Brides dream of their wedding day from the time they are little girls. When it comes down to shopping for the real deal, however, sticking to a bridal budget can be a nightmare. Rita Gartin and Kayse Carter of Pure Bridal in Ames offer advice on selecting a memorable wedding gown without breaking the bank.

Research retailers

You’ve committed to the man, but marrying to a wedding retailer can also take time and dedication. Attend bridal shows, compare coupons and ask wedding vendors what discounts or special services they offer. For example, Pure Bridal offers a free honeymoon package to brides who spend $1,700 or more on their dresses and accessories. Brides can also sign up for the Pure Bridal VIP Text Club to stay in the know of upcoming sales or events. Investing your time can result in a big financial payoff.

Shop the sales racks

Many bridal boutiques hold periodic or semiannual sales to sell sample gowns at a discounted price. Representative of the latest season’s fashions, these gowns haven’t left the store but have rather just been tried on by clients or displayed on mannequins or in advertisements. If you’re not the sample size, costs are associated with alterations but often outweigh the designer price tag and ensure a custom fit.

Get it early

Gartin recommends shopping early for the dream dress. It often takes four to six months for gowns to be ordered and altered. Waiting until just a couple months, or even weeks, before your big day can result in added driving, scrambling or expensive rush-delivery fees. Carter recommended having your dream dress ordered six to nine months in advance.

Outfit your bridal party

Once you have your dream dress, ask your bridal boutique about associated markdowns for purchasing the groom’s tux, bridesmaids’ dresses or the groomsmen’s suits.

“We try to take care of our brides through the entire process, with discounts for bridesmaids’ gowns and tuxedos,” Carter said.

Affordable accessories

Add some sparkle to a simple dress with a beaded belt, colored sash or standout accessories. Carter also suggests buying beads and rhinestone glue from an arts and crafts store to add your own touch of glitz and glam to a dress, shoes or veil.

If you opt for salon accessories, buy the “bling” together to ensure colors and styles match to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Other tips

1. Buy colored shoes that you can wear again for other events. Department or outlet stores such as Designer Shoe Warehouse and Zappos have a wide selection of heels for less.

2. Check with family and friends for accessories, such as a vintage veil or jewelry. This can also double as something old or borrowed.

3. Don’t buy online. Many dresses are designer imitations, and what shows up in the mail may not match the online photos.

“Buying directly from a store makes someone accountable for any needed revisions and offers customer service,” Carter said.