A Wedding Gown for Next to Nothing!
I know...what does Tom know about Wedding Gowns! Well, aside from wearing my particular favorite around the house late at night when no one's awake...hovering, hovering with long white gloves and a pretty princess tiara, laughing and crying, laughing and crying...
Of course I'm joking (?)! But I have been in the business for over 20 years, have many vendor friends in the industry, and as a writer I'm prone to exhaustive research.
Here are my Tips for Getting the Perfect Wedding Gown for next to nothing!
1) Something Old and Something Borrowed - Many family members have been stashing away their wedding gowns for decades, hoping to share them with daughters, but it never panned out. When you finally get engaged (what took him soooo long!) start inquiring; call grandmothers, aunts, ask mom, even recently married distant cousins (I'd recommend first cousins, but everyone's already seen THAT gown!). A slight alteration here or there, maybe some added material, and you've saved yourself a bundle. These gowns are stashed away in attics and basements, sometimes for years. And you can return the gown when you're done, in case your rogue cousin DOES decide to marry!
2) Look in the Classifieds! - Admit it...everyone knows of an engagement gone awry! There are many would-be brides out there who, for whatever reason, have had to cancel the nuptials, and are now trying desparately to rid themselves of this potent reminder of what might have been. You can help them heal by buying their new gown at a fraction of the cost. Check online classifieds (Craig's List, etc.) to find these bargains. Also, local newspapers carry special For Sale sections. A bit of altering and you'll look glorious!
3) Rent a Gown! - Never thought of it? It's big business in NYC! And many small towns have boutiques that will rent gorgeous gowns for less than $200. Let me reiterate, you can walk the aisle in a stunning $1500 gown for $200! Open the Yellow Pages and start calling!
4) Consignment (second Hand) stores - Don't make that face! Though no bride will admit it, many have purchased their classic heirloom gowns second-hand. Have it professional cleaned and altered, and you'll be elegant in "Grandma's Dress". Also, you can dicker with the shopkeep on price.
5) Discount Dealers - the cities are loaded with them - Bargain shops and mail orders and Amazon.com. Just type it in Google, and begin the hunt. It can always be altered!
6) Finally, if you're talented, create your own Masterpiece! Break out the sewing machine, gather some gorgeous patterns, and start making your own gown. Cost of materials should be less than $200, and the long hours you put in will be a labor of love. Find someone who really knows what they’re doing with the Singer machine (an aunt, uncle Bruce) and it'll look like you just bought it, plus it will fit perfectly!
Finding an inexpensive gown is not difficult. It can be altered to suit your vision.
One final note
6.5) - Bridesmaid Dresses can also be altered, transformed into chic wedding gowns. Or, it's fashionable to 6.6) rent and wear a White Suit! Remember, it's YOUR Wedding!
Copyright 2010 Tom Salatto