1.  Savvy Shopper: Save money by shopping sample sales, where stores deeply discount last season's wedding dresses to make room for new styles.

2.  Winning Ensembles: Overwhelmed by the prospect of wedding-dress shopping? Hire a personal stylist, who can also pick out the perfect ensembles for your shower and rehearsal dinner.

3.  Belted Beauty: Give an all-white wedding dress a splash of color by tying a bright sash around your waist.

4.  NY Designer Divas: Be the coolest shopper on the block with The Stylish Bride, which chauffeurs out-of-towners to Manhattan's hottest wedding-dress salons.

5.  Something Blue: Monogram your name, your fiancé's name, and your wedding date on a blue satin ribbon that you'll sew to the inside of your wedding dress.

6.  Heirloom Dress: If you'd love to honor your mother by wearing her wedding dress but it doesn't fit or it's been damaged over the years, have a replica made.

7.  Belle of the Ball: Wear two dresses on your wedding day: Choose a ball gown for your ceremony and a sleek mini-dress for dancing at your reception.

8.  Precious Relics: Give your wedding dress a second life by using the material to create a christening gown for your first baby, a quilt or decorative pillow for your new home, or a formal table runner.

9.  Smart Alterations: Make sure your dress is a tight fit―especially if it's silk, a material that will stretch as you wear it. No bride wants to tug at her bodice all night long.

10.  Custom Design: Can't find a dressmaker? Call the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers for recommendations. Conduct interviews until you find one that can pull off your desired gown.

Published by Brides.com

Val Collections will soon feature gowns by Pronovias, Christina Wu, Venus Bridal, Maggie Sottero, and Justin Alexander.