Planning a Wedding on a Budget

BUDGET – this is probably the most important word often thrown around when it comes to wedding planning. There are numerous tips and articles on how to cut down costs for several vendors. For one, there are couples who try to save money by having their reception and ceremony at one venue. Or, they hold their wedding at their family’s homes and properties. And, there are also many who ditch the fancy 4 or 5-course meals for a buffet style of catering. Now, these are all great ways on how to plan a wedding on a budget. But, there are also some that we just can’t recommend you to do.

For example, many couples turn to friends or family members over professional photographers – to which we strongly disagree. You can’t really put a price on the memories you can keep forever. Wedding photography is a skill and it takes years to master. This is why we never advise getting people you know with good phones and camera to cover such an important event. The same goes for videographers too! The most ideal way to save a few bucks on your photographer and videographer is to pay them hourly. Forget the day rates and 8-hour packages because you won’t need them for that long.

See, there are many ways to achieve the wedding of your dreams without going over your budget. And, like the other details of your wedding, you can also cut down costs on your wedding dress too!

Choosing a Bridal Dress on a Budget

Did you know that in 2016, the average price of a wedding dress in Australia was at $2,475? This figure has doubled ever since with the average cost of $4,000 in 2017 and $5,180 in 2018. Sounds crazy, right? But you know what, you don’t have to drop that same amount for your white dress. You can actually find the “one” and stay within your budget. And, we’re here to help!

We believe that there’s the perfect dress for every bride, no matter your style, timeline, or budget. With our tips, you will have the wedding dress of dreams and stay within your means. No need to spend more than you have to. We will help you find the one you will love today, on your wedding day, and even years from now when you look back on your lovely wedding photos.

10 Tips on Choosing your Bridal Dress and Stay Within Your Budget

1. Go for simple – Find a dress with a classic design, one that has no embellishments of any sort. This will lower your price tag by a mile since materials such as beading and lace are a lot more expensive. You can then use accessories to achieve the style of dress you are after.
2. Avoid alterations – Asking to alter the sleeves or have the neckline changed can cost you hundreds of dollars. Save money by finding a gown that you are happy with just the way it is.
3. Rent a dress – While not the most romantic way to find the dress you love, renting a dress sure is the most practical. There are designer dresses that are offered for a fraction of the cost and you get to choose the one that really sticks out to you.
4. Buy from other brides – Again, while not the most romantic, buying a used gown can save you up to 30 to 90% of the gown’s original price. Besides, unlike other pieces of clothing, it was probably only worn once.
5. Go short – Shorter dresses are usually less expensive compared to full-length gowns. And, if you’re planning on a beach wedding or a destination wedding, they are the most ideal attire you can wear. Plus, they are easy to pack too which is great if you’re hopping on a plane.
6. Opt for Corset – gowns with lace-up corset-styles on the back are not only beautiful but they can help you save on alterations too. You can fit the bodice of the dress perfectly to match your body measurements. And, since they can be custom-fit, you don’t have to worry about your body changes as you approach your big day.
7. Shop at the right time – Another way to find that perfect dress at an affordable cost is to shop during winter or summer. During this time, retailers have to make room for the new dresses designers make. So, they will sell their old stocks and samples at lower prices even reaching as high as 80% off.
8. Take the floor sample home – Once you have fallen in love with a dress you tried on, save some serious cash by taking that exact sample home. Ordering a new version of that same gown is pretty expensive but if you choose to buy the sample, you can the price down by as much as 50%. Of course, this depends on the time it’s been on the floor, the condition it’s in, and your negotiating skills.
9. Purchase online – there are many brides who have had success finding the “one” on the internet. Not only are they a lot cheaper but they look incredibly well too.
10. Look away from dresses over your budget – It might seem fun to try on expensive designer gowns but trust us, it’s a bad idea, especially when you’re sticking to a budget. The thing is, once you put on a more expensive dress, it is most likely that you will like it. Thus, making it impossible for you to be happy with anything cheaper.