If you're starting to shop for a wedding dress in North Jersey, the first question is usually the simplest one: what should I expect to spend? Here's a straightforward look at pricing at our Paramus boutique, and at what actually drives the number.
Designer wedding gowns: $1,800 to $6,500
Our designer bridal gowns range from $1,800 to $6,500. Where a gown lands depends mostly on the designer, the fabric and how much handwork it has. A clean crepe sheath sits toward the lower end; a ball gown with hand-beaded lace and a long train sits toward the top.
You can look through the designers we carry and our full collection before your appointment. It's an easy way to see which styles fit your budget before you try anything on.
Mother of the bride and groom: $600 to $1,600
Our mother of the bride and groom dresses come from designers who specialize in elegant, flattering occasion wear, in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Custom gowns: from $5,000
A fully custom gown is designed and made from scratch: a sketch, a pattern drafted for you, a muslin fitted to your measurements, and then the final gown in the fabrics you choose. Custom gowns start at $5,000, and the final price depends on the design, fabric and embellishment. Here's how custom gowns and customizations work.
What moves the price
Fabric. Silk, handmade lace and heavy satins cost more than crepe, tulle and machine-made lace.
Embellishment. Beading and hand-appliquéd lace take hours of handwork, and that shows in the price.
Customization. Changes like adding sleeves or raising a neckline add to the cost of the gown. Ask what each change adds before you decide. See what can be customized.
Alterations. Almost every gown needs some tailoring to fit perfectly. Most brides need two or three fittings with our in-house seamstresses, and the cost depends on the work your gown needs.
Ways to spend less
Shop our sample sales. When we hold a sample sale, designer floor samples are typically 30 to 50 percent off and ready to take home the same day.
Share your budget at the start. Tell your stylist your range when you arrive, and they'll pull gowns that fit it, so you don't fall for something you'd rather not spend on.
Start on time. Beginning your search 10 to 12 months before your wedding leaves room for ordering, production and alterations without rushing.
Other costs to plan for
Your first bridal appointment at Aleana's Bridal is complimentary. Follow-up appointments are $100, which goes toward your gown if you buy it that day. Veils and accessories are priced separately from the gown.
See what fits your budget
Book a private appointment and tell your stylist your range. You'll have about ninety unhurried minutes, room for up to four of your favorite people, and free parking right out front on Route 17 in Paramus.