Realistic wedding gown budget?

Alikat9614

I went to a place that sells designer sample dresses, and the profits go to the YWCA. I knew that I would find a dress there, and set my initial budget at $500. I'm a size 8 (bridal size 12) and there were a lot of choices. The dresses I tried on ranged from $200-$350 (retail up to $1500+). The dress I chose is a David Tutera by Faviana, and I got it for $350. The top portion fits perfectly, and the dress just needs to be shortened (no train so no bustling required). So I'm hoping the alterations aren't too costly and keep me with my $500 budget. I had to drive about 3 hours, but it was sooo worth it!

hayleymaries

I had a pretty low budget. I wanted to spend around 1000 or less, just for the dress. Not for the extras like alterations, which should cost me around 300.00. I originally wanted to go check out Davids Bridal, but after looking up their reviews and the quality of their dresses I decided against it. I ended up going to a consignment/sample dress store that two sisters ran out of their basement. They had awesome reviews so I went to check them out. My experience there was amazing. I ended up falling in love with a bran-new 3000 Paloma Blanca dress that I got for 8999.00. WINNING!!

randerson123

Check out Davids Bridal. Some of their dresses arent great quality but others are. They have amazing dresses in the $500 to $1,000 range. I paid less than $800 after taxes and $150 in alterations from a local seamstess so, yes, it can be done.

lovesclimbing

You can find a nice dress for less than $100.  Mine was under $300 including alterations. I bought it from simplybridal.com.  My sister bought hers for about $300 from David's Bridal.

tortoisebride

You might be surprised by some of your local high end bridal shops. Everyone seems to have a sale or sample rack. I live in a high cost area (although I bet Hawaii is worse!) and there were lots of dresses around $500. There also may be a bridal outlet in your area that's worth looking at. 

This last suggestion is kind of rude, but you can go try on dresses and then see if you can find them used online. I wouldn't, because I'd be uncomfortable going to an appointment with the full knowledge that I wasn't going to buy from there. But it's an option.

hulagirly

thank you for all your tips!  it makes me feel hopeful I can find a nice dress for not too much.