How much will you spend on a wedding dress and why?

Let’s discuss prices of a wedding dress, the different fabric qualities, the styles and how prices will have a knock on environmental impact. I know it’s getting harder for some to purchase their dream bridal outfit, as lots of things are getting way too expensive. Therefore, to cut down on the price tag there have to be compromises, or you can see your dress as an investment. I have mentioned a variety of ways to re-design a wedding dress so therefore you can see the purchase as an investment.

Option One: Design a dress so you can wear it again.

When designing a bespoke dress, you can think about designing a dress that can be altered slightly after your wedding day so you can wear it again. For example: turning the skirt into trousers, or shortening to a mini dress, or designing a bridal separate so you can wear them separately with different tops or bottoms. A white styled wedding top would look great with velvet black trousers! There are many pros and cons for a bespoke dress and usually the disadvantage is the cost of them. However, if you spend more on a dress that you really love, there is a chance that you will want to wear it again. The good thing about designing your dress or a bridal separate is that you can be selective on the fabrics, and chose from a variety of good quality pieces that will last. My prices start from anything of £1,500- and up, I also design dresses using good quality fabrics, ranging from organic, eco-friendly and gorgeous peace silks.

Another option is to design a dress with two layers, one with a sheer overlay. I could wear this sheer overlay over any dress to a special occasion.

Option Two: Start with a design that you would wear out.

Wedding dresses aren’t all white these days. Go for something with an embroidered detail or a beautiful colour. There are a range of outfits that aren’t too pricy, but remember if you scrimp on price the quality of the fabric is usually compromised. Check the labels as most outfits are sadly made from polyester which are not environmentally friendly. Now that winter is coming I am seeing a lot of velvet jumpsuits which would be amazing to wear at a winter wedding, and maybe accessorise with a white headband or a white bow which is detachable.

Option Three: Wear a second hand wedding dress.

This is a great option, however sometimes it is hard to find a second hand one that you love or one that fits you perfectly. So you probably would have to get it altered. I once had a bride phone me up almost in tears as she bought a second hand dress and a dressmaker said that she could alter it, however it went horribly wrong. She unfortunately had to go and buy another dress on top of her second hand one. This then ended up more expensive than she hoped!

Option Four: Buy from the high street or from Etsy.

This is great if you don’t want to spend lots of £££. I see very cheap dresses on Etsy, however, the dress will be made from a polyester, and you will not be able to see the fit so you will have to consider an alteration cost too. The high street and Etsy do sell cheaper dresses, but you most likely will be supporting a brand that has no ethical priorities and uses cheap fabrics to create it or it is made elsewhere where labour is cheap.

Option Five: Dye your dress.

It would be amazing to tie dye a whole wedding dress! I have dip dyed the bottom of a dress but I would love to do a whole dip dye. Something to wear to a special occasion that would have the wow factor! Be selective on the fabric, a natural fibre works best for dying. So do consider this when selecting your wedding dress, ask what it is made from if you want to dye it after.

Overall, the money you are spending on a wedding dress is an investment, you can create your dream dress and feel that you can wear it again and again and again. You just need to think ahead before you buy it and know exactly what you want to do to with it after the big day. So go on try to buy your dream dress and think about it’s future with you!

Credits :Creative Director & Photographer @katecullenstyle
Leaf Hairpieces & Jewellery @clarelloydaccessories
Gold Jewellery @firedrosejewellery
Floral Design @brambleandwild
Dress @jessturnerdesigns
Venue @bishopspalaceweddings_events_
Stationery @lauraelizabethpatrick
Hair & Make Up @lbmakeupandhair
Model @livrendle for @gingersnapmodels

Lucy Morley Photography

Ellen Sear Photography