As excited as you are to start shopping, work out your budget first. Trust us -- you’re better off not trying on gowns outside of your price range. You’ll either end up falling in love and being disappointed by every other dress you see (even if they’re just as beautiful), or you’ll blow your budget. If you do find yourself pining after a dress that’s outside your budget you can ask the designer if they can limit the beading to the bodice only and skip it entirely on the skirt or train. Or ask if the dress comes in an alternative fabric that is less expensive. Savvy savings can also be found at sample sales, where you can get discounts on past seasons’ gowns. Consider a bridesmaid or ready-to-wear dress in white: Wear your mom's dress or surf the web for lightly used gowns. Also, remember that within your wedding dress budget, you’ll need to factor in the cost of alterations, and your veil, headpiece, shoes, lingerie and wedding jewelry, which can easily run up to $500.
