The Budget Fashionista

There’s no reason that you can’t get a perfectly lovely wedding dress that makes you feel fantastic, without breaking the bank at that haute bridal boutique. Here’s some tips on scoring a cheap wedding dress.

1. Hit the thrift stores. While the rest of what you find there might have been worn to death, most bridal dresses have, of course, been worn only once. Even if it doesn’t fit perfectly, the cash you save will allow you to get it altered , and even give you enough budget wiggle room perhaps to make some detail changes to suit your style. Check it over carefully before you buy, however�and we always advise the sniff test. If it smells like it’s spent just a little too long in someone’s attic, put it back.

2. Borrow a relative’s dress. Sometimes those old dresses are outdated beyond repair, but then again, sometimes they’re not. If you have an (aunt, mom, cousin, sister) who got married in a strapless sheath that would be perfect, there’s no reason you couldn’t too, assuming they’re open to loaning it out. You can still make the look your own with the veil, jewelry, shoes, a pretty sash. And you’ll have that “something borrowed� checked off the list, too.

3. Rent a dress. The guys often do it, so why shouldn’t the bride? Rented gowns are becoming more and more common, with the benefit of big selections for a fraction of the cost of purchasing one (as low as $150). Remember, there’s usually a security deposit, too, and you’ll want to ask about alterations as well as who’s responsible for having the dress cleaned after the big day.

photo courtesy of Shopgoodwill.com