Easy Wedding Dress Layaway!

Before you plunk the plastic down on the counter, have you considered wedding dress layaway? Your bridal gown is one of the most important investments you will make in one of the most important days of your life. If you've dreamed about that perfect wedding dress since you were a little girl, layaway may provide the perfect venue to manifest your dream.

Before we explore the benefits and potential risks of purchasing by layaway, let's look at the history of layaways and settle on a definition for those of you not familiar with the term.

From the depression era, until the advent of credit cards, the layaway plan provided people opportunities to make larger purchases without wrecking their budget. When our nation's economy experienced an upswing in the 1980's, banks began issuing those little plastic cards, guaranteed to wreck budgets and even forcing some people into bankruptcy.

As the economic pendulum swung downward again, banks raised credit card interest rates and many stores began reviving the installment method of payment.

Definition of wedding dress layaway

By agreeing to the terms of contract, the customer makes installment payments on purchases, such as a wedding dress, and the store "lays it away", until the item is paid in full.

This is a win/win situation. The consumer is spared interest charged by credit card companies and merchants sell more product.

Layaway Benefits

So, you finally find your dream dress, which is perfect down to the last pearl button. But you don't have enough spendable cash to pay for it and you don't want to charge it.

Layaway offers a great alternative. Depending on the terms of the store's contract, you pay a deposit and the store will hold your bridal dress for a specified period of time.

In the meantime, you make regular agreed upon payments, until it is fully paid for. You will not pay interest or be subjected to a credit check.

Potential Risk Factors

Always read the fine print before you agree to a layaway contract. Some merchants charge a fee for late payments. Determine store policy in the event you 1) fail to pay during the specified time period 2) have a change of circumstance where you either don't want that particular wedding dress or no longer need it.

Depending on store policy, they may charge a cancellation fee or refuse to refund payments. Either way, you stand to lose some money.

On-Line Layaway

Internet shopping is convenient and affordable. Shopping via the Internet for your bridal dress is made more appealing now that on-line vendors offer a layaway plan.

Suppose your little heart is set on a high-end bridal gown from a famous fashion house, like Gucci or Vera Wang. You will literally be wide-eyed at the variety of on-line selections. On-Line merchants often offer deeper discounts, since they don't have to maintain a storefront.

In addition to checking the contract's fine print, ensure you shop with a trusted on-line vendor, before purchasing your dream dress. There is generally a FACS section that states their stance on customer service.

In essence, on-line shopping offers the best of both worlds when considering wedding dress layaway. Without leaving the safety and comfort of your home, you will find the largest selection of wedding gowns, for an affordable price.

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