Widen your search

A wedding gown is usually the last thing that brides want to cut corners on. However, if you're strapped for cash, incurring all that expense - for a dress you'll probably only wear once - is more than a little impractical. But with a bit of innovation, you can save money and still look stunning.

The first rule when you're on a budget is to get as many quotations as possible. Collect photos from magazines, draw sketches of what you like, and take time to shop around. But don't restrict your research to fashion designers. Scour the local classifieds and bridal magazines for dressmakers, or ask friends to refer you to a good one.

According to Jean Murray, a dress-maker who has been making bridal apparel for over 17 years, fashion designers usually charge more because they tend to come with a string of qualifications, while dressmakers are mostly self-taught or have completed a seamstress course. "There are many reputable dressmakers who can provide the same service as exclusive fashion designers do, at a fraction of the cost.

Like many dressmakers, I am able to create a pattern from an image in a magazine. I also offer clients my undivided attention, and with my years of experience, I am able to place myself in their shoes with regards to stylistic preferences and budget constraints."

The real thing

While good old-fashioned word-of-mouth is the best way to source a dressmaker, Jean believes that asking for references and seeing ready-made garments is essential. "Remember, photographs can hide a multitude of flaws, so avoid getting inferior workmanship by asking to view an item of clothing that the dressmaker has already completed."

It's also a good idea to ask other wedding professionals for recommen-dations. Your florist, for example, has probably been in the industry for some time, and is likely to have a list of names for you.

Cutting costs

Other options that reduce the cost of a wedding gown include hiring, buying "prêt-à-porter" (off-the-rack), or establishing whether the designer would consider a "buy-back" scheme of your custom-made original.

If you decide to take the hiring, buying or designer exclusive route, try to get a feel for the average prices in the market so you can get the best deal available.

"You need to anticipate an expensive price tag," says Lucy Anastasiadis, owner of St Lorient, an upmarket chain of bridal fashion stores in the Gauteng area. "Wedding dresses don't come cheap, and you're going to be disappointed if the amount you have to spend falls short of your expectations.

"Hiring your wedding gown is generally approximately half the price of having one designed, and buying a ready-made dress also ensures substantial savings. In both cases, the dress can be altered to provide the bride with a perfect fit.

Be original

If you absolutely must wear a designer original, there are still ways and means to keep prices down. Lucy advises brides to discuss financial matters with the designer in question, since most will be able to accommodate their client's budget without compromising on quality.

Less beadwork, for example, is one way of keeping costs down. "Avoid getting a bill that is grossly inflated with "hidden" extras, by finding out exactly what is included in the price," Lucy adds. "There are many factors that need to be considered.

The price of a gown will be dependent on design, fabric and beadwork, embellish-ments, exclusivity and so on."

Making it up

Even more affordable alternatives include borrowing a dress, or asking a talented friend or family member to help out. Bonnie Pollard, who married Alan four years ago, was lucky enough to have a capable mother to turn to. "Having my mother design and make my wedding dress meant huge savings for us," says Bonnie, "so I could really indulge on other aspects, like the fabric and accessories.

The dress cost R1 600 to make, and took three months of my mother's time. A fashion designer quoted us roughly R10 000 to make the same dress. It was a true labour of love, but when I tried it on, we were both speechless."

Nevertheless, home-made is not an option for everyone, Bonnie warns. "It's important that you have an honest relationship and really trust the person making the gown for you, as it could be excruciatingly awkward to declare, at the final dress rehearsal, that the fruits of her labour make you look a bit like a pumpkin!"

Retail detail

Less costly dresses can also be found in the most unlikely places, and here, the imaginative bride will truly shine. For instance, if you're planning a theme wedding, or are inclined to be more daring, there are costume-hire shops that offer some dazzling apparel.

In addition, a dress found at a non-bridal boutique can be creatively adapted to incorporate more of a "bridal look", then converted back into an evening dress after the big event.

The little extras

Rands and cents can also be saved when it comes to headpieces and accessories for your wedding day. "Less is more" is a long-standing fashion maxim, so there is no need to be heavily laden with jewels.

Buying costume jewellery, for instance, can mean a significant saving. Wearing a friend's or family member's jewellery provides the bride with an opportunity to fill her "something borrowed" quota, and costs nothing. However, if you do have extra money to spend, buy the genuine article.

A beautiful pair of earrings can be a wonderful investment and a constant reminder of your special day. Likewise, a quality pair of shoes can be dyed for later use.

So there you have it! With a little forethought, tight purse strings don't have to stand in the way of your dream wedding. And, without the added strain of an over-draft, you and your Prince Charming can truly look forward to living happily-ever-after.