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Your gown on the cheap: Six tips on how to be budget-wise AND environmentally-friendly

by Ilona Peltz on Oct 15th 2007 5:06PM

Filed under: Fashion, Budget Advice, Do-It-Yourself

I don't know why some people resist "going green" as much as they do. It's a terrific way to save money! Consider Diane Warner's "How to Have a Big Wedding on a Small Budget." She's not worried about the environmental angle at all -- she's only interested in saving you money. But just look at the some of the ideas she lists for getting your gown for less:

1. Borrow one. Is your aunt's wedding dress you ideal gown? And are you about the same size? Why not? The perfect gown, and a compliment to your aunt's taste.

2. Look into prom dresses. Depending on this year's fashion, you might find a prom dress that would work. Yes, you can buy them new (at far less than you'd pay for a wedding gown), but you can also rent or borrow one of these, too.
3. Bridesmaids gowns do come in white and ivory, and they're much less expensive than bridal gowns. And there are far more of these kicking around that you might borrow or find used than there are wedding gowns!

4. Check the classified section of your newspaper. There are often listings for wedding dresses. While there's almost certainly a sad story behind "Wedding dress, size 14, never worn", that sad story could have a happy ending for you!

5. Check out consignment shops.

6. But what Ms. Warner prefers above all is renting. If she'd known this option existed when her daughter got married, she writes, that's what they would have done. A designer gown for less than the price of purchasing your own. Imagine. The gown of your dreams, at half the price -- and doing your bit to save the planet! Does it get any better?