According to a study by TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com, the average amount spent on a wedding dress in 2012 was $1,211. But, NYC brides spent the most about $2,877 on average, while Idaho brides spend the least $878 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/07/cost-of-a-wedding_n_2831445.html).
I too got married in 2012, and refused to break the bank on my wedding dress--and wedding. Let's face it, I only planned on wearing this dress once, and then it's going to end up in a box. So, I interviewed a few former brides to see if they agreed with me.
Carolyn Upton and her husband paid for their own wedding, so they wanted to do as much stuff on a budget as they could. Her gorgeous dress (pictured above) was from David's Bridal for $535. Carolyn opted to splurge on the venue, The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, NY. "We fell in love with it, and felt it was affordable compared to some other places we looked at. We also got married on a Thursday which kept the per person rate down somewhat".
Jenn Puja, owner of Mrs. Why Knot, found her bargain wedding dress at the "Running of the Brides" event in NYC in 2011. Her stunning La Sposa dress (pictured above), just $150. Her splurge, shoes! "I had 2 pairs (one plum, one white) both Badgley Mischka totaling at $500".
My wedding dress, just $199 from David's Bridal. Some of their dresses come in petite lengths, so I did not need alterations. My splurge was my $375 brooch bridal bouquet from Blue Petyl (that will last forever), and my Badgley Mischka shoes at $325. The once white bridal shoes have now been dyed black so I can enjoy them at other events!
Clearly, you don't have to spend thousands to look fabulous. Besides, in today's economy most people are looking to save where they can. The key is to do what you can on a budget, but to not cut corners where it's noticeable. Carolyn admits that she regrets her budget photographer, who almost did not provide her with any pictures. Jenn and I suggest focusing on the food, and plenty of it.
Tell us what you think. Comment below!
Looking for a wedding dress for less? Operation PROM will be selling a limited number of wedding and bridesmaid dresses for a $25 donation!
Saturday, April 19th 2pm-4pm
The Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave, White Plains
*Cash & carry, while supplies last*
For more information, contact Info@HelpPROM.org
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
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