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 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 priority’s, and personally I would skimp on transport. A DIY bride may make her own 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 percentage allocated then shave some off another expense. I know this is hard to do. Ok thats all I have to say on budget, let talk about how we try to stay within your price point when you visit Leah S Designs.
Ascertaining your wedding dress style
Once you come to us, we will get you to fill out a bridal registration form. We will need your contact details, styles of dresses you like, venue and price point. If your not sure of what you like do some
investigation on our web site or Pinterest. Some times its ok to put down what you don’t like in regards to dress styles. Another important 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 are possibly not going to want to try on a full ballgown with long sleeves.
How we will work within your price point.
Then you circle your desired price point under $899, $1200, $2000 and under $2500. The more simple the dress the lower the price, If you are looking for a ballgown with beading its going to be over $1200, but not by much. Budget is not a dirty word, but I think 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 out a selection of dresses that will match what you have filled out in the information sheet. As you try on, tell us what you like and dislike about the aspects of each gown. Then we may make other suggestions to try on if you are guiding away from your initial likes.
Guests
If you are bringing guests with you, expect that they will try to dress you in their style, so keep strong 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!
Don’t forget about alterations
Alterations are annoying but unless you are six foot tall you are going to need at the 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 a lace trim on the hem line because of the difficultly involved in shortening these types of wedding dresses.
Sometimes you will need other changes, like taking in the bodice and adjusting the straps. If you want a comprehensive price list send me an email 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.
Wedding jewellery
There is no need to spend a fortune on wedding jewellery. Leah S Designs has the entire range of Hello Lovers wedding jewellery in store. It looks like the real thing but very affordably priced.