Where to Find an Inexpensive Wedding Gown

One of the biggest concerns when planning a wedding is cost. Many people can't afford weddings that climb into the tens of thousands, but brides and grooms alike yearn for a special day to remember. One of a bride's first missions after Mr. Right pops the question is finding the perfect wedding gown. Here are some ways to find amazing deals on fabulous wedding dresses without spending a fortune.

Classifieds, Auctions, Secondhand Shops

Scan the local newspaper and online classifieds such as Craigslist. There are many stunning wedding gowns that have never been worn, or have only been worn once for a ceremony. These gowns can be purchased for a fraction of the price of a new wedding dress. Also, online auction sites such as EBay are terrific resources for gently used or never worn wedding gowns. Consider browsing upscale secondhand boutiques or consignment shops. Often, they are a treasure trove of formalwear to be found at a reasonable price. Gowns can be professionally cleaned after purchase to ensure a pristine appearance on the couples' special day.

Prom or Quinceanaera Dresses

Local department stores carry formal gowns during spring in preparation for high school and college formals. There are often a few white or cream-colored dresses to choose from which easily succeed as wedding gowns. Similarly, Quinceanera dresses, or dresses worn by Latina girls for their "sweet fifteen" coming of age celebrations, are often white and very formal. These can be found in shops geared toward Hispanic clientele or in specialty boutiques.

Out of Season or Wrong Fit

Don't rule out wedding gowns that seem out of season, as they can always be tailored. These dresses are often a fraction of their original price because they are out of season, or last year's style. For example, a summer gown can be worn in a winter wedding with a classic faux fur shrug or stole. Similarly, a winter gown can be transformed into a summer strapless gown by an experienced tailor. In addition, if a stunning gown at a rock-bottom price is a size too large or a few inches too long, a seamstress can ensure a perfect fit for a reasonable price.

Rentals

Finally, don't rule out renting a wedding gown. Grooms have been renting tuxedos for decades, and gowns are available as rentals as well. Gowns are only worn for one day, and there is no guarantee the bride's future daughter or daughter-in-law will choose to wear the dress for her own wedding. In most cases, gowns are simply packed away, only to be taken out and admired once every few years. Renting a wedding gown allows the bride to choose the dress and designer of her dreams, at a fraction of the price of purchasing it.

A bride's choice of gown is one of the most important decisions she will make in her wedding planning. If budget is a consideration, options exist for finding inexpensive gowns that are as stunning as their more expensive counterparts. With some careful searching and patience, a bride doesn't have to choose between high expense and high style. In her dress, as in her future husband, she can find the perfect marriage.