Finding a wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning.

When we think about wedding dress shopping, many of us picture a scene from ‘Say Yes To The Dress’ with brides trying on extravagant gowns.

But what happens if your budget simply doesn’t permit the designer gown you’ve been eying off at the bridal boutique?

There are several options for choosing an affordable wedding dress that don’t involve skipping on quality or style.

Buying A Second-Hand Wedding Dress

Many brides are choosing to sell their wedding dress after their big day. This means soon-to-be brides can snap up designer gowns at a fraction of the cost they retail at new on sites like Evermore and Still White

Dresses have only been worn once and after a dry-clean would be good as new. It’s a great alternative for brides who would love a designer gown but can’t justify the price tag to purchase new.

wedding dress

Hiring A Wedding Dress

Bridal hire is becoming more and more popular with companies offering gorgeous wedding dresses for brides to hire for their special day. This can save a lot of money and gives brides the opportunity to wear a designer wedding dress they otherwise would not have been able to afford.

wedding dress hire

Buying A Wedding Dress Online

This may seem a little crazy. I’m sure most of us can relate to purchasing an item of clothing on eBay only to discover it’s nothing like the photo. However, there are wedding dress designers who can make you a custom-made wedding gown at an incredible price.

So, how does it work? The bride gets measurements taken by a professional tailor locally and chooses from one of the designer’s styles and then gets it made especially for her. Or, she can work with the designer to create something completely unique. A couple months later it arrive at the doorstep, hopefully only requiring a minimal alterations by a local tailor.

Just like buying anything online, it’s important to do your research. There are dodgy people out there, but there are also amazing designers with 5 star reviews. Check out customer testimonials and make sure to start the process early. Consider ordering your dress as early as you can to avoid any last-minute panic waiting for it to arrive.

Alternative Bridal Dresses

Who says you need to wear a traditional ‘wedding dress’? Plenty of brides are choosing alternative dresses to wear on their big day. This could be a white formal dress, something casual or a different colour all together.

bridal wear

There are plenty of opportunities for brides to get a wedding dress they love on a budget. We’d love to know your thoughts – comment below or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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