Savvy Brides Save Big On Their Wedding

submitted: Jul 14th 2008 | by: JudithTurner | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 752 | PDF View | Print Article

Ask any bride-to-be what one of her biggest concerns is and she will probably tell you sticking to a budget. Just about every bride and groom is looking for deals to help them save money on their wedding.

With the cost of living constantly going up brides and grooms have so many reasons to want to save money. Even with two incomes it costs so much to support a family today. Even before the wedding most couples are thinking about buying a new home and starting a family. If there are children from previous marriages then their will be additional expenses when merging two families.

Fortunately, brides can save money in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways to save money is by shopping on eBay and other online auction websites. You can truly find just about anything at online auction websites. Brides can find wedding favors, accessories, bridesmaids' dresses and even their wedding dress! Actually selling wedding dresses on eBay has become quite popular. One man actually sold his wife's wedding dress after their divorce. His funny listing had him wearing the size 12 gown and talking about his troubles with his ex-wife. By the end of the listing, not only had he sold the gown for a good price -- he'd gotten five wedding proposals from single women!

Keep in mind that there are many other brides doing exactly what you are doing: checking eBay and other online auction websites for things you need for your wedding. Sometimes the bidding can get fierce, especially if you are going after some type of one-of-a-kind item or something for a theme wedding. Know when the price is too high for you and when it is time to walk away. Often when you shop on eBay or other online auction websites you do wind up saving money.

A great challenge of shopping online is that you don't get to touch; feel and see up close the items that you are purchasing. When buying something like a wedding gown - this can become quite challenging. Some sellers will offer a return policy and others don't. Remember to be fair when trying on an online auction gown: don't wear makeup that could smear on the gown. Be gentle with it to avoid tearing. Also note if the gown has any stains or other marks and let the buyer know -- especially so they don't think, somehow that you made these marks yourself. Do all that you can to make the return process easy. Ship the gown back via UPS, Federal Express or some other shipping method that will obtain a signature and has shipping insurance.

If online auctions don't appeal to you then how about checking out consignment shops. If you don't have any locally then check out nearby cities. Many of these stores even specialize in wedding gowns and accessories.

Consignment shops do lack the variety of bridal shops. If you find the gown of your dreams at a bridal shop you can simply order the size that you need. With consignment shops you wont be so lucky. You may find a beautiful gown but if it is isn't the right size then you will probably have to keep looking unless it can be altered. Many consignment shops wont have anyone available for alterations so try and find a good seamstress before you start shopping and have one less thing to worry about.

Another challenge with consignment shopping is that you need to be able to make your decision pretty quickly. You don't want to take the chance that someone else would take your bridal gown tomorrow or this afternoon. Bring your mother, sister or whoever you want to give input. Be ready to make up your mind. Understand that the minute the gown leaves your hands, it is gone. Another bride can come in and buy it right out from under you. In a bridal store, they can always order another copy of the dress. This is not so in a consignment store.

While there are many pros and cons to shopping at auctions or in consignment shops for your wedding dress the positive will definitely outweigh the negative. If you are flexible about your wedding dress and other necessities you will have a lot of options. Save big now on your wedding and you might even have some money leftover to save for a rainy day!

About the Author

Visit Wedding Rings and Things.net for all your wedding needs. Check out a variety of like new wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and more and save money.


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