Cheap Party Dresses

Is it ok to haggle on the price of a wedding dress?

I've noticed that several of the designers I like are all available at the same bridal salon in my area. Also, I've found many of the styles I'm looking at online at jaysbridal.com, which is connected to a Florida based brick/mortar store, and is very reputable for buying dresses online. Some of the styles online are as cheap as $780, while others are as much as $2000. I intend to keep track of these prices when I go in to try on these dresses, that way I'll have a reference of what should be in my price range. The part I'm wondering about is if the dress is cheaper either online or at another salon (for example, one that is not in my area), is it appropriate to ask the salon to make me a deal. I would like for them to either price match the lowest prices I can find, or to give me a discount on alterations, mother of the bride/groom dresses, or bridesmaids dresses. Even if it's not saving me money, if they'll save my friends/family money I'll be willing to spend a little more (I would honestly rather buy it from a salon, anyway, but I need to save money.) Any suggestions on how to approach this are appreciated.

Public Comments

1. "I really love the service at this salon and I want to support your business. But I have to be honest, the price of the dress here is too much out of my budget. I've found the dress elsewhere for $780, so I was wondering if you can match or beat that price so that I can purchase my gown here." If they won't come down on the price, ask them if they will include a free veil, shoes, undergarments, alterations, etc. in the price. Or if they will give your bridesmaids or mother an additional discount for purchasing their gowns there (they should already give you a discount for purchasing your bridesmaids' dresses there if you purchase your gown there). Remember that they need to make a profit in order to pay their rent and pay their employees' salaries, so don't be TOO stingy on the price you're willing to pay. However, it never hurts to ask if you can get a deal. The worst they can say is no ... in which case, you can decide if you want to give them your business or not.
2. You COULD ask for a discount, but if you're comparing an online store versus and full service salon, they might laught at you...behind your back, of course. The online dresses are cheaper, because there's no work involved with buying them. There's no dress consultants, there's no seamstresses. Think about all the extra work that physical store does to help you find your dress, and then think about if the extra money is worth it to you. Its about Value vs Cheap.
3. Yes! A shop in my town was offering 10% off the purchase of a gown, but another shop was not. I simply told the other shop that I would get my dress from them instead if they could match the 10% discount. She talked to the manager and the answer was YES. It never hurts to ask! Plus they kept their regular offer of a free veil with purchase. Make sure you are not lying though just to get a deal. They asked me some details about the other store offering the discount that I would not have known about if I had not actually gone. Shop around for the best offers, then whichever shop carries the gown you want to purchase, ask them if they can match it.
4. The shop I went to offered me a few different discounts when I was buying my dress and I didn't even have to ask. I bought my dress in October and since October is breast cancer awareness month they gave me 15% off and they donated the difference to the Susan G. Komen foundation. They also told me that if I paid for my dress in full when I ordered it I would get another 5% off. I would also get 10-15% off of bridesmaids and mother of the bride dresses. My mom and dad wanted to pay for my veil and since my fiance was in the military they got 15% off my veil. So maybe you could call the shop ahead of time and find out if they do the same type of discounts.
5. to be honest , shop online is good way to pick right gown , cz most of the online store offer free custom made and also can make the dress as your request , i have ordered my dress form this. i am very satisfied http://www.ubrides.com/home.php?cat=326&catexp=326