The Top 5 Ways to Save Money on a Mother-of-the-Bride Dress

As the mother of the bride or groom, preparing for your child's wedding day may be one of the most exciting periods of your life. It's a time full of first-time experiences and moments of love, where you and your son or daugher get to bond before they walk down the aisle. However, while the journey to the big day is one you'll always remember as positive and, maybe, life-changing, it can come with a bit of stress, especially as it pertains to finances.

While it's no longer required for parents to financially contribute to the entire celebration, that doesn't negate the fact that weddings are expensive events for everyone involved. Between shopping for an outfit, accessories, hair, and makeup, the costs can easily add up well before your child gets the chance to say "I do." Luckily, there are many ways to cut down costs, particularly when it comes to shopping for wedding day fashions. What's more, it's never been easier to find designer ensembles that are stylish, one-of-a-kind, and affordable.

So, for those who are currently searching for ways to save on their mother-of-the-bride dresses, keep reading below for the best tips on how to shop for this special wedding day outfit.

Rent your dress.

Garment rentals have increasingly become a popular choice over the past few years as it allows guests to save money on their ensembles, especially if they have multiple events to attend. For mothers of the bride and groom, this is a great option to consider if you're searching for a designer look without the designer price tag. Retailers like Rent The Runway and JJs House have specific sections dedicated to dresses for moms, and offer a variety of styles and price points to suit every aesthetic.

Skip the embellishments.

As you know, the costs of formalwear can vary from $500 to $5,000 depending on the style and designer. What many don't realize, though, is that the price of an ensemble is heavily impacted by the number of adornments and embellishments placed on the frock. For instance, dresses with lots of sequins, crystals, and beading can take hours (and even days) to create, so the amount you're required to pay for these garments will oftentimes be more than other simple designs. Thus, to save on your look, find a dress that fits your budget, and one that has minimal to no embellishments. 

Buy a pre-loved look.

In similar fashion to renting a dress, searching for a pre-owned gown is a wonderful way to shop for an affordable look. Whether you opt for vintage, consignment, or choose to wear something from a friend's closet, don't be afraid to take this route and lean into the styles once loved by other people. It's important to note, however, that we suggest shopping at a reputable retailer in order to ensure that the garment you select has been thoroughly vetted, cleaned, and fixed of any rips and tears. 

Sell your dress after the wedding.

While this option doesn't help you save upfront, it will allow you to essentially make back a portion of the funds you spent once the wedding is over. For moms who'd like to wear a new gown, or for those who know they won't wear their dress again, selling an ensemble after the wedding is likely the best route to take. You can check out websites like TheRealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Poshmark to see which retailer will offer you the best price once you're child has said "I do."

Set a budget and stick to it.

While this may seem simple, we oftentimes get caught up in finding the "perfect" dress and, as a result, forgo the budget we intended to set. Try to avoid doing this! Ultimately, spending above your means isn't worth it, especially as the mother of the bride or groom. Be sure to filter your search to only look for dresses within your desired price range, and try to avoid looking at ensembles that fall outside of your budget. There are so many dresses and designs available today, so we're certain that you can look and feel your best without breaking the bank.