Am I delusional budgeting $1000 for dress and alterations?

*tinkertoy*

I honestly can't see myself spending more than $1000 on a dress I'll only wear twice (DW and AHR). I would much rather spend the money on food or drinks or something that will make the event a blast.Is it just because I have not dress shopped yet? Am I going to die of sticker shock?Anyone want to share what their budget was? Did you stick to it?Thanks in advance!

Lovie 129

You're only crazy if you budget more than you can afford. Don't beat yourself up, it's your day. I go dress shopping Saturday, I can't wait.

bel138

My dress was $25 on eBay. So I think $1000 is more than manageable.

kls114

You can definitely find beautiful dresses for well under that price. I was actually shocked to see some prices out there were so low and the dresses looked like a million bucks! Search & you will find!

undertheseabride

You can definitely find a beautiful dress in that budget. Make sure you tell your sales rep your budget and don't try on dresses that are more expensive. There is a definite difference between a $1000 dress and a $3000 dress. If you happen to find something you really love, but it's more, ask to buy the sample and what kind of discount you can get. You can bargain more to buy the sample than to order new. Most of all, don't feel like you can only afford a David's Bridal dress. There are so many amazing little bridal boutiques with quality gowns and staff that will provide personal service.

[Deleted User]

Great question. my budget was $1000.  the dress was $850 and alterations were $200. So yes i stuck to my budget and it was my dream dress. However, If i had to do it over i would buy the same dress that I loved - but used.  The same dress that i bought for $1000 I am now selling for $350 and it is in perfect condition.  Look on craigslist and preowned wedding dresses website and see if you can find the same dress you love for 80% less cost.

julia_michelle

You're not crazy! Whoever decided a wedding dress "had to be" multiple thousands of dollars is crazy I just purchased mine, Maggie Sottero Tristan for $750 and let me tell you it LOOKS like a dress worth multiple thousands of dollars. It was originally priced at $1050, but I bought the sample (it fit me perfectly and was in awesome condition) which saved a LOT of money. I'm not doing a veil or tiara, but I purchased a hair comb thingy, and my shoes, and all said and done (with hemming of my dress) I will still be under $1000 for my entire outfit.

jenmcg

My budget was also $1000, my dress is a Casablanca, they have tons of styles under 1k.  My total package - dress, shoes, alterations, etc. is going to come in under 1k.  Also look at Maggie Sottero, I tried on some of those and they were easily within my budget.  Like other girls said - I went in with 1k as my max, told the sales ladies that and stuck to it, don't try on dresses outside your price range.  You may want to call around before you go to the shops to verify their price range.  One shop I went to started at 1k, so I tried on a few samples that were less and left, waste of time there. 

krisdi78

My budget was also $1000 and my dress, alterations, and veil came in under that price - it is definitely doable - like pp have said, there are tons of beautiful dresses out there for less than $1000. 

jilliibabii

My budget was $1200 including alterations. I was good and stuck to the rack of dresses in my price range, but one dress was misplaced and put on my rack and of course it's the one I fall in love with. It came out to $1600 with alterations.

aerinpegadrak

There was a poll on the budget board about this, and very, very few of the girls who responded went over $1k.  My dress was a $500 sample at David's, exactly what I was hoping to spend.  I wouldn't have dreamed of spending more.

stahlop

My budget was $1000.  I got my dress for $500.  Shoes were only $60.  I haven't bought my veil yet, but I plan on getting something inexpensive.  Alterations may be around $150 from what we were quoted.  So yes, you can very easily stay under $1000.

*tinkertoy*

YAY! I'm not crazy!THANKS everyone!

lacebride

Not at all! There are so many options, particularly if you purchase online. That is a very respectable budget! The advice above about thinking about your accessories and alterations is spot-on though - this stuff all adds up! Congrats and have fun!