A few months after I got engaged, I purchased a few bridal magazines, did a substantial amount of window shopping, and tried on a small number of dresses in styles I thought might be flattering in ivory and white to pick out my color choice. I used this insight to decide on the features I wanted. I knew the neckline, sleeves, fabric, and amount of lace and brocade my ideal dress should have.
It was 1978, and the typical price of a wedding dress was $250.00; a lot of money for me at that time. My future mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law thought I should look for sales. When a 50% off sale came up at one bridal shop, they insisted I go. I did. There I found a dress that had all but one of my listed, chosen features; the sleeves were not exactly what I had envisioned. The dress was on sale for $125.00 and fit me almost perfectly without alterations. I briefly considered holding out for a dress a little more perfect, but realized if I didn’t find it this dress would almost certainly be gone should I return for it. I bought it.
Now, another thing I wanted was a veil that trailed behind me down to the floor and a little beyond. But that alone was about $125.00 in addition to the price of the dress. I had decided a compromise in veil length would be necessary due to the cost. However, with this savings I decided I could afford the veil I really wanted. When my future husband’s mother and grandmother asked me about the sale I reported I had gone there and found a great dress that I had purchased for a great price. They both looked at each other and nodded approvingly; I left out the part about the veil and how much that cost.