Surf the Web. We found several Websites that sell brand new, name-brand gowns at 20 to 40 percent off retail. You can email for a price quote, surf weekly specials and (in some cases) check out gown pictures online. Our two favorites are Pearl's Place (www.pearlsplace.com), out of Louisiana and RK Bridal (www.rkbridal.com), based in New York.
Go for a heavily advertised designer. If you want to order a dress from DBS or an online gown discounter, pick a gown from a designer that advertises heavily in bridal magazines. Why? It's easier to find a picture of such dresses. Once you know were (and when) a dress was advertised, it's much simpler to get a discount quote. Conversely, pick an obscure designer that rarely advertises and it's darn difficult to price shop. The top five gown advertisers are: Alfred Angelo, Moonlight, Bill Levkoff, Mori Lee and Demetrios/Illisa.
Consider ''custom designing.'' If you want a gown that costs over $1,000, consider having a local seamstress create a copy of the original. We've seen several beautiful gowns that were custom-designed by talented seamstresses. Why is this a money-saving tip? Well, first a seamstress can often buy the fabric at wholesale (or at a discount from retail). Second, there are no costly alterations because your gown is made to fit. Certainly the labor costs for an expert seamstress can be substantial, but the results can be striking. Total savings here will vary but we priced one exquisite silk Jim Hjelm gown at $2,700 retail that cost only $1,400 to reproduce with a local seamstress.