Dress for Less; Brides on a Budget
For many Brides, getting a beautiful wedding and staying within a limited budget contradict each other. For instance, often a right-out-of-college woman is paying off loans & dealing with living costs. Even if the Bride doesn't have this worry, because her parents are generous or her own finances are in good order, the Bride's Maids might have these financial concerns. So how can a girl get great style with out breaking the bank?...
Problem: You want picture perfect style for your wedding, but the budget is tight.
Solutions:
1) Think rental: While the Bride may resist this idea for herself, the Bride's Maids are likely to be thrilled with the idea of this budget-saving option. Look for formal dress rental companies in your area, or online. You can save up to 75% off what you'd pay for a "keeper". Most of these rental businesses will also rent high-quality coordinating accessories.
2) Shop After-Season-Sales: Post Christmas/New Year's Sales & Post Prom Season clearances are great opportunities to secure a rock bottom price on sky-high fashion trends.
3) Don't be afraid of large Department Stores. At the time of this blog entry, Macys, Saks and other major stores are preparing for their Mem. Day Sales. Dresses by Evan Picone, Maggy London, Donna Morgan, Vera Wang, BCBG, Anne Klein, & Kay Unger are, and will be, fabulously marked down (I am particularly fond of the platinum "Vera Wang Maids" Satin V-Neck currently on clearance at Macys.com).
4) Remember not to be afraid to think out of the box in any area of your wedding. As an example, I did a search online for "cocktail dress", and "silk dress". This sent me to resources not normally associated with bridal shopping... Chadwicks, Speigel, Overstock.com, metrostyle.com (a Lerner partner) and specialty boutiques.
Lastly, take time to consider, not only your vision, but the well-being of those persons you've asked to join in the celebration. Remember that your big day is really about WHO shares in the special moments, not WHAT they are wearing.
Sincerely
Gina at A Greater Plan
Posted by: A GREATER PLAN on May 22, 2006 at 12:14 PM - Permalink
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