The traditional bride may feel at home in a white Cinderella dress: floor length, ballgown style with a train, veil, and gloves. Her attendants— a maid or matron of honor, bridesmaids or junior bridesmaids, and a flower girl—may all have matching dresses and flowers. The groom will dress according to the time of the wedding (morning suit, tails). He may wear a tuxedo, vest, cummerbund, bow tie or ascot.

For a simpler wedding, the bride could wear a more modern sheath, no train (or a detachable train), and a headpiece instead of veil. There might only be one or a few attendants, such as a maid of honor and a few bridesmaids. And the groom could wear a suit and tie.

A nontraditional bride might wear vintage clothing, a bright color, or a dress made in an unusual fabric. Maybe her attendants will have different style or color dresses, or will carry atypical flowers. Or maybe she'll have mixed gender attendants. The groom might wear a collarless shirt and more casual slacks.

Think of some creative ideas to "dress up" your attire and make the look your own. Instead of a veil or headpiece, for example, decorate your hair with baby's breath or other flowers. Have your attendants wear the same color but vary the style of their dresses.

Looking for ways to cut costs? Here are a few:

• Buy your dress off the rack or order from a catalog
  
  
• Borrow a family member's gown
  
  
• Make it yourself!
  
  
• Wear a bridesmaid's dress — many come in traditional colors
  
  
• Buy dresses in the off-season
  
  
• Buy whatever colors are available in the same style
  
  
• Pick up and return rented tuxedos on the same day