Purchase your gown from a consultant who sells CONSIGNMENT gowns. That way you can get an extraordinary gown for a fraction of the original cost. Most brides want to have the most beautiful gown, but find that the money runs short when pricing these gowns new. If you shop around and find a consultant that acquires gowns from brides who are willing to sell their gowns, you'll be able to find a gorgeous gown for approximately 1/3 to 1/2 it's original retail purchase price. The bride selling the gown sets the price, and the negotiating limits. So shop around and you'll be surprised what treasures you can find.
Donna A. Bankhead is the author of Last Minute Weddings, plus the book Cater Your Own Wedding Career Press Email
If keeping a wedding dress forever isn't important to you, consider renting one. Bridal gown rental shops and many traditional bridal shops will loan gowns out for a fraction of the cost of purchasing one. They carry a wide variety of dresses and sizes and will even make alterations for you. Your veil and slip should be included in the rental fee, and the shop will take care of cleaning the dress when you return it. For the best selection, go shopping as soon as possible and put a deposit down to reserve your gown.
1001 WAYS TO HAVE A DAZZLING SECOND WEDDING author Sharon Naylor
Choose a non-wedding gown. Especially for outdoor, second, or beach weddings, an elegant white or off-white semi-formal dress or slipdress will be the perfect fit for less · Buy your gown at a site that offers free alterations. Many top-quality department stores and boutiques will offer free fixes to your dress, allowing you to avoid pricy fitting fees.
~ Shop at trunk sales. The top-name designers and even standard bridal shops hold these sales several times a year, and you can find gowns at up to 60% off.
~ Ask for discounts on gowns that have fixable flaws. A popped seam or stained hem can be easily fixed, and you might be able to negotiate 10% to 15% off the price.
~ Consider gown rentals. After all, you'll only be wearing your gown on that one Big Day, and you can find a fabulous style to rent for much less than to purchase. Since gown rental is becoming a much more popular trend, the rental shops are stocking a wider variety of designer gowns. Always choose a rental shop that has a limit to the number of times they'll lend out the gowns. Most stop at 3 rentals.
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