A woman’s wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of her life. On that special day, the bride wants to look and feel the most beautiful she ever has in her life. One of the most important parts of planning, and budgeting, for a wedding is finding the right dress that will make the bride feel special and still fit within her price range.
Obviously, borrowing is the cheapest option for wedding attire. If you’re a sentimental bride, consider wearing a dress from your mother, grandmother, sister, or other family member. If you opt to purchase a discount wedding gown, there are also other ways that you can save money on your wedding ensemble. If someone you know has recently been married you might think about borrowing many of the items that would normally cost quite a penny.
You can find discount wedding gowns in a number of locations, including department stores, warehouse outlets and even some bridal salons. Thrift shops and consignment stores are also great ways to find discount wedding gowns. It’s also possible to find gowns in thrift and consignment stores. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you may even be able to purchase a used wedding gown online. If you live in a larger city, renting a discount wedding gown is another option to consider.
Think about how much service you want and expect when selecting a discount wedding gown. The reason that warehouse and off price outlets are much cheaper than full service bridal salons is because the bride is basically on her own when selecting the perfect gown for her big day. You should keep in mind that you won’t be able to get any type of special order, but on the up side you won’t have to wait to take your dress home. Depending on your perspective, this can either be an advantage or a disadvantage.
Also, remember that a dress needn’t be labeled “bridal” to be suitable for a wedding. Prom, bridesmaid, and evening dresses can make lovely discount wedding gowns. If you are willing to break with tradition, consider wearing a shorter cocktail dress or a shapely suit and blouse to your wedding. In addition to being less expensive, non-traditional wedding attire has the advantage of being able to be worn more than once.
No matter what type of discount wedding gown you select, make sure it is a dress you feel comfortable in. Your choice of a wedding gown is highly personal and nothing will ruin your wedding day quicker than feeling awkward and out of place in your attire.
When shopping for a discount wedding gown, remember to protect yourself financially. If the shop you select has not been in business for very long, check to see if any complaints have been filed against it with the Better Business Bureau. This will help protect you from finding yourself in a situation where you’ve already paid for your gown, discover a problem and have no recourse because the shop where you purchased it has mysteriously closed.
If you are purchasing a discontinued, sample, or off the rack gown that is not made to order, examine it carefully for signs of damage or stains. If at all possible, pay for your wedding gown with a credit card. Credit card purchases offer more legal protection for a consumer than purchases made by cash or check.


