If you ask how heavy the average wedding dress is, you’ll likely see varying answers from different sources. That’s because different people and brands have different opinions about the ideal weight of a wedding dress. Typically, the ideal weight of the average wedding dress varies between 3kg (7lbs) and 5kg (11lbs). Wedding dresses can be quite heavy, and those on the higher side can range between 5kg and 10kg.
Why Does the Weight of the Average Wedding Dress Matter?
Although the question may seem unimportant, many people ask how heavy the average wedding dress is to estimate the cost. The weight of a wedding dress remains one factor influencing its price. Therefore, soon-to-be couples may want to save money by opting for a less weighty gown.
An average wedding gown weighing 3kg will cost far less than a heavy one weighing 7kg.
The weight of a wedding dress will also factor into the shipping cost—most online stores charge per the dimensions and weight of the item. So, a heavier dress with many details will incur more shipping fees than an average one, even though they’re of the same dimensions.
How to Calculate the Weight of Your Wedding Dress
Perhaps you’ve already bought your gown and want to determine if its weight falls within that of the average wedding dress.
To find out what your wedding dress weighs, follow this procedure:
- Step on the measuring scale without wearing the dress and write down your weight.
- Hold the wedding dress close to your body and step on the scale. Take note of this new weight.
- Step away. Now, subtract the first measurement from the second. The answer you’re left with is the weight of the wedding dress.
You want to ensure you round up to the nearest kilogram or pound, as that’s how carriers charge their fees.
What Influences the Weight of the Wedding Dress?
Two things mainly affect how much a wedding dress weighs: fabric and detailing.
Fabric
A lightweight Batiste or Chiffon weighs much less than heavier weaves like the Italian Venise. Lighter wedding dresses are also more suitable for summer outdoor weddings. A heavier dress would be more appropriate if your wedding is dated for the colder months.
Detailing
The average wedding gown doesn’t often come with too many intricate details, hence the lighter weight. In contrast, a grand ball wedding gown with many beads will tend toward the heavier side.
How Much Does the Average Wedding Dress Cost?
The average wedding dress in the United States costs around $1,000. It ranges between $300 and $1600, so you have many options.
Generally speaking, fabric and detailing factor into the overall cost of a wedding dress. So if cost is your concern, it’s not enough to consider weight alone.
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Wedding Dress?
Let’s look at certain factors impacting the price of the average wedding dress.
Fabric
This has already been discussed in terms of weight. However, the stakes are slightly different regarding cost.
Silk, lace, and tulle are some of the priciest fabrics known and would add up to the cost of your wedding gown. While silk is light, lace is relatively heavier.
If you desire the luxurious feel but it’s way out of your budget, consider going for polyester. Some polyester fabrics can even feel much better and silkier than silk itself.
Detailing
An extremely detailed wedding dress will usually require more labor to execute. In addition, the beading, elaborate embroidery, and any other floating antique sewn into the fabric will increase the cost.
The more intricate the detailing, the higher the wedding gown cost.
You can save money on your wedding by choosing an average gown with modest embellishments. You can spruce things up by wearing glamorous accessories like a shoulder necklace.
Designer
One notable factor influencing the cost of a wedding dress is the designer. So choosing a designer dress will cost you more than a regular wedding dress, even though they’re the same weight.
Pnina Tornai and Oscar De La Renta are two brands that usually fall into the pricier end. So, to slash costs, you might want to stay off or find online stores offering discounts for high-end, trendy designs.
Season
Retailers and boutiques often stock up on seasonal collections and want to clear out those from the last season. So, the best time to shop for your wedding dress is in January, when stores receive fresh assortments and clear out old stock quickly.
Even if you’re getting married in the fall, January is the prime time to shop.
Alterations
You’ll likely need alterations for your wedding gown. The particular dress that grabs your interest may, unfortunately, be a size too big or small. Unless it’s custom-made, there’s a tiny chance that your dress will fit flawlessly.
Depending on the degree of alteration required, you may spend between $80 and $250. However, major changes such as changing the neckline or adding/removing sleeves will likely attract up to $500.
Wrapping Up
Although how heavy the average wedding dress is will factor into the total cost, you must consider other things like fabric and alterations when making your estimations. Nonetheless, you can save money by getting a lighter dress with minimal details or from a less-known but quality designer.
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