrival. This is usually between October and February. There are also sales that are regularly held in summer and winter. So, keep your eyes open for advertisements at this time of year. One way to not miss it is to subscribe to news updates or follow the bridal salon on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. This is where boutiques will be posting it first. If there are any surprise offers or fun giveaways, you will know about it this well ahead of time and may even get lucky and find a great deal when you least expect it. You can check with the bridal shop in advance and find out if they have a sale scheduled in the coming months and prepare yourself for it by that time.

8.Will I be able to use these gowns as they are or will they have to be cleaned before my wedding day?

This depends on whether you get your dress at a sample sale or a clearance sale. Clearance gowns are as good as new, and can be used as such. Sample sale gowns have been worn by brides, although for short span of time, and may have picked up dirt and sweat. So, it is better if you can get it cleaned so it is in pristine condition for you to wear on your wedding day.

So, now that you know all you need to about sample and clearance sales, are you going to try your luck at it? To find out what is on offer at our store right now, visit our clearance and discount section by clicking on this link here.  For more wedding related information and dress shopping tips, continue visiting us at Best for Bride.

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Insider Insights: 8 Things Bridal Consultants Wish Every Bride Knew Before Dress Shopping!

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Bridal consultants are seasoned experts who are the best people to advise and help you with your wedding dress decision. Their years of working in the field enable them to identify what a bride wants and how to get her the right dress that fulfills her vision.

Their job is difficult, as they come across hundreds of different brides: different in their attitudes, preferences, likes and dislikes. Scouring through thousands of wedding dresses to find the one right gown that will make a bride’s wedding dreams come true is no easy feat. Bridal consultants have to consider several factors when suggesting dresses for brides; this includes the budget, fabric, style of wedding, personal preferences and style of the bride, the opinions of her entourage and much more.

Although they will ultimately guide you to the wedding gown of your dreams, a few things can make your wedding shopping more enjoyable. Here is a list of ten things bridal consultants wish their customers would be aware of. These factors will not only allow them to help you find your dress a lot easier but will also help you make the most of your shopping session. Let us find out what they are.

1.Bring along a small group of helpful people

Many brides make the cardinal mistake of inviting too many people to their dress appointments. Well, most of the people you invite would like to have a say in what you wear on your wedding day, and you may be too kind to deny them the opportunity. But we say, just don’t do it! More people mean more opinions, and this can get too confusing. It will only ruin your chances of finding a dress that you truly like.

Our bridal consultants think that you should restrict your entourage to no more than three people, and they should be able to help you make the right decision. If you aren’t certain whether you should invite a certain person, think of whether the person on your mind shares your taste for fashion. Remember that your wedding dress should be an extension of who you are. So, you need people who understand you and know what looks best on you. Well, if someone like your mother or grandmother will be paying for the wedding dress, you may feel obliged to bring her along. Nevertheless, decide where you draw the line on going with what they say is the dress. Also be ready to step and let them know when you cannot accept certain suggestions if you both don’t agree on what is good on you.

2.Do your research first

If you just scroll through our bridal section, you will see the variety in gowns available today. Our store is simply an extension of the same. So, you can easily drown yourself in the hundreds of choices if you do no know what you want. Rather than going in for your session with absolutely no idea in mind, it will be better if you do your research and gather an idea of what you want before you go shopping. You must consider where the wedding will be held, the time of year when it is planned and the style. Additionally, you should also have a general idea of what dress silhouettes will suit you, as well as the necklines you favor and whether you would prefer a sleeveless dress or one with sleeves. This will give you a starting point for the fabric and styles. For example, if you have a beach wedding, you should consider what dresses will be practical and convenient in an outdoor location and start your search with this idea in mind.

Your bridal consultant will be able to help you identify the best style and pattern for your figure, based on the inputs you provide about the wedding you have in mind. Nonetheless, it is much easier if you have a few ideas than just trying on several dresses and then determining what you would like. Our previous articles can guide you in this direction. Check it out here and here.

3.Be open to ideas

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Although you should attend your appointment with a general idea of what you want to see in your wedding dress, don’t be too fixated on definite patterns or designs. Remember that what you see in pictures may not translate well, when you wear it. On the other hand, there are also dresses that may not have hanger appeal—they do not look good on the hanger or mannequin—but can transform you into a ravishing bride when you put them on. Your bridal consultant is the best judge on this. They know a dress for how it looks on the hanger and how it will look on you. Since they’ve worked with hundreds of brides before, they will also know what you may choose to overlook but will end up loving when you try it on.

So, go for your wedding dress appointment with an open mind. Allow your bridal consultant to suggest dresses that may not really match the idea in your mind. You never know, but you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. One of our customers Melissa Filice had such an experience. She wasn’t sure when our sales consultant asked her to try on a certain dress, but our consultant was certain this was the dress. She was right! The minute Melissa saw herself in the mirror, she knew she had found the dress. So, just trust your consultant and she is bound to get you what you want.

4.Be honest and open about what you feel

Be honest about your feelings when your consultant asks you for feedback after trying on a dress. It is your feedback and concerns about the dress that will help them direct you towards the right one. You do not have to hold your feelings in if you don’t like what you see, just because your consultant asked you to try on a dress. Through trial and error, you will finally arrive at a dress you love. Your consultant is banking on your opinion. Tell her what you like and what you don’t, about the dresses you try on. Also, don’t feel obliged to agree with the opinions of your entourage. If they think that a dress feature you love isn’t right, think objectively and decide whether you would like to see the same feature on another dress instead. It could be that the same translates into a beautiful feature on another dress, and everyone will actually love it.

When you try on a dress, you will know if it is “The Dress”. If you have your doubts, go with your intuition. Your consultant will mostly ask you to specify what you like about the dress and what you prefer to be different. Depending on your answer, she will seek out another gown that will be one step closer to the dream gown you had in mind. But all this is possible only if you are open and certain about what you want.

5.Wear the right undergarments

Most bridal stores carry undergarments and shapewear to go under the gown. Nevertheless, it is always best that you are prepared for your wedding dress appointment wearing your own innerwear. Since your wedding dress will most likely be white, nude-coloured undergarments are ideal. These will be concealed under the white, allowing you to visualize the dress’s appearance. So, put the pink and yellow undergarments aside and wear a nude bra instead.

Although you needn’t wear shapewear with all gowns, you may prefer to do so. If you already have purchased it, it is a good idea to wear it when you go wedding shopping. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will drape around you when you wear it and help you decide better.

6.Restrain yourself from trying on too many options

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Many brides make the mistake of trying on too many dresses and simply confusing themselves in the process. This is especially true if their entourage is very active and takes the initiative in pulling off dresses off the racks to try on. It is not necessary that you should find your dress at your first appointment. Attend your session with this in mind; it will be much easier.

Our bridal consultants suggest that if you reach a point where you are no longer sure of what you want, it is time to stop looking. Go home and sleep over it, and go back for another appointment. You will hopefully have gained some clarity by then. This will save you from making a mistake that you may later regret.

7.Attend your appointment with a relaxed mind and make sure you have fun

Many brides walk in the door all excited, but if they can’t find a dress soon, they begin to panic. We want this to be a fun experience; the only way a bride can enjoy the process is if she relaxes. For this, she should come in with a clear mind and not be worried about anything else during her session. So, our suggestion is that you make your appointment with the bridal salon well ahead of time, and on a day when you are free and have no other tensions. This way you can communicate your vision better, and we will be able to help you find your dress easily. You should have sufficient time to shop around and get your fitting sessions completed on time, if you start gown shopping six to nine months ahead of the wedding.

A bride with a general idea of what she wants and is open to ideas will most likely enjoy the shopping experience. Don’t be pressured into making a choice that you don’t like. Make sure you are certain that the dress you pick deserves to be the one you wear on your wedding day. Once again, remember that your entourage also has a huge role in helping you arrive at a decision. So, invite-only the right people to come along.

8.Always go with your current size

Most of the brides we see are sure they will be two sizes smaller than they currently are, on their wedding day. If you do manage to achieve this target, good for you. But trust us, it isn’t easy getting into a dress that is too small for you, if your workout plans fail to Work Out! Although most bridal gowns are available in all sizes, your best option is to buy one that fits you now. You can always take out extra fabric during your fitting sessions, but it is nearly impossible to add extra inches to a gown. So, don’t take a risk. If you are pretty certain that your dress size will change drastically in the coming months, we suggest that you schedule your alteration sessions closer to the wedding, instead of getting it done right away. This way, you can still achieve the right dress size in time for your wedding.

And don’t be worried if your wedding dress size is greater than the size you normally buy your clothes in. It is only because wedding gowns are sized differently; your actual dress size may correspond to a higher number on this scale.

Now that you have all the expert advice you need, you can begin preparations for your bridal salon appointment and make the most of it. To look at the different wedding gowns we have in-store, we suggest you visit our online bridal gallery at Best for Bride and shortlist your favorites. We can also help you find your bridesmaids dresses, wedding accessories and more, all at our Best for Bride stores. Fix your appointment with us by either calling your nearest shop or by booking it online at this link.  Get ready for the experience of your lifetime, as our trusted bridal consultants will make sure that you have the best time possible when you come to us to shop for your dream dress.

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10 things to do before you go shopping for your wedding dress

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most anticipated wedding tasks for most brides. After all, the day you get married is the most important day in your life, and your wedding dress plays a huge role in helping you look great for it.

Many brides dream about their wedding dress and wedding day, right from the time they are little girls. Although their ideas of fashion would have changed over the years, the excitement of wedding shopping always thrills a would-be bride.

Being prepared in advance will help you enjoy your wedding shopping to the most, and help you find the dress you want easily. Here is a list of what you should do in advance, before you start with your wedding shopping. Make sure to follow it, and you will be set for the best shopping experience of your life.

1.Fix the maximum price

Let’s get the money part sorted out first. Everything about your wedding depends on the money you can afford to spend on it. Before you even think of going shopping, you should have a definite idea of how much you can spend on your wedding gown. Wedding gowns come in all price ranges, so define your upper limit. Then, you will not waste time on gowns that you cannot afford, or even worse, fall in love with a dress that is way over-budget. Another thing to remember is that if you already know your budget, you can do your research online and shortlist gowns you like. You can then choose a bridal shop that stocks the gowns you like.

Don’t believe that you have to settle for a gown in the shop you visit. You can always shop elsewhere if the boutique doesn’t have a good collection within the range you can afford.

There are several ways to work on a budget and still get a fabulous gown. Clearance sales, dress rentals, discount vouchers and offers make it possible to buy a gown at a price much lesser than its original cost. We suggest that you check out this article to learn more about how to make the most of your wedding dress budget, and also learn about all the expenses will be included in the final price.

2.Decide on the style of wedding

Not all gowns are suitable for every type of wedding. You may look out-of-place in an elaborate ball gown, if you are getting married at the beach. So, plan your venue and style of wedding long before you begin searching for your wedding dress. You have to consider whether certain dress features may be inappropriate for the style of wedding you have planned. For example, if you are getting married in an orthodox place of worship, wedding dresses with low cut necklines or revealing fabric may be inappropriate.

Check out these finer details before you embark on wedding shopping, so you do not have to alter your decision after you place the order. Your wedding dress should also tie with the theme of the wedding and match the formality of the event. If you have planned a classic wedding, a full train and veil may be necessary for your dress to match the style. So, consider all these factors before you start looking for your bridal gown.

3.Plan who accompanies you when you go shopping

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Although the final decision of what you wear on your wedding day is up to you, the people who accompany you on your wedding shopping can significantly influence your decision. So, it is not a small matter deciding who comes along. Don’t feel obliged to invite everyone on your bridal party or include all the women and men who think they should be part of your entourage.

Our experience is that the smaller the entourage, the better it is. Too many cooks spoil the broth, and this is accurate where wedding shopping is concerned. On many occasions, we have we seen a bride walk in knowing what she wants, only to end up being confused by differing opinions and ending up totally lost. When choosing your entourage, make sure they are people who share your taste for fashion and who have your best interests at heart. They should be encouraging and not dismissive of any choice you finally make. If you feel bad for not including all the women who wanted to go shopping with you, you can still invite them to come along when you go for your fitting sessions.

4.Have an idea of what style you want

Wedding dresses come in hundreds of styles and with distinct features. You can quickly get lost in a whirlwind of options, if you go shopping without a rough idea of what you want. So, it is helpful to be prepared.

Start with understanding your body shape and then looking at silhouettes that flaunt your best features. Our previous article on how to choose wedding dresses according to body shape will help you in this direction. Apart from understanding what silhouette will look good on you, you should also consider the choices in necklines and sleeves when making a selection. Do you want to go with trendy styles like off-the-shoulder necklines and sweetheart bodices, or are traditional styles like Queen Anne necklines and three-fourth sleeves more suitable for your taste? Take your time in determining this, as this will help you make your dress decisions much faster, when you actually go shopping.

If there are certain features that you have liked in pictures, it is a good idea to collect them and take it with you when you go shopping. Your consultant can help you identify a similar dress easily, when you can show them what you seek. Remember to keep the venue and weather at the time in mind, when you plan your choices. You can also consider add-on accessories like sleeved mock boleros or waistbands to achieve the desired look, or simply for more style.

5.Decide on where to shop

No one will stop you from visiting all the bridal stores in town before you make a final decision. But trust me, it can get boring and disappointing after a while. So, where you shop is an important decision when you want to enjoy the experience. We think you can make this decision easily by paying attention to the following factors.

  • First determine the list of dresses that you want to try by checking online or in magazines
  • List down the shops that carry most or all of these dresses
  • Check for reviews on the service that these shops provide
  • Call up to make sure these dresses are in stock
  • Book your appointment and keep to it

But, what if you do not have a specific dress in mind? Then go by the reviews of the shops you shortlist. A good bridal salon will have a number of designer collections, that you can choose from. Also, the quality of customer service is very important if you want to enjoy your shopping experience. Talented bridal consultants can help you find the dress in no time. So, pay close attention to this factor. Either check with your friends for recommendations or go with online reviews. Also consider whether the salon has dresses within your price range, before you even book your appointment.

6.Plan to go shopping at the right time

The best time to shop is when there aren’t many people around. So, cross off weekends and evenings. Plan your shopping appointment on a weekday, when the boutique you visit will not be crowded. Don’t worry about taking a day off work, it will be worth it. Going into a shop when it is crowded is not only tiring, you may even end up making a wrong decision without exploring the alternatives.

We also suggest that you book your appointment in the morning, when the attendants will be fresh and attentive. If you plan to pick your dress during a sale, visit on the first day by all means. Nevertheless, don’t hasten your decision if you aren’t one hundred percent sure this is the dress. Think over it, and return once you make up your mind.

Designer Kelima K, in this article on Whattowear.com, is correct in suggesting that brides should start shopping at least six months in advance.  Shopping when there is just four months or less till the date is considered a rush order, and the charges may be higher to get things done on time.

7.Book an appointment

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You can always walk into a store to shop for your bridal dress. However, you should remember that if there are other brides who have booked an appointment, the boutique is bound to serve them first. So, eliminate the possibility of having to wait by booking yours too. Most bridal shops, including Best for Bride, allow you to conveniently book your appointment by telephone or online.  Both methods are definitely better than a boring wait on the day you go shopping.

When booking an appointment, you can also instruct the boutique to keep any specific dresses that you want to try on, ready. Although they may advertise all designer dresses as available it isn’t necessary that they will always have it in stock. So, if you check in advance, it will be easier to try on what you like in the closest size, at the appointment than go in for it again.

8.Carry the required accessories

A nude bra is a basic necessity that you should carry with you when you go shopping. Apart from this if you think you will be wearing shape wear, and already own some, take that along too. Wearing it with the dresses will help you gain a much better picture of how a dress will drape on your body. So, don’t skip these essentials.

Additionally, if you will be wearing any heirlooms, or have shoes, veils, jewelry or other accessories that you will be using on your wedding day, take them along. This way, you can choose a dress that goes well with these accessories, and not have to worry about how to mix the two together after you buy the dress.

9.Dress yourself up to look good

Well, you always look good! So, let’s be more specific. Like this article on the Bustle suggests,  it is a good idea to dress yourself up a little, so you look good when you try on wedding dresses. Basic makeup and a neat hairdo is all that is necessary, but it will make a big difference. If you wear your hair similar to how you intend to do at your wedding, you can better understand how your overall look would come together. This can help you choose between dresses, if that is what confuses you during your appointment.

Once you decide on a dress, you should do your trial hair and makeup session on one of the days you have your dress fixing appointment. This will give you a clear picture of how your look comes together, and leave you time to make any changes if you aren’t satisfied with what you see.

10.Prepare yourself to be surprised

Lastly, always expect the unexpected when you go wedding shopping. Of course, I mean this in a good way! Don’t be too fixated on what you should buy, and what will look good on you. Trust your bridal consultant and don’t hesitate to try on a dress she suggests. Having been in the business for so long, bridal consultants have seen many a bride walk in saying this is what she wants, but go back with an entirely different choice that blew her mind. This is because bridal consultants know the difference between how a dress looks on a frame and how it looks on the hanger. So, make use of their expertise and allow them to recommend dresses they think will be best for you.

So, you now know all you have to, before you start shopping. Now, go on and have a great time! And don’t forget to continue visiting us on Best for Bride for all that you ever wanted to know about wedding planning, shopping and everything in between.

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Why are wedding gowns expensive?

Your wedding dress is one of the most expensive dresses that you will ever shop for in your lifetime. The Wall Street Journal estimates that most brides spend at least $1500 on their wedding dress.

So, what is it that makes wedding dresses so pricey? And, what can you do to reduce the price, when you go shopping for your wedding dress? Let us find out.

Cost of material

Wedding dresses usually involve many more yards of fabric than any other gown. Also, the materials that are used in wedding dress designs belong to the higher end of the price spectrum. Silk is a common choice, with the price falling anywhere between $15 and $35. Layers of lace raise the price level significantly. Although less expensive material may be used in the interior layers of these gowns, the bulk of fabric still adds up to the cost. For dresses that come in bigger sizes, it is only logical to assume that they use up more fabric, and are priced accordingly.

Labor costs

Wedding dresses are not machine-made garments. There is a reason these dresses look spectacular. Many details on the dress are done by hand and this translates to increased labor cost. It is impossible for a machine to churn out fine details at the right places and create the same impact as it is when done by hand. The more embellishments a gown has, and finer the detailing, higher is the overall cost of the dress.

Alterations and fittings

A wedding dress that you pick off-the-rack will most likely not fit you perfectly. So, you will have to use the services of a professional seamstress to alter it. Some shops offer a bulk discount on alteration charges, while others charge you for each change. If you want to customize your wedding dress by adding sleeves, changing the actual design or adding extras, you will have to spend more. The best way to save on alteration charges is to buy a dress that is closest to your actual measurements.

Fortunately, it is possible to find the perfect wedding dress if you take care of a few factors. Here is what you should consider when choosing your wedding dress, so it doesn’t go over budget

  • Choose a dress that is relatively simple. Keep the embellishments minimum and you will not have to spend extra on it.
  • If there is a dress that you like but is very expensive, ask your bridal consultant to help you find one that looks similar, but isn’t so costly. It is possible that you will find a similar design in a different fabric that isn’t as expensive, and find it just as attractive.
  • If you start your search early, you may be able to buy your wedding dress on sale. Or you can look for a second hand dress you love, for a fraction of the original cost. You could also take a look at stores that rent wedding dresses. After all, you will be wearing this dress just once, so why not rent it?

At Best for Bride, we have wedding dresses in all price ranges and also offer dresses on rent. Call us to book your appointment today, to find the dress that will translate you into the most beautiful bride ever.