Shows like TLC’s “Say Yes To The Dress” and “Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta” share with the world the magical moment that comes to every bride when she finds the dress of her dreams. Besides the few seconds shown asking the bride their budget, what these shows do not show are the multiple other costs and fees that go into that perfect dress. It is important for every bride to remember that just the cost of the dress is not their only worry. When deciding your total dress budget, make sure to leave a cushion for things like alterations and accessories.
Melissa Estess with The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe told LTEC it is important for a bride to remember the cost of accessories like earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pieces for her hair or veil and sashes or belts. Most bridal salons, like MaeMe, offer gown storage until the wedding date, which is an additional fee per month. Alterations, whether at the salon or a tailor, must be added into a brides dress budget as well. Costs for alterations can be anywhere from $50 to a couple hundred dollars.* We also suggest adding the price for your wedding shoes into the dress budget since it is part of the full wedding look. – when organizing your budget, add an overall budget for your wedding look with subcategories for accessories, shoes, etc.
Finding and buying your dream dress should still be one of the best moments of your wedding planning, but planning ahead for extra costs adequately prepares a bride and her family and avoids any drama that money could bring. So plan ahead and prepare for one magical, fashion moment.
*The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe offers 1 steam or press with the purchase of in house alterations. Each additional steam, if the bride decides on taking formal pictures or would just like a touchup is an additional cost.