Your Wedding Dress: 6 Hidden Costs Revealed

All those years of pinning wedding dresses and dreaming of your big day- it’s finally coming to life! But I bet you weren’t dreaming of your wedding gown budget too. You may be thinking this is an obvious question, have a determined gown budget, or you may be feeling a little stressed out. Either way, we have you covered! This list of six costs will fill you in on everything you need to know about your gown budget so there won’t be any surprises!

Cost #1: Ticket Price

The ticket price, otherwise known as the obvious cost when the words “dress budget” comes to mind. It’s as simple as that, this is the price of the gown. You can buy made-to-order, which will take roughly 4-6 months to arrive, or buy off the rack. If you’re shopping a bit closer to your wedding, there may be rush fees incurred ($150-300). Another great way to save even more on your dream dress is by scouring sample sales and attending trunk shows (which will usually save you about 10-20%).

Cost #2: Alterations

Fit is everything! Especially pertaining to your wedding dress- fit and alterations go hand in hand. That being said, it’s essential to set aside part of the budget for alterations. This will vary based on the style of gown and complexity of the design. On average, wedding dress alterations cost anywhere from $300 to $800 or more, depending on customizations. You won’t be able to get an accurate quote of what your alterations will cost until you go in for an initial fitting, because the fitter needs to know how your specific gown is already fitting on your body and how it is constructed. If you want to shop around, book consultations so you can collect quotes before booking.

Cost #3 Accessories

Accessories elevate your style and let your personality sparkle playing a big role in bringing your vision together. Identify and recognize items such as shoes, jewelry, headpiece or veil, which can range from $250-$400) in your budget. If you already have the shoes or jewelry you expect to wear down the aisle, it’s always a good idea to budget for them in case you find yourself loving something new. Also, remember to add a handbag for reception necessities, keep that lip gloss poppin’!

Cost #4: Sales Tax + Shipping

Of course, sales tax! This may seem obvious but perhaps is the most forgotten part. Be conscious and make sure to budget for them, as it can add up quickly. Sales tax rates are subjective to wear you live or the location of purchase. so after doing the math,, most likely it will be $100+. You might consider looking into other cities or states to save money. However, if you don’t plan on traveling back to pick up the gown most retailers will need to ship it to you. Although this is very convenient, there can be shipping and handling fees upwards of $100. Depending on how far you’ve traveled, this may be the cheaper option but don’t let it catch you off guard.

Cost #5: Undergarments

If you haven’t heard this phrase before, let me introduce you: fit comes before fashion. Once you’ve found the dream dress, the key to a stunning fit is your undergarments- the foundation for your gown. It is important to find the perfect undergarments so you feel comfortable and sexy on your big day. Some gowns have structure built-in based on its design, but some need a little more support. Whether it’s shapewear or corset/bustier, you’ll want to factor this into the budget. There is no hard and fast rule to this either, you are not obligated to wear shapewear or a bra, but you’ll want to work with your alterations specialist on how to achieve your ideal fit where you feel your most comfortable and beautiful.

Cost #6: Cleaning & Preservation

Don’t be shocked if you are still spending money on your wedding dress after the wedding. If you weren’t feeling a little fatigued after reading a laundry list of expenses, then I’m guessing that sentence just did you in. The good news is this is the last piece for your gown budget! And arguably the most necessary. Wedding gown cleaning is essential and preservation is optional. In any case if you’re planning to resell, donate or alter to wear again you’ll need to get the dress professionally cleaned after celebrating and dancing, this can be anywhere from $500-1500 depending on the style and fabrication of your gown.

Now you've been equipped with the hidden costs of a wedding gown and it's time for you to put them into action. Best wishes and keep us updated! Comment below, we would love to hear from you!

Nora Baer is a recent Columbia College Chicago graduate and current Goli June intern. She brings experience in research and in-depth interviews, specializing in women's apparel product development. On the weekends, you might find her at a local coffee shop instagramming her favorite trends or enjoying a walk along the lakefront with her dog.