Summary: The global economy at this point in time is in bad shape and everyone is looking for ways to save money. Since you are getting married and don’t want to decimate your bank account, look on line an in bridal shops for wedding gowns discounted to sell more quickly, or because they may be last seasons styles.
If you go on the internet and search for discounted wedding gowns and dresses you will find page after page of beautiful dresses.
Maybe you hear that a bridal salon is going out of business. You just might get a really good deal. However you might not be able to have the dress altered there and so line up a tailor or dressmaker that can get the job done for you at a low cost.
If you will be married in the early spring see if any suitable winter style will work. There may be a seasonal discount that can save you a few bucks.
If designer A is coming out with a new line there may be a sizeable discount on last year’s collection. If there hasn’t been an announcement of a discount ask for it.
Another source is to visit a bridal shop at the local outlet mall. Again you probably won’t get free alterations but the savings can be huge. Another discount that may be available at outlet and factory stores would be to look for what is known as “seconds”. This would be a dress that may have a slight defect that most people would never notice but that won’t sell at full price. It may have been that an inside seam was sewn slightly crooked or there may be only three rhinestones where there should have been four.
Some bridal shops will give you a discount if your bridesmaids an/or mothers of the bride and groom purchase their dresses at the same store where you are getting your wedding gown.
Another option is to check out a high end consignment store. My neighbor’s daughter bought a gorgeous gown for less than half of the original purchase price.
Also if you shop during the off season in your area, usually the fall and early winter, you may be able to get a bargain since businesses may be willing to negotiate a discounted price. It can’t hurt to try.
If you find a dress that you love in a magazine take the picture with you to the bridal shop and ask for a price quote. Do this at two or three shops and then compare the prices. You can tell the shopkeepers that store XXX has the same dress for X number of dollars.
Also go to a nationwide chain like David’s Bridal. Since the do a high volume of business they can afford to offer discounted wedding gowns.
