Bridal Alternatives
If want an alternative, possibly less expensive route, the bridal salon's discontinued rack is not necessarily your sole option. The following alternatives to high-end retail have been known to pay off in major wedding day savings. Just remember, always check for quality:there should be no stains, rips, or other major flaws.
Heirloom or antique gowns. Antique and heirloom gowns can be significantly less expensive than new ones (but they can also be pricey), and the added style and nostalgia they provide is priceless. Unless you're fairly petite, though, you may have a hard time finding one that will fit. Women and sizing specifications were a lot different many years ago. Some brides may also wish to wear their mother's wedding gown. If this interests you, consult a skilled seamstress to see if this is a possibility.
Used or consignment gowns. Try consignment stores and other bargain outlets for previously worn gowns. These dresses can be bought for a fraction of the original retail cost and taken with you that day. Of course, finding a quality wedding gown on consignment may require some tenacity and detective work since they aren't readily available. If you're serious about taking the previously worn route, check out the classified section of the local paper and look on the Internet.
Outlet and warehouse sales. Have you seen TV news coverage of a local warehouse's one-day wedding gown sale? Brides-to-be line up as early as 6
Rent-a-gown. Another increasingly popular way to find a gown is to rent one. Again, this option is not for someone who cares about being the first to wear the gown or who wants to keep it forever. Like a tuxedo rental, the gown is yours only for the wedding, then it's back on the rack for the next customer. Through rental, a famous-maker extravaganza that would cost thousands to purchase can be rented for only a few hundred. The major kink: if the gown you choose requires major alteration, they may not let you rent it. Think of how much valuable material would be lost in trying to fit a size twelve to a size four woman. After that, the dress could only be rented to very small women, a prospect the shop is unlikely to welcome.
A bridesmaid's dress. An inexpensive alternative to a formal bridal gown is an elegant bridesmaid's dress in white (or even a color depending on your style). The dress can be embellished with some lace, buttons, and the like. It probably won't satisfy you for a formal wedding, but for a more informal event it can be a thrifty and inventive way to go.
The Finishing Touches
Your headpiece or veil should complement your gown, and there are plenty of options to explore. They are typically separate pieces, neither of which is mandatory, unless your house of worship requires a veil or some sort of head covering. There is also the option of jeweled hair pins, headbands, and faux or real florals to wear with your gown.
Although a headpiece or veil typically takes only eight to ten weeks to arrive after being ordered, consider placing your order even earlier. In this way, you can have a few trial runs with your hairdresser to ensure you'll get the look you want.
COMPLETING THE BRIDAL ENSEMBLE
Slip
Bra
Hosiery
Garter
Gloves
Shoes
Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet)
Veil
Headpiece (tiara, headband, hairpin, florals, etc.)
Other
