First off, be sure you really want to cosplay that character, maybe have it as someone you'd be willing to cosplay more than just one weekend. This way, you will have at least a cosplay for if you don't end up having money for a new, more pricey one in the future. Like a backup cosplay that you love~ for me, when I always failed to have enough money(or time) to finish a costume I would always fall back on cosplaying Yoko (Gurren Lagann). She was the first cosplay I had ever made, and the first character I've ever cosplayed, so I was pretty attacthed to her. She wasn't too cheap since I kept upgrading her, but it was well worth it since I adore cosplaying Yoko. I would sometimes even set aside new cosplays just to make her better. Thinking things out is the best way.
Don't start buying things just little by little when you have a con coming up, and you aren't sure you will have money enough for the whole costume.
I mean, this is perfectly fine if you don't mind cosplaying a character that is missing a few pieces of their costume. I did that with Yoko the first time I wore her at Otakon in 2011, and not many people noticed small things missing like my scarf and stockings. If you know you have enough money, buying things all at once is your best bet. Make a list so you know you will have all of the materials you need. This way you will be all set to finish your costme and not worry about the monies!
Plan things out ahead of time!
Yes, I know.... I even have this problem. Waiting until last minute to make your costume. It is the WORST thing to do on a tight budget. I have found myself trying to buy pieces of the costume to get it done a few days before, and coming up short when I am missing something for the costume. Since I couldn't afford the finishing materials, I couldn't cosplay the character at the con that was right around the corner, multiple times. If I had planned before I could have finished the costume, or known I wouldn't have had money enough. If I knew I wouldn't have enough money, I could have saved it for my next costume, or for the dealers room.
Plan your cons and cosplays.
Cons can be seriously pricey too. Between the hotel room, the food, the badge, way there and back, and extra money for emergencies, this takes up a LOT of your cosplay funds. So plan your cons wisely. If you have never been to one before and it looks interesting, look into it. Do your reasearch! Ask friends that went before how the con is or reviews online. Looking up youtube videos is also a great way to see what the con itself is like, as well as the enviornment. This is what I always do before a con and its usually pretty successful for me
Sell old cosplays!
By selling old cosplays, wigs, props, etc you will make more money towards your next cosplay. I mean, why not if you aren't going to wear it anymore and its in decent condition right? You could also be helping someone else on a budget out at the same time too. They might not be able to afford a brand new one if they are the type who buys online, so seeing your used and cheaper one might make their day. Who knows if your old cosplay is something that can't be found online too, this is always a great thing for others.
My ways of saving money for cosplay might not be the best, but I hope I at least helped you all out a lil bit. ~ ^_^
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