Despite what bridal magazines may have led you to believe, a wedding dress doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. With such a wide range of dresses available, how do you figure out what number will get you the type of dress you’re longing for? What’s the average cost of a wedding dress? Wedding gowns at Normans Bridal range from $800-3,000. Several factors can affect the number on the price tag; however, the average cost is $1,300.
Factors That Influence the Average Cost of a Wedding Dress
Type of Fabric
As with any clothing item, the quality of the fabric can cause the average cost of a wedding dress to increase. Silk is one of the most expensive wedding dress materials (source). While its luster, beauty, and smooth touch make it well worth the price point, consider going with a satin dress to get a similar look and feel if you’re on a budget. Satin comes with a lower price point because it is often made out of a blend of silk and a man-made material like rayon or nylon. Chiffon, another material option, varies in price depending on the blend. Some chiffons are made out of silk, while others are made of rayon, so luckily you won’t have to forgo the light and airy look of chiffon due to a modest budget.
The Details
If you’re a huge fan of lace, beadwork, bling, or layers and layers of fabric, you’ll need to set a little extra money aside and perhaps pay a bit more than the average cost of a wedding dress. The more details on a dress, the more time and effort must go into making that dress. If you’re trying to cut costs and don’t want to skimp on fabric quality, go with a simple, elegant dress. A gown with fewer details can look timeless. If you feel like something is missing, you can add a beaded belt and beautiful jewelry that you can wear again on your wedding anniversary or other special occasions. Adding a veil is another way to give more of a detailed look to a basic dress without breaking the bank.Â
The Designer
If you’re excited to purchase a wedding gown from a particular designer, research their dresses’ price range to make sure it fits your budget. And if it doesn’t, don’t give up hope! Bring along pictures of your favorite dresses by that designer when you go to try on dresses. Often, you can find a dress with the same look, feel, and quality for a fraction of the cost. In addition, remember that very few people will be able to recognize whether or not your dress was designed by a big name. What’s most important is how you feel in your dress.
The Train
A wedding dress with a long train will typically cost more than similar dresses with shorter trains. Choosing a more modest train – or even no train at all – is an easy way to lower the cost of your dress. Remember that most brides end up bustling their dress’s train for the wedding reception anyway.
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Once you’ve set your wedding dress budget, it’s time to let the fun of dress shopping begin! Stop by Normans Bridal, a full-service bridal salon located in downtown Springfield, Missouri. Our knowledgeable bridal stylists love what they do and look forward to helping you select the perfect wedding dress to fit your budget. We also have a wide selection of accessories and bridesmaid gowns to make your wedding day planning a little easier. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment or fitting, please call us at 417-866-9800.