If you are a bride-to-be with your dream wedding and a budget in mind, you're not alone. Cheap wedding dresses that look very expensive are available. However, to find the right one for you, you might have to look carefully. While many people don't suggest buying wedding gowns online, I strongly disagree.

Really, you only need to do a couple of things to ensure a good experience if you decide to buy wedding dresses online.

Great Tips for Finding Cheap Wedding Dresses Online:

First, go out and try on some gowns in various silhouettes or shapes to understand which ones work well with your body.

There are several shapes to consider these days such as mermaid, A-line, empire waist, and column to name only a few.

Some brides-to-be are in love with the idea of wearing a halter top gown, only to find out it makes their chest look too small or their arms too round.

So, it's important to make sure your gown's shape flatters your shape!

Second, you need to choose a great style that compliments you as well as your overall ceremony theme.

Remember to consider factors such as the formality of your wedding ceremony and reception, the venue's style where you are getting married and the overall theme and mood of your wedding.

Are you more inclined to have a traditional or modern, casual or unique wedding?

Will you be having a romantic beach wedding or will it be in a fancy ballroom? In a banquet hall or a quaint little chapel? These details play a big part in the selection of your wedding dress.

There are countless styles to match every kind of wedding style such as:

• summer gowns

• beach gowns

• casual gowns

• fairytale gowns

• elegant gowns

• modern gowns

• unique gowns

• traditional gowns

• trendy gowns

• princess gowns

You really must try on a bunch to see what style will create the perfect overall sensation of your wedding.

Don't worry about driving the sales girl nuts... it's her job to help you.

Also, think about your personal style.

Do you like a smooth gown or lots of embroidery? Do you like a sweetheart neckline or square one? Perhaps you like a short modern gown instead of a long traditional one?

What about your train and your bridal veil? Do you crave a chic and vogue look or a simple and cute one?

You really have to try a dress on physically to get an idea of what you like and what will compliment you the most, so don't skip this step!

After trying the dress on, you'll have a much better understanding of the shape and style that works best for you.

Now it's time to go shopping for designer-looking, but affordable wedding dresses!

(If you want something completely unique, you can even design your own wedding dress using the knowledge of the elements that work best with your body.)

Due to the high overhead costs of running a retail store, cheap wedding dresses are usually not found in bridal boutiques. This means an online bridal store is THE place to go.

Once you have figured out what you want, you can take a look at the wedding dresses found online to find the style, shape, color, and price that work best for you.

Remember to always ask questions if you are not sure. For example, don't simply assume the fabric is satin, or the crystals are Swarovski. Ask first to make sure.

You don't need any surprises when your dress arrives so take the time to ask questions now to avoid errors.

Make sure of the production and delivery time.

Get a clear understanding of how long it will take them to make the dress and ship it to you. If the website states they will make your dress in 30 days, make sure you understand whether they mean 30 business days or 30 calendar days.

Make sure you order your dress well ahead of your wedding date. It's always a good idea to have a buffer period to protect you from any unforeseen problems that may occur. Plan to get your dress with at least a 2 month buffer period before your wedding date. By doing this, you'll have plenty of time to correct any problems.

You don't want to get your dress a week or a day before your wedding only to find out they've sent you someone else's gown!... (enter Bride-zilla stage left)

Make sure your measurements are correct! The best way to do this is to go to a professional seamstress to have it done. But DO NOT take your own measurements! It can be difficult to line up the tape measure if you try to do it yourself resulting in errors galore.

The company will make the dress based on the information you give them so you are responsible for giving them the correct measurements. Most companies will not accept returns due to the wrong size. So make sure you give them the right information in the beginning.

If the company offers a size chart for choosing the right size, then make sure you carefully study the chart before choosing. Wedding dresses are not sized the same way as your everyday clothes so take the time to measure correctly.

Choose the right color. Most wedding dresses are offered in white or ivory so pay close attention to make sure you've chosen the right one.

Understand the shipping charges. Some companies offer free shipping so the price you pay for the dress is your total price. Other companies charge a separate shipping price which can range anywhere from $40-$150 depending on where they are shipping from and where the dress will be delivered to. If you're on a tight budget, find out this information before you start shopping for cheap wedding dresses so that you won't be in for a surprise when it's time to check out.

If you've found THE perfect dress at a bridal boutique or in a bridal magazine but can't swallow the price tag, you can simply take a few snapshots of the dress and send them to an online bridal store.

Certain online stores are experienced in the fine art of creating a garment from only a photo and will duplicate your dress perfectly at a fraction of the price you'd normally pay for it. The only thing missing is the designer label.

Expensive looking affordable wedding dresses can be found online in just about any style, gown silhouette, color, and price point you're looking for. It's always important to determine your budget before you shop, so that you'll have realistic expectations as to what you can spend.

All in all, whether you design your own wedding dress, send photos of a designer dress to be duplicated or choose an already affordable dress, you'll definitely be able to find cheap wedding dresses when shopping at an online bridal store!