Most every bride has a budget when it comes to their wedding gown. Once you have the budget set, you want to find a place to shop where you get the most bang for your buck. You don’t have to settle for a wedding dress that you don’t love. There are a ton of places where you can actually get a designer wedding dress for a fraction of the retail price—saving your budget and fulfilling your wedding dress dreams.

Shop bridal outlets: Bridal outlets are booming in this tough economy. They often carry discontinued or previous season designer wedding gowns, and sometimes buy-out designers that are shutting their doors. Because of this, they are able to offer top-notch designer frocks at up to 75% off. Yes, even with limited funds you can wear Vera Wang, Amsale, Lazaro and so many more. Best of all, most outlets are fully staffed with awesome consultants to help you on your search. This way, you feel as though you are getting the full bridal experience, being pampered as if you were shopping at an upscale boutique, but without the hefty price tag.

Shop online: Shopping online can be intimidating and overwhelming for some brides. However, there are tons of bargains to be had. Many bridal outlets and bridal discount stores have online boutiques as well. So, if for some reason you don’t have one in your area, don’t sweat it. Just be sure that the online store carries quality wedding gowns and that you can return a gown if you are not fully-satisfied. It is a great idea to go to a bridal shop and try and different silhouettes before ordering a dress that you have not tried on. This way , you know what looks good on you and what doesn’t. Again, you can get designer wedding dresses for way below retail. So go ahead, shop online, but be prepared beforehand.

Wear a recycled gown: Is your wedding gown budget extremely limited? If so, you might want to think about wearing a used or recycled dress. There are consignments shops and online shops that specialize in used gowns. They are popular with brides who are eco-friendly as well. So, if you are going green, think a recycled dress. Another option is to ask a family member if you can wear their dress. It is amazing how seamstresses can transform older gowns into something fresh and new looking. Additionally, you could start a lovely new tradition in your family!

See also:
3 Reasons Save the Dates Should be Part of the Wedding Budget
Wedding Planning Stress: Top Five Tips for Staying Calm
If a Designer Dress isn’t in the Budget, Rent a Gown for your Wedding