| While many think that it's an absolute must that a bride | | | | Another big plus is that your dress will certainly be |
| walk down the aisle in nothing other than a traditional | | | | unique and your guests will have no problems with |
| dress, that's really far from the truth. When you get | | | | finding something to talk about at the reception. |
| right down to it, the only reason for this belief is | | | | 3. Modify An Heirloom Dress |
| tradition and the wedding industry. The wedding | | | | You may say no dice to wearing your mother's |
| industry has a vested interest in continuing this | | | | wedding dress, but before you do, you may want to |
| misnomer, so unless you are set on wearing a | | | | consider adding an new skirt to the bodice or a new |
| traditional dress, put the thought out of your mind that | | | | bodice to the skirt. The face is that by making a few |
| you aren't able to wear a non traditional dress. It's true | | | | additions or modifications, you'll end up with a unique |
| that you may encounter raised eyebrows when you | | | | dress that not only has sentimentality and your own |
| tell your friends or relatives. Heck, you may even | | | | tastes combines at a small fraction of what a |
| create a bit of a ruckus! But, if your personality is more | | | | traditional dress would cost you. You can do the same |
| of the non traditional type, and you'd rather go that | | | | type of thing with a wedding dress from a vintage or |
| way, don't let other sway your decision. | | | | second hand shop as well. |
| Without question, you can save a bundle by ignoring | | | | 4. Check Out A Costume Shop |
| traditions and what the folks within the wedding | | | | This can be a really fun way to go. Take a walk down |
| industry have to say. Here are some ideas that would | | | | the aisle in a Renaissance gown! Who wouldn't look |
| have some in the wedding industry pulling their hair out, | | | | great in a richly colored velvet gown? Or perhaps a |
| but ideas that could indeed work very well for you: | | | | simple evening gown with a velvet cape or cloak. You |
| 1. Think Color | | | | can find these types of gowns at incredibly low prices. |
| How about choosing a cocktail dress, a bridesmaid | | | | provides plenty of options if you choose to go this |
| dress or even an evening gown that matches the | | | | way. They've got a complete setups, complete with a |
| color of your wedding decor? A sapphire blue, a royal | | | | headdress for less than $50! Of course you can also |
| purple or even a Ruby Red are all great alternatives to | | | | consider renting these type of dresses from a local |
| white. Opening the door to a color other than white | | | | costume shop as well. |
| makes it a whole lot simpler to find a dress that will not | | | | You'll need to be careful when going the costume |
| only fit your budget, but that compliments your skin | | | | route because some can look pretty darn cheap and |
| tone and shape of your body. | | | | cheesy. Be sure to check return policies before buying |
| 2. Show At Vintage Clothing Stores | | | | and order your dress far in advance of your wedding |
| Retro is in! You can easily locate a dress that will add | | | | date. This way, if it's not what you want, you'll have |
| a unique flair to your big day. You'll be able to easily | | | | time to continue your search for the perfect wedding |
| stay within your budget by spending a couple of | | | | gown that meets your personality and budget. |
| hundred bucks for an evening gown out of the 40's. | | | | |