First, I'd like to preface this post with another FAQ: When to order your dress. I don't have enough on this one to warrant an entire post, but I cannot stress it enough: order it yesterday! Look, 6 months is the average lead time for getting your dress in the door of the shop you ordered it from. 6 months! From the day you order it until you see it! That's a long time! Then you need a couple of months to secure time for alterations! Order it yesterday, the dress should be the first thing you cross off your list, besides (of course) the date.
Anyhoo, back to the budget.
A lot of brides when they're first starting their search set a tentative and loose budget, based on their budget for the wedding. Industry standards state that the attire for the bride AND groom should be 10% of the budget, so that's the first thing you should take into consideration...your man! But back to you...
When you're out shopping for a dress, pretend like you're shopping for a car. A new car. Straight from the factory, right of the dealer's floor. You know darn well that the price on that sticker is not what you're going to pay for that vehicle. Well, the dress is the same way. Decide on the budget for the dress, then consider subtracting $500-$1000, because that's what you'll end up spending in addition to that price tag.
Here's how it might break down, or, all the things that could spike the cost of that lovely ensemble:
- Rush Fees: sure, 6 months lead time sounds like a lot. So does 4. The truth is, many manufacturers will charge a rush fee to get it to you in less than 4 months, sometimes they'll charge it for less than 6. This fee could be $150, or it could be a percentage of the dress price. In any case, be sure that you have the salesperson call to confirm a ship date, and be sure that there won't be any surprise rush fees that you hadn't anticipated.
- Alterations: duh! Everyone thinks of this, but instead of "price shopping" for your alterations, just budget it into your dress cost. Alterations are so difficult to estimate, but if you have several layers of fabric, beading, lace, or an extra long train on your gown, your alterations could cost you a pretty penny. Please please please find a reputable tailor or alterationist in your area, and budget between $150 and $500 for those alterations.
- Extra Length: If you're taller than 5'8", chances are very very good that you'll have to order extra length for your hemline. Most manufacturers will bet that the average woman will not be taller (and they're right), and won't waste precious material to accommodate taller women unless asked to. Prices vary, but I would expect to pay $100 at least, more for expensive materials and depending on the manufacturer.
- Custom Measurements: I know this sounds like a BS fee made up by manufacturers to get your cash, because custom measurements doesn't mean you'll get out of alterations (you'll probably still need them). But if your sales person suggests custom measurements, please listen. They may take a custom bodice measurement from "hollow" to waist, especially if you're short waisted or longer waisted than the sample. They may take "hollow" to hem, especially if it's a lace dress or one that's hard to hem...this will save you a ton of money in the long run! Or, if you have a major size discrepancy from the girls to the booty (like yours truly), they may have you pay extra to get a little bit better fit. UGH. It can range from $100 and up, depending on how intense the dress is and who the manufacturer is, but if you're spending money here, it's less in the long run.
- Extras: They can add up! Petticoat? $75. Bustier to suck the tummy in and hold the ladies up? $125! Body smoothers, especially for fitted gowns: $60-180. Dry cleaning: $150. Preserving the gown: $150. See what I mean? Make sure there's room in your budget for these extremely important items!
Then, of course there's the shoes, the sash, the bolero, the vintage brooch from that estate jeweler...Ay ay ay!
I don't need to tell you all those things add up fast. Let's do a little experiment...
Take this amazing and fabulous dress from Jim Hjelm:
Love it! I have no idea what this dress retails for, but if I had to venture a liberal guess, I'd say $2500. WOAH! I know, way out of most budgets, but this isn't your money, this is an experiment so calm down.
So, we start with the dress. $2500
You were really good about getting started early, so there's no rush fee. Yay!
You are, however, long waisted, so you had to get a custom measurement from "hollow" to waist (the hollow is that cute little soft spot between your collarbones). $100
You don't want to get caught holding the bill for that alencon lace hem, so you decide to do a custom "hollow" to hem measurement too. $250
The dress comes in, and fits pretty good. You got a big ol' Greek booty, so it's a little loose in the bodice, and the skirt needs to be taken in a touch to flatter your figure a little more. Oh yeah, and the straps are a little long. $125
Couldn't wear a regular bra 'cause the back is so open, so you just bought that stick'em bra from Nordy's: $40
Thigh smoother, just so you won't worry about it: $60
Dry cleaning after the wedding (decided against preservation and opted for an archival bag instead) $175
Total Cost to you: $3250, and that's without shoes and accessories.
The difference: $750!!! Ouch!
See what I mean? Work those things into your budget, remember all those little extras at the end, and you'll remain (relatively) stress free!
Phew!
Love,
Sara