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.