The average cost of a wedding dress today is $1200. Wow. Depending on your budget, you may not have figured in alterations and accessories. Just because you have a budget, does not mean you need to spend that. If you come out with spare change, put it in another part of your budget, or better yet! Save it for your honeymoon or your house fund! So how will you make your wedding day happen on a budget?
Alterations
Alterations are something that mostly every dress is going to need, either a bustle or a hem, and definitely a steam or a press. When making your budget, be sure to budget in alterations so that you don’t get stuck with the perfect dress that needs a little push to make it a perfect fit!
Bodice
The bodice of your dress may be a little loose or a smidgeon tight. Depending on the complicity of your bodice, the average cost of fixing this is anywhere from $30 to $100.
Hem
Does your dress have layers upon layers or will it be one simple hem? Depending on the amount of layers or if there is an applique on the hem, the average hem can run around $80-$200.
Sleeve
If your dress has sleeves and they need to be altered or you’ve found that you would like to add sleeves, this cost can range anywhere from $40 to $80 depending on the simplicity of the existing sleeves or the sleeves you would like have placed on your dress.
Bustle
Get ready to dance the night away, smile until your cheeks hurt, and hug your guests’ until there is no one left to hug! You don’t want to do all this dragging your dress behind you or holding it up so you don’t trip. If your dress is long and gorgeous, you’ll need to add a bustle. This can range from as low at $20 to over $90.
Steam or Press
After your dress has been put through the ringer of alterations, the material that makes up your beautiful dress may need some help on looking it’s best. Most places will have the capability to steam or press your dress for an average charge of $20 to $40.
Total Average Range For Alterations: $190 to $510
There is nothing saying that you will need to utilize all the above mentioned alterations, just be sure to budget wisely until you know what you need and don’t need for your gown! You can always use the extra money on other things!
$100-$200
$200-$300
$300-$400
$400-$500
Accessories
Sleeves
Have you found the perfect dress, but it just seems to be missing something? Who says the perfect dress is perfect all around? Maybe it’s a tad too simple up top, but the lower half of the dress is perfect… Add sleeves; Either by adding a small shaw or have sleeve added to the dress, no biggie!
Belts or Bows
Found a simple dress that embodied you for who you are? Maybe the design is just too simple, add a beaded belt or a bow to break it up and make your dress simply you.
Veils
Whether you decide to have a veil or not to complete the look, you’ll find that veils can be an expensive, but fear not! Etsy.com can help master that gorgeous look you want to achieve.
Affordable doesn’t have to mean cheap or poorly made. Buying your dream dress does not mean you have to break the bank! Your wedding dress can be gorgeous and perfect, but it can be gorgeous, perfect, and affordable. Be the smart bride that dresses well for a great price.