She Strengthens

The Surprising Story of How I Found My Dream Wedding Dress for a Steal

When I started planning my wedding, I had a budget of $1,500 in mind for the entire event. My mom had offered to contribute, but I knew she didn’t have that kind of money lying around, so I was prepared to cover most of the costs myself. I figured it was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and my fiancé and I could make it work.

The Importance of the Dress

Wedding dresses often make up a large portion of the overall budget. According to The Knot, the average dress costs $1,631, including alterations. I had heard that the dress was a crucial part of having a perfect wedding, so I was willing to splurge a bit.

A Chance Encounter

My mom flew in from Indiana to help me try on dresses at David’s Bridal. As we walked in, I spotted a simple white strapless dress with little dots on it. My mom thought the fabric was called Swiss dot. I tried it on, and we both loved it. But I had no intention of buying a dress from the store. I wanted to explore other options.

The Decision to Buy

As we left David’s Bridal, the saleswoman informed us that the dress was on sale for $299. If we bought it the next day, it would cost $399. My mom and I loved a good sale, and we talked about how pretty the dress was. I felt comfortable in it, and it was very much my style. We decided to take the plunge and buy it.

A Comparison to High-End Dresses

The next day, we visited a boutique store in Annapolis. The shop had a wide selection of high-end dresses, and I tried on several. But as I put on each dress, I realized that they weren’t any more comfortable or softer than the one I had already bought. In fact, some of them had beading that rubbed against my skin. I felt relieved and confident in my decision to go with the David’s Bridal dress.

The Lead-Up to the Wedding

After deciding on the dress, I scoured the Internet for reviews and tips on how to make it look nicer. I made a list of alterations to make, including changing the zipper, adding a slip underneath, and finishing the tulle layer with a seam. My anxiety died down, but I did reconsider the dress several times during the eight months leading up to the wedding.

The Big Day

On the day of the wedding, I put on the dress and felt like a million bucks. It fit like a bodysuit, and my bridesmaids teared up when they saw me. I felt strong, gorgeous, and wholly myself. The dress was perfect, and I didn’t worry about the cost. It had done its duty – it had clothed me while I married the man of my dreams.

Lessons Learned

In the end, I spent $450 on alterations and around $900 total on the dress, shoes, and accessories. I came in under budget, but not as far under as I expected. The experience taught me that sometimes, the most unexpected choices can lead to the best outcomes. A dress for $300 was exactly the right one for me.