Thrifty mom: How to be a bride on a budget

DENVER — Have you seen how expensive weddings are these days? Every bride wants a beautiful day and a beautiful gown, but if you're trying to stay within a budget, you need to find areas where you can save some money.

Now I know most little girls don't dream they'll find their perfect dress in a thrift store, but I found that stores like Goodwill have some incredible options. Modern styles, including some bridal gowns that are brand new! 

At Goodwill's Deja Blue boutique store in Denver, we found a dress with it's original David's Bridal tags. At that store, it cost $600. Now it's marked down to $89.99.

"You can really fid a steal of a deal at a thrift store," said Jessica Smith with Goodwill Industries of Denver. "A lot of times these brides, they’re only wearing the dress one time, so they’re in good shape."

Depending on the age and condition of the dress, we found some priced as low as $19.99. Of course some of these older dresses will require a little tailoring and creativity.

"A lot of times those dresses have so much material that you can create something out of it. You can alter it in a way that is your style and make it unique," says Smith.

Thrift stores can also save you money on the countless other things you need for a wedding. If you're into the DIY movement, you can find frames at thrift stores to make centerpieces and signs. You can use mason jars, candle holders, and fake flowers to decorate. 

Finally, if you were once a bride, and your wedding dress has been sitting in the back of your closet for years, or decades, consider donating it to Goodwill. You'll be helping save another bride some money, and giving your dress a chance to make someone else happy.

That's all from this thrifty mom - now go be a thrifty bride!

Nicole Brady is an anchor and reporter for Denver7. The rest of the time, she shops at thrift stores all over town. You can see more of her “thrifty mom” segments on Facebook.