--Adapted from Bridal Bargains
Nothing symbolizes a wedding more than the bridal gown. Prospective brides are taught from birth to fantasize about this ultimate dress, sparkling with beads, sequins and pearls delicately sewn onto French lace. Of course, the designers who make those gowns are well aware of this -- their ads are laced with references to ''fairy tale'' weddings and ''storybook brides.''
Okay, I admit to falling into this fantasy stuff headfirst when I was a bride. But, hey, how often do you get to wear a piece of clothing that costs $1,000? Finding the right bridal gown (at a price that doesn't resemble the federal deficit) is the overriding priority for many brides, and we're here to help you do just that.
Top 10 Money-Saving Secrets
Many of our top money-saving tips for apparel involve alternatives to traditional bridal shops. The savings we calculate are based on a gown that retails for $1,000.
Purchase a gown through the mail. Most brides don't realize they can order nationally-advertised gowns from bridal brokers at a substantial discount from retail. These brand-new gowns, discounted 20 to 30 percent off retail, are shipped directly to you, cutting out the middlemen. Discount Bridal Service (800-874-8794 or www.discountbridalservice.com) is one of the most popular discounters. Another great mail-order source: J.C. Penney's bridal catalog (800-527-8345), which features affordable bridal gowns from Sweetheart and Alfred Angelo for $160 to $525. (Penney's prices aren't discounted but are generally more affordable to begin with). Also available: bridesmaid's gowns ($89 to $155), flower-girl dresses, headpieces, shoes and other accessories. Total savings for a typical mail-order gown: $200 to $400.
Surf the Web. We found several Websites that sell brand new, name-brand gowns at 20 to 40 percent off retail. You can email for a price quote, surf weekly specials and (in some cases) check out gown pictures online. Our two favorites are Pearl's Place (www.pearlsplace.com), out of Louisiana and RK Bridal (www.rkbridal.com), based in New York.
Go for a heavily advertised designer. If you want to order a dress from DBS or an online gown discounter, pick a gown from a designer that advertises heavily in bridal magazines. Why? It's easier to find a picture of such dresses. Once you know were (and when) a dress was advertised, it's much simpler to get a discount quote. Conversely, pick an obscure designer that rarely advertises and it's darn difficult to price shop. The top five gown advertisers are: Alfred Angelo, Moonlight, Bill Levkoff, Mori Lee and Demetrios/Illisa.
Consider ''custom designing.'' If you want a gown that costs over $1,000, consider having a local seamstress create a copy of the original. We've seen several beautiful gowns that were custom-designed by talented seamstresses. Why is this a money-saving tip? Well, first a seamstress can often buy the fabric at wholesale (or at a discount from retail). Second, there are no costly alterations because your gown is made to fit. Certainly the labor costs for an expert seamstress can be substantial, but the results can be striking. Total savings here will vary but we priced one exquisite silk Jim Hjelm gown at $2,700 retail that cost only $1,400 to reproduce with a local seamstress.
Wear your mom's dress or borrow a friend's gown. You'd be surprised how inexpensively a seamstress can restore a vintage gown. Even if you spend $100 to $200 to have the gown altered or jazzed up, this will be much less than buying a gown at retail. Borrowing a gown from a friend is another great money-saving option. Total savings: $800 or even more!
Order a bridesmaid's or less formal gown. Most brides don't realize that many bridesmaid's gowns can be ordered in white. For a less formal wedding, you can get a plain bridesmaid's gown for just $75 to $150. Beautiful, less-formal gowns (without trains, sequins, pearls, etc.) are available from ready-to-wear clothing designers like Jessica McClintock. Her stunning line of bridal dresses start at just $200 (ranging upward to $800).
Shop at bridal outlet stores. A reader in Berkeley, California, shared with us a great bargain shopping tip: vintage clothing stores. She found a beautiful 1950s wedding gown in excellent condition for just $200 at a local vintage clothing store. Most large cities have such stores; check your local phone book under ''Clothes -- Vintage.''
Swap the fabric. Fallen in love with a silk gown but can't afford the silk price? You still might be able to afford that gown -- just ask it if the manufacturer offers the same style in a less expensive fabric. For example, designer Carmi Couture (for a dealer near you, call 212-921-7658) offers a white Duchess satin sheath confection with jewel illusion neckline and Guipure lace bodice. The price? $1,400. If that's too much, you can request the same style in a less-expensive Italian satin for $1,100. That's a $300 savings for a simple fabric swap.
Check the next state over.A reader in Los Angeles emailed us this tip. She found the same, brand-new Diamond gown cost $2,200 to special order in L.A., but just $1,300 in a Portland. Another bonus: Oregon has no sales tax, saving the bride another seven percent ($150). Why the major price difference? It's hard to say, but expensive overhead in big cities like L.A. or New York City sometimes leads to bigger markups. Hence, it may pay to check out prices in a nearby state (call the gown's designer to find the names of other dealers). Remember, if you order a gown in another state and have it shipped home across state lines, you may not have to pay any sales tax. Yes, you have to arrange for alterations on your own, but that typically isn't that much of a challenge. Another possible bargain source: Canada. Brides tell us the deals on dresses are fantastic in the Great White North, thanks to a favorable exchange rate. An example: A New York bride told us she found a $1,250 Paloma Blanca dress for just $1,098 Canadian in Toronto. That works out to $770 U.S., a 40 percent savings (given the prevailing exchange rate). And thanks to NAFTA, the bride didn't have to pay any duty or taxes at the border.
Make your own headpiece. Sure sewing a wedding gown from scratch isn't for every bride, but consider making the headpiece. The average bridal veil and headpiece is little more than a comb or headband) with some ribbons, silk flowers and a few fake pearls. Attach a veil and poof! You've got a bridal headpiece. The fact that bridal shops sell them for $100, $200 or even $300 should be a federal crime. Our advice: Make your own. Go to any craft store like Michael's (800-MICHAELS), and you can easily pick up the forms and supplies to do it yourself. Another helper: the Miracle Bow. This $5 barrett (made by Offray and Sons, call 770-509-2566 for a store near you) comes with four-step instructions for making pretty bridal headpieces. Attach a piece of veiling (three yards of tulle is only $20) with Velcro to the Miracle Bow and you've got a complete headpiece and veil look -- at a fraction of bridal store prices.
These money-saving secrets are sure to get you down the aisle in style -- without breaking the bank. But before you buy a stitch of satin, remember the most important tip of all: Use your credit card (instead of cash or a check) to pay for your bridal gown. Most brides and grooms do not realize that a special federal consumer protection law protects all deposits and payments made with credit cards. The law, called Federal Regulation C, entitles consumers to receive refunds if the merchandise delivered doesn't measure up. Sure shopping for a gown should be fun, but it's always best to be on the safe side, too!