How to Find a Wedding Gown for Less Than $500 Dollars

I am fortunate enough to live in the Valley near Los Angeles. This means I have the option and the ability to venture into Downtown Los Angeles on occasion for a shopping foray. I decided, instead of conventional means of buying my wedding gown (David's Bridal, Mall stores) that I would head into the Fashion District in Los Angeles and see what I could find.

With my mother and my maid of honor at my side, the three of us ventured deep into the heart of the Fashion District at Maple and 11th in Los Angeles. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when going into the Fashion District.

1) Wholesalers license is a good thing. If you have a friend who has one, bring them along. A lot of shops are wholesale only.

2) Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking. A. LOT.

3) Go early. All shops have different hours but the parking will fill up FAST and charge different rates based on time of day.

4) Bring Cash. A lot of places won't take checks and with cash you can negotiate with the owners for a deal.

Food and drink can be bought at any number of shops along the many many streets. I suggest drinking lots of water as it's warm more often than not (This is L.A) and wearing sunglasses or a simple hat to keep the heat off your face.

There's no real 'wedding' section of the District. While it's broken down into general 'areas' such as children, men's, flowers, fabric, and women's - there is no real one gathering place for all the bridal, quinceanera and prom vendors. Your best bet is to print out the Fashion District's guide to such vendors through their online resource at www.fashiondistrict.org

Once you start exploring the Fashion District there's no telling what you'll find. Dazzling dresses of every kind, designed for just about any body-type and idea. Some look like something you'd see a hollywood starlette in. Others struck me as very 'ballet' like. My personal favorites are the 'Marie Antionette' style gowns with lots of layers. White, off white, gold, pink, green... lace, sequins, beading, layers... You name it you can find it.

Best of all are the prices. There's no middleman or overhead. This isn't a trendy boutique with snobby 'appointment only' advisors making commission. The dresses are reasonably priced without much markup. Prices range from under 100 dollars to 1000+, as they would in a normal dress store, but with one distinct difference. They start a LOT lower.

Take my wedding gown. Raw silk, embroidered, fitted... satin trim. I would estimate the value of the gown at about 800-1000 dollars if bought through a private seamstress or David's Bridal.

My price? $500.00. Alterations? $30.00 My veil? $20.00 of fabric from a nearby shop. My shoes? $30.00 Beading for dress/veil $20.00
Total cost of wedding gown and needed accessories? $600.00

Accessories can be found here too, with plenty of bridal supply shops up higher on Maple Street. Tulle for favors, boxes, trinkets, silk flowers, wedding cake toppers, cake cutters, toasting glasses - you name it it'll be there. Cheap.

My suggestion to any would-be brides or party-planners in the Southern California area is to go and see for yourself.

Spend the exrtra money on your honeymoon!