It would be wonderful if you had an unlimited budget for any designer gown that you wanted. Unfortunately, most brides are working with a budget smaller than their fantasies. But having a simple gown doesn’t mean that you will not look spectacular with a few creative touches.

The trick is to treat your wedding gown as if it were a little black dress. Think about it. How often have you been able to take your LBD and wear it again again simply because you changed your accessories?

Well you can use this same approach to turn a simple wedding gown into something unique and fabulous with some gorgeous accessories.

Accessorize and Glamorize

Besides the markup for the designer label, the cost of wedding gowns depends greatly on the type and quantity of fabric, the labor and the embellishments. But by using accessories you can glamorize your gown for much less than it would cost to buy a more expensive dress. Best of all, by choosing the accessories you want, you can give your gown your signature style.

The Veil of Embellishment

For instance, if you want a long train, you can easily accomplish this look with a cathedral-length veil instead of the more costly train on a gown. And if you know a seamstress, she can easily create a spectacular veil for what it would cost to buy a more costly gown with a super-long train or to buy a veil at your bridal salon.

Paying someone to make the veil for you will still cost far less than buying your veil from a bridal salon. Best of all, you select the pattern, fabric, ornamentation and a hair comb or headpiece which you can find in fabric or jewelry accessory stores. And you even can have multiple layers of tulle or lace without giving up on style.

You also can have ribbon or lace trim added to your gown, as well as having appliqués attached and sequins affixed to your dress which are usually simply done with fabric glue or simple stitches.

Clutches, Clasps and Jewels

Instead of carrying a large bouquet of flowers, carry a custom personalized bridal purse to show off your individual flair. It’s pretty, unique and a practical alternative to a bouquet.

A rhinestone broach will add sparkle to your dress and gorgeous clip-on earrings, pins or adornments made for this purpose can dress up even the most basic wedding shoes. If you purchase a dress with simple classic form and style, you can buy a pair of spectacular shoes.

With a little effort and planning, you’re simple gown will look simply spectacular.

If you have not purchased a gown, you may want to read our tips about how to buy your wedding gown at the Rocky Mountain Bride magazine where I make regular blog posts.