Your Ultimate Budget Wedding Dresses Shopping Checklist

Your bridal gown doesn’t have to be one of the most significant expenses on your wedding day budget. Creating a shopping checklist for budget wedding dresses helps you look stunning on your big day without overspending. 

On the hunt for a classic ball gown or one with a sleek modern silhouette? No problem! Follow the practical tips in this guide to get the dress of your dreams at a price you can afford. From setting a realistic budget to knowing what questions to ask in-store, this checklist covers every step of the process. 

Setting a budget

Before you ever step foot in a bridal dress boutique, establish a clear and realistic budget. You don’t want to start your marriage in debt paying for your wedding. Knowing how much you can afford narrows down your options and prevents overspending. 

Here are some practical tips for finding budget wedding dresses that fit your style without compromising your bank account. 

Determine your total wedding budget

Before you can decide how much to spend on your wedding gown, you must first establish your total wedding budget. Most brides allocate between 10% and 15% of their total budget on a dress for their special day. 

For instance, let’s say you plan to spend no more than $15,000 on all related wedding expenses. Following the 10-15% rule, you can spend $1,500 to $2,250 for your wedding dress. 

Don’t forget to factor in additional costs for alterations, accessories, and shoes. Most brides set aside an additional 20% of the cost of their dress for this purpose. Sticking with the earlier example, if you spend $2,000 on a dress, save an extra $400 to $600 for these essentials. 

Prioritize wedding expenses

Create a list of all wedding-related expenses, ranking them from the most to the least important. Doing so helps you visualize where you can cut costs to allocate more funds to your dress if necessary. 

Not sure where to make cuts? Consider reducing costs on lower-priority items like décor, favors, and even your guest list. Opting for simpler centerpieces can free up extra money for your dress without sacrificing overall wedding quality. 

Research budget wedding dresses

When setting your overall wedding budget, it’s helpful to know what budget wedding dresses typically cost in your area. Visit local bridal boutiques and browse online to get a feel for the price range. You can then use that information to set realistic expectations and prevent sticker shock. 

Some styles and fabrics cost less than others. Organza and tulle are two inexpensive materials that won’t compromise the overall look and feel of your wedding gown. 

Questions to ask when shopping

Wedding dress shopping can become overwhelming quickly, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Asking the right questions during your bridal boutique visits can help you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected costs. 

Here are some practical strategies on what to ask about budget wedding dresses, store policies, and fittings and alterations. 

Questions about the dress 

• What is the price of the dress? Always ask for the total price of the dress, including any applicable taxes. Ask if there are any ongoing sales or seasonal discounts, or if the boutique offers a discount for paying in full upfront. 

• Are alterations included in the price? If not, what is the estimated cost? Confirm if the quoted price includes basic alterations. If it doesn’t, ask for a detailed estimate of the alteration costs to avoid surprises and to accurately budget for the final cost of your dress. 

• Can the dress be customized? If you have specific customizations in mind, ask if they are possible and get an estimated cost for each item you want to alter. Doing so helps you determine if a dress that needs a lot of updating still fits into your budget. 

Questions about bridal boutique policies

• What is the exchange/return policy? Understand the store’s return and exchange policy before purchasing a wedding gown there. Knowing if you can exchange or return the dress within a certain period gives you peace of mind in case you have an issue with the dress. 

• What are the payment options? Inquire about the bridal boutique’s payment options, including whether they offer payment plans. Spreading out payments makes it easier to manage your budget. Be sure to ask about any interest rates or other fees involved with paying for your dress over time. 

• How long will it take to order the dress and complete alterations? Ask for a timeline from ordering to final alterations. Ensure the timeline aligns with your wedding date to avoid any last-minute stress. A clear timeline also helps you plan financially for when payments will be due. 

Questions about fittings and alterations

• How many fittings are included? What is the cost of additional fittings? Confirm how fittings are included in the alterations package. Ask about the cost of additional fittings in case more adjustments are needed, allowing you to budget accordingly. 
• Can you bring an outside tailor if needed? Some bridal boutiques allow and even encourage you to use your own tailor. If you have a trusted tailor or find the store’s alterations costs too steep, ask if this is an option and if it affects any warranties or guarantees. 
• What types of alterations can be made? Discuss the range of alterations the bridal boutique can perform, such as taking in seams, adjusting hems, or adding embellishments. Knowing the scope of alterations ensures the dress can be tailored to fit you perfectly without exceeding your budget. 

Avoiding common pitfalls with budget wedding dresses 

Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of planning your big day. However, it’s easy to fall into common traps that can lead to overspending and unnecessary stress. Being aware of some of these pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them creates a smoother and more enjoyable experience. 

Here are some strategies to stay on track while hunting for the dress of your dreams. 

Stick to your budget

The two things you can do to prevent overspending are to avoid trying on dresses you know are more expensive than you can afford and to be honest with sales consultants about your budget. 

For instance, if you know you can only spend $1,500 on a dress, don’t ooh and ahh over $3,000-plus gowns. Falling in love with a dress outside your budget can lead to disappointment or financial strain if you end up giving in and spending more than you intended. 

Share your maximum budget with bridal boutique consultants the minute you walk into the store. This helps them find dresses within your price range to avoid temptation. 

Don’t rush your decision

Impulse buying doesn’t just apply to the snack aisle at the grocery store. It’s easy to feel pressured into buying the first dress you see (and love). Don’t do it! Sleep on the decision, and revisit it after considering other options. 

Try on budget wedding dresses at several bridal shops to compare styles, prices, and customer service to ensure you make a well-informed decision rather than an impulsive one. 

Bring support, not an entourage

It’s tempting to bring your entire bridal party dress shopping. However, it’s better to invite one or two trusted family members or friends. Too many opinions can make the decision process more confusing and stressful. 

Ask people who share your style, so you’ll get the best advice on the most flattering fit and style for your wedding day. Make sure the people you ask to join you also respect your budget. 

Consider comfort and fit

Remember, there’s more to your wedding day than walking down the aisle and saying, “I do.” Don’t forget about the reception, where you’ll be sitting, eating, and dancing. 

When trying on wedding gowns, sit down, walk around, and mimic your favorite dance moves to ensure the dress moves with you. A trendy mermaid dress might look flattering but could pose problems when it comes time to cut a rug on the dance floor. 

Budget wedding dresses you’ll love

Finding budget wedding dresses that you’ll love doesn’t have to be a challenge if you take the right approach. Set a clear budget, ask critical questions, avoid common pitfalls, and prioritize comfort and fit to make the bridal gown shopping experience a pleasant one. 

Remember, the goal is to find a wedding gown that dazzles on your special day without causing financial stress. Follow this shopping checklist and, with a little bit of patience and planning, you’ll walk down the aisle in a dress that’s perfect for you.