Setting a budget

You will know whether you have a few hundred Euros, a few thousand or an amount in between to spend on your wedding gown. As already stated in another blog posted here, if money is no object go for couture. If you've seen a stunning dress, fallen in love with it, but it is beyond your means where else in your budget can you make savings or cuts for your gown?  We'll go into purchasing second-hand or at sales later, as well as hiring. But let's assume for now you want a new dress.

Unless you have pots of money, put the cash in the dress and not into €300 shoes. No-one ever remembers the shoes and most don't even see them!

Bridesmaids and pageboys: how many are you having and do you need them all? Do you need any? If you are not walking down a church aisle, and even if you are, there is no rule stating you are required to have them. You can save hundreds of Euros, thousends even, by cutting down their number or eliminating them altogether. Don't spend a fortune on young children, either, because they may refuse to wear the outfit on the day.

It is also worth considering that an older bridesmaid, particularly a family member, might be happy to pay for their outfit leaving you more money to spend on yours. But if you expect this of a bridesmaid you need to establish it with them early on.

Accessories, what can you borrow? Has a friend recently married, and would they lend you their veil or tiara? Who has got jewellery they could offer? You could save a substantial sum by borrowing and put it all towards your gown.

If you have troubles finding something beautiful within your budget, you could explore purchasing a simple dress which costs lees to make. Just because a gown has got "bells and whistles" on it does not mean it is the best. Simple but beautifully cut is better value.

Therefore, find out what simpler made-to-measure gowns cost in comparison with the made-to-wear dresses. Similarly, instead of paying for an intricate made-to-measure design, consider what you might get at a comparable price from a coulture collection. You might be surprised by the price some designers and coutiers charge for one of their simpler gowns. Compared with the more expensive made-to-measure dresses they are affordable! Mention you are on a tight budget when you phone them to make an appointment. Don't be embarrassed, if they can't work within that budget they will tell you. If they can, then when they see you, they won't waste your time, or theirs, showing you dozens of outfits beyond your means. And wherever you purchase your dress, if they care about what they are doing, they will want you to be happy with both the service and the end result. No-one wants an unhappy bride!