Finding wedding dresses on a budget is not a hard process...you just have to know where to look.  Although they may be the most logical place for you to look first, you probably won't be able to find the best prices in town at your local bridal dress shops.  The question is where do I start looking?

Here are the Top 18 Ways to Help You Save Money on Your Wedding Dress:

1. Shop on Ebay - Ebay is a terrific place for the bargain hunter looking for wedding dresses but remember to always read the descriptions carefully and pay attention to how much the seller is charging for shipping and handling fees.

2. Order From the Internet - There are a number of fine online bridal merchants that offer unbeatable prices.

3. Dicker Over the Price - Sometimes local bridal shops will match prices that you find online, BUT you have to ask.

4. Buy "Off the Rack" - You can find some stores such as David's and BridesMart in the U.S. that offer a good selection of moderately priced dresses with in stock sizes of 2 to 24.

5. Check the Classifieds - Be sure to check your local newspaper classifieds or online ad service such as Kijiji.

6. Shop in the Department Stores - Another great place to look for wedding dresses on a budget. Don't discount places such as Sear's and JCPenney. They often times carry a few budget wedding dresses for unbeatable prices.

7. Get It Made - If you have fallen in love with a dress that costs over $1000, you could perhaps consider having a custom copy made for you by a talented local seamstress.

8. Sew It Yourself - If you are a good sewer (or know a friend or relative who is) you can consider making the gown yourself.

9. Buy a "Sample Gown" - Another great source for wedding dresses on a budget is buying a sample gown. You just might occasionally go into your local bridal shop and find a rack of gowns on sale.

10. Wear Your Mom's Dress or Borrow a Dress - Even if it is a little out of style or date, you would be surprised at how well a talented seamstress could jazz up a vintage gown.

11. Order a Bridesmaid dress or Less Formal Gown - Many bridesmaids' gowns can be ordered in white. You can easily find a beautiful, less-formal wedding dress this way.

12. Vintage Clothing Shops - Wedding dresses can also be found at vintage clothing shops.

13. Outlet Stores - Yes, there are bridal outlet stores for bridal designers and retailers that can offer you substantial savings on wedding dresses.

14. Fabric Swap - If your perfect gown is made of silk, ask if it comes in other more affordable fabric.

15. Travel to Another City/State/Province/Country - Combine a smaller town with other savings such as lower sales tax or favorable exchange rates.

16. Hire a Student - If you have a fashion school or college nearby, you might just be able to hire a student to make your wedding dress for you.

17. Charity Sales - You can also find wedding dresses on a budget by checking out charity sites such as Brides Against Breast Cancer.

18. Rent a Wedding Dress - Rental prices can range from $100 to $600 with deposit required and the gowns are professionally cleaned after each rental and can be altered to fit (check with each rental shop).

So you see, there's 18 Ways to Finding Wedding Dresses on a Budget...although you want to look your best on your wedding, you certainly don't want to pay more than you have to on a dress that you are going to wear for just a few hours!

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Top 18 Ways That Help You Save Money on Your Wedding Dress is a post from: My Wedding Blog

Imagine a venue where it's all there - the location (of course), the caterer, the ambiance (no need for extra decorations), the tables, chairs, linens, china, etc. and you get it all for a "package" price. That is what a "Boutique," or sometimes referred to as "all-inclusive," Venue is all about. Because the facility has everything right there, you do not have to pay separately for rentals, caterers and flowers, and you will find the pricing a better deal than contracting these services individually.

And the ambiance portion of these Boutique Venues — they are usually swimming in it - and all at a price you could never afford to replicate! One place I personally love is Gatherings, ok, it's my place... but unless you are planning on getting married in beautiful Monterey, California (which is unlikely since this article is viewed nationally) then it’s hard to consider this an advertisement plug. But to help you understand what I'm talking about when it comes to ambiance, check out some of the pictures of our Boutique Venue at http://www.montereycatering.com/weddingvenue.htm -- see the ambiance I'm talking about?  There’s a piano, chandeliers, two fireplaces, an outdoor deck area, antique furniture, beautiful draperies and more. You would never be able to afford decorating the local hall, hotel or restaurant banquet room to this degree - well, at least I personally couldn't afford to. And the feeling these facilities give your guests is extra special - it's warm, cozy, inviting and family-oriented (home-like).

Now, a Victorian home such is Gatherings may not be your cup of tea, but all-inclusive, or Boutique, wedding reception venues are made up of many different styles from contemporary and urban to sexy and flamboyant. Just do your research in the city you plan to get married. In your browser, just type in all-inclusive wedding venues in Cincinnati or boutique wedding venues in New York (for instance). Some of these venues take care of every little detail including photographer and florists, and others include mainly what I listed above, but I know that if you were to go and hire each of these vendors individually and add them all up, it would equal quite a bit more than the package price you will get at an All-Inclusive Wedding Reception Venue or Boutique Wedding Reception Venue.

Depending on the time of year, many all-inclusive wedding reception venues run promotions. You may find that for an off season date they offer a discounted rate or include a free wedding cake, an extra appetizer, or a free bartender. Remember to ask them if the date of your wedding falls within one of these off season times that they may have some specials for.

And if these venues don't fit for your ideal wedding reception, don't forget them as possibilities for your Rehearsal Dinner or Engagement Parties. Their prices are even better for these events that are usually held on days other than the premium Saturday that wedding receptions are normally held on.

All in all, the location you choose for your wedding reception should reflect your style, but if it is a Boutique Venue, then all the better, as the package price will be much more competitive than buying all the “pieces” individually!

Boutique Style Wedding Venues Save You Money! is a post from: My Wedding Blog