Where do I get an inexpensive wedding/bridesmaid's dress?

Question

A bargain book I picked up warned against davids bridals any other ideas of where to look for dresses? I just can't spend too much money on a dress I am only going to wear once.

Answer 1

What is inexpensive? $1000? $100? $25?

Many many stores now carry white 'wedding' dresses from $100 for something very very informal and go up from there. Stores like J.Crew, Nordstrom, and BlueFly. Nordstrom actually has some GORGEOUS ones for under $200. J. Crew's dresses specifically for weddings are over $200, but they have other white dresses that are under $100.

Answer 2

I was going to say David's Bridal's. They usually have wedding gowns on sale for $99.00. You can always choose to rent your wedding gown. Then you may be able to afford a little more expensive dress, that you will be able to give back. Another idea would be consignment shops. As long as you aren't superstitious, you can find a great deal. I got a wedding gown with a cathedral length train for $150. It was gorgeous. After alterations, cleaning and buying all the accessories, it totaled $500. But I had planned my wedding for a year and was able to make payments on everything. I bought my sister's bridesmaid's gowns at the same place.

Answer 3

You could ask one of your closest friends, sisters, or mother if you could borrow her dress for the big day. You may need to have it slightly altered to make it hug your curves.

Another suggestion is to shop around for a dress. I think some stores will offer a discount if you buy during the least busy time for weddings, which is usually fall and winter.

As far as bridesmaids dresses are concerned, most often the bridesmaids will buy their own. If you are still concerned about the girls spending to much money, ask each girl what her budget will allow her to spend. Then average the amount out, and start looking around. Most deisgners have a website so you can view the dress, as well as the price range.

Good luck and hope it helps!!

Answer 4

Department stores can be hard - especially if they dont have enough, or the right sizes. If you want to go cheaper, have each girl buy the same material and pattern and have the dresses made. I was in a wedding 3 years that did that - 5 out of 8 of our mothers sew, so a few of them graciously volunteered to help with the others. Even is no one sews, it is still pretty inexpensive to hire a seamstress.

Answer 5

Two options, in addition to eBay are buying a white formal gown or bridesmaid's gown for yourself. It's simple but elegant and will save you a fortune. Another option is to have the bridesmaids buy their dresses at a department store and make sure it's NOT in the bridal aisle... anything labeled bridal costs more.

Answer 6

Try looking at resale stores or rental shops. You can rent brides dresses and bridesmaid dresses as well. That where I got my dress from a rental place.....because I did not want to be tugging around a dress that I am only going to wear once. And also look in the paper sometimes people sale their wedding dresses at a very low price. Good luck.

Answer 7

Try Ebay then if you don't want to try David's Bridal. But one of my close friend did actually got her gown for only $99 from David's Bridal and it actually look pretty good on her.

Answer 8

I'm not sure where you're located, but most large metropolitan area's have at least one bargain wedding gown store. Also, most larger stores will have dresses priced from $100 up to thousands of dollars.

Answer 9

Well as for davids bridal, I personally think its one of the best places for enexpensive dresses. I am a personal wedding/bridal counsultant and I have always recommended them for all my brides-to-be.

Answer 10

I don't know when the wedding is but prom season is a great time to get dresses at any store in the mall at a GREAT price!