Wedding Mystery: Why Are Wedding Gowns So Expensive?

Wedding dresses hold a special place in every bride’s heart as they serve as a memoir of that magical day she said “I do” to the man of her dreams. Brides spend months, sometimes years, imagining their perfect gown. The emotional value of a wedding gown and the significance of the special day make it much more expensive than any other dress, contributing to its high cost.

The average cost of a wedding dress, including alterations, is $1,631, while some can cost up to $4,000. However, brides tend to wonder why a wedding gown is so expensive when they only have to wear it once in their lifetime.

To ease your mind, we have curated this guide, where we will discuss everything that goes into a wedding gown and see what makes it so expensive and unique.

#1 The Fabric Used

Wedding dresses are designed and tailored to look elegant and classy. Designers use expensive fabrics like silk, charmeuse, and laces, which adds to the cost of the gown.

Cheaper fabrics can be used as an alternative, but the quality and feel will differ. The fabric used in your gown makes a huge difference in its overall look. Even for wedding dresses with simple designs, expensive fabrics are used to make them look elegant and outstanding.

#2 The Designer

Designer dresses are significantly more expensive than normal ones. Brand and well-known designers usually charge more for their creations because of their experience, artistic vision, and exclusive designs. Moreover, this gives you the flexibility to choose your styles.

Those who select their wedding dresses from well-known brands and designers are paying for the dress and the name and fame associated with it. However, the brand value and the designer’s unique touch justify the high cost.

#3 The Intricate Details

Aside from expensive fabrics, the embellishments used to add details to wedding gowns make them look stunning and elegant. Beadings, hand-placed lace, and floating appliques are a few of the most used adornments that can add up to the cost of a wedding gown.

The more intricate the designs and fabric, the higher the cost of the gown. Also, embellishments are added manually to the gown, which requires a lot of work to finish the details.

Other details that add to the cost of the gown are the construction, intricate beadwork, and artistic curves with flattering styles, which make the gown more attractive and stunning.

Since brides cannot wear dark-colored gowns, designers make sure that the details of the dress can be clearly seen even from afar, which requires additional beading work and costs.

#4 The Alterations

Whether you had your gown made to order or bought it in a wedding shop, you will generally need a series of alterations until you are satisfied. Unless your gown is custom-made to perfection, which rarely happens, you'll likely need some alterations that can cost between $75 and $250. However, if you want to make significant changes to your dress, such as changing designs or adding a bustle or a sleeve, expect to pay above $500 since there will be a lot of work to make the changes you want.

#5 Availability By Season

Some months are considered the peak season for brides to get married. During this time, wedding gowns are typically more expensive because of the high demand. That is why if you plan to marry in spring or fall, you will most likely get an expensive wedding gown.

Some retailers, boutiques, and designers have sales during summer and winter to clear gowns from their previous collections. So, if you want a stunning gown at a cheaper price, you can shop during these times to save money.

#6 Structure And Silhouette

The structure and silhouette of a wedding gown are essential in achieving the ideal bridal appearance, but in most cases, this entails intricate design. Gowns are meant to fit and flatter the body and sometimes require a built-in corset, boning, or multiple layers of tulle and crinoline to achieve the silhouette.

The time, skill, and extra material needed to construct these internal structures can add a lot of cost to the gown. Whether it's a figure-hugging mermaid style or a voluminous ball gown, designing wedding dresses adds both beauty and expense.

#7 Cost Of Labor

Wedding gowns need much more handwork as compared to the clothes you usually buy in stores. Your wedding dress will be sewn, at least to some extent, by hand.

While designers use software to help adjust patterns, they still depend on skilled workers to place the patterns on the fabric, cut them out, and sew everything together. All this can add up to the labor cost and thereby overall cost of your wedding gown.

#8 Emotional Purchase

A wedding and wedding dress is like a once-in-a-lifetime experience; no bride wants to regret it by not wearing her dream dress. That is why all brides choose the best dress for their special day.

However, there is a common myth among the brides that being expensive is always better. That is why brides are ready to spend a huge amount of money on their dresses without giving it a second thought.

So, if you want to save money on your wedding dress, make sure you understand that the most expensive dress is not always the best dress. Choose the dress that looks good on you and helps you achieve the desired appearance.

#9 Lack Of Guidance

When you shop for wedding dresses, especially for the first time, you may not have an idea of the actual price of a wedding gown. While there is no single answer for how much a wedding dress costs, you should try multiple options and compare their prices to get a better idea. Not only will this help you understand the price of a wedding dress but also help you find the right silhouette and shape for your wedding gown.

In the end, it is about comfort and look—so no matter what silhouette you choose for your wedding dress and what its price is, make sure you find wearing it comfortable and happy.

#10 Physical Shopping

Shopping for a wedding dress from a bridal boutique in person tends to be more expensive than buying online. This is because the owner of the boutique has to bear several other expenses, such as bills, salaries, etc. All this will impact the overall cost of your dress. So, if you want to save money on your wedding dress, consider buying it online.

#11 Limited Edition Wedding Dress

Since every bride wants a unique dress for her special occasion, wedding gowns are often designed in limited quantities. And when it comes to an exclusive collection, this not only makes the bride feel special but also enhances the overall cost of the gown.

However, it doesn’t mean that only limited-edition wedding gowns are pretty – even a gown designed by your local designer can help you get your dream look.

#12 Customization

For most brides, a wedding dress is like a dream dress – they want everything to be perfect and unique. That is why many brides choose to customize their wedding dresses to their imagination – Some choose a sweetheart neckline, whereas some choose to add more volume to their ballgown and some go for sleeveless or strapless dresses.

While many designers work with the brides to design a dream dress and make several alterations, if you don’t get a designer, your seamstress can help you. However, this custom work will add a price to your gown. The final price will depend on the customizations you want to make to your dress.

#13 The Wedding Tax

The term “wedding tax” refers to the phenomenon where products and services related to weddings are priced higher than similar products and services that are not wedding-specified.

Since vendors are aware that brides want perfection when it comes to their wedding dresses and will prioritize budgeting less, this gives vendors an opportunity to charge more for their services. The best way to save in such a situation is to shop online.

#14 Marketing, Retail Markups, and Overheads

The retail price of wedding gowns is not just dependent on the cost of material and labor. Instead, it also includes marketing costs, retail markups, and other overheads. Bridal boutiques spend a lot to create a luxurious store and provide their customers with an outstanding experience.

As a result, the cost of decor and the personalized service offered to brides impact the overall price of the gown. Additionally, marketing campaign, advertising efforts, and photoshoots to promote their store can enhance the overall expense.

#15 The Preservation And Cleaning

While this is not part of your overall look on the day, preserving and cleaning your dress adds cost to your wedding gown. Most brides have their gowns cleaned right after their wedding and preserve them right away as well.

Whether you are planning to sell your wedding dress or donate it, you would want to get it professionally cleaned and preserved first before doing so, and that will incur another expense to account for.

For more information or professional wedding dress cleaning and preservation services, contact the experts at Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation. You can also call us at (800) 830-4665.

Remember, wedding gowns are expensive for a reason. Since they play a big role in the bride’s most magical day, it is important to achieve an elegant look and make the bride shine, among others. From the design to the details, everything is well-curated to make sure that the bride looks prettiest while walking down the aisle and saying “I do” in front of her loved ones and family.

Saving Tips When Looking For Wedding Gowns

While wedding gowns are relatively expensive, there are ways to save without compromising on your wedding dress. It includes:

Shop During Off-Seasons: Consider buying your wedding dress during the off-seasons, like summer or winter, when retailers often have sales to clear out previous collections.
Consider Online Shopping: Buying your dress online can be more affordable than purchasing from a physical boutique, as it eliminates extra costs like rent and salaries.
Understand Price vs. Quality: Remember that the most expensive dress isn’t always the best. Focus on finding a gown that suits your style and makes you feel comfortable, regardless of the price.
Look for Sample Sales: Bridal boutiques often have sample sales where you can find designer dresses at a fraction of the original cost.
Consider Second-Hand Gowns: Pre-loved wedding dresses can be a cost-effective option, offering high-quality gowns at lower prices.
Keep an Open Mind: Sometimes, an affordable gown can look just as stunning as a pricey one. Be open to different styles and designers.
Limit Customizations: Customizations can add significantly to the cost. Stick to the essential alterations to save money.
Negotiate Where Possible: Some boutiques may offer discounts or deals, especially if you buy during a sale or ask about package deals that include accessories or alterations.
Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding dress and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending.
Consider Renting: If you're open to it, renting a wedding dress can be a more affordable option for one-time wear.