Weddings are a time of joy, love, and often, significant financial outlay. For many brides-to-be, finding the perfect wedding dress is a pivotal moment in the journey to the altar. However, an unexpected trend is causing quite a stir among Australian brides, as some are discovering that the quest for the dream dress can come with a hefty price tag before they even say ‘I do.’
Katrina Matias, an Aussie bride-to-be, was left in a state of shock when she learned that certain Sydney bridal stores were charging brides-to-be just to try on wedding dresses. Her disbelief was shared with the world via a video on social media, which quickly went viral, amassing over 200,000 views. ‘You have to pay to try on wedding dresses?’ she captioned her video, questioning the norm and sparking a widespread debate.
The practice, while not universal, is particularly prevalent among high-end designers and boutiques. Darcy Allen, a Senior Wedding Planner at Easy Weddings, spoke about this contentious issue. ‘Some higher-end designers do charge a fee for clients to try on gowns,’ Darcy explained. The rationale behind this policy is multifaceted. Designers aim to ensure that brides have serious intentions, especially in an age where designs can be easily photographed and replicated by less expensive dressmakers. Additionally, the fee is seen as a fair exchange for the personalised attention that brides expect and often receive during these appointments.
During peak times, when demand for fittings is high, the fee can serve as a filter to ensure that only genuinely interested brides book appointments. In many cases, the fee is deducted from the final purchase of the dress, softening the blow for those who find their dream gown within the walls of the charging boutique.
Interestingly, this practice is less common for grooms. Men are rarely charged a similar fee to try on suits, except in the case of bespoke tailors, where a consultation fee might be part of the design process. This discrepancy highlights the different levels of emotional investment and service expectations traditionally associated with bridal and groom attire.
The social media comments section became a forum for brides to share their own experiences. Some were surprised by the fee, having not encountered it years ago, while others lamented the costs they had to bear. ‘I’m trying my first ones on today and I’ve already had to pay, like, $100 for different stores. What a rippppp,’ one bride-to-be commented. Another from Brisbane shared, ‘Yep, I got told $180 an hour, two guests only allowed, plus I had to have the wedding date locked in.’
With the cost of living on the rise and weddings becoming increasingly expensive, it’s no wonder that Aussies are seeking ways to save. Aidan Bartlett, CEO of Designer Wardrobe, notes a significant shift in wedding spending habits. ‘With weddings estimated to cost between $36,000 and $51,000, many couples are now exploring budget-conscious options,’ Aidan said. The trend towards pre-loved wedding dresses is gaining momentum, with listings for such gowns on Designer Wardrobe increasing by 53% year-on-year, and sales growing by 21% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also offers couples the chance to save up to 60% on high-quality designer dresses.
For those opting to buy their wedding dress online, the silver lining is clear: there’s no fee to try on your selections in the comfort of your own home.
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, Darcy Allen finds it interesting to see some stores and designers relax their policies around charging brides-to-be to try on dresses. While promotions and discounted fees might emerge, the underlying purpose of the fee—to minimise no-shows and ensure serious inquiries—means it’s likely here to stay in some form.
Have you or anyone you know come across try-on fees when shopping for a wedding dress? How did you handle the added cost of finding the perfect attire? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
Also read: 11 things you should never do, say or wear at a wedding
