When it comes to planning a wedding, maybe the most important (and daunting) task is finding that perfect white gown to wear down the aisle. And with all of the other expenses that go into throwing the wedding of your dreams (think florals, food and venue fees), it’s important to be as savvy and smart as possible with your budget. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice getting the dress of your dreams. We’re here to tell you that finding the perfect gown (within a budget that works for you) is not only doable, but it can be a lot of fun, too. It just takes a little bit of planning, being creative and accessorizing appropriately, which are three things we love around here. So, to inspire all of you savvy brides on a budget, our friends at Kleinfeld Bridal helped us round up the top five ways to get the gown of your dreams on a realistic budget. Take a look… and make sure to read all the way to the end for an amazing giveaway! The first place to start when looking for a wedding dress is deciding how much you want to spend.

Be realistic and honest with your budget. to get a feel for what type of silhouettes and styles you are interested in trying on. If you do all the legwork and research the designers that are in your comfortable price range before you start to try on dresses, you’ll have a much more productive appointment when the time comes. With add-ons like accessories, undergarments and alterations, it’s easy to go over your set budget, so don’t forget to leave a little room for flexibility. Wearing two or more looks on your wedding day is definitely a trend of the moment. However, it’s not necessarily easy on your budget. We recommend opting for a simple, non-embellished gown in a classic silhouette. Then, you can switch up the look of the same dress by adding different types of accessories. Throw on a beautiful belt, bolero or headpiece (we’re loving flower crowns on brides right now) and your dress will look completely different. When it comes to your big day, the accessories truly do make the bride!

Fall in love with that extravagant Pnina Tornai ballgown, only to realize it’s way out of your price range? Duvet Cover Set From ChinaShop designer sample sales, and browse hundreds of gowns at highly discounted prices. Names For Male Bengal CatsFinding the perfect wedding dress should be an event in itself and finding it at a great price is even better.Good Used Tires Ottawa Sample sales are also great places to shop for the gown of your dreams. Kleinfeld hosts their annual fall sample sale event on October 7th. And with designer sample gowns and accessories up to 75% off, brides travel from all over the world to shop the famous Kleinfeld sample sales, featuring the largest selection of designer gowns and accessories in the country.

At the sample sale, brides will receive fashion advice and styling from Kleinfeld Fashion Director, Terry Hall, and the cast of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress. VIP Appointments are available for purchase. First and foremost, shopping for your wedding dress should be fun. At Kleinfeld’s sample sale, not only will you be able to peruse hundreds of gorgeous gowns, but you’ll also enjoy sweet treats at the candy bar and snap pics with your besties in the photoboooth. Not only will you find the perfect dress, but a percentage of total sales will be donated to a charity in support of breast cancer research. That’s our kinda sample sale. When it comes to wedding planning, most of us don’t realize how expensive the flowers alone can be. Our advice is to minimize the amount of fresh floral arrangements and centerpieces on your wedding day as a way to save money and stay on budget. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to flowers, and there are plenty of creative ways you can incorporate flowers into your bridal look.

Or, go the DIY route! Head to your local flower mart or farmer’s market and put your arrangements together yourself with some of your bridesmaids (learn how to make your own bouquet here). You can also incorporate florals into your look by choosing a gown with floral embroideries or textured flower accents in the skirt. For a more subtle floral look, dress up your hairdo with a delicate vine piece that adds a hint of sparkle. For more of a garden inspired, boho chic look accessorize with a beautiful flower crown. When choosing the accessories to compliment your gown, opt for a clutch, jewelry or shoes that you can use over and over again. Splurge on a fun colored shoe you can wear for a night out on the town with girlfriends or for a special date night on your honeymoon. Purchase accessories with details you love and can wear with anything. And don’t forget something blue. With shoes and accessories longevity is key, so why wouldn’t you choose a style you can wear again and again?

Five simple steps to finding the wedding dress of your dreams, without breaking the bank. Do you have any other tips to add to the list? Be sure to leave them in the comments below. Now for the best part… Kleinfeld is giving away the most amazing package for one very lucky bride-to-be! One very lucky lady will win a complimentary VIP Sample Sale Appointment on October 7th (which is valued at up to $150) and $500 towards a sample gown to be purchased in-store (valid only on October 7th, 2014). Here’s how to enter to win: Good luck to all of you lovely bride-to-be’s, and thank you so much to our friends at Kleinfeld! Today’s Post is Proudly Sponsored By:Tips for Bridal Shows We've done more bridal shows than we could count, and we've come up with a list of things to make your bridal show experience as productive and fun as possible. Check out these tips and you'll be prepared to make the most of every bridal show!Zehnder's for any Occasion...For meetings, weddings, reunions, golf outings, motorcoach or a leisurely getaway, Zehnder's is a special place to meet, sleep and eat...but most of all to enjoy.

A TRADITION OF HOSPITALITYGROUPSWEDDINGSROOM OPTIONSMENU OPTIONSTHINK OF FOR YOUR NEXT GROUP OUTINGFor business meetings, golf outings, motorcoach tours, banquets, special occasions or a leisurely getaway, Zehnder's is a special place to meet, sleep and eat...but most of all to enjoy. Here you'll find a warm and friendly atmosphere with the prompt and courteous service you come to expect from the name Zehnder's! View more information -->MotorcoachGroup Day PassesMeetingsGolf OutingsZEHNDER'S MOTORCOACH TOURS...Motorcoach groups are always welcome at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, home to over a million visitors and one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations. Upon request we can provide complimentary welcome receptions, entertainment and shuttle service to all our Zehnder properties. Zehnder’s also provides tour planning assistance, complimentary on site motor coach parking and coordinates city tours with one hour step-on guide. To reach your Motorcoach Sales Specialist, call 800-863-7999, ext. 681.

Click here to download Motorcoach brochureZEHNDER'S GROUP DAY PASSES...Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark is your destination for a fun filled adventure. We specialize in: • Sports Teams • Youth Groups • Lock-Ins • Scout Groups • Class Trips • Church GroupsClick here to download Group Day Passes flyer.Versatility, flexibility and service are three key reasons why Zehnder's attracts meetings, conferences and banquets throughout the midwest. Zehnder's has the expertise to arrange all of your planning needs.Options:• Meeting Room Options • Food and Beverage Menus • AV Equipment Rentals For more information, call Zehnder's Group Sales Department at (844) 207-7309, ext. 681 or submit an online Request for Proposal below.THE FORTRESS GOLF OUTINGS...The Fortress offers a wide variety of amenities and services for golf outings from 20 to 144 players. Your group can enjoy a great conditioned course, where we treat you like a king or queen (according to Golf Digest). Golf Outing Options:• Group Menu Options • Scoreboard Assistance • Registration Set-up • Cart Signs • Hole Contest • Beverage Cart Service • Tournament Favors • Logo Items And more!

Book your golf outing today by calling (844) 207-7309 or submit an online Request for Proposal below.PLAN YOUR NEXT GROUP OUTING...A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOUR SPECIAL WEDDING IS AT A time of love and happiness shared with family and friends. We at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth realize the importance of this very special day, and wish to share in your happiness and joy. We want every precious moment to be perfect. You can count on Zehnder’s ofWEDDING SERVICESRoom OptionsMenus OptionsWedding CakesSpecial OptionsLodgingOther ServicesZEHNDER'S ROOM OPTIONS...Choosing the right room is the first step in meeting your specific needs. Zehnder's banquet rooms can accommodate groups from 25 to 350. The following items are included with all rooms: All set-up and clean-up, white linen service, china, glassware and flatware, stemmed water goblet, skirting for the head table, gift table, cake table and candle centerpieces. Click here to view rooms-->ZEHNDER'S MENU OPTIONS...Zehnder's of Frankenmuth is the ideal destination for those special occasions that need special attention.

Private Parties of 20 - 350 Guests can experience the Zehnder's tradition of food and service with menus for every taste and budget. When you think of a special occasion think of Zehnder's. Click here to view group menus-->ZEHNDER'S WEDDING CAKES...All of our unique wedding cakes are custom creations of our very talented cake decorators and are designed to fit your budget, tastes and interests. We recommend that you make an appointment to speak to one of our wedding cake decorators to ensure that you get the cake, color, and border that you desire, If possible a picture of your wedding cake would be most helpful. We also recommend that orders be placed one month in advance (wedding cakes with special decorations or icing flowers will require earlier notice). Wedding Cake Flavors: White, Yellow, Chocolate, Banana, Cherry, Marble, Strawberry, Lemon, Carrot, Raspberry Swirl. (Yes, you can mix flavors on tier wedding cakes.) Click here to view sample wedding cakes-->THAT ADDED TOUCH...Special occasions deserve a special treat...a Chocolate Fountain, personalized or themed cookies, cupcakes, truffles, bon-bons and chocolate covered strawberries will make your event memorable.

Zehnder’s Splash Village is a great location for your overnight wedding guests. Deluxe accommodations and an indoor waterpark will entertain your family and friends both before and after the wedding. With a wedding of 100 or more guests, Zehnder's is pleased to offer the bride and groom a complimentary one-night stay in a Dragonfly Room at Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark. View more information about Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark -->OTHER SERVICES...To assist in the planning of your special day, a list of additional services in the Frankenmuth area can be provided by Zehnder’s. Florists, photographers, music and DJ’s, ceremony locations and carriage rides can all complete the details for your special day.ZEHNDER'S WEDDINGS ON PINTEREST View on Pinterest View on PinterestGROUP ROOM OPTIONS AT Choosing the right room is the first step in meeting your specific needs. Zehnder's banquet rooms can accommodate groups from 20 to 350. The following items are included with all rooms: All set-up and clean-up, white linen service, china, glassware and flatware, stemmed water goblet, skirting for the head table, gift table, cake table and candle centerpieces.