It's wedding season and let's face it most of us do not have Melania Trump's budget to plan a wedding. And what if you've decided to forgo spending full price on a dreamy Vera Wang or Monique L'Huillier? (Because a down payment on your house with your soon-to-be husband is far more priority) The trick is to spend only a fraction of those designer wedding gown prices. It may seem impossible but yes, you can be a princess for a day on a budget.
Retail chains such as J.Crew, Ann Taylor and even plus-size retail chain Lane Bryant all offer affordable simple yet elegant styles. Discount retailer Filene's Basement have annual wedding dress sales that are so great they've caused quite a stir for their basement bottom prices. So don't fret, there are options. Here are some additional tips:
Custom
Once you've narrowed down to several styles or "the one" go to your local tailor or wedding seamstress. Keep in mind that custom orders can take an average of three to six months so start researching styles as soon as you set the date. If you order online you still have to take it to your tailor or seamstress afterwards for final alterations. Fittings, selecting fabric and constant changes to detail takes time. Remember, don't forget a sales contract that includes the size and custom requires one-third to half of total cost as down payment.
Beaded Satin A-line, $399, davidsbridal.com

Rent
Men rent their tuxes so why not rent your dress? This has been a secret trick for many for the last couple of years. Especially for those who feel they have no use for it after the special day. Check bridal shops in your surrounding area and online for selections. Also, bagborroworsteal.com rents red carpet-worthy wedding jewelry from the top jewelers in the business.
Used
This may sound gross or icky to some but it works for many. Even more so to those who have worn their mother's dress. Be very open minded, especially if you have a vintage feeling in mind. Web addicts should go to eBay, Craigslist and Amazon. Just be sure to search and ask thoroughly for stains and damage. Your local seamstress can alter the find up to two sizes.
Isaac Mizrahi Tulle Princess Dress, $90.99. target.com
Bridesmaid or Prom
My niece wore a tulle princess-style wedding gown type of dress to her prom. The shop where she purchased said many women also bought bridesmaid dresses as an option as well. So be very openminded when you consider shopping on a budget.

Ann Taylor "Jacqueline" Silk Beaded Gown, $540 (sale) Anntaylor.com

J.Crew Silk "Rebecca" Long Dress, $350, jcrew.com

Lane Bryant V-Neck Drape Front Gown, $149, lanebryant.com
Famous Black Couples
- Famous Black Couples
12 Usher & Tameka Raymond
Certainly marriage is not always a walk in the park, but for Usher Raymond and Tameka Foster, there was high drama before the wedding. Yet, against the odds, the May-December relationship,who wed in August 2007 (he 29,she 36) seems to show no signs of fatigue. Last November, they welcomed their son, Usher Raymond V into the world. (Photo by Johnny Nunez, WireImage.com) - Famous Black Couples
11 LisaRaye & Michael Misick
No need to pester Disney for a Black princess -- we've got a real live one from the South Side of Chicago. Who cares that actress LisaRaye McCoy became the First Lady of Turks & Caicos, when she married the Premier of the island nation? Details, details. Princess! The two were wed in a lavish event in 2006. (Photo by Rick Diamond, WireImage.com) - Famous Black Couples
10 Martin Luther & Coretta Scott King
The truth of it is that a young preacher from Atlanta finds his lovely lady in wait from Alabama and they marry in 1953. The fact that they came to change the world was icing on the cake. Theirs was a union that must have been tested -- bombed homes, great separations, four children to feed. Through it all they were the epitome of courage and dignity. In this 1956 photo, a young Martin is welcomed with a kiss by Coretta after leaving court in Montgomery.(Photo by Gene Herrick, AP Photo) - Famous Black Couples
9 Nas & Kelis
Talk about a ride or die chick. If your man takes a controversial stand, why not you too???? And so Nasir and Kelis Jones came to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards with the N-Word spilled all over them like Hennessy. This also just happens to be the name of Nas' next album. The eccentric singer and critically acclaimed rapper have been married since 2005. (Photo by Johnny Nunez, WireImage.com) - Famous Black Couples
8 Colin & Alma Powell
Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell wed Alma Johnson in 1962, while he was stationed in Massachusetts. Some say that Alma, the Alabama born audiologist, held his career back; she always remained adamant about his safety and the time politics would take from them. The two retirees are now actively involved in the The Colin & Alma Powell Legacy Campaign with America's Promise, a charity for children. The Powells themselves have three children and three grandchildren.(Photo by Paul Hawthorne, Getty Images) - Famous Black Couples
7 Samuel Jackson & Latanya Richardson
When we saw Latanya Richardson at Kai Milla's Fall 2008 fashion show, it was like Jay said -- the rock on her finger was like a TUMOR. Upon closer inspection, the so very down to earth Miss Jackson revealedthat the many, many diamonds surrounding the rockiest were all gems Samuel had given her over the years. ''These two were the first pair of diamond earrings that Samuel gave me,'' she beamed. The Morehouse-Spelman couple have been married since 1980 and have a daughter, Zoe. (Photo by Maury Phillips, WireImage.com) - Famous Black Couples
6 Creflo & Taffi Dollar
Being married to a highly visible preacher can be likened to being married to a rock star. There is notoriety, fortune, fans. But Taffi and Creflo Dollar, both ministers, both with unique names, seem to handle it all with aplomb. They truly seem in love, with Creflo mentioning Taffi often in his sermons. Dollar's first son, who is white, was adopted when he and Taffi were engaged. The Dollars now have five children together. (Photo by: World Changers Church International) - Famous Black Couples
5 Grant Hill & Tamia
The vow through sickness and in health must have taken on new meaning when beautiful Canadian songstress Tamia was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005. This is the real test of a marriage, and she and Grant Hill have made it clear that they are fighting together. The attractive couple, who were reportedly introduced by Anita Baker, have been married for almost nine years. Last August, Tamia gave birth to her second baby girl, Lael Rose.(Johnny Nunez, WireImage.com) - Famous Black Couples
4 Rev. Run & Justine Simmons
Meet me at the altar in your white dress...Who could forget the remix video to 'Let's Get Married' where Reverend Run and wife, a young Justine Simmons, danced together at the wedding reception? As the hip-hop generation's Healthcliff and Claire Huxtable on the MTV ''reality'' show, 'Run's House,' we have laughed with Rev. Run and his family and cried when they lost their youngest member last year. The Simmons' have recently adopted a baby girl which brings their beautiful brood to six. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images) - Famous Black Couples
3 Barack & Michelle Obama
Stand by your man, or behind him in this case. Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama gets real love from his equally accomplished wife Michelle before the New Hampshire presidential primary on Jan. 8, 2008.The couple met at a law firm (she was his boss) and have been married since 1992. They have two daughters, Malia and Natasha. (Photo by Stephan Savoia, AP Photo)




Comments: (23)
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By: Kel on 6/14/2008 11:20AM
lane bryant dress is ugly
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By: Charles Rivers on 6/18/2008 4:22PM
We have found that not only is the hot topic for weddings the budget, but the gas. That is why the for the first time we have included a gas card as top gift at the, "Happily Ever After Conference" over the dress. This is indeed a sign of slowing times on a beautiful day.
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By: monique on 6/23/2008 9:24AM
If you can't afford a dress, maybe you should consider not getting married at all. The dress is what all girls dream about from the time they see the first princess movie as a child.
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By: Gwenola on 6/23/2008 10:25AM
I love the idea of renting a wedding dress. I should have rented. Although I didn't spend that much, I still have that dress after eight years.
I did purchase the dress at a shop that has name brand dresses for a bargain price;I paid less nine hundred.
A wedding can cost
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By: Tina on 6/23/2008 1:49PM
WILL WEDDING ARE COSTLY AND SO IS GAS PRICES BUT TO RENT A WEDDING DRESS I DON'T THINK SO YOU WOULD WANT TO GIVE YOU DRESS TO YOUR DAUGHTER SOME DAY. AND IF YOU LOOK AROUND FOR A DRESS YOU CAN FIND A DRESS THAT DOES NOT COST A LOT OF MONEY YOU CAN GET A DRESS UNDER $700 HUNDERD DOLLARS YOU CAN GO TO DAVIDS BRIDAL THEY ALWAYS HAVE A SALE GOING ON.
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By: Pastor R. warr on 6/23/2008 3:57PM
Lane Bryant's dress looks like a nightgown, not a Wedding Dress.
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By: woman on 6/23/2008 4:54PM
well i don't think all little girls dream of just the dress for a wedding. but if your husband rents his tux why not rent your dress..yes some say buy one so you can pass it down to your daughter but, what if you don't have a daughter.
anyway the first dress is my favorite the lane bryant dress is very ugly and too revealing.
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By: Annette on 6/23/2008 6:45PM
Renting a dress is an alternative that some may find beneficial in today's economy. Of the dresses showcased, my favorite is the Ann Taylor dress.
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By: Kelley318 on 6/23/2008 7:58PM
I rented a beautiful dress when i got married now 21 yrs later i know i did the right thing my daughter wouldnt wanna wear that dress ill buy her some pearls.
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By: Alexis on 6/23/2008 8:44PM
As a child, I never dreamed about my wedding day because it never seemed that important. I have begun to think about it more recently since I will be getting married in February of 2009 and I love the idea of renting a dress. I understand that some mothers like to pass their dress down to their daughters. Although the dress my mother wore was beautiful, I always wanted to wear my own. I don't agree with the person that said if you can't afford a dress, then you shouldn't be getting married. Weddings are not all about the dress,but more importantly what the day represents.
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