Finding the wedding dress of your dreams is easy; finding one that fits within your budget is a little harder. These ideas will help you keep your wedding gown budget on track and save you a fortune.

1: Set a budget and stick to it.
Many brides have a budget in mind when they shop for their wedding dress. But the numbers of brides who stick to it are few. Make sure you do your homework well by looking at gowns and getting a feel for the prices. Then set yourself a realistic figure within your budget and stick to it.

If budget will allow you to shop in the boutiques, make sure you tell the assistant your top price and ask them only to show gowns within that price range. If your budget is less and you're shopping in the online auctions or a dress exchange, don't be wooed by the higher priced dresses - you can always glam up with accessories.

2: Avoid complex embroidery or embellishments.
Embroidery and embellishments are often hand-sewn onto dresses, so choosing a simpler dress will often save you lots of money. Sequins, crystals and fabric flowers all add to the finished price. If they are hand-sewn on, then it maybe possible to negotiate them into the price, alternatively go for a similar, but more simple dress and add them yourself.

3: Consider designing or making your own dress.
You don't have to have a creative flair to design or make your own dress. With so many bridal pictures around you can mix and match the designs to create your dream dress. Once you've found something you like, search for a local dressmaker and they'll help with you with the rest.

If you're an experienced dressmaker, then there are plenty of patterns around to follow as well. So you could make your own stunning dress - but beware, it's only for the experienced.

4: Try a bridesmaids dress as your wedding dress.
You can easily pick up a white, cream or champagne coloured bridesmaid dress for under £200 and with the variety of styles around from full gown to tea length, there's bound to be a style that'll surprise you. Once you've coupled the dress with the usual bridal accessories like veil, bouquet and tiara, your guests won't even notice.

5: Try second-hand or used wedding dresses.
It's easy to find second-hand wedding dresses these days with the internet. From specialist wedding dress agencies to eBay, there are hundreds available. Just make sure you check the dress thoroughly for stains and damage and go for a generous dress size so you can alter it to fit you perfectly.

About the Author

Nicola Ray is the editor of Cheap Wedding Success, a website dedicated to planning and creating the perfect cheap wedding. With lots of advice, tips and ideas to lower the cost of your wedding, it's the perfect place to start. You can find more articles like this one in the Wedding Dresses section.