How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost? Let’s Break It Down
For many brides, picking out a wedding venue and a wedding dress is the best part of planning a wedding. However, the latter isn’t as simple nor affordable, and it can be a massive expense. In this guide, we’ll discuss wedding dress costs and a few different methods to help you save money while purchasing one.
What Is the Average Cost of a Wedding Dress in Australia?
The average price of a wedding gown in Australia is approximately $2,637. It’s also worth noting that this price factors in those who buy the dress off the rack or have their bridal gown custom made. However, that number also includes wedding dress alterations, like adding embellishments and appliques. Here are the average wedding dress prices per state:
- New South Wales – $2,918
- Victoria – $2,886
- Queensland – $2,038
- South Australia – $2,575
- Western Australia – $2,497
- Tasmania – $2,327
- Northern Territory – $2,625
- Australian Capital Territory – $2,024
High-end haute couture dresses can go upwards of $2,637, and some New York City wedding dress designers and bridal boutiques charge upwards of $4,606 (USD $3,376) for simple dresses, and over $13,600 for more extravagant models.
What Determines the Cost of a Wedding Dress?
Season
Purchasing the previous season’s designs can save you a great deal of money, which could be easily redirected to your wedding planning. Seasonal discount sales are also held by bridal salons, boutiques, and dress designers each winter and summer, to clear out dresses from previous collections. It’s entirely possible to save up to 20% by attending a sample sale or ordering at a trunk show.
Fabrics
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Alterations
All bridal dresses require alterations, whether they’re custom-made or off the rack. Even dresses that are made-to-measure might require smaller adjustments for a perfect fit. These alterations necessitate further charges, ranging from $75 to $250 for minor adjustments or upward of $500 for major alterations, such as adding sleeves or adjusting the neckline.
Embellishments
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Accessories
While you may feel like your wedding look is all about the dress, your bridal stylist will probably disagree. The dress is a centerpiece, but accessories like jewelry, shoes, lingerie and wedding hair are the complimenting pieces that complete your bridal look on your big day.
Preservation
Cleaning your gown requires additional budgeting, even if it’s not exactly part of your wedding dress shopping or appearance. However, after a day of dancing and rejoicing, you’ll want to get the dress professionally cleaned, whether you plan to give it, resale it, or alter it and wear it again. Since the typical cost of preservation is between $250 and $750, it’s an important cost to factor in.
Designer
Choosing a designer dress from Pnina Tornai, Vera Wang, or Oscar De La Renta can set you back more than just a couple of thousand. However, retailers such as The Sposa Group offer trendy and classic wedding dresses for a fraction of the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding wedding dress costs:
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Wedding Dress?
Renting a wedding gown might help you save up to 85% of the retail price of the dress. Simpler dresses can be rented for as little as $30, though prices typically range from $500 to $1,500 to rent. Renting can also help you save up to 50% on designer dresses.
Should I Buy From a National Chain or a Local Salon?
Nearly 85% of brides purchase their gown from a local bridal shop or a nearby outlet of a big chain. Both types of stores usually have a wide range of options to suit a wide range of budgets.
They may also sell dresses that you may buy off the rack rather than having them made to order. If you buy a sample that other potential brides have tried on, you might get a particularly good discount. These dresses are frequently discounted by 50% or more.
How Can I Save Money On a Wedding Dress?
There are many ways to cut costs when purchasing a wedding dress. For example, new designs come out every spring, so make sure to buy the dress during the off season. Shopping for a dress in the summer or winter can save you up to 80% off your perfect wedding dress.
Another way to save money is to look for sample sales. Bridal shops have to clear the floor as news designs arrive, and if you’re an “average” size, you might be able to get a dress for a quarter of the cost.
Summary
A wedding dress doesn’t have to be costly, if you know how to accessorize, and when and where to look for discounts. Otherwise, you can expect to pay up to $3,000 for a wedding dress, which still isn’t expensive compared to some designer pieces.
Regardless, if you’re looking for a wedding dress that won’t break the bank, visit us as at The Sposa Group, and use our budget filter to find an appropriately priced wedding dress.
