If you are on a tight budget you may be considering purchasing a used wedding dress. If you leave your options open and allow plenty of time for used dress shopping, you can wear the wedding gown of your dreams while saving several hundred dollars.

Be aware when you buy used — or any gown that isn’t straight from the designer — that it may be in less than pristine condition. Expect to have it cleaned or to make minor repairs.

Before looking at used gowns, research the various designers’ styles so you know which brands tend to have “your look.” While you are doing this, also decide what features you want your wedding dress to have. For example:

- What general style do you prefer (a-line, mermaid, etc.)?

- What color will your gown be (ivory, white, pink, etc.)?

- What necklines are acceptable to you (sweetheart, halter, etc.)?

- How long will your gown be and will it have a train?

- What type of detailing will it have (seed pearls, rhinestones, beading, etc.)?

Also, like everyday women’s clothing, sizes vary depending on the brand. Each designer publishes a measurement chart. Using those charts, figure out your size in each of your preferred designers’ gowns (Remember that in all likelihood your wedding dress will need to be altered, whether you purchase it used or straight from the designer).

After completing your research, you are ready to begin looking for a used wedding gown. There are several places to find used gowns. You’ll want to set up notices, put in requests, and monitor each of them:

- Consignment stores can be a good used gown source. If you are lucky enough to have a local used formal wear store, alert the owner that you are looking for a dress.

- Craigslist is a very active used-goods marketplace. Find your local Craigslist, open a free account, and make an “item wanted” post. Do searches for the terms “wedding gown” and “wedding dress” in the clothing section — and monitor new listings often — to see what is currently being sold.

- There are several Websites that specialize in used wedding attire and/or create a buyer/seller marketplace (hint: search “used wedding dresses” or something similar in your favorite search engine).

- Buy at auction. By far the largest auction site is eBay, and they have an extensive bridal gown section. Many were worn once or are sales samples.

- While not technically “used,” bridal store floor samples are a great bargain. Most stores sell their last-season samples for $99 and up.

Other Ways of Finding Inexpensive Wedding Gowns

If your heart is set on a designer dress, but you don’t have a designer wallet, you might find a designer sample dress for a fraction of the cost at one of the above-mentioned floor sample sales.

You could also buy a designer duplicate. These resemble — but are not completely identical to — an existing designer gown. In general, you order the gown based on a photo of an existing dress. A seamstress, usually in an Asian country, then recreates the general look of the pictured gown — often for around $100. There are both positives and negatives to this approach. Whether a dress like this is right for you depends on your own priorities: If you expect the same quality of material and exact detailing as a designer original, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a way to very inexpensively purchase a formal wedding dress that will look good on you for a day, then consider this option.

A final way to find an inexpensive bridal gown is to consider a white or ivory bridesmaid dress to wear as an informal wedding dress. Because bridesmaid dresses are generally much less expensive than bridal gowns, you can save hundreds of dollars with this approach.

Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com — a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, tutorials, and shopping sections. Read more cheap wedding dress shopping tips at: http://www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/cheap-dress

Rhinestone Pink Wallet
Rhinestone Pink Wallet
Rhinestone Pink Wallet

Flag pins are also known as patriot pins and can be used for any occasion. As the name suggests, flag pins represent the national flag of the country and are designed, according to the pattern and color of the national flag. The flags can be displayed in the flying mode or engraved in different shapes, such as hearts, rectangles or ovals, various animals and birds. These are associated with the spirit and representing the national symbol of the country. The ‘Great American Bald Eagle’ or ‘The Heart of America’ symbolizes American pride. Other flag pins include the republican or democratic symbols, in the forms of animals and birds or any other geometrical or popular shape, to display and promote patriotism.

Flag pins are made of different materials, such as gold or silver plated metals, crystals, rhinestones, cold metallic enamel, white metal, lacquer and white metal. These pins are often hand painted and display the colors of the flag. They accentuate the glitter of the crystal or the rhinestones used. Sparkles are also added at times, to lend an extra shine. Other than representing patriotism, they can also hold identity badges, reading glasses or sunglasses. They are attached to the front pockets or collars of the uniforms or costumes.

Collections of flag pins, of different shapes, makes and models, can be found online. Several costume jewelry manufacturers and dealers display their catalogs of designer pins, with the description and images, online. Prices may vary, depending on the intricate designs and measurement of the pins. Free shipping offers are given with bulk and regular orders. However, the buyers are recommended to research and compare the varieties and prices, before selecting the pins. Separate sections of antique pins are available online, for private collections. They are prized and valued by genuine art collectors.

Pins provides detailed information on Pins, Lapel Pins, Bird Pins, Flag Pins and more. Pins is affiliated with Lapel Pin Manufacturers.

Rhinestone Lapel Pin
Rhinestone Lapel Pin
Rhinestone Lapel Pin

Kippy Rhinestone Belt
Kippy Rhinestone Belt
Kippy Rhinestone Belt