Why are wedding dresses so expensive is the question every girl asks. Getting married is considered one of the most memorable experiences that you will have in your life, but it can be a real pain when you are working on fitting into one of those very expensive dresses especially if you are trying to stick to a budget.
First of all, there are several reasons why wedding dresses cost so much. Whether the dress comes cheap or not depends mainly on three factors: fabric, design, and place of purchase. There are different materials used to make wedding gowns which range from very cheap ones at $50 to very expensive ones priced at $15000.
Why are wedding dresses so expensive
1. Some wedding dresses are made with more expensive
The fabric used is one of the most important things that determine how much a wedding dress will cost. The more expensive fabrics are silks, satins, and organza. To give you an idea about how expensive they can be, satin fabric costs around $3.99 per yard while silk goes for $9.99 per yard. There are cheap alternatives to the expensive fabrics but they won’t last as long and might not be as fancy either. Some dresses are made of taffeta which can cost around $5.83 per yard.
2. Design
The design is another factor that will determine how much your wedding dress will cost. Wedding dresses come in different necklines, sleeves, and train styles. The designs usually depend on the era during which they were made or the place where you reside. A wide range of dresses designs come at different price points. For example, a very simple design dress will cost less than a complicated design one. Also, the more beads and sequins used to embellish the dress, the more expensive it will be.
3. Place of purchase
The place where you purchase your wedding dress also determines how much it will cost. Bridal stores and boutiques usually sell their dresses at a higher price because of the shops’ rental or leasing fees as well as the other costs associated with dressmaking.
4. Wedding wress company
The company that manufactures your wedding dress also determines its price tag. Some very popular designers have been known to charge thousands of pounds for their wedding dresses because they are handmade.
5. Plus size weddings dresses
Wedding dresses come in varying sizes and therefore, people who are very big or small might need a wedding dress that will fit them perfectly. So if you fall into either category, expect to pay more for your wedding dress because it is harder to make a wedding dress that will fit properly.
6. Features of the wedding dress
Depending on the features, your wedding dress can cost more or less regardless of its fabric and design. Some features include the use of modern fabrics, embellishments and train size. The most popular modern fabrics used today are chiffon and tulle. Embellishments like pearls, crystals, and rhinestones can be pricey depending on the design or style of dress you want to wear on your big day.
7. Fabric quality
You should also check the quality of the fabric used before buying your wedding dress because some fabrics last longer than other ones do. A good fabric will mean that your wedding dress will last longer and won’t wear and tear easily. If the material used is the cheap kind, it could be a nightmare when you try to remove stains from your dress or when it starts to fade after some time.
8. Sequins
You might not be aware of this but sequins are actually very expensive. If you choose a dress with sequined fabric, be prepared to pay more for it because the sequins used have to be sewn by hand and therefore they cost more than other embellishments.
9. Lace and Embroidery
Just like sequins, lace and embroidery can also affect the price of your dress. Some fabrics used for laces and embroidery cost more than others do so always check that out before you buy a wedding dress with these features. Some types of lace such as French silk will be more expensive than other types of lace because they are more durable.
10. Train Style
Depending on the length and fullness, your train style will determine how much you pay for your dress. You can choose around 5 train styles around including a sweep/brush train where the fabric used for it is very light, making it flow behind you as your walk. The fast train fabric is heavier because it will lay on top of the dress and not flow with it while a chapel or cathedral train has a very long train that usually reaches floor length.
Tips On Buying The Best Wedding Dress
Best Time To Buy
In order to have a wedding dress that is within your budget, you should be prepared to buy it six months before the big day. If possible, try and buy a cheaper brand or a sample wedding dress because they will still look fabulous on the big day. Also, some bridal shops offer discounts when you buy wedding dresses off-season.
Know Your Wedding Date
You should also know your wedding date before you start looking for a wedding dress because it will help you in planning where and when to buy your dress especially if you are buying it the traditional way with the bridal shops. It will be easier for you to choose when the time comes.
Bridal Shops vs Online Stores
You can find great deals when you buy your wedding dress online but it might not be worth it after all because you need to allow at least 6 months for alterations and shipping in case of returns or exchanges. Also, most brides that bought their dresses online complain of poor quality because the products are sent directly from overseas to their doorstep.
Considerations
Before you buy any wedding dress, you should know your body type and what style of dress will flatter your figure best. You should also be aware that some wedding dresses need alterations no matter how perfect they look in the picture you saw online. You can ask yourself questions about what type of wedding dress you want to buy, where are you going to get it from? Will it be custom-made or off-the-rack? Do I have enough money for this?
Advantages Of Buying Expensive Wedding Dresses
Long-Lasting
One of the best benefits of buying expensive wedding dresses is that they tend to last long and you won’t have to buy a new one for a long time. You can wear it on many occasions as well because it is light and comfortable. In some cases, the dress might be passed down from one generation to another as a family heirloom.
Premium Quality
One of the best parts of buying expensive wedding dresses is that you are sure that the material used for it is premium quality and customizable. You can choose what you like or prefer depending on your taste and preferences because unlike choosing cheaper wedding dresses, there’s a lot more choice to make when you buy an expensive dress. Expensive wedding dresses are also more durable and sturdier.
Wider Range of Design
When you buy expensive wedding dresses, you are bound to get a lot more designs, fabrics, and styles to choose from because that’s what most brands offer. You might not find these options when you buy cheaper bridal gowns so this is why it is always best to invest in an expensive dress than something else.
Customization
When you invest in an expensive wedding dress, they tend to be more customizable and unique because there is a huge range of options for you to choose from. You can even ask for a change in color or a different fabric if it suits your style and tastes better. If you buy a cheaper dress, the chances are that there will be fewer customizations available for you.
So, as you can see there are various reasons why it is better to buy expensive wedding dresses instead of buying cheaper ones. You should choose an expensive dress if possible because they tend to last longer and look more beautiful. The possibilities of customization and personalization are also higher when you invest in a premium brand.
What are wedding dresses made of?
Wedding dresses are made of fabrics, lace, and other materials that make them comfortable for the bride. Some brides also tend to use silks instead because it is lighter and easier to carry on the day of their wedding. The fabric used for your wedding dress totally depends on your taste or preference.
Can I alter a cheap wedding dress to make it expensive looking?
Yes, you can buy a cheaper wedding dress and then alter it until it looks more expensive than what you paid for. You just have to know what changes need to be done in order for the dress to look good on you. Most brides do this to save money because it is cheaper to buy an expensive-looking dress than literally buying an expensive wedding dress that you like.
What are some ways I can make my wedding dress appear more expensive?
There are many ways for you to make your wedding dresses appear more expensive, first off you should choose a good fabric and material because if it is premium quality it will definitely look more expensive than usual. Also, make sure to do some research on the style of wedding dress that you want and then find a good seamstress who can help you achieve that look.
You should always try to buy an expensive wedding dress because it will definitely give you more benefits than buying something that is cheap. It has better quality fabric, more durability, and can be worn for longer periods of time. You can also get more customizations when you invest in an expensive wedding dress so this is why most people prefer them over other types of wedding dresses.