Your wedding dress is a significant part of your big day, but it’s also an aspect of your wedding where it’s very easy to overspend. In this week’s blog, I thought I’d explore a few practical strategies to help you come up with a budget for your wedding dress without compromising style or quality.
Research wedding dress prices
When it comes to buying a wedding dress in the UK, the sky’s the limit on what you can pay. Factors such as designer labels, fabric quality, style and embellishments can all significantly impact the price.
So first things first – you need to do your research. Find out what they cost and decide on a budget for your wedding dress.
Bridal magazines can be a good option but the free sources are going to be online. Here’s a list of online bridal options to get you started with your research.
There are many bridal boutiques in the UK that offer a wide selection of wedding dresses. Some popular ones include:
The Wedding Club http//www.thewedding-club.co.uk/
Browns Bride https//www.brownsbride.com/
Morgan Davies Bridal https://morgandaviesbridal.co.uk/
Sassi Holford https//sassiholford.com/
Pronovias https//www.pronovias.com/gb/
High street stores
Several high street retailers in the UK offer wedding dresses that are affordable and stylish. Some popular options include:
Phase Eight https//www.phase-eight.com/wedding/dresses/
Whistles https//www.whistles.com/wedding/dresses/
Monsoon https//www.monsoon.co.uk/wedding-occasion/
Debenhams https//www.debenhams.com/category/womens-dresses-wedding
Online retailers
Online retailers are a convenient option for brides who prefer to shop from the comfort of their home. Some popular online retailers for wedding dresses in the UK include
Net-A-Porter https//www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/edit/bridal
BHLDN https//www.anthropologie.com/bhldn-weddings
ASOS Bridal https://www.asos.com/women/
Lace & Favour https//www.laceandfavour.com/
David’s Bridal https//www.davidsbridal.co.uk/
Pre-owned wedding dresses
Pre-owned wedding dresses are an affordable and sustainable option for brides. Some popular websites for pre-owned wedding dresses in the UK include
Still White https//www.stillwhite.com/
Preloved https//www.preloved.co.uk/classifieds/marriage/wedding-clothes-bridal-wear
Bride2Bride https//www.bride2bride.com/
Sell My Wedding Dress https//www.sellmyweddingdress.co.uk/
Oxfam Bridal https//onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/bridal
Bridal sample sales
Bridal sample sales are an excellent way to find designer dresses at discounted prices. Some popular bridal sample sales in the UK include
The Wedding Club Sample Sale http//www.thewedding-club.co.uk/
Browns Bride Sample Sale https//www.brownsbride.com/
Sassi Holford Sample Sale https//sassiholford.com/
The Bridal Room Sale https//www.bridalroom.co.uk/sale-gowns/
Mirror Mirror Bridal Sample Sale https//mirrormirror.uk.com/designers/sample-sale/
Don’t forget all those dress related expenses
Before you set a budget for your wedding dress, don’t forget to account for the additional expenses related to your dress. Things like alterations, hair accessories, veils, shoes, jewellery and undergarments should also be factored into the budget for your wedding dress.
As a general guideline, here are some average costs for common wedding accessories:
Veils
Veils can range in price depending on length, style and embellishments. On average, a veil in the UK will cost between £50 to £300, although designer or custom-made veils can be even higher in price.
Hair accessories
Hair combs, tiaras, or hairpins can range from around £20 to £200 or more, depending on the design, materials and brand.
Jewellery
The cost of bridal jewellery can vary greatly depending on the type of jewellery and materials you choose. On average, you can expect to spend between £50 to £500 for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or other pieces. Custom or fine jewellery will cost more.
Shoes
Bridal shoes can range from around £50 for more affordable options to several hundred pounds for designer or custom-made shoes.
Undergarments
The cost of undergarments, such as bras, shapewear and slips can vary depending on the brand and style. On average, you may can expect to spend between £20 to £100 or more on bridal undergarments.
Evaluate your overall wedding budget
According to a 2022 survey by wedding site Hitched, the average UK bride spends approximately £1,350 on her wedding dress. I’m just mentioning this figure because it’s in the public domain but in reality, it’s completely academic because the budget for your wedding dress is based on what you can afford, and not what anyone else is spending.
Having said that, you might be interested to know that wedding attire, including the dress, groom’s outfit, accessories and alterations, typically accounts for around 10-15% of the total wedding budget.
With that in mind, it probably makes sense to set the budget for your wedding dress as a percentage of your overall wedding budget.
Be realistic and be willing to be flexible
Here’s an idea that’s easy for me to say – be open to alternative suggestions. If your dream dress exceeds your budget, it’s worth considering a few other options. I’ve mentioned, high street retailers, sample sales and pre-owned wedding sites, here’s a couple of other ideas you might like to think about.
Renting a wedding dress
If you’ve got your heart set on a designer wedding dress but you don’t have a designer budget, renting can be a great option. Here are a few companies in the UK where you can rent a wedding dress.
Girl Meets Dress www.girlmeetsdress.com
JJ’s Househttps://www.jjshouse.com/
By Rotation https://byrotation.com/collections/something-borrowed
Something Borrowed https://www.somethingborrowedrent.co.uk/
My Wardrobe https://www.mywardrobehq.com/wedding-dress-edit
Shopping out of season
Of course, you’ve got to be planning ahead for this one but if you’re organised it may be worth shopping during the off-season or during slower months when bridal shops may offer discounts or promotions to attract customers. This flexibility in timing can help you secure a better deal on your dream dress.
Ask for a deal
When you’re working with bridal consultants, designers or retailers, it’s important to tell them the budget for your wedding dress so you’re shown dresses within your price range.
Now that I’ve said that, don’t be afraid to negotiate prices or ask about discounts. Some boutiques may offer package deals or discounts when you purchase additional accessories or services, such as alterations or a veil.
Stick to the budget you’ve set
Staying disciplined throughout the dress shopping process is crucial. Resist the temptation to try on dresses over your budget and commit to your financial limitations. Remember that finding a beautiful dress within your budget is possible and staying true to your budget will alleviate unnecessary stress.
Setting a budget for your wedding dress is an essential part of planning your big day. By evaluating your overall wedding budget, researching price ranges, defining your priorities, considering additional expenses, exploring shopping options, being realistic and flexible, and communicating your budget, you can find a dress that fulfils your dreams without breaking the bank. Stay committed to your budget and remember that it’s not about the price tag, but about feeling beautiful and confident as you walk down the aisle.
If you’re trying to set a budget for your wedding dress at the moment, I hope you’ve found this article helpful. For wedding dress and related tips on planning your big day, 13 decisions that can take your wedding photos from ordinary to extraordinary may also be of interest. If you’d like more information on my wedding photography services in Oxford, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire, please visit my wedding gallery and view my packages.
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Your wedding dress is a significant part of your big day, but it’s also an aspect of your wedding where it’s very easy to overspend. In this week’s blog, I thought I’d explore a few practical strategies to help you come up with a budget for your wedding dress without compromising style or quality.
Research wedding dress prices
When it comes to buying a wedding dress in the UK, the sky’s the limit on what you can pay. Factors such as designer labels, fabric quality, style and embellishments can all significantly impact the price.
So first things first – you need to do your research. Find out what they cost and decide on a budget for your wedding dress.
Bridal magazines can be a good option but the free sources are going to be online. Here’s a list of online bridal options to get you started with your research.
There are many bridal boutiques in the UK that offer a wide selection of wedding dresses. Some popular ones include:
The Wedding Club http//www.thewedding-club.co.uk/
Browns Bride https//www.brownsbride.com/
Morgan Davies Bridal https://morgandaviesbridal.co.uk/
Sassi Holford https//sassiholford.com/
Pronovias https//www.pronovias.com/gb/
High street stores
Several high street retailers in the UK offer wedding dresses that are affordable and stylish. Some popular options include:
Phase Eight https//www.phase-eight.com/wedding/dresses/
Whistles https//www.whistles.com/wedding/dresses/
Monsoon https//www.monsoon.co.uk/wedding-occasion/
Debenhams https//www.debenhams.com/category/womens-dresses-wedding
Online retailers
Online retailers are a convenient option for brides who prefer to shop from the comfort of their home. Some popular online retailers for wedding dresses in the UK include
Net-A-Porter https//www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/edit/bridal
BHLDN https//www.anthropologie.com/bhldn-weddings
ASOS Bridal https://www.asos.com/women/
Lace & Favour https//www.laceandfavour.com/
David’s Bridal https//www.davidsbridal.co.uk/
Pre-owned wedding dresses
Pre-owned wedding dresses are an affordable and sustainable option for brides. Some popular websites for pre-owned wedding dresses in the UK include
Still White https//www.stillwhite.com/
Preloved https//www.preloved.co.uk/classifieds/marriage/wedding-clothes-bridal-wear
Bride2Bride https//www.bride2bride.com/
Sell My Wedding Dress https//www.sellmyweddingdress.co.uk/
Oxfam Bridal https//onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/bridal
Bridal sample sales
Bridal sample sales are an excellent way to find designer dresses at discounted prices. Some popular bridal sample sales in the UK include
The Wedding Club Sample Sale http//www.thewedding-club.co.uk/
Browns Bride Sample Sale https//www.brownsbride.com/
Sassi Holford Sample Sale https//sassiholford.com/
The Bridal Room Sale https//www.bridalroom.co.uk/sale-gowns/
Mirror Mirror Bridal Sample Sale https//mirrormirror.uk.com/designers/sample-sale/
Don’t forget all those dress related expenses
Before you set a budget for your wedding dress, don’t forget to account for the additional expenses related to your dress. Things like alterations, hair accessories, veils, shoes, jewellery and undergarments should also be factored into the budget for your wedding dress.
As a general guideline, here are some average costs for common wedding accessories:
Veils
Veils can range in price depending on length, style and embellishments. On average, a veil in the UK will cost between £50 to £300, although designer or custom-made veils can be even higher in price.
Hair accessories
Hair combs, tiaras, or hairpins can range from around £20 to £200 or more, depending on the design, materials and brand.
Jewellery
The cost of bridal jewellery can vary greatly depending on the type of jewellery and materials you choose. On average, you can expect to spend between £50 to £500 for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or other pieces. Custom or fine jewellery will cost more.
Shoes
Bridal shoes can range from around £50 for more affordable options to several hundred pounds for designer or custom-made shoes.
Undergarments
The cost of undergarments, such as bras, shapewear and slips can vary depending on the brand and style. On average, you may can expect to spend between £20 to £100 or more on bridal undergarments.
Evaluate your overall wedding budget
According to a 2022 survey by wedding site Hitched, the average UK bride spends approximately £1,350 on her wedding dress. I’m just mentioning this figure because it’s in the public domain but in reality, it’s completely academic because the budget for your wedding dress is based on what you can afford, and not what anyone else is spending.
Having said that, you might be interested to know that wedding attire, including the dress, groom’s outfit, accessories and alterations, typically accounts for around 10-15% of the total wedding budget.
With that in mind, it probably makes sense to set the budget for your wedding dress as a percentage of your overall wedding budget.
Be realistic and be willing to be flexible
Here’s an idea that’s easy for me to say – be open to alternative suggestions. If your dream dress exceeds your budget, it’s worth considering a few other options. I’ve mentioned, high street retailers, sample sales and pre-owned wedding sites, here’s a couple of other ideas you might like to think about.
Renting a wedding dress
If you’ve got your heart set on a designer wedding dress but you don’t have a designer budget, renting can be a great option. Here are a few companies in the UK where you can rent a wedding dress.
Girl Meets Dress www.girlmeetsdress.com
JJ’s Househttps://www.jjshouse.com/
By Rotation https://byrotation.com/collections/something-borrowed
Something Borrowed https://www.somethingborrowedrent.co.uk/
My Wardrobe https://www.mywardrobehq.com/wedding-dress-edit
Shopping out of season
Of course, you’ve got to be planning ahead for this one but if you’re organised it may be worth shopping during the off-season or during slower months when bridal shops may offer discounts or promotions to attract customers. This flexibility in timing can help you secure a better deal on your dream dress.
Ask for a deal
When you’re working with bridal consultants, designers or retailers, it’s important to tell them the budget for your wedding dress so you’re shown dresses within your price range.
Now that I’ve said that, don’t be afraid to negotiate prices or ask about discounts. Some boutiques may offer package deals or discounts when you purchase additional accessories or services, such as alterations or a veil.
Stick to the budget you’ve set
Staying disciplined throughout the dress shopping process is crucial. Resist the temptation to try on dresses over your budget and commit to your financial limitations. Remember that finding a beautiful dress within your budget is possible and staying true to your budget will alleviate unnecessary stress.
Setting a budget for your wedding dress is an essential part of planning your big day. By evaluating your overall wedding budget, researching price ranges, defining your priorities, considering additional expenses, exploring shopping options, being realistic and flexible, and communicating your budget, you can find a dress that fulfils your dreams without breaking the bank. Stay committed to your budget and remember that it’s not about the price tag, but about feeling beautiful and confident as you walk down the aisle.
If you’re trying to set a budget for your wedding dress at the moment, I hope you’ve found this article helpful. For wedding dress and related tips on planning your big day, 13 decisions that can take your wedding photos from ordinary to extraordinary may also be of interest. If you’d like more information on my wedding photography services in Oxford, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire, please visit my wedding gallery and view my packages.