One of the most important purchases a bride will make is her wedding dress. For many brides, the dress is a symbol of love and commitment that represents a lifetime of memories. It’s also often a major expense. Wedding costs can be overwhelming, but if you’re willing to do some work ahead of time, it’s possible to find a gown that fits your style and budget.
The cost of a bridal dress depends on several factors, including the fabric, embellishments, designer labels and accessories. Some of these items are essential to the overall look, but others can be added or removed to help you meet your wedding-day vision and stay within your budget.
Fabric choice is one of the biggest contributors to a wedding dress’ price tag, with some fabrics such as silk and hand-embroidered lace more expensive than others. Similarly, some dresses require multiple layers of lining, which can add to the cost. If you’re shopping for a more affordable dress, consider choosing something that isn’t heavily adorned or requires several layers of lining.
Embellishments also add up quickly, particularly if they’re done by hand. Beading, embroidery, appliques and Swarovski crystals can all dramatically increase the price of your wedding gown. While they are beautiful and can make your dress stand out, they’re also labor intensive, which means they’ll be more expensive than simpler stitching.
The neckline and sleeves are other significant elements to consider, especially if you’re planning on showing off your arms. Cap sleeves “barely cover the shoulders and are more whimsical and boho-inspired,” while off-the-shoulder sleeves are more romantic and can accentuate your shoulders. Sleeveless dresses can be a more affordable option, though they’re generally not considered classic or traditional wedding attire.
Sleeves can also affect the fit of a wedding dress, and if you opt for a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dress, you’ll need a bra and shapewear to support your figure. The sleeves themselves can also impact the price of a dress, with bell-sleeves and three-quarter length sleeves typically more costly than long or short options.
Other elements that can contribute to the overall cost of a wedding gown include whether or not you’ll preserve your dress as an heirloom for future generations and other special occasions, as well as alterations and preservation services. If you want to keep your wedding gown, consider shopping during off-season or attending a bridal sale, which can help reduce the final price tag considerably. It’s also worth considering whether or not you’ll want to accessorize your dress with shoes, lingerie and a veil to complete the look.