Every bride knows how important it is to find the perfect wedding dress. The dress must suit her personality, work for her body type, compliment the aesthetic of all of her wedding choices and be as unique or conservative as she wants it to be. But it also must be a budget-friendly choice because, let’s face it, no one wants to spend a fortune on their once-in-a-lifetime dress.
Aside from the design, size and fabric of a gown, many other factors can impact its price tag. They include how it was made (as in whether it was produced in a clothing factory or by hand at a design studio), the details and embellishments that went into the dress (beading, applique and embroidery can all add up quickly), whether it’s custom-made or off-the-rack, as well as other overhead costs like rent, employee wages and utilities.
The style of a wedding dress can also significantly impact its cost, as there are so many different options to choose from. As fashion designers have become more and more influential in the bridal industry, more brides are choosing to go beyond traditional white gowns. Various celebrities have helped popularize alternative silhouettes, too. For instance, Gwen Stefani and Reese Witherspoon both wore pink wedding dresses, while actress Anne Hathaway and designer Monique Lhuillier have both designed dresses with sleeves.
Necklines are another major factor that affects how much a wedding dress costs. While the classic V-neck is still a popular choice, square necklines and boat necklines have been rising in popularity, as they offer a more dramatic look that can be accentuated with statement earrings or a bold necklace.
Sleeve shapes are also a big consideration. The puffy shoulder silhouette, which swept the runways in both spring and summer of 2016, is a great option for brides who want to show off their shoulders. On the other hand, the more conservative capped and three-quarter sleeve styles are also common.
Once a bride has settled on the right neckline and sleeve shape, she can then start to think about other design elements that she might want to incorporate into her gown. She might want to take the side seams in or out, alter hemlines, shorten straps, add ties for a bustle, add bra cups, etc. All of these alterations can tack on extra expenses, but they are necessary to ensure the gown fits properly and looks its best.
Of course, there are countless other ways that brides can keep their gown costs down. By shopping during sales, they can often find a beautiful dress that won’t break the bank. They can also opt for a less elaborate style, such as a Trumpet silhouette. This style is fitted from the bust to the hips but has a less dramatic flare than a Mermaid style. They can also consider using a simple fabric, such as organza, dotted swiss, taffeta or charmeuse, versus a more expensive silk or satin.