Planning a wedding can be an exciting and joyous time, but it can also be quite expensive. One of the most important aspects of any wedding is the wedding dress, which can be a significant investment. In this budget guide, we will provide you with all the information you would need to come up with a realistic budget as well as some tips and tricks to help you save money.
Set a Realistic Budget
Before you start shopping for a wedding dress, it’s essential to set a realistic budget. Your budget should include not only the cost of the dress but also any additional charges like appointment fees and accessories like a veil, shoes, jewellery, and alterations. The average cost of a wedding dress in the South Africa is around R10 000 to R25 000, but prices can vary greatly depending on the designer, embellishments, and style as well as whether the gown is new, and ‘off the rack’ sample, preloved, or hired.
Our appointment fees range between R300 and R500.
Buying New
When buying a new wedding dress, you have the opportunity to choose a dress that fits your style and personality perfectly. Buying new wedding dress ensures that it’s in pristine condition, and you won’t have to worry about any wear and tear that can come with buying a sample or second-hand dress. Buying a new wedding dress can become a cherished memory, and you can keep it as a family heirloom for generations to come. If you don’t want to hold onto your dress after the wedding, you can resell it to recoup your money. In this case, you should take good care of the gown and keep it in good condition to maximise your resale value. Consider selling it on online marketplaces or consignment stores like ours to maximize your chances of a sale.
Our new gowns are priced between R13 000 and R30 000.
Consider Second-hand Options
Buying a pre-loved wedding dress is a more affordable option than buying new. This can be especially helpful if you’re on a tight budget. You can find beautiful dresses that have only been worn once or even brand-new dresses that have never been worn at a fraction of the cost of a new dress. Buying a pre-loved wedding dress is an eco-friendly choice, as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with producing a new dress. Another real PRO to buying this kind of dress is that you are supporting a local seller who is looking to recoup their costs. It is a beautiful circle of giving and repurposing.
Our preloved gowns are priced between R6 500 and R15 000 but can vary depending on the calibre of each gown.
Rent a Dress
Hiring a wedding dress is becoming hugely popular to our post Covid brides who prioritize experiences over material possessions such as a wedding dress hanging in the cupboard. It can be a more affordable option than buying a new dress. You can choose from a wide range of designer dresses and styles and get to wear a luxury dress that you might not have been able to afford otherwise. This can be viewed as a more practical choice because you won’t have to worry about storing, reselling, or cleaning the dress after the wedding. Overall, this is an affordable, practical, and luxurious option for brides who want to wear a beautiful dress without breaking the bank.
Our hired gowns are priced between R6500 and R11 000 000 but can vary depending on the calibre of each gown.
Keep Alterations in Mind
Alterations is an important part of the wedding planning process. The cost of alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the changes needed and the amount of time required to complete them. Typically, alterations can range from R1000 to R3500, depending on the extent of the work. Common alterations include hemming, adjusting the waistline or bust, a train pick up and adding sleeves or straps. To save on costs, you can consider buying a dress that fits well and requires minimal alterations or opting for a simpler design that is easier and less expensive to alter. The more embellished a garment is, the more costly the alteration will be. By budgeting for alterations, you can ensure your dress fits perfectly on your special day without the shock of a last-minute invoice. Alterations can add up quickly, so be sure to keep them in mind when requesting changes to your dress.
Accessories
Accessories like veils, shoes, and jewellery are purchased after the dress. Some brides add this into their total wedding dress budget, others keep it separate. Here are some helpful budget saving tips you can apply if you wish. Choose shoes you will wear again and that truly reflect your personal style as best as possible. Jewellery is a lovely way to introduce the ‘Something Old’ tradition, like a family heirloom. Consider borrowing a friend’s veil to represent your ‘Something Borrowed’. Alternatively, you can hire your veil instead of purchasing it. This is a popular option as it is only worn for a couple of hours at the most.
Our veils hire out from R350 and sell from R950. Our jewellery range is available from R180 to R950 per piece.
Post Wedding Care
After your wedding day, it’s essential to have your dress cleaned and stored correctly.
Our store offers cleaning services from R450 per dress.
In conclusion, by setting a realistic budget, shopping around, considering second-hand options or renting a dress, keeping alterations in mind, choosing accessories wisely, and factoring in cleaning
and preservation costs, you can save money on your wedding dress and its accessories. With these tips, you can find the perfect dress without breaking the bank.