7 Ways to Save Money on Your Bridal Look

Let's be honest, planning out your wedding day style can get pricey - fast. But there are some savvy ways to save money on your bridal look, without having to sacrifice style!

Most brides have to operate with some form of budget for their wedding day style. And this can feel really overwhelming. How can you work within a budget, yet still have the bridal look you have always dreamed of? But it doesn't have to be stressful. By using these smart tips, you can make your money go further. Which means not having to sacrifice anything when it comes to creating that perfect wedding look!

01. Shop Pre-Loved

This may be one of the most obvious tips on our list - But it is getting easier and easier to shop pre-loved wedding dresses than ever before. With online retailers like Still White that serve brides around the world, you can now find your dream dress for a fraction of the cost.

In the past, you may have seen your perfect dress in a magazine or at a bridal salon, but it was just too far outside of your budget. But now, if you are willing to spend a bit of time looking, you can find that same dress pre-loved for well within your budget.

You can also shop pre-loved for bridal shoes, jewelry, veils, and anything else your heart desires!

02. Embrace Family Heirlooms

If you are sticking with tradition, you are going to need "something old" on your wedding day. And if you are also trying to stick to a tight budget, it may be a great idea to consider what family heirlooms you can incorporate into your style.

You may have a family that naturally passes down pieces of jewelry or other accessories. But if that isn't something that is common in your family, start asking around. You never know what amazing accessories (or even dresses!) you may find that you never new someone in your family had.

03. Borrow, Borrow, Borrow

So many people hang on to wedding items without really knowing what they are going to do with them. Brides have their dresses professionally stored. Or hang on to those dreamy accessories that they just loved. But for the most part, these items will just sit in boxes in closets. So start asking around. Ask your girl friends, your co-workers, and anyone you can think of. See what items people have been hanging on to, that they may be willing to lend you for your big day.

And then, after your wedding day, return the favor. Start lending your items out to friends and family. This is such an amazing way to have your "something borrowed" covered, while also deepening relationships and creating a sense of community.

04. Do Your Own Hair & Makeup

Doing your own hair and makeup can save you SO much when it comes to your bridal look. But there is a good way, and a bad way to go about it.

You never want to forget about your hair and makeup and save it until last minute since you are doing it yourself. This is sure to end in disaster.
But you can plan out your hair and makeup in advance. Do test runs of hair styles. Watch YouTube videos about how to create the perfect simple up-do or that easy glam makeup look. And don't forget to ask your friends. You most likely have a friend who is better at hair or makeup than you. And they may just be dying to help!

05. Come Up With a Must-Haves List, And Leave the Rest

With the internet and social media, planning your bridal look can feel more overwhelming than ever before. The constant flow of information can make you feel like you need it ALL. All of the accessories, all of the latest trends. But that just isn't the case. And there is such a thing as over-accessorizing your bridal look.

So come up with a must-have list, and leave the rest. Approach this with a less-is-more mentality. If you are dreaming of a glam headband, do you need a veil as well? Do you really want to do a garter toss? If not, leave it off the list.

This helps you plan out your look with intention, and it can help reduce the overwhelm as well. Once you know what really matters most, you can focus your attention there, and block out the rest of the noise.

06. Plan Out an Itemized Budget

Once you have come up with your must-haves list, plan out a realistic budget. And this goes beyond just having a final amount. Split that up between the individual items you are searching for. This prevents you from overspending on any one item.

If you know you don't want to spend more than $100 on hair accessories, stick to that amount. Keep looking and asking around until you find what you want. Because if you splurge and spend $500 on a super glam headband, that may mean that you have to take $400 away from your dress! YIKES! So don't just create a budget, but itemize it for each piece you are searching for, and that will prevent you from over spending or having to make major sacrifices where it matters most to you.

07. Shop Around

This may seem obvious, but it can be surprising how many brides ignore this simple piece of advice. And if you are an impulse buyer, this can be especially helpful.

It is so easy to fall in love with that first dreamy veil you see. But shop around. You may find an identical one for less at another shop. Or you may be able to find it pre-loved online. Taking a little extra time can have massive benefits!