wedding budget quiz: are you spending too much on your dress?

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Feb 15 8:47 PM posted by author Sarah Shewey

Wedding bells are ringing here in The Ricki Lake Show offices. In fact, two members of Team Ricki will be walking down the aisle over the coming months, not to mention some of our lovely Friends of Ricki. But are these ladies—and maybe the bride in your life—stressed about the dress? No better time than the present to bring in DIY wedding expert, and founder of Pink Cloud 9, Sarah Shewey. Grab a pencil, take notes and let us know your score in the comments!

Wedding Budget Quiz: Are you spending too much on your dress? 

Did you know that more than 70% of brides spend less than $1,000 on their wedding dress? [Source: theweddingreport.com] Are you getting ready to buy your dress but not sure if you’re spending too much? Take our quick quiz to find out if you’re going over budget, and where to look to find your perfect dress.

Q1. How long have you been shopping for your wedding dress?
        a. Since I was a little girl.  (5 points)
        b. 6 - 10 years. (4 points)
        c. 1 - 5 years. (3 points)
        d. A few months. (2 points)
        e. I haven’t started shopping yet. (1 point)

Q2. What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a dress?
         a. $3,000+ (5 points)
         b. $2,000 - $3,000 (4 points)
         c. $1,000 - $2,000 (3 points)
         d. $500 - $1000 (2 points)
         e. Less than $500 (1 point)

Q3. Would you wear a rented dress?
         a. Yup! That’s actually the plan! (1 point)
         b. Sure, I’m open to it. (2 points)
         c. No, that’s weird. (5 points)

Q4. What’s your total wedding budget?
         a. $50,000+ (5 points)
         b. $35,000 - $50,000 (4 points)
         c. $20,000 - $30,000 (3 points)
         d. $10,000 - $20,000 (2 points)
         e. Less than $10,000 (1 point)

Q5. What’s the most important thing to you about the dress?
        a. Having a family heirloom I can pass to my daughter. (5 points)
        b. Feeling like a superstar. (4 points)
        c. Looking better than my bridesmaids. (3 points)
        d. Taking my fiancee’s breath away. (2 points)
        e. Being comfortable in my own skin. (1 point)
 

Answer Key:
23 - 25 points: It’s all about the dress.
You may be spending too much if: you’re spending more than 10% of your total budget on the dress (not including accessories like shoes and jewelry).
What to look for: Consider having a custom dress made by a designer that you love. Visit high end boutiques to see their latest collections and discover the style of dress that fits you best.

19 - 22 points: Your identity is sewn into the dress.
You may be spending too much if: you’re spending more than $3,500 on the dress.
What to look for: Dresses with a small production run from a recognizable designer, which can be found in a boutique dress shop.

15 - 18 points: You see the dress as an extension of your personality.
You may be spending too much if: you’re spending more than $2,000 on the dress.
Where to find it: Last season’s best dresses from a large chain like J Crew or BHLDN that are on deep discount or a mid-priced dress from the current season of these larger chains. 

10 - 14 points: You have to love the dress, but you don’t have to marry it.
You’re spending too much if: you’re spending more than $1,000 on the dress.
Where to find it: Visit a wedding dress rental shop and look for the best you can find or scour the internet for online discounted dresses.

5 - 9 points: You’re going to wear the down, not let it wear you.
You’re spending too much if: you’re spending more than $500 on the dress.
Where to find it: Online discount shopping websites, used/recycled gowns from past brides, vintage stores, or non-wedding specific dress shops.