Q: I am a plus-size bride in dire need of a beautiful wedding dress on a budget. I live in the New York area and everything seems to be in a size two.
A: There are many options out there for brides on a budget, including plus-size brides. Here are a few:
Lane Bryant.com
The fashionable plus size bridal company has created a line of beautiful and budget bridal gowns for plus size fashionistas. Collection features simple sleeves dresses, similar to the weddings dresses designed by J.Crew, for under $150 dollars. Read my review of the line
The Bridal Building
1385 Broadway
New York City
This is the place where many designers have their showrooms and sales offices. These showrooms are open to the public on Saturdays and you can find designer dresses from 30% off retail prices. Tailors are available on the spot.
The Bridal Suite of Manhattan
262 West 38th Street, Suite 1701
New York, NY 10018
Tel: 212.764.3040, Fax: 212.764.3018
Contact: Bernadette Pleasant
A large selection of styles and prices. Call ahead to see if they are having a trunk sale.
Last Call Neiman Marcus
Woodbury Commons (Central New York) and Franklin Mills (outside of Philadelphia, PA.)
These outlets of the high-end Neiman Marcus store carry a wonderful selection of gowns, for up to 80% off their retail price. Sizing is hit or miss, though I have spotted plus-sizes before.
Kleinfields
8202 Fifth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Tel: 718.765.8500, Fax: 718.765.8687
e-mail:
THE place to shop in New York for bridal gowns is Kleinfields, which has been in Brooklyn since 1941. Brides travel here from as far away as Washington, D.C. Kleinfields has a large selection of gowns to fit every size and price range. Call ahead for an appointment.
Jessica McClintock outlets
Reading, Pa. (610) 478-0810
Central Valley, N.Y. (914) 928-7474
Jessica McClintock outlets carry past-season styles of bridal gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses and accessories. Call ahead before making the trek to ensure that they have plus-size gowns in stock.
Local Thrift Shops
Thrift shops can offer wonderful bridal treasures, if you don’t mind wearing a second-hand dress. It’s always worth taking a look at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill stores. In New York City, also check out Housing Works Thrift Shop in Chelsea.
If you can’t find your perfect dress at any of these stores, try finding it on the internet. Online bridal shops like Watters.com and Bridal Shop at Yahoo can offer a wide range of sizes and cheaper prices because there is little store overhead. Also try eBay, which has a huge selection of plus-size bridal gowns, some new and some not so new. When using eBay, make sure you ask for several pictures of the item and purchase with a credit card that has buyer protection—not a debit card. That way, if any problems develop, you might be able to get a refund from your credit card company.
Happy Shopping,
The Budget Fashionista
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Comments
David’s Bridal (www.davidsbridal.com) is also a great place for a wedding dress. Sometimes you can catch a good deal during their $99 sale.
The Knot.com (www.theknot.com) is also good place to find fantastic gown however, beware of any surcharges for the larger sizes.
Comments
Hi,
Do you have the address for the Jessica McClintock Outlet in Central Valley. I tried calling the phone multiple times, but I always got a busy signal. And it’s not listed in the yellow/white pages. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me the address. :)) Thank you!
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All I can say is it’s ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE...you all have done a wonderful job, I’m thrilled!!!
Lets leave the flowers on the front off since they aren’t really going to be seen. I kind of like the simplicity of just the plain white w/the color around the bottom. She’s such a little girl I think simple is better. But I’m definitely satisfied the the decision to put the flowers on the back. And your idea to put both the chocolate/pink together was fabulous.. it’s beautiful!! And the little headband is great as well. It’s all just perfect!!
Thank you so much for all your help!
http://www.flowergirldressforless.com
