Designer Dress Bargains For Budget Brides

Judith Green

Every time I pick up the newspaper RECESSION is blasted across the headlines.  And weddings…traditionally viewed as lavish, extravagant affairs…are getting a recession make-over.  Check out this New York Times article, “A Sale To Benefit Charity and Thrifty Brides-To-Be.”  You’ve gotta love the photo of the bride to be in the red and white beanie with blue horns and stars adjusting her “girls” as she tries on a dress.

Downsize.  Cutting back.  Budget.  Trim.

No matter what you call it, brides are doing it.  The deals to be had right now are phenomenal. You can learn how to take full advantage of these recession deals on wedding gowns in my book.  But for now, take some pointers from these thrifty brides.

Judith Green

One bride snagged an Emerald wedding gown that originally sold for over $1,000 for only $250.  Another bought her dress for only $80.

How do you pull it off?

1)  Know what you want first. Surf photo galleries of wedding gowns on the internet, clip pictures from magazines.  Visit a few stores to try on dresses…shopping for options and not to buy…until you have an idea of the style you like.

2)  Shop the sample and bargain basement sales. Filene’s Basement started the original “Running of the Brides” blowout bridal sale in 1947 and bridal boutiques have been copying them ever since.  Designer dresses typically start at $250 at these marathon events.

Take a cue from thrifty brides and bring a posse with you if you attempt a sample sale.  One person to hold the dresses, one to find the right size, and one to run interference.

Sign up for a free account at Top Button to locate the sample sales near you or try these other sites to locate sample sales.

3)  Visit a consignment shop in an upscale neighborhood. Consignment shops only accept perfect or near perfect items and you can locate one in your area at this link.

4)  Browse the selection at local thrift shops, the Salvation Army and Goodwill.  Beware of damaged dresses, as thrift shop quality typically isn’t quite as high.  Contact them to find out if they’re planning to hold their own bridal event.

5)  EBAY! If you know what you want you can find it at deep discounts here.

6)  Buy used dresses online from Preowned Wedding Dresses or BridePower.

Whatever you do, know that you DON’T have to pay $2,000+ for the wedding gown of your dreams.  Find the option that works for you and work it girl!

How did you snag your designer dress at a discount?  Leave me a comment and share the knowledge.