Wedding day thoughts and dreams often surround the moment that you walk down the aisle, passing your loved ones and closest friends as you approach your groom. Everyone – especially the two of you – are dressed in their nicest attire and your thoughts are on nothing but the love that you are about to acknowledge through a beautiful commitment ceremony (well, that and not tripping).

Bridal gowns can cost thousands of dollars and a huge portion of your overall wedding budget…but yours doesn’t have to. You may be a bargain-hunter by nature; one who has no problem finding the dress of your dreams at a fantastic price. However, if you’re not having as much luck with the dress shopping experience, you may want to seek another, less conventional method. Here are a few off-the-beaten-path places to look and things to try.