For many, wearing a wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that dominates their thoughts. It’s no secret that finding the perfect gown can be a daunting task, especially when the price tag seems to have no ceiling. Realistically, most brides can’t afford to spend an exorbitant amount on just one aspect of their big day. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice your dream dress in order to stay within budget.
With some determination and insider knowledge, it’s possible to find the perfect gown for a fraction of the cost. We’ve partnered with AIB to demystify the process, providing you with all the options you need to look and feel incredible on your special day without breaking the bank.
Choose a Simple Style
When looking to reduce the cost of your wedding dress, it’s essential to re-evaluate your style preferences. A simpler design can be a more affordable option as it requires fewer hours to produce, thereby lowering the overall cost. Intricate features such as beading, lace and appliqué work, while visually stunning, can add hundreds of hours to production time, ultimately increasing the price tag.
To achieve a stylish yet budget-friendly look, consider opting for simple designs with minimal adornments. You can still inject interest, drama and detail into your overall appearance by selecting clever accessories instead. For instance, a delicate jewel-encrusted veil or a pearl-encrusted belt can produce a similar effect at a significantly lower cost.
Shop Sample Sales
If you’re set on acquiring a dress from a specific designer, consider shopping during end-of-season sample sales. These events offer significant discounts of up to 50% off original prices, making it an excellent opportunity to save. Bridal boutiques and designers typically hold sample sales twice a year, providing them with the chance to clear out old stock and make room for new arrivals. To stay informed, regularly check their website and sign up for newsletters to receive timely notifications.
If you have a favorite boutique, don’t hesitate to reach out to staff members to inquire about upcoming sample sale dates, set reminders in your calendar, and be ready to snag your desired dress when the time arrives.
Buy Off the Rack
When it comes to wedding dresses, many people are aware that ordering a custom-made gown can take up to a year. However, what’s often overlooked is the option to purchase an off-the-rack dress and take it home on the same day. Not only does this approach save you money, but it also offers the convenience of having your dress immediately.
Most bridal boutiques carry a selection of pre-made dresses that have been tried on by other brides, with any minor alterations required being significantly more cost-effective than commissioning a bespoke design. By shopping around at various boutiques, you can find an off-the-rack dress that fits your style and budget without breaking the bank.
Mix-and-Match Your Look
While there’s no single formula for successful bridal shopping and styling, one effective approach is to blend designer pieces with more affordable options that resonate with your personal style. By combining a show-stopping designer skirt with an accessible high street top or pairing a statement corset from a high-end label with a budget-friendly slip skirt, you can create a unique look that’s both stylish and budget-conscious.
The key is to prioritize what makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, regardless of where the pieces come from or how much you’ve invested in them. Another strategy is to treat yourself to a special shoe investment – one that will get plenty of wear after the big day!
Rent Your Dream Dress
When it comes to wedding dresses, it’s natural to want the perfect look without breaking the bank. A growing trend is renting luxury gowns, which not only saves you a significant amount of money but also eliminates the worry of having to clean and preserve your dress after the big day. The cost difference between buying and renting is substantial, with prices ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 for a brand new dress versus just a few hundred euro for a rental.
Additionally, many rental companies handle the dry cleaning process, taking one more task off your plate. For those considering this option, reputable rental companies like Huur, Bride’s First Choice, By Rotation, Happy Days, and The Designer Room offer not only high-quality gowns but also second-day options, ensuring you look and feel great from start to finish.
Wear a Family Heirloom
We’ve covered the ‘something borrowed’ aspect, but what about incorporating ‘something old’? We’re not proposing a fashion flashback to the 1930s, à la grandmother’s vintage frock. Instead, we’re talking about revamping a loved one’s cherished wedding gown, much like Princess Beatrice did when she borrowed a vintage dress from Queen Elizabeth II for her own special day.
This approach offers not only an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option but also the opportunity to pay homage to your family heritage in the most meaningful way. By infusing a classic design with modern touches, you’ll create a unique look that honors your loved ones while still feeling contemporary. Plus, it’s a clever way to save on the costs associated with buying a brand-new dress.
Check the Charity Shops
Charity shops are a treasure trove for brides-to-be seeking their dream wedding dress at an affordable price. Many of these hidden gems offer never-worn pieces, often sourced from reputable bridal boutiques, at a fraction of the cost. Some charity shops, like Barnardos Bridal Rooms in Dun Laogaire and Wexford, boast private bridal spaces where you can enjoy a pampered experience while trying on dresses. Oxfam Bridal, with locations in Dublin City and Bangor, Co.
Down, is another must-visit destination. Additionally, St Vincent de Paul at 97 Terenure Rd North, Dublin, offers an impressive selection of pre-loved gowns. Prices start from €100, and the inventory constantly evolves, making it essential to book an appointment beforehand.
Shop the High Street
When it’s your special day, the rules are yours to make – and that includes what you wear. If you’re a bride who prefers a more relaxed look or isn’t fixated on a specific designer, there are plenty of affordable options available on the high street. Online retailers like ASOS, Reformation, Net-a-Porter, and Needle and Thread offer stylish and budget-friendly choices for your big day. Additionally, Whistles, Reiss, Ghost, and Ted Baker provide classic designs that exude elegance.
Consider Buying Pre-Loved
When it comes to finding your dream wedding dress at a fraction of the cost, consider buying pre-loved. You can find incredible deals on designer dresses from top boutiques and online retailers, with discounts reaching up to 60-70% off. Sites like ReBride, StillWhite, Sell My Wedding Dress, and Discount Designer offer a wide range of designs from renowned brands such as Vera Wang, Justin Alexander, Atelier Pronovias, and Alice Temperley.
To ensure you find the perfect dress, use their filtering tools to narrow down your search by designer, price, and condition. You’ll also have access to high-quality photos of real brides wearing the dresses, allowing you to envision how they would look on yourself. While there’s always a slight risk when buying pre-loved, reputable sites have established return and exchange policies in place. Just be mindful that some material may need to be taken off but not added in.
Start your search with these reliable platforms and don’t hesitate to explore the many options available.
Sell Your Gown
When considering a single wedding dress option, you may want to weigh the possibility of reselling the gown after the big day. While this approach can help recoup some costs, it’s essential to be aware that you’ll likely sell your dress at a discounted price. If you’re willing to make some sacrifices for the sake of financial gain, this compromise might work for you. The condition of your dress will significantly impact how much you can get for it.
Websites like ReBride, StillWhite, Sell My Wedding Dress, and Discount Designer offer reselling platforms, but be sure to carefully review each site’s terms and conditions as they operate uniquely.
Ask For Help
When planning your dream wedding, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the expenses involved. But don’t worry, there are ways to make your big day a reality without breaking the bank. AIB offers personal loans from €1,000 to €30,000 that you can apply for online or through their app. With their loan calculator, you can get an idea of how much you could borrow and even set your own repayment schedule – whether it’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
This means you can prioritize what matters most to you, be it a stunning wedding dress, a romantic honeymoon getaway, or simply covering the costs of the day itself. By applying for an AIB personal loan today, you can take control of your finances and make your wedding dreams come true. For more information, head to the AIB website or app to get started.
