~Shop Around~
Buying a wedding gown may quite possibly be the most expensive garment you will purchase in your lifetime so when you find “the one”, don’t plunk down your credit card just yet. If you have the time (both in regards to lead time to order the dress and for fittings & alterations) shop around. Many stores in your area most likely carry the same gown, and prices are not necessarily the same across the board. When you find the lowest price, see if another store is willing to beat the lowest price and/or include alterations which can add hundreds of dollars more to your final dress budget.
~Closeout Stores~
These closeout stores are becoming more popular and growing in major cites. Some have “pretty” names and a boutique-like feel so you can still have the beautiful shopping experience of buying retail. They buy closeouts and/or sample gowns from well known manufacturers and sell them at a steep discount.
~Trunk Shows~
Check online at the manufacturer’s website and see if there is a trunk show scheduled in your area. It is customary to give a 10% discount on the day of the sale.
~Buy Out of State~
If you live in an area where a nearby states has considerably less or even better no sales tax, purchase your gown from the neighboring state. This is usually a good option if the other store is within reasonable driving distance or the store has multiple locations and the gown can be bought and then transferred over to the store near you.
