For many of us, the first lesson of wedding planning is to know your budget and stick to it. Casual, pop-up weddings are a great option for couples who are on a tight budget and want to avoid outdated wedding traditions. But what about your wedding dress?
The cost of your dress can add up quickly, so here are some tips for finding your dream wedding dress while maintaining your budget.
Final Sale
As you’re shopping for your wedding dress, the sale rack might not be your first thought but don’t be afraid to spend some time browsing through the racks. Most bridal shops have plenty of stylish dresses marked as final sale, which means if you see a dress you love in your size, you can take it home that day–instead of waiting the average of 6-8 months for the dress to come in.
Especially if you’re planning an elopement and need to find a dress quickly and on a budget, the sale rack might be your new best friend.
Casual Dress
The beauty of pop-up weddings and elopements is that you have the freedom to break traditions and create your own way of doing things! Many millennial brides are opting for less formal wedding dresses than previous generations and choosing short, knee-length dresses that are fun, youthful, and easy to dance in.
A shorter dress can also help you manage your budget since they’re typically less expensive than longer styles–and you’ll have a wider range of stores that will carry short, white dresses.
Brides Across America Program
If you’re on a tight budget, there are certain organizations and nonprofits across the country that may be able to help you find the wedding dress of your dreams. For example, Brides Across America is a national giveaway program that has given more than 20,000 wedding dresses to military men and women or first responders. Certain bridal shops in each state participate in the program, so do some research before you shop to see if you might be able to take advantage of these types of programs.
Family Favorite
Do you have a special connection to one of your family member’s wedding dresses? If you like the idea of honoring them by wearing their dress, this is an obvious way to save money throughout the planning process (and leaves you extra money for accessories and shoes).
Many brides also choose to work with a tailor or seamstress to incorporate parts of your family member’s dress into a more modern design. While this isn’t always a more affordable route, it can save you money depending on the alterations you choose.
As you plan your romantic pop-up wedding, Pop the Knot can help bring your vision to life. Get started today!