On a small budget? There are many other places where you can get a wedding dress besides ordering from the traditional bridal salons. Below are a few ideas for the discriminating, yet frugal, bride.

Bridal Warehouses

These facilities offer dresses that you can purchase off-the-rack for prices often much cheaper than bridal salons. Many of these places carry designer gowns that were either bridal shop samples or overstocks.

The advantage to these stores is that there is no ordering, no waiting and no worrying about whether your dress will come in on time. David's Bridal has been servicing brides since 1950 and has over 100 locations nationwide.

Mail Order Discounters

You can save 20-30% off the retail price of most major designer gowns. All you need is the name of the designer, the style number of the dress and your measurements. The dress is then mailed to your home. Then, alternations and pressing are usually required.

Although selection is limited, it is possible to find a deal of a lifetime here.

Sample Sales

Many salons have annual or semi-annual events where they sell their samples that have recently been expired. While probably not as cheap as the preceding two choices, you can still save a ton of money.

Seamstress or Tailor

He or she will be able to create a dress completely designed for you. While this isn't always a cheaper option, it is definitely something to look into, especially if your gown will come from a fairly simple pattern. Before deciding on your seamstress, check references!

Borrow

If you don't mind not owning your own dress, you can always borrow it from someone. Before doing this however, check and see what their policy is on making alterations to fit your body frame.

Before grabbing a dress that is two sizes too big just because it's a good bargain, don't forget to figure in the cost of alterations. These can be very expensive so purchase wisely! Always check your dress for stains, rips or missing beadwork and bring someone with you so they can carefully examine the back of your dress for you. They might notice an imperfection that you are missing.