Budgets, and what to expect when shopping for your wedding dress.

If your like me, you want the dress you are dreaming of and of course, value for your mula. I expect you are savvy when shopping. You girls are smart and have done your planning and research but what’s wrong with being even more prepared with my wedding budget guide below.

When you first started planning your wedding, did you do a budget plan? I really hope you have, I will assume so, these are the average break down in percentages of what to spend on what .

Wedding budget example

Budget planning is not just for your dress but for the entire wedding.

• Usually, 40% goes to venue and catering,
• 15% to photography,
• 10% music,
• 10% flowers,
• 10% decor,
• 5% attire,
• 3% transport,
• 3% Stationary
• 2% Favors
• 2% cake.

Also, check out our blog on including your friends in your wedding.

It all depends on priorities, and personally, I would skimp on transport. A DIY bride may make her wedding favors and invitations. A fashion-conscious bride may shave some from other categories to spend on her wedding dress and accessories.

If one expense is more than the allocated percentage, shave some off another cost. I know this is hard to do. Ok, that’s all I have to say about the budget. Let’s talk about how we try to stay within your price point when you visit Leah S Designs.

Ascertaining your style within your wedding budget.

Once you come to us, we will get you to fill out a bridal registration form. We will need your contact details, the styles of dresses you like, the venue, and the price point. If you’re not sure of what you want, do some investigation on our website or Pinterest.

Sometimes it’s ok to put down what you don’t like in regard to dress styles. Another critical piece is the location of the wedding, as this will set the tone for the style of dresses we try on.

For example, a simple beach wedding in the middle of summer, you may not want to try on a full ballgown style with long sleeves. So the time of year is important, be it a summer or winter wedding, a bride must look fabulous but comfortable.

How we will work within your price point.

Then you circle your desired price point under $899, $1200, $2000, and under $2500. The simpler the dress, the lower the price, If you are looking for a ballgown with beading, it will be over $1200, but not by much. Budget is not a dirty word, but I think the price point is a nicer word (thank you, “say yes to the dress”).

Finding your dream wedding dress

Once you fill out your information, we will go out the back and choose a selection of dresses that match what you have filled out in the information sheet. You will also be able to look through our extensive range in our bridal showroom.
You may want to try on all the pretty wedding dresses on display; however, your appointment usually lasts 1 Hour. It is a good plan not to try on wedding dresses just because your bridesmaids want to see you in a full ballgown, and you have a January Summer wedding planned.
As you try on, please tell us what you like and dislike about the aspects of each gown. Then we may make other suggestions if you guide away from your initial likes.
Sometimes you may be surprised by a gown you hadn’t thought you would like. Don’t fight it if the gown talks to you; listen.

Guests

If you bring guests, expect they will try to dress you in their style, so keep firm to your ideal. Maybe in the car, say, “I’m the bride, and this is what I’m looking for. If you are on a strict budget, also say, “If you make me try on a dress that’s over my budget, you will be paying the extra” that will stop them! We understand that you want to include everyone in choosing your gown. But it is a good idea to keep your guests to a minimum. Choosing the most important people in your life that have similar tastes to you. It is also Ok to come on your own and choose a gown and then invite a select few back to see your choice.

Remember, alterations in your budget. 

Alterations are annoying, but unless you are six feet tall, you will need at least the hem shortened. Depending on the dress, the costs for a hem can vary from $100 to $550.

A lace hem will cost a lot more as the lace will have to be removed, shortened then the lace is sewn back on. For years I refused to design dresses with lace trim on the hemline because of the difficulty and cost in shortening these types of wedding dresses. But sometimes, a bridal design must have this gorgeous hemline to complete the artful design.

Sometimes you will need other changes, like taking in the bodice and adjusting the straps. Email me if you want a comprehensive price list, and I will send you a current alteration price list.

Also, wedding dress alterations are usually done about 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding and paid for then. Our post on 5 things to do at your final fitting may be helpful.

Wedding jewellery

There is no need to spend a fortune on wedding jewellery. Leah S Designs has the entire Hello Lovers wedding jewellery range in store. It looks like the real thing but is very affordably priced.

Also this may be an opportunity to borrow a necklace or wear an heirloom jewellery piece from a grandmother or if your really lucky a great grandmother for luck. Try to choose accessories to compliment your gown and don’t overdo it.