Okay, always know your limits on what you can and cannot do yourself. However, if you have a special talent or interest, don’t think there’s anything (except officiating) that can’t be done on your own.

One Woman has even panned for the gold to make her own wedding rings!

Always be on the look out for ways to save a bit here and there.

So you are going for the fancy formal dress and tuxedos?  If your bridal shop is affiliated with a tux shop, you can often save money by purchasing your dress (and bridesmaids dresses) at the shop and renting tuxedos from the affiliated shop.   Often if you purchase over a certain amount the shops may throw in something “free (like shoes or perhaps the grooms rental).

I was reading a bridal forum and the bride was thinking of a having a costume wedding in order to save money on the dresses and tuxedos.   While costumes are still expensive renting or purchasing a costume will generally be less expensive than purchasing a high end wedding gown.

If you are someone who is into the costumes or wants an October wedding this idea might be something to think about.

If you don’t have your heart set on a traditional wedding dress, fall is when most New Year’s Eve dresses are out. You’ll have a great selection of most cocktail dresses.    Even the nicest of these is cheaper than the average wedding dress.

Everyone thinks of buying online when they want to save money. Should you purchase your dress online?  It depends upon the dress you want and where you live.  Be sure to get measured by a professional before ordering.   Check out whether a dress that may not be stocked can be ordered by a local bridal salon. Find out what they charge for alterations and what their policies are.  Find out what the average cost is for alterations at their store.

Next, check in with professional tailors who specialize in altering wedding dresses.  Find out what the average cost is on altering a wedding dress.

Finally, check online.  Check out the policies of where you are planning to buy the dress. If it’s not what you expect, can you return it?  Can you talk to someone on the phone?  What is the seller’s reputation?

Figure out if you are actually saving money by buying online before you actually just assume you are.   Sometimes dress shops offer so much assistance that buying there or at a resale shop may be far more worthwhile than trying to purchase a dress online. Only you know the truth about the dress you want in your area. Do your homework and ask around!

Grooms have historically rented tuxedos, why shouldn’t the bride and her party do the same thing?  There are more and more rental shops around today, so look around and see what’s out there.   Most bridal dresses are worn once.   The rental costs, of course keep the rental shop in business, but they should also include full cleanings between wearing. Check their policies on alterations.

Another idea is to borrow a dress, particularly if you have a sister or a good friend who is already married and about your size.

Don’t forget the heirloom dress of your mother or your grandmother either!

I work in an industry that having a large diamond ring is actually a problem. I’d need to remove it often. If you are like me or just someone who doesn’t want a large diamond ring, consider a romantic (and potentially money saving alternative).

Wedding Vow Rings has a unique way of making a plain ring less than plain.    I love that they have the vows on the back.  In fact, any “plain” ring that has been engraved can be a wonderful personal treasure for long after the ceremony.  Isn’t that what you really want from a ring?

One of the biggest expenses in a wedding is the dress.   Bridal shops are typically the most expensive place to get a bridal gown.

It’s worth visiting a bridal shop to find what styles suit you.   Be prepared that most bridal gowns are kept in stock in fairly small sizes from size 8 to size 12.  On occassion some gowns are in a 14 or 16 but this is unusual.  Gowns also tend to run a bit on the small size.   However, even a few dresses can show you what looks good on you and what doesn’t.

If you fall in love with a certain dress or fashion is really something that’s important to you, then a bridal shop is the perfect place to buy.   Be aware that alterations can cost extra.  Allow plenty of time for the dress to arrive and be altered to fit you.

If you are less concerned about fashion, consider a used dress.   There are many consignment shops and most won’t take gowns more than 3 to 5 years old.   You can buy a dress that’s been donated to charity, with proceeds going to fund research for breast cancer.   Most wedding websites have links to show when that is in your area.   Early spring is the most likely time to find this traveling around.

Look on Craigslist.  Craigslist often has wedding gowns listed for a very small price.  As these are local women, you can see the gown first. See if you can try it on.  Be aware that any gown will need to be cleaned and perhaps fitted to your form, adding as much as $150 to the cost.   However, most women are eager to sell their gowns and often have listed them multiple times.   They can be a bargain!

If your wedding is informal, consider a prom dress or a cocktail dress from a nice store.  Even the nicest cocktail dress from Nordstroms is likely to be a bargain compared to a wedding gown!