For many women, their wedding gown is the single most expensive article of clothing they will ever own. According to The Knot, 8-10% of your entire wedding budget should be dedicated to your attire. Maybe that sounds like a lot, or many it doesn't scratch the surface of your budget. But whether you plan to spend $1,000, $10,000, or $100,000 on your wedding, your choice of gown should be that; your choice.
So how can you possibly afford that $2,000 dress of your dreams if it's out of your budget? Here's some tips and tricks from the stylists at
Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo to help you get the most for your money when it comes to wedding gown shopping:
Essense of Australia Style #1571 (upper left) Maggie Sottero Lacey (lower left) Maggie Sottero Madrid (right)
1) Shop at Sales: The first annual National Bridal Sale Day-Bridal Saturday- will take place on July 16, 2016. More than 700 locally-owned independent bridal retailers coast to coast including some top retail salons in Canada will participate in the inaugural event, offering brides designer wedding gowns and wedding party dresses at substantial savings. In some salons wedding gowns may be up to 80% off.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: July 11th-16th -
Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo is excited to be participating in the 1st Annual National Bridal Sale! We've personally extended our sale to not only include Bridal Saturday, July 11th, but the entire week, July 11th through the 16th!
Every store is unique as far as merchandise selection and price, however the benefits to brides are universal, says the events creator, Sue Maslowski, owner of Jay West Bridal in Haddonfield, N.J. The brides get designer dresses at great prices; the benefits of buying from a reputable salon; and the ability to touch, see and feel what they are purchasing with no surprises. Brides can also take home their dream dress that day, no waiting or delays!
Maggie Sottero Style Cayleigh (upper left) Essense of Australia Style #D1616 (lower left) Casablanca Style #2195 (right)
National Bridal Sale Day, will be celebrated exclusively at locally-owned independent bridal salons. Conceptually, National Bridal Sale Day is intended to become a tradition, for the bridal industry, much like a Black Friday or Small Business Saturday, according to Maslowski.
Allure Couture Style #C310 (left) Lillian West Style #6296 (upper right) Maggie Sottero Style Dion (lower right)
2) Buy off the rack: Can't make it to the National Bridal Sale? Did you know you can buy sample gowns off the rack anytime? Sample gowns on the rack in the store are NEW gowns. They have never been altered or worn outside of the store by anyone, only tried on by Brides just like yourself who are shopping. Although they may show some signs on handling, buying a gown off the rack or from a Designer Sample Sale is a fantastic way to save lots of money. As the seasons change, and the store prepares to receive new gowns for the next season, there are larger incentives to sell more expensive gowns for discounted prices.
Allure Style #8850 (upper left) Casablanca Style #1827 (lower left) Maggie Sottero Carolina (right)
3) Use store incentives to save money on other items: To help offset the cost of your total attire, Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo offers a Bridal Rewards package. You will save 15% on your accessories, and includes free storage and final pressing and preparation of your gown. Saving money here and there adds up to more money for your gown!
4) Change your budget: Do some research on your favorite designers before setting your budget, if possible. This way you have some expectations of what you may have to spend to get what you want. When all else fails-change your budget. Sounds ridiculous, right? But consider the money being set aside for more expendable things of lesser importance. For example-having a champagne toast for only your head table instead of the entire 200 person guest list can save you an easy $500 plus. With this practice, you can still stay within a set wedding budget, but still get the more expensive dress you fell in love with!
Ready, Set...SHOP! If you are seeing gowns featured her you are interested in, they are all in stock at Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo and will offered at amazing low prices during the upcoming National Bridal Sale. So now that you know you can afford the dress of your dreams, visit
Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo and get started looking! Interested in participating in the National Bridal Event an want to make an appointment? Give us a call at 217-384-7914 to reserve a spot today. Ask your stylist about all the additional ways they can help you afford the dress of your dreams.
