Finding your dream wedding dress is one of the most magical parts of planning your big day — but it can also be one of the most expensive. With designer gowns often priced in the thousands, many brides experience sticker shock when they first step into a bridal salon. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to look unforgettable. With a little strategy and some insider tips, you can find a stunning dress and stay on budget.
Here’s how to save money when shopping for your wedding dress — without compromising on style, quality, or experience.
1. Buy Preowned or Consigned
One of the best ways to score a designer gown at a fraction of the price is to buy it preowned through a reputable bridal consignment boutique. These dresses are often in near-perfect condition — worn once (or never at all), professionally cleaned, and sometimes even altered in ways that save you time and money.
Bonus: It’s also a more sustainable choice, which many modern brides appreciate.
2. Shop Sample Sales
Bridal salons often sell their floor samples to make room for new collections. These gowns are deeply discounted — sometimes up to 70% off — and have only been tried on, not worn down the aisle. Keep in mind: sample sizes are usually bridal 8–12 (which is closer to street sizes 4–8), so alterations may be necessary.
Pro tip: Arrive early and bring heels, shapevwear, and a budget-conscious mindset — sample sales move fast. Don't forget to consider the added cost of repairing or dry cleaning that may undo savings.
3. Set a Realistic Budget — and Share It
Be upfront about your budget when you begin dress shopping. Whether you’re working with a bridal stylist or browsing online, sharing your limit helps avoid heartbreak and keeps you focused on options that won’t cause buyer’s remorse.
4. Skip the “Custom” Route
Custom gowns can be breathtaking — and breathtakingly expensive. Between fabric, design time, and fittings, costs add up fast. Unless you have a very specific vision and budget to match, buying an existing design (and tailoring it) is almost always more cost-effective.
Pro Tip: You may think that you can resell your custom gown to recoup money, but the reality is that custom gowns are immensely harder to sell since they do not exist elsewhere.
5. Consider Less Popular Designers
You don’t need a household name to look like a showstopper. Many talented indie or emerging bridal designers offer couture-quality gowns at a fraction of the cost of big-name labels. Shopping outside the mainstream often leads to unique, beautifully made dresses that won’t blow your budget.
6. Look for Off-Season Deals
Just like fashion retailers, bridal salons often offer discounts at the end of each season. If you’re shopping in late winter or early summer, you may find incredible markdowns on last season’s styles — which are still gorgeous, but no longer full-price.
Pro Tip: If a gown fits you well during your appointment, ask the stylist if you can buy the sample.
7. Simpler Styles = Smaller Price Tags
Intricate beading, layers of lace, and dramatic trains often come with a higher price tag (and more costly alterations). A cleaner, minimalist silhouette can look just as chic and cost significantly less — plus it’s easier and cheaper to tailor.
8. Watch for Hidden Costs
Don’t forget to factor in alterations, taxes, accessories, cleaning, and preservation when calculating your total dress budget. A $1,200 gown might end up costing $1,800 when all is said and done. Knowing this upfront can help you make smarter choices.
10. Be Open-Minded
Sometimes the key to saving money is simply being open to styles you didn’t expect to love. The more flexible you are about silhouette, fabric, or designer, the more opportunities you’ll find to score a deal.
Final Thought
You don’t need to spend a fortune to look and feel amazing on your wedding day. With the right approach — and a little creative thinking — you can say “yes” to the dress of your dreams and still have money left for the honeymoon.