1. Shop Trunk Shows
One of the most effective way to save money when purchasing a special order wedding dress is to buy during a trunk show event.
Bridal trunk shows are exciting events that allow you to try on and purchase the latest wedding dresses from a designer’s current collection. The trunk show collection includes wedding dresses that we don’t currently have in the store, so this is your only chance to try them on.
There is often a discount applied to dresses purchased during the trunk show, so this is a great way to save money on a new designer gown.
2. When you shop. Be prepared to buy
Once you start looking for wedding dresses, be ready to buy when you find something you love. On your first visit to a bridal shop, you may fall in love with a dress that will not be offered with the same promotional pricing at another time, or with a designer gown from previous collections that runs the risk of being discontinued if you order at a later date.
3. Shop early
We recommend shopping for a wedding dress 10-12 months before your wedding date. Some designers have ship dates a far as 6 months after placing the order, and you want to make sure you are not stressed out about the arrival of your gown. This will also allow ample time for alterations, and helps you avoid paying rush fees, which can be a hefty added expense.
4. Sample sales
A sample wedding dress is an off-the-rack gown that bridal shops decide to sale every fashion season in order to make room for the new arrivals. This is your opportunity to get the designer wedding dress of your dream at a fraction of the original price, you also avoid rush fees if your wedding date is coming up soon and there is not enough time to special order a wedding dress.
5. Limit customizations
Whenever you want to make major changes to a wedding dress, there is always an added cost. Customizing the neckline, adding straps, sleeves, or embellishments can add up quickly.
Choose a wedding dress that has most, if not all, of what you want included in the original design to avoid costly additions.