By Lei Lydle, Founder and Editor Last Updated: 11/15/2005 12:36:42 PM

If you are lucky you will find a dress that fits you perfectly off the rack and it will be on sale!!! But, most of us will not be so lucky so here are a few tips I have collected from friends and research.

Borrow a Gown and Anything Else That You Can

This is probably the best money-saving tip ever. If your mother, sister or friend has a dress that needs to be slightly altered, you can save a lot of money. Even if you spend $200 in alterations you are getting a bargain! Borrow a veil, shoes, garter, pearls, earrings, etc. Anything !!

Shop at a Consignment Store

Many consignment stores will sell or rent used bridal gowns. These gowns are always in good condition and may only cost you $200 - $400.

Rent a Gown

Again, you can rent a designer gown at a rental store instead of buying one. Rental stores will allow alterations.

Check the Classified Ads

You may be able to find a great deal in the Sunday paper. Many brides try to sell their dress several months after their wedding.

Hire a Seamstress

Many talented seamstresses can copy designer dresses for a fraction of the retail cost. Check out the patterns in fabric stores. If you see one you like, you should think about having your gown custom-designed by a local seamstress.

Sew it Yourself

If you can sew, why not? You can make a designer dress for approximately $200. Just be careful, bridal fabric is very hard to work with. I recommend you make the dress out of old sheets a couple of times so that you see how it will fit and you can learn to work with the harder sections. This way you won't waste any expensive fabric.

Buy a Sample Gown

Many bridal shops will sell their sample gowns throughout the year to make room for new gowns. Most of these gowns have been discontinued so they cannot be ordered. You can buy these gowns for 40% to 50% off of their original prices but you must be careful. Many of these dresses may be stained or stretched and they may be missing beads, etc. Most bridal stores take very good care of their samples so this shouldn't be a problem. The dress I ended up buying was a sample dress and it was wonderful. It was marked down from $1350 to $760 and if fit perfectly so I didn't have to spend any money on alterations.

Buy a White Bridesmaid's Dress

If you are having an informal wedding, you can buy a bridesmaids dress in white. Some bridesmaids' dresses have full skirts and would make beautiful bridal gowns for a fraction of the cost.

Shop at Discount Bridal Stores

You can find some very nice dresses starting at approximately $250.

Swap the Fabric

This is a tip that I found in a great book called Bridal Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields. If you find a dress that you like but it is made out of an expensive fabric such as silk, ask if the manufacturer offers the same style in a less-expensive fabric.

Comments (30)

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Posted by: Lei Lydle, Editor from on 11/15/2005 12:36:21 PM

Ladies, I see quite a few people have posted gowns for sale here. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. The comments area is a place to share comments, ideas and ask questions. This is not eBay and we do not allow selling through these posts. If you choose to do this anyway and it slips by our small staff, you are at your own risk. We know of at least one bride who was swindled out of approx. $4000 after posting her gown. Please be aware that if you post your email address ANYWHERE on the Internet, you are opening yourself up to criminals and spammers. Please sell your gowns on eBay and link to your eBay gown from here or something but PLEASE do not post your email address or try to sell your gown here. Also, if you have already listed your gown here we will be going through the database and removing all of the posts related to selling gowns. Sorry - it is for your own protection! I would hate for anyone else to get swindled! ~ Lei

Posted by: Janet from Grayson, GA on 10/11/2005 10:19:16 PM

Chelsea's Closet, in Snellville, is a wonderful Consignment Shop. They have great prices on new and consigned wedding dresses & veils. They offer great personal attention to all of your wedding needs.

Posted by: Claire from Duluth Ga 30096 on 10/3/2005 8:18:39 AM

Hi there, I am looking for a reasonably priced gown. I am a size 4 in regular clothing, so probably a 6 in a wedding gown. Open to any styles, preferably a stapless. Please e-mail me @ xhosa770@aol.com Wedding Date: April 8th 06

Posted by: R. Eberhardt from Chicago, Illinois on 10/2/2005 7:35:51 PM

I am selling an ivory, silk mikado Inez Di Santo wedding dress (strapless with slight sweetheart neck) and a matching shawl. Orig. price for dress and shawl was $2,300. The dress is a size 6, but I had it tailored to fit me - I'm 5'3'' and a size 0 (at Jcrew that is). Please email me at reberhardt@sidley.com if you are interested.

Posted by: Joie from Lebanon, PA on 9/21/2005 6:40:30 PM

Hi, I have a beautiful size 4 mermaid style wedding dress to sell. It was purchased from Kaufmann's Bridal World before they went out of business. Original price was $470. I'm willing to sell for $200. (Gown was a sample, but never worn at my wedding. I realized after I bought it I needed an ivory gown and Kaufmann's doesn't exist anymore to take it back)!! This is from Sweetheart Gowns, style number 2456. You can see a picture of it at http://www.thebridalworld.com/2456.html off the shoulder with a slight scoop neck, empire waistline, mermaid flare bottom, chapel train, crepe and chiffon. pearled venise lace appliques along the neckline, under the bust, flowing out of the flared skirt, and along the train. the back laces up corset style. The antique bow in the picture is not on my dress-the laceup string simply ties in a bow. I don't know if this is a casualty of being a sample- but I like it better without the bow. I'm pretty simple in my tastes. If you're interested in this dress email me at knql@iup.edu Wedding Date: 5/13/05

Posted by: A. Carter from Athens, Georgia on 9/15/2005 1:38:08 PM

I have a size 6-8 white wedding dress for sale. The wedding was cancelled; therefore, the dress is waiting to be worn. It was originally $2200 from Casa Di Moda. There is a cathedral length matching veil and tiara. It is a strapless, form fitting, with a sheer overlay and train. Pictures are available. Wedding Accessories also available – shoes (size 9), sign in book, candle, and fountain pen. If you are interested email – ar_carter@hotmail.com Wedding Date: NA

Posted by: Kate from Northridge, CA on 9/6/2005 7:08:44 PM

I just got married, renewal vows actually since we did the Las Vegas thing first, and would love to let someone else buy my dress and get the same joy out of it I did. For those wanting new gowns, I did the looking on eBay, etc. but did not know of any consignment places, so I ended up at David's Bridal at one of their sales. They really are pretty good if you get the right sales person. The dress is quite heavy and well made. It is a halter (style V8377). Gorgeous! The train made me feel like a model! It is a size 16. Such a shame if I must box it and pack it away. I will include the crinoline that I purchased as well. Good luck to all in finding that special dress. You will know it when you find it! I will negotiate price, since I know many are on a budget just like I was for my wedding. hkpep@yahoo.com. Wedding Date: 09/04/05

Posted by: Christine from Kennesaw,GA on 9/1/2005 2:58:34 PM

I have a beautiful, size 4-6 (I think) white wedding dress for sale. It was originally $1800 and has been preserved. There is also a pillbox hat with a cathedral length veil, as well as a detatchable train.......the dress is form fitting, sleeveless, and backless to right above the waist. Without the train, you are free to walk without stepping on anything.......so nice!.. Pictures are available (....with me in it....so sorry.........) questions or interests: email me at c.seeger@comcast.net

Posted by: gina from Roswell, GA on 8/30/2005 7:49:45 PM

Unique Consignment Boutique is a great consignment shop in historic Roswell that has bridal, you can consign your dress or find a really great deal on one . email me for the info ginasinc5@yahoo.com

Posted by: cj from atlanta on 8/29/2005 10:44:02 PM

can you tell me where there are consignment shops or shops to rent gowns in atlanta area Wedding Date: april

Posted by: Brandi from Dothan, AL on 8/11/2005 4:59:18 PM

People thought where I got my dress was a little risky, but I could not be any happier with it. I bought my dress on Ebay for $148 (was a dummy model, never worn, no stains, tags still on!! Alfred Angelo gown). I had found the dress on plus size websites, but everyone wanted $600-$800 for it. I got bored one night and started doing a search on the net for that model number and tah dah...there it is! It is a size smaller than I normally wear, but heck..there's incentive to lose weight. I was very hesitant at first to purchase it, but I knew it was THE dress. Just trust your judgement ladies and ask LOTS of questions if you go the Ebay route. Wedding Date: April 8th, 2006

Posted by: Nikki from Stone Mountain, Ga on 8/11/2005 1:39:20 PM

Hi, I am looking for a Discontinued Mon Cheri Wedding Dress Style #13234 size 6 or 8. It is a Halter Neckline, Mock two piece gown with beading on bodice, Mermaid style with Detachable Semi Cathedral Train Ivory in color. I have been looking for this dress everywhere. If you know where I can locate this dress. Please send me an email. I will greatly appreciate it. jenkins_nicole2002@yahoo.com Thanks, Nikki Wedding Date: June 2006

Posted by: Alycia from Gainesville, GA on 8/8/2005 5:39:46 PM

I too have a wedding dress to sell. It's a gorgeous OLEG CASSINI. Size 16.It's what I would call classy swan lake style. It's white-white, strapless satin bodiced, drop waist, with a silver/white/glass beaded trim at waist, with a layered tulle skirt. I paid $1100.00 for it and am selling it for $600, but I am willing to negotiate on the price. I could not have been happier with my dress, and it looks GREAT in pictures! Please contact me if you are interested. -Alycia alyciajademunoz@hotmail.com Wedding Date: n/a

Posted by: Veronica from Stone Mountain, GA on 8/2/2005 3:38:35 PM

Hello, I have a beautiful cream/white strapless wedding gown framed with pearl beading at the bust, down the back and at the base. It"s a size 6 and was origionally purchased for $1.300. I'm looking to sell it for $900. I also have a gorgeous tiara and matching veil. If interested my e-mail address is tymy222@yahoo.com Wedding Date: N/A

Posted by: Karla Simmons from Rome, GA on 7/27/2005 9:30:16 PM

Hello, Thank you very much for your replies to my first email. I have now found a dress, but I am looking for a veil. My dress is white with beadwork. If anyone has a veil please email me pictures. flyhigh_42@yahoo.com. Thank you! Wedding Date: May 13, 2006

Posted by: Karen Clark from Roswell, GA on 7/22/2005 7:56:45 PM

I have a beautiful, never worn, Bridals by Lori "original" gown. I cancelled my wedding and was never able to wear it. It is a size 12(8) but they said it could be altered down to a 8(4). It is strapless with a crystal beading bodice and has a corset back. It has a cathedral length train with the beading continued all the way out. It is gathered to one side in the front and then opens at the bottom to reveal the same beading that is on the bodice. It looks a lot like the Maggie Sottero Davina Marie which can be viewed on that website. I paid $1200 but would be willing to sell it for $600. If you are interested, please email me and I can send you pictures or arrange for you to see it! clarkk1@fultonschools.org Wedding Date: n/a

Posted by: Sarah from Norcross,GA on 7/21/2005 2:13:35 PM

I have a size 6 wedding dress worn once. I would love to sell it either to consignment or to an individual. It was $800 retail and I would like to get $300 for it. If interested or if anyone knows of consignment stores, please email me at srhnvl@yahoo.com. I would be glad to email pictures. Thanks!

Posted by: Theresa from Atlanta, GA on 7/13/2005 2:09:25 PM

I agree with the methods of saving on gowns. Wish I had know this before. I would like to find a consignment wedding store in the Atlanta Georgia area. I have an Alfred Angelo Mermaid (size 12) designer wedding gown that I would like to try to sell. The dress is awesome! please email: tadrummond@dhr.state.ga.us or call 404-656-9292 with info. Wedding Date: April 24, 2005

Posted by: shonda favors from decatur georgia on 7/10/2005 11:20:31 PM

I have a beautiful, strapless, size22 white beaded gown purchased at David's Bridal for $700.00. Would like to sell for $300.00, including veil. In excellent condition, already cleaned, and ready to wear.A- line and georgeous. Let me make your wedding day beautiful!!! Call me at 770-322-8774 Wedding Date: 05/11/2002

Posted by: LE from Atlanta,GA on 7/4/2005 1:02:31 PM

Looking for reasonably priced wedding gown. Need size 14 petite(if possible) in ivory, off white, or champaign strapless gown eakin4@juno.com. Wedding Date: 07/30/05

Posted by: LE from Atlanta,GA on 7/4/2005 12:57:51 PM

Looking all over for gown at a reasonable price. Need a 14 petite( if possible) off white, ivory, or champaign strapless gown. Wedding Date: 07/30/05

Posted by: Dana Finch from Atlanta, GA on 6/30/2005 11:51:58 AM

I am looking to purchase a bridal gown for approximately $250. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can go. My preference is a strapless or halter gown with a sheath silhouette and empire bodice. Thanks. Wedding Date: 10/8/05

Posted by: Karla Simmons from Rome, Ga on 6/29/2005 8:36:44 PM

I am looking to buy a wedding dress. I really want a strapless dress. I am petite, but I am sure that they can alter anything. I am on a really small budget. Thanks! My email is flyhigh_42@yahoo.com Wedding Date: May 13, 2006

Posted by: Karla Simmons from Rome, Ga on 6/29/2005 8:36:25 PM

I am looking to buy a wedding dress. I really want a strapless dress. I am petite, but I am sure that they can alter anything. I am on a really small budget. Thanks! My email is flyhigh_42@yahoo.com Wedding Date: May 13, 2006

Posted by: sherie blumberg from marietta georgia on 6/29/2005 12:54:18 AM

I would like to find a consignment wedding store in the Atlanta Georgia area. I have a 100% silk designer wedding gown that I would like to try to sell. Thank you sherieblumberg@bellsouth.net Wedding Date: na

Posted by: Dorinda from Hampton, Ga on 5/6/2005 10:29:28 PM

I have a beautiful wedding gown that has only been worn once and I would like to sell it to a consignment shop. I bought it from David's Bridal. Do you know have a listing of any shops here in Atlanta? Please send me an email : the_littles@bellsouth.net Dorinda Wedding Date: 3-23-2002

Posted by: lee from trinidad on 1/21/2005 2:22:02 PM

Don't you have a site that can teach someone how to sew a wedding gown?? i really hope that you do. lee. Wedding Date: april 10

Posted by: Chandra from Eastpoint,GA on 12/27/2004 8:44:32 AM

I have a wedding gown that is gorgeous just for the spring/summer time. I need some information on maybe stores or anyone who would be interested in purchasing this gown. chandra_mahoney@hotmail.com (678) 437 2210 Thanks, Chandra Mahoney Wedding Date: n/a

Posted by: Chandra from Eastpoint,GA on 12/27/2004 8:43:56 AM

I have a wedding gown that is gorgeous just for the spring/summer time. I need some information on maybe stores or anyone who would be interested in purchasing this gown. Thanks, Chandra Mahoney Wedding Date: n/a

Posted by: Lynn from Atlanta, ga on 4/12/2004

Hi!! I have just canceled my wedding & I was wondering if you knew of any places that might want to buy my gown. I have never worn it & its still in the bag it came in..I am new to this so just looking for some advice. enigmalmc@yahoo.com Wedding Date: 5/22/04