The City of Angels is the second most populous city in the United States, and with the Census Bureau estimating that more than 3,849,378 Angelenos are living and loving in L.A., weddings are a daily occurrence. Yet with a median income of only about $36,687 per household, Los Angeles brides are becoming budget conscious and the big wedding dress design houses are finding that discount wedding dresses are a hot ticket item.
Nothing saves more money than buying pre-owned, and while many a bride may wonder why another bride would sell a lovely wedding dress, consider the cost of a size 8 Monique Lhuillier Geisha which runs about $3,080. The ability to resell it for about $2,156 and recoup at least some of the cost is a most worthwhile endeavor and brides are known to use this option to provide some much needed cash for their new households.
In addition to the foregoing, many of the designer pieces sold through Encore Bridal, an online wedding dress consignment store which offers this kind of gown and many other designer names at cut rate prices, are actually show pieces which stores no longer sell for full price but which nonetheless are in excellent condition.
At this locale you will also find a size 10 gown from Exclusive Bridals by A.C.E. for only $450! Even as this online store does not have a Los Angeles walk in retail outlet, it does have a relationship with L.A.’s Bridal Bar where brides may make an appointment to visit and try on certain designs. Encore Bridal hosts a blog where locations of their events, called trunk shows, are duly advertised for interested brides who want to wear designer dresses at bargain basement prices.
Another address for cut rate wedding dresses is the local Target store! Brides to be may choose a gorgeous Isaac Mizrahi Classic Princess dress for only $129.00 online and then specify to have it delivered to the Target location of their choice. Angelinos will most likely pick the 2626 Colorado Blvd. location in L.A. Call 323-258-1355 to ensure that your dress has arrived, and while you are there, why not schedule your first photo session showing off the new gown? Open between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM Monday though Saturday, and until 9:00 PM on Sundays, this is a most convenient method of finding a cheap yet beautiful gown.
Another store where you can pick and choose online and then have the gown delivered to your local store is Lane Bryant. Catering to the plus sized clientele, a V-neck drape front bridal gown only costs $149.50 and may be picked up at any L.A. store, such as the Westside Pavilion location at 10800 West Pico Blvd. Call 310-475-9011 to find out store hours.
Brides not afraid to dig through racks of what are billed as bridesmaid dresses will find a strapless fitted empire waist dress in breathtaking knee length duchess satin for only $160 for sale at Aria with its showroom located at 892 North Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena (close by L.A.). You may make an appointment for a Friday or Saturday by calling 800-658-8885 and specifying the style and sizes of a dress you are interested in trying on. While you will be wise to try on multiple dresses, remember that there is a $15 service charge per dress, and it is advisable to know ahead of time which dress you are most interested in.
For those with a bit more generous budget and willing to think and look outside the tried and true box, why not consider a custom fashioned dress? Melissa Masse creates one-of-a-kind dresses that may be fashioned to order or bought off the rack and altered to fit perfectly. Located in L.A. at 306 N. Flores St., her store is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For specific questions and pricing information, please call her directly at 323-653-2941.
