Like your first car, a wedding dress is a very emotional purchase. That’s why it’s so easy to get carried away with the cost. Of course you want a dress that makes you look like the most beautiful bride who ever lived. But, what you will enjoy over the years are the photos of you in the dress, not the dress itself. If you happen to save it, it will sit in your attic for years. If you have a daughter, she’ll refuse to wear it because it is out of style by then. That is why you should consider renting a dress. Here are some other ideas:

New Again: Buy a dress from an upscale second hand store that specializes in wedding dresses and evening gowns. Forget trying to find a one in your local thrift store unless you want to look like a poof ball in a 1980s gown or a flower child in a 1960s number.

Something Borrowed: Borrow a dress from a married friend or relative. As you walk down the aisle, nobody’s going to remember that it’s the same dress Cousin Sue wore three years ago. You can differentiate you look with a different style of veil.

Going to the prom: Go to the prom or evening dress section of a department store. You may find a beautiful white or off-white dress.

Brides Online: You may also find an inexpensive gown on ebay, but there is always the risk that it will not look the same in person as it did in the picture. Another idea is Craigslist.org. Since is has separate sections for each city, you can go to the seller’s house and try it on. There are also many discount online bridal stores. Your local bridal ship may have a dress that has been damaged but can be repaired. They may also have a dress that was returned and already altered, which they can’t sell at retail. Instead of going to a small bridal shop, go to one of the big warehouses like David’s Bridal. They have gowns in a range of prices.

Veils: You can buy a kit at Michaels to make a veil or get an inexpensive tiara at Claire’s and attach some tulle.