A veil can cost more than the wedding gown! So many brides have written in complaining about the high cost of veils and headpieces that we just had to come to your rescue with the best budget tips on this subject:

•Don’t choose a veil that is too ornate, too encrusted with crystals or lace detailing, since it’s the work that goes into creating it that raises the price.

•Choose a shorter length of veil, such as a fingertip length, that can cost less by requiring less fabric.

•Use an heirloom veil, such as your mother’s or sister’s wedding day veil. Some brides are also welcoming the offer of a sister-in-law’s veil.

•Go in with a few of your fellow brides to share a veil that you all love. The simpler a style the better to suit your individual looks, but when five of you split the cost of a $200 veil, it gets very affordable.

•Check consignment stores, where many recent brides ‘unload’ their expensive veils to recoup some of the money they spent on them. You’ll find amazing designer styles here.

•Check eBay for a selection of veils at bargain prices. And know that they’re not always used veils or ‘bad luck’ veils from canceled weddings. A lot of bridal store owners sell their old stock on eBay at super-low prices. So it’s like buying a veil new from the top salon in town for 85% off!

•Get on mailing lists at bridal salons so that you’ll know the dates and times of designer trunk sales. Bridal fashion designers will often show their on-sale gowns along with veils and accessories at these special, VIP events, and you can get that designer veil for over 60% off. Just be sure you’re attending trunk sales, not trunk shows where designers arrive with their new collections.

•Make your own veil, or have a crafty friend or relative make your veil, using a kit from a craft shop. These come out beautifully when you or someone you know has a talent for sewing and stitching great designs.

•If your wedding style suits this look, go without a veil and just wear pretty, fresh flowers in your hair.