How to find a cheap wedding gown

Any bride will tell you the most important wedding decision to be made is the wedding dress. Most women have dreamed of their weddings since they were little girls. Many have even been designing dresses in their minds, and some have their wedding apparel picked out long before there’s an engagement ring on their fingers. Others rush to the newsstand as soon as the happy news is announced to buy the latest bridal magazines so they can study all the advertisements to find the perfect dress. Imagine how a future bride’s hopes are dashed once she eyeballs the $5,000 designer price tag on her perfect dress. What does she do if she doesn’t have the money for an elaborate gown? The first thing she should do is not panic, and especially, not let her spirits diminish. A silly little thing like money shouldn’t keep any bride from looking like a beautiful princess on her wedding day. There are many ways in which a woman can purchase a wedding gown without paying wedding gown prices.

If you have your heart set on a designer dress, you have several options. You can try going to a designer or bridal show room and explaining your situation. Ask them if they have any older models, discontinued pieces or even damaged gowns. Many vendors will sell reduced-priced gowns if they are last year’s model or if there’s a rip on the sleeve or stain on the shoulder. If the damage is something you can deal with and repair, it wouldn’t hurt to dig in the bargain bin.

Many stores also offer a sales day where wedding gowns are offered way below cost. Their doors will open early and there are no appointments. Because of this, there will be hundreds of other women looking to find their dress at a reduced rate as well. This means you’ll be fighting through throngs of women to find that perfect dress in your size. The dress must be purchased off the rack, as is. If you decide to go this route, bring several helpers to help you scout out the racks. You’ll also want to wear a bathing suit since you’ll want to try on the gown -- chances are you’ll have to do it right there in the showroom in front of other women. You better love your choice too; there are no returns with these drastically reduced pieces.

Thrift stores and consignment stores are another great outlet for discount bridal wear. If you want to find quality, expensive pieces at a reduced rate, look for consignment and thrift stores in upscale areas. There’s a good chance the dresses were donated by locals with disposable income in pricier locations. Since there’s usually a no-return policy, you better know what you’re walking out the door with. Prior to purchasing, check for tears, rips, burns and stains and make sure these will be easy to repair. Depending on the type of damage, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. In many cases, the dress may only require a good dry cleaning.

Online auction sites have become a first and secondhand wedding dress goldmine! Not only are former brides looking to make extra cash, but vendors may also be looking to unload discontinued or damaged merchandise. Be on your guard, however, as you can’t scrutinize these dresses like those in the shops. Check all photos carefully and request more if necessary. Ask for a full disclosure of all damage and have the seller put this in writing. Make sure it’s stipulated that if other damage is discovered, you can get a full or partial refund.

Don’t let a lack of funds ruin your special day. There are plenty of ways for you to find the dress of your dreams. No one has to know where it was purchased or how much you paid. The important thing is to look beautiful on your special day.