We're Done Gatekeeping–Here's How to Actually Save Money on a Wedding Dress

The wedding dress of your dreams can be well worth the splurge, but if you find that it's going to set you over your wedding budget, you might consider other options. But wait–don't put that dress back on the rack just yet. If you're wondering how to save money on a wedding dress, we're here to tell you how.

It's no secret that wedding dresses are expensive. According to The Knot 2024 Wedding Attire & Fashion Study, the average wedding dress cost is about $2,000. If you're working with a limited budget, or simply want to save money to spend on other areas of your wedding, that number might not work for you (hey, you wouldn't be alone in that regard). But how can you score a look you love for a price tag that's more within your desired price range? Well, we're about to break that down. We spoke with Nayri Kalayjian, founder of Wedding Fashion Expert, Mallory Thorburn, co-owner of The White Magnolia and Christine Greenberg, co-owner of Urban Set Bride, to learn all the latest workarounds for modern brides.

How to save money on a wedding dress: Start Early | Alterations | Choose Simplicity | Off-the-Rack | Trunk Shows | Rentals | Budget

Start Your Search Early

When you first get engaged, it might seem like you have plenty of time to find a wedding dress, but it's better to start shopping as soon as possible, especially since it might take a few appointments to find your dream gown. Don't wait until the last minute—you should plan to purchase your dress at least nine months before your wedding day, if not longer, to give yourself the most options.

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"Different designers offer different lead times, and this is a comfortable range to make sure you have the choice of any gown you would want without having to risk paying any rush fees associated with getting the dress in, or rush fees associated with alterations once your gown arrives," says Thorburn. Starting early also means that you won't feel as pressured to make a purchase right away (potentially resulting in an impulse purchase and buyer's remorse after the fact), and you can keep tabs on discounts and special offers at local bridal salons as they come up.

"Many bridal shops offer first-time appointment incentives or have different sales throughout the year," adds Thorburn. "Do your research on a bridal shop before you start the process so that you go into your appointment prepared to purchase if you fall in love with a dress and take advantage of any of those discounts during your appointment."

Plan Ahead for Alterations

While choosing a look that doesn't need modifications can certainly save you money, the reality is that you'll likely need some form of wedding dress alterations. "Keep in mind that alterations are typically not included in the cost of a dress," says Thorburn. According to Kalayjian, "the market you are in will set the cost of wedding dress alterations." She encourages to-be-weds to do some research on the cost of these services in their specific area prior to purchasing their dress. That way, they can keep that number in mind separately from the cost they'll want to invest in their dress. "Bulking them together is not recommended, as they are two different entities," she adds.

Once you've set separate budgets for both your dress and any necessary alterations, you can begin to think about how to save money on each. If you're opting for a made-to-order gown, you can request your desired modifications before the dress is made, that way you won't have to pay to add them on after the fact. "As you are being measured for your gown, be open with your stylist about what look you hope to achieve with the final product, and they'll be able to guide you on changes that can be made directly with the designer that may save you time and money once you are ready for alterations," says Greenberg. "Most seamstresses charge by the hour or by the amount of adjustments needed."

Choose a Simple Wedding Dress

If you're wondering how to save on a wedding dress, another foolproof method is to choose a more simplistic style, not only when it comes to the wedding dress embellishments, like beading or lace, but also the silhouette and the amount of fabric required. All of these elements factor into the total price tag of the design and the time required to make it. The more time and materials required, the more you can expect to pay, and therefore affordable wedding dresses are often the more simple ones.

"Most wedding gowns are made by hand, so the more detail that is present, the more expensive the gown will become," says Greenberg. "If you love beading, hand-placed European laces, fine fabrics and unique embellishments, be ready to invest."

If you've had your heart set on an ornately detailed gown, don't give up just yet. With the help of your bridal stylist and an open mind, you can get the same effect by following a few budget-friendly tricks. "There are different variations to all types of gowns, so you can achieve your bridal vision at almost any price point," says Thorburn. "For example, if you love the look of a head-to-toe sparkle gown, look for one that has a layer of sparkle tulle versus hand-sewn Swarovski crystals throughout." Accessories are also your friend: A sequined wedding dress belt adds shimmer in place of a fully beaded gown, while a dramatic cathedral-length veil gives volume to a fitted silhouette.

Shop Samples and Off-The-Rack Wedding Dresses

Whether you're in a time crunch or looking to snag a couture gown for a discount, sample sales and off-the-rack wedding dresses are two money-saving alternatives to consider. "From short engagements, unexpected pregnancies, military deployment and more, there are so many reasons why you may need a gown that can go home with you that day," says Greenburg.

With a sample dress, you save money by purchasing the actual dress that's used in the store for try-ons, versus a new, made-to-order version of that dress. Sample dresses may need some extra TLC or additional tailoring (due to limited sizes and minor damages), but you can potentially find a designer gown that would otherwise be a stretch for your budget. According to Kalayjian, when shopping for sample dresses, you should pay extra close attention to the sizing, and be open to dresses that are not in perfectly new condition. "These dresses have not been worn by brides on their wedding day, they've just been tried on by brides in-store, and some samples are in better condition than others, which determines their price," she says.

"Almost any bridal shop is going to have a sample sale or two per year where they will sell their sample gowns off-the-rack at a fraction of the price," says Thorburn. "Find a shop that carries designers you love, give them a call to ask when their next sample sale will be and mark your calendar."

If you want a brand-new dress, browse the designer's ready-to-wear collection if they have one. This expands your options to include potentially lower-priced styles that you can purchase off-the-rack (meaning it's yours when you walk out the door!) instead of paying more to have a bridal gown custom made to your measurements.

Attend a Trunk Show

Do you already have a wedding dress designer you're obsessed with? If so, be on the lookout for trunk shows in your area—they're one of the biggest ways to save money on a wedding dress.

"Waiting for a trunk show is a great way to save a little money off the MSRP and a nice way to see the full collection of gowns that may not be present in the shop full-time," says Greenburg. If the trunk show isn't happening anytime soon, she recommends being open about your budget and asking if there are any other discounts available, especially if you're a service member, teacher, nurse or first responder. "Your occupation could save you the same amount of money as a trunk show discount without the stress of waiting for one to arrive at your local boutique."

If you do attend a designer's trunk show, it's smart to have your ideal dress and budget in mind ahead of time. "Trunk shows usually only last a weekend or two, so if you are looking for a specific gown during a trunk show, make sure you are ready to purchase," says Thorburn. "There is typically a discount associated with the trunk show, allowing you to get a great deal on your dress."

Rent Your Wedding Dress

It's no secret that your gown isn't the only special look you'll need while wedding planning. There are multiple occasions throughout your engagement when you'll want to dress your best—the wedding shower, bach party and rehearsal dinner are just a few that come to mind. And if you love the idea of changing into a second look for your wedding reception or after-party, that's another outfit to factor into your overall budget.

The cost of buying a new white dress for every party adds up quickly, but thanks to retailers like Rent the Runway and Nearly Newlywed, it's no longer taboo to rent your wedding dress, or buy a used wedding dress. The online wedding dress rental and resale market is becoming increasingly popular, especially for luxury brands, which means it's easier than ever to find discounted wedding dresses and secondhand pieces with the click of a button. If you're able to save money on your prewedding looks, consider using those funds to splurge on a dream dress for your big day.

Get Realistic About Your Wedding Budget

Perhaps the best way to avoid overspending on your wedding dress is to set a wedding budget and stick to it. Luckily, our free and easy-to-use Wedding Budget Advisor allows you to do just that. With this tool, you can plug in all your wedding expenses to determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on your dress. This is a great step to take prior to starting your search.

Ultimately, remember that any gown you choose will be a special one—and the dress is only one part of your wedding day. "Don't take things so seriously," says Greenberg. "If you invest more in the gown that makes you feel the best, there is plenty of time to adjust your overall wedding budget to accommodate."