Every bride dreams of walking down the aisle in a wedding dress that perfectly captures her style, complements her figure, and suits her venue. With so many options available—from online shopping and Pinterest inspiration to flipping through trendy bridal magazines—the search for the perfect gown can feel overwhelming.
Smart Shopping Tips for Your Wedding Gown
According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, which surveyed over 15,000 couples who married in 2021, the average cost of a wedding dress was $1,800. If that figure gives you sticker shock, or if you’re simply hoping to score a great deal on a dress you adore, shopping smart is key.
One of the first things you should do after getting engaged is to start looking for your wedding dress. Ideally, you should purchase your dress at least nine months in advance. But if, like me, you find yourself with only seven weeks between engagement and wedding day, time becomes a crucial factor.
My own wedding dress shopping experience wasn’t quite as dramatic as the movie Bridesmaids, but I did encounter some unexpected challenges. When I arrived at an upscale Dallas bridal salon without an appointment, I was met with indifference from the staff, leaving me feeling like I was intruding on their day. Luckily, my friend Diane Palermo came to the rescue.
“With the help of your bridal stylist and an open mind, you can find budget-friendly options that will still make you feel beautiful on your big day,” says Diane Palermo, founder of Maci Marie Bridal.
“As you’re being measured for your gown, share your vision with your stylist—they can guide you on alterations that will save both time and money. Most seamstresses charge by the hour or by the complexity of the adjustments needed.”
Maci Marie Bridal: Your Local Bridal Shop in North East Dallas
Exciting News for Rockwall Area Brides!
As of September 1, 2022, Maci Marie Bridal has launched “Off The Rack,” a dedicated room filled with wedding dresses from top manufacturers at drastically reduced prices. Brides looking to keep their budget under $600 will find an array of dress samples ranging from $299 to $599. These dresses are sold as-is, with all sales final—no appointment necessary.
What Is an Off-The-Rack Wedding Dress?
An off-the-rack wedding dress is a pre-made gown that you can purchase directly from a bridal shop. Unlike made-to-order dresses, which can take anywhere from four to twelve months to create, an off-the-rack dress is available to try on and purchase immediately. Many bridal boutiques carry a selection of these pre-made gowns in various sizes, although they may have been tried on by other brides before you.
A decade ago, I shopped off-the-rack before it became a bridal shopping trend. With a budget of $800 and limited time for alterations, I found my perfect gown from Morilee.
3 Ways to Save on Designer Wedding Dresses:
“There are many reasons why you might need a gown that you can take home the same day, from short engagements to military deployment,” says Palermo. Here are three tips to help you save on designer dresses:
-
Shop Sample Sales and Off-the-Rack Styles
Photo Credit: Maci Marie Bridal at the Springs Wedding Venue on August 21, 2022 Even if you’re in a time crunch or simply looking for a couture gown at a discount, sample sales and off-the-rack wedding dresses are excellent money-saving alternatives.
- Attend Wedding Dress Designer Trunk Shows
Photo Credit: Eddy K| Wedding Dress Claire | EK1503 If you’re a fan of specific designers like Stella York, Madi Lane, or Eddy K, keep an eye out for trunk shows in your area. These events offer a chance to see the full collection and often include discounts. Maci Marie Bridal hosts sample sales and trunk shows twice a year.
Trunk shows typically last a weekend, so be ready to purchase if you find the perfect gown. Don’t forget to ask about available discounts if you’re a service member, teacher, nurse, or first responder.
-
Rent the Runway
Credit: Rent The Runway Rent the Runway offers a wide selection of formalwear for brides, with one-time rentals available in sizes 00-22. Renting can be a budget-friendly way to free up funds for your bridal gown or alterations. The site also offers discounts, including 25% off your first order of $75 or more with the code KNOTRENTAL.
It’s Your Day…
If you’re ready to shop for your wedding gown, I recommend shopping in person. If you plan to make a day of it with your bridal party, schedule an appointment for a weeknight. Be sure to mention that you’re interested in off-the-rack styles and communicate your expectations with your consultant. The team at Maci Marie Bridal will work with you to find the perfect gown for your body type and offer additional recommendations.
Maci Marie Bridal is located at:
1106 Ridge Rd, Ste A, Rockwall, TX 75032
To schedule your appointment call:
(469) 769-1024
View the Collection at:
http://macimariebridal.com/
Cover Photo Credit: Desiree McCombs | Jason and Adrienne Balkum on December 8, 2012.