Make your own headpiece. Sure sewing a wedding gown from scratch isn't for every bride, but consider making the headpiece. The average bridal veil and headpiece is little more than a comb or headband) with some ribbons, silk flowers and a few fake pearls. Attach a veil and poof! You've got a bridal headpiece. The fact that bridal shops sell them for $100, $200 or even $300 should be a federal crime. Our advice: Make your own. Go to any craft store like Michael's (800-MICHAELS), and you can easily pick up the forms and supplies to do it yourself. Another helper: the Miracle Bow. This $5 barrett (made by Offray and Sons, call 770-509-2566 for a store near you) comes with four-step instructions for making pretty bridal headpieces. Attach a piece of veiling (three yards of tulle is only $20) with Velcro to the Miracle Bow and you've got a complete headpiece and veil look -- at a fraction of bridal store prices.
These money-saving secrets are sure to get you down the aisle in style -- without breaking the bank. But before you buy a stitch of satin, remember the most important tip of all: Use your credit card (instead of cash or a check) to pay for your bridal gown. Most brides and grooms do not realize that a special federal consumer protection law protects all deposits and payments made with credit cards. The law, called Federal Regulation C, entitles consumers to receive refunds if the merchandise delivered doesn't measure up. Sure shopping for a gown should be fun, but it's always best to be on the safe side, too!