Saying Yes to the Dress: How I Found My Dream Gown for Under $2,000
About this Series: The Summit & Ivy Wedding Journey
Planning a wedding in Toronto is a big deal—we get it. To bring our professional advice to life, we're inviting you to follow along with "Jessica's Journey."
In this special series, we'll be sharing the story of Jessica and Mark, a fictional Toronto couple who are a composite of the many amazing clients we've worked with. Their mission is to create a dream wedding for 100 guests on a $35,000 budget.
As we guide them through every decision, from the venue hunt to the final toast, we’ll be sharing our pro tips, planning tools, and honest advice that you can steal for your own wedding. Let's get them to the altar!
From Jessica's Journal January 24, 2026
After all the logistics of venues and vendors, it was finally time for something I've been dreaming about my whole life: trying on wedding dresses. From our "Top 3 Priorities" list, I knew my dress was important to me, so I had set aside a healthy-but-firm budget of $2,000 to cover the dress and alterations.
For the "experience," my mom, my maid of honour, and I went to a beautiful boutique in Yorkville. We sipped champagne, I tried on gorgeous gowns, and it was everything I'd imagined. I even had the moment—I walked out in a stunning A-line gown with delicate floral appliqué and felt tears well up in my eyes. It was perfect.
And then I looked at the price tag: $4,200. My heart sank. It was more than double my entire budget.
I left the appointment feeling conflicted. I was so happy I'd found a style I truly loved, but so disappointed that it felt completely out of reach. That evening, I didn't give up—I got strategic. My mission: find a dress with the same feeling and style, but for a price that wouldn't derail our whole wedding budget.
My search led me down three new paths:
Sample Sales: I signed up for email lists for several boutiques in the GTA to get notified about their sample sale dates, where they sell their floor models for a huge discount.
Pre-Owned Gown Websites: I spent a few hours on StillWhite, a site where brides sell their wedding dresses. I was amazed at the number of nearly-new designer gowns available for 50-60% off.
Off-the-Rack Boutiques: I looked at brands like BHLDN that have beautiful, high-quality dresses available to buy right away for under $2,000.
Two weeks later, an email landed in my inbox: a local boutique was having a sample sale. I booked an appointment immediately. It was a bit more chaotic than the Yorkville salon, but it was so worth it. In the last ten minutes of my appointment, I found it: a dress by a great designer, with the same A-line shape and floral details as the one I loved, in my size, for $1,500.
I said yes! It was the same magical feeling, but this time it was mixed with a sense of pride. I found my dream dress and still have $500 left in the budget for alterations. It was a total win.
Summit & Ivy Planner's Note: Jessica’s savvy shopping strategy is the key to finding a dream dress on a real-world budget! Don't let a price tag discourage you; get creative with your search.
Top 5 Ways to Save on Your Wedding Attire
Shop Sample Sales: Boutiques sell their floor models "as-is" for 30-70% off. It's the best way to get a designer dress for a fraction of the price.
Buy Pre-Owned: Websites like StillWhite are fantastic resources. Many dresses have only been worn for a few hours and are in perfect condition.
Go Off-the-Rack: Brands like BHLDN (from Anthropologie), Jenny Yoo, and even Lulus offer stunning, ready-to-wear wedding dresses at very accessible price points.
Rent Your Dress: For the ultimate in savings and sustainability, consider renting. Services like Fitzroy Rentals in Toronto allow you to wear a high-end designer gown for the weekend without the huge price tag or the worry of cleaning and storing it afterward. It's a perfect option for the modern, eco-conscious bride.
Think Outside the Box: Don't forget to look at bridesmaid dresses! Many designers offer them in white, ivory, or champagne, and they can be a beautiful, affordable alternative to a traditional gown.
Your Top Dress Shopping Questions, Answered
Q: When should I start shopping for my wedding dress? A: Start shopping 9-12 months before your wedding. A traditional made-to-order gown can take 6-8 months to arrive, and you'll want to leave at least 2-3 months for alterations.
Q: What should I bring with me to a bridal appointment? A: Bring nude, seamless undergarments and a strapless bra. If you have shoes you're considering, bring them along! Most importantly, bring an open mind—the dress you fall in love with might be completely different from what you pinned on Pinterest.
Q: What's the difference between a sample sale and a trunk show? A: A sample sale is when a store sells its existing floor models at a discount. A trunk show is a special event where a designer sends their entire new collection to a boutique for a limited time. Trunk shows often come with a small (10-15%) discount if you purchase a dress from that specific designer during the event.
Ready to start your search? Our Ultimate Wedding Planner on Etsy has a dedicated section for your attire budget and a place to track your favourite dresses, designers, and boutiques.
Finding my dress was a dream come true! Now it's time to figure out what my favourite people will wear.
Next up: We tackle wedding party attire and how to make sure everyone looks and feels amazing without breaking the bank.
What are your best tips for finding a wedding dress on a budget? Share your stories and favourite shops in the comments!
Cheers,
Please check out my Etsy page for more amazing wedding tips and journals
