After years of pinning styles and dreaming about your “I dos,” it’s finally time to shop for your wedding dress—but with so many options and price points, it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you’re shopping for an off-the-rack gown at your local boutique or ordering a custom dress from a designer, the cost of your bridal look will depend on a few key factors.
Generally, the dress’s design and embellishments will drive up the total cost. For example, intricate detailing, like beading, embroidery, lace and crystals, require extra time to work into the dress construction and can quickly add up. The type of fabric also plays a role in the dress’s final cost. High-end fabrics, like silk and satin, tend to be more expensive than others, including polyester and rayon.
The neckline and sleeves also impact the dress’s price. While a strapless neckline is classic and timeless, a sweetheart or off-the-shoulder neckline can create a romantic look and highlight the collarbone. The sleeves can be as simple or elaborate as you like, too. Maximist puff sleeves are perfect for a bold bride, while barely-there cap sleeves and spaghetti straps offer a more delicate, lingerie-inspired look. The waistline of the dress is another important factor to consider. Choosing a style that flatters your shape can create a more streamlined look and is especially important if you’re looking to slim down or enhance curves.
Lastly, the skirt of your gown can have a significant effect on the overall look and feel of your dress. Choosing a longer train length, like a sweep or Watteau, will make your dress more formal, while a detachable bustle will save you the hassle of having to constantly be buttoning and unbuttoning your skirt throughout the night.
In addition to the dress, your overall look can be impacted by other factors like shoes, jewelry and accessories. These items can be a fun way to add personality to your look, but they can quickly add up in price and eat into your wedding dress budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your accessories under control without breaking the bank, including shopping for nontraditional dresses at department stores or wearing an off-the-rack gown with a veil or headpiece instead of buying one from a bridal store.
Once you’ve found the perfect dress for your big day, it’s important to remember that you may need to pay for alterations. This additional cost can depend on the complexity of the alterations and the fabric your dress is made from. Some retailers will include a few alterations in the dress price while others will charge extra for the service. Keeping this in mind, you can budget for the alterations before purchasing your wedding dress to ensure it will be ready to go on your big day. If you do need alterations, ask your stylist to provide a quote before you begin the process so that there are no surprises when it comes time to get started.