Ideas for saving money on wedding dress, accessories and beauty for bride-to-br

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> The dress

Instead of a costly designer gown, you could take a practical approach and go budget. You'll only be wearing it once, but it's your special day and it's tough to think practical about your wedding dress. 

- If you want a brand new dress, try nationwide wedding dress sales where you'll find a large selection of shapes and styles. What's on offer is usually a mixture of window dresses, fashion show samples, end of line gowns, one-off prototypes and shop samples. Visit www.theweddingsale.com to find out when and where the next events are.

- Buying a second-hand dress is a great way of saving wads of money, and you might even find yourself a cheap designer gown. Browse charity shops and see what's on offer at dress agencies, online auctions and online bridal stores such as www.almostnewweddingdresses.co.uk, www.sharethedream.co.uk and www.thedressmarket.net.
- If you're not worried about actually buying your dress (and your mum's wedding dress isn't your size or style), you could hire a wedding dress. In most hire places, it's first come first served, so get in early and don't forget that if alterations need to be made, these costs generally won't be included in the hire price.

> Accessories
The add-ons can cost you dear if you go for luxury jewellery, a lace veil, made-to-measure shoes, a designer bag and all the rest...

- Consider hiring accessories. These days you can hire everything from jewellery (www.dajewellery.com) to designer bags ( www.handbaghirehq.co.uk, www.bagmybag.co.uk or www.designerhandbaghire.com).
- Borrow as much as you can: your grandma's veil, your cousin's stole, your friend's gloves, your mum's pearl necklace...In addition to saving you money, wearing something old, borrowed and blue will bring you luck! 
- Track down deals on the Internet. Register on auction and trading sites, make the most of the sales and get bidding on eBay, a real Aladdin's cave.

> Beauty
Before you know it, beautifying yourself for your big day can cost as much as your hen night (you could always combine the two!). A trip to the spa or hammam, exfoliation, massage, epilation, manicure, pedicure, hairstylist and make-up artist...it doesn't come cheap.

- 48 hours before the big day, transform your house into a spa! Invite your friends round and get each to bring their beauty tools, tips and tricks. Get manicured, pedicured, styles and massaged by your gentlest friends - they know you best!