savvy
FASHION + BEAUTY
Here’s how to find a wedding dress that’s big on style without blowing your budget.
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all us biased, but in our opinion, there are few things more exciting than shopping for your wedding dress. It’s a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to go all in with your look and wear something that’s entirely you—whether that means lacing up the corset back of a dramatic ball gown or opting for an understated slip dress that’s tailored to perfection. But when you first start looking at dresses, it’s not unusual to feel a little dazed by the sticker shock of designer gowns. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, which surveyed more than 15,000 couples who married in 2021, the average cost of a wedding dress last year was $1,800. Spending money on a made-to-order wedding dress is justified by the fact that you’re getting a brand-new design created especially for you, but if you’re working with a limited budget, you might be feeling stuck for options. The good news: There are several work-arounds you can use to save money and still find a wedding dress you truly love. Start planning now and follow these expertapproved shopping tips before you hit the salon.
ABOUT THE EXPERTS These bridal salon owners gave us the inside scoop on how to dress shop on a budget.
MALLORY THORBURN Co-Owner of The White Magnolia FL, GA, TN, SC
T I P : SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY
T I P : BEGIN YOUR DRESS SEARCH EARLY
When you first get engaged, it might seem like you have plenty of time to find a wedding dress, but it’s better to start shopping as soon as possible (especially since it might take a few appointments
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to find your dream gown). You should plan to purchase your dress at least nine months before your wedding day to give yourself the most options. “This is a comfortable range to make sure you have the choice of any gown you would want without having to risk paying the rush fees associated with shipping or alterations,” says Mallory Thorburn, co-owner of The White Magnolia, a bridal boutique with locations in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina. Starting early also means that you won’t feel as pressured to make a purchase right away—and you can keep tabs on discounts and special offers at local bridal salons as they come up. “Many bridal shops offer firsttime appointment incentives or have different sales throughout the year,” adds Thorburn. “Do your research on a bridal shop before you start the process so you go into your appointment prepared to take advantage of discounts."
CHRISTINE GREENBERG Co-Owner of Urban Set Bride Richmond, VA
One foolproof way to reduce the cost of your wedding dress is to choose a simple style, not only when it comes to embellishments, but also the silhouette and the amount of fabric required. All of these elements factor into the
Remember to factor accessories like a veil into your budget.
total price of the design and the time required to make it. The more time and materials needed, the more you can expect to pay. “Most wedding gowns are made by hand, so the more details there are, the more expensive the gown will become,” says Christine Greenberg, co-owner of Urban Set Bride in Richmond, Virginia. “If you love beading, hand-placed European laces, fine fabrics and unique embellishments, be ready to invest.” If your heart is set on an ornate gown, don’t give up just yet. With the help of your bridal stylist—and an open mind—you can get the same effect with a few budget-friendly tricks. “There are different variations of all types of gowns, so you can achieve your bridal vision at almost any price point,” says Thorburn. “For example, if you love the look of head-to-toe sparkle, search for a gown that has a layer of sparkle tulle versus hand-sewn Swarovski crystals throughout."
6/13/22 12:00 PM
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: ALEX C TENSER PHOTOGRAPHY; KELLY SYMANSKI PHOTOGRAPHY; TOM WALSH/NOUN PROJECT; GETTY IMAGES; ANGRIAWAN DITYA ZULKARNAIN/NOUN PROJECT
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BY SAMANTHA IACIA