Pinching Pennies II

With three kids, a thriving business, and just every day expenses, we know as well as you how hard it is to stretch a dollar. When it comes to managing any of these aspects of life (including your upcoming nuptials), one has to be incredibly resourceful. You CAN look like you're worth a million bucks even if you can't afford a fraction of that expense. Here are a few ways:

1. Ebay There are tons of ladies out there who either want to sell their wedding gowns quick, fast, and in a hurry, or simply found another dress before their wedding day that they fell in love with all over again....or a bridal salon could have several previous season items that they need to rid themselves of. The key in finding the gown of your dreams is to pay attention to:

• the auction details and ask tons of questions before committing to buy
• check, check, and double check the sellers' feedback to make sure you're working with a credible person
• bid at the last minute! Never get overly anxious. Just watch the auction and remind yourself to bid in the 11th hour. You'll always get the best price.
• scour the internet and other auctions to ensure you're getting the best deal
• be honest....and know your measurements! (when its all said and done, no one will know or care what size your dress it....just invest in one that can be altered to fit just right)

Here are just a few nice finds:

Jim Hjelm JH8662 :with a buy it now price of $649

Amsale - A445: with a buy it now price of $250

Judd Waddell: with a buy it now price of $500

Kenneth Pool: with a starting bid of $2100 (originally over $5000)

2. Pearl's Place Pearl's Place was the diamond we found a few years ago when we planned our wedding. It is a leading bridal store based in New Orleans, that provides acesss to the best prices in bridal fashions. They're listed in several bridal magazines: Brides, Modern Bride, For the Bride by Demetrios, Martha Stewart, Bridal Guide,In Style Weddings and Wedding Dresses and you will be impressed by their service.

3. PreOwned Wedding Dresses.com

This site is absolutely a great site...particularly for those of us who love expensive couture gowns but would rather use those pennies toward something else! :) One can find designs from J. Crew and David's Bridal to Melissa Sweet and Anne Barge! I think I am a kid in a candy store! Happy Shopping Ladies!