Why Do Wedding Gowns Cost So Gosh Darn Much?

So, you're ready to buy what is probably the most expensive garment you'll ever buy.  They certainly cost much more than a street dress off the rack at a department store, or your most pricey prom dress!  But why do they cost so much?

There is no quick, simple answer, so let's just chat about it!

Department store dresses (like something you'd get at JCPenney or Kohl's) are made by the thousands.  And we all know that when anything is made in bulk, the price goes down.  Also, with just a change of fabric, they can use virtually the same pattern and create a completely different look.  Not so with a wedding gown; while there are many, many shades of white, designers are pretty much stuck with one color.  This means that designers have to be very creative and the dresses are very complex.  This requires more pattern pieces, more sewing, etc - and this makes the price go up.

And then there are all the components.  Many times, different items come from different parts of the world; for example, the lace may come from Europe, the pearls from Mexico, etc.  It takes time, effort and postage to gather all these wonderful things before the actual dress construction can begin.  This also drives up the price.

And when you order your gown, the bridal salon will order it from the manufacturer; and it will be made at that time.  Gowns are expensive and time consuming to make, and it's better for the manufacturer to make them on an "as needed" basis, rather than have racks of gowns left over after they go out of style.  And speaking of style, it changes quite quickly.  That means that manufacturers have to keep on top of trends, and that adds to the cost, too.

All of this pertains to most gowns - but what about those high end designers like Monique Lillhuier and Vera Wang?  Why do those cost so much?  Well, they are top designers, so they use the top of the line components in their gowns.  And it's a simple fact that you're paying extra for their name.  If a designer dress is important to you, then you will probably pay more for it.

Finally, let's toss in all those little added costs that just seem incidental:  some manufacturers send the dress out of the country to be beaded  (more $); the final check at the manufacturer: steaming, packing, cleaning (more $); the cost of shipping to your bridal shop (more $);  the pressing, packing and paperwork at the salon (more $), and the profit that the bridal salon will make on the gown (more $).  With the exception of sending the dress out for details like beading, you can expect to pay for these things anytime you purchase a garment, be it a wedding gown or a sweater.  But with a wedding gown, the pressing and steaming is more work (if you've got an 8-foot train like I did, that's a lot of steam!), and keep in mind it is a specialized garment.

So, if you're looking to save money on a wedding gown, there's not a lot of options, but there are a few.  Here's a couple of tips:
~ Be open.  You can't be really picky if you're looking for a bargain.
~ Ask the bridal salon salesperson to show you things on sale.  They may have something you just love!
~ Huge retailers like David's Bridal often have $99 sales.  Keep in mind these are gowns that are on their way out of style, are store samples, or have been returned or ordered wrong.  Again, keep an open mind.
~ Consider wearing someone eles's gown.  While most brides want their own dress, what about Grandma's or Great Aunt Pearl's gown?  Just keep in mind that if it's in bad shape, it may cost more to have it altered and repaired than it may cost to purchase your own gown.
~ Have someone make it for you. Remember, you don't get to try it on until it's almost finished, and it may not be the most flattering once it's made.  Secondly, choose a professional seamstress, and call her former clients for references.  I once attended a wedding where the bride's aunt made her gown...and it looked like it.  Her bridesmaids outshined her.  Poor thing!

I believe one of the most important tip I can give anyone when purchasing a bridal gown is simple - set a dollar amount that you don't want to go over and stick with it.  Don't try on dresses that are out of your price range, or you'll find one that you can't have, and everything you can afford will seem like it's second rate.

Some information in this blog was taken from Bride's Magazine, February, 2011.

Next time on this blog - "Where Should You Buy Your Dress?"

For more important information on purchasing a wedding gown, finding a good photographer, or some help on your wedding day, give me a call or text at 513-407-7165.  I offer free consultations, and I can fit in any budget!!  Check out my website, too - www.innobrations.com