Wedding Dresses on a Budget

Now that you're planning your wedding, one of the first things you're going to need to consider is your wedding dress budget and how to stay within that budget. Fortunately, being able to get wedding dresses on a budget is possible. Once you have a firmer idea of sizing, you're ready to start shopping.

One place you can look for your dress is to check out local thrift shops. If someone drops off a dress to be cleaned and boxed for storage, the dry cleaner has the right to sell the dress for whatever they can get if the dress is not picked up and/or paid for in a set amount of time. Yet another source is vintage clothing or a consignment clothes shop. If you know someone who can sew, it is also possible to find patterns for wedding dresses offered by many commercial pattern companies at your favorite fabric store.

If you can work out a deal where the actual construction of the dress is considered as that person's wedding gift, you will only be out the cost of the material and notions for the dress. Other possibilities include dresses that are offered for sale in the classified ads or dresses that are offered for sale at deep discounts by the national commercial bridal shops. One national chain offers semi-regular dress sales starting at $99. One word of caution should be considered before buying a used dress.

Wedding Dresses - Necklines and Waistlines

Waistlines for wedding dresses:

Dropped - Waistline dips below natural waistline and sits more on the hips. It is suggested for brides with undefined waist, or brides having larger hips.
Natural - Waistline sits between the empire and dropped waistlines. This waistline works with most body types.

Necklines for Wedding Dresses:

Bateau - This neckline follows collar bone from shoulder to shoulder. It is suggested for women with smaller chest size.

It is suggested for women with short waist or women with broad shoulders. This neckline should be avoided by brides with thin figures. This neckline is suggested for those with an hourglass figure and should be avoided by brides with broad shoulders or fuller arms.

Scoop - Scoop is a wide "U" shape neckline. Spaghetti Straps - This neckline has thin or very thin straps that go over the shoulders to back. This neckline is suggested for women with an average or small chest. Sweetheart - Heart shaped neckline. It is suggested for an hourglass figure or those having larger chests. It is suggested for girls with smaller chest and to be avoided by those with larger chests.

The Many Choices for Irish Wedding Dresses

Those who want to wear Irish wedding dresses can choose from many different styles and designs. When it comes to Irish wedding dresses, bust lines and hemlines vary from one bridal gown to another and even the colors are dress-specific.

The magic handkerchief is one feature that is common to all traditional Irish wedding gowns. In Irish culture, the magic handkerchief is part of the lovely bridal tradition. On the wedding, the bride carries a handkerchief. Since the magic handkerchief doubles as a baby’s bonnet, it is very special to the bride-to-be. The bride can quickly transform the hanky into a baby’s bonnet with a few stitches thanks to the innovative design of the magic handkerchief.

Irish wedding dresses are unique because they have an element that will be worn by the couple’s first born child. This appealing aspect of Irish wedding dresses is a crucial part of their appeal, although it is commonly overlooked. This marriage tradition carries on from generation to generation. Many people enjoy the practice of trying on a number of Irish wedding dresses for their special day.