You don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks on your wedding day.

Every bride wants to look and feel their best on their wedding day, but with the average cost of a wedding dress hovering around $1,600, it's no wonder that many women feel pressure to spend a small fortune on their gown. The good news is that you can find a stylish and affordable wedding dress without breaking the bank. Here are three tips to help you find the perfect dress at a price you can afford.

1. Shop off-season:

Wedding dress designers typically release their new collections in the spring, which means that most bridal salons mark down their older stock in the fall and winter. If you're flexible on when you get married, take advantage of this by shopping for your dress during the off-season. You'll not only save money, but you'll also have more selection to choose from.

2. Shop online:

There are plenty of reputable online retailers that sell beautiful and affordably priced wedding dresses. While you won't be able to try on the dress before you buy it, most retailers offer free or low-cost shipping and returns, so you can always send it back if it doesn't fit or if you change your mind. Just be sure to read the fine print before you make your purchase.

3. Rent your dress:

Why spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a dress that you'll only wear once? There are now several companies that allow you to rent designer wedding dresses at a fraction of the retail price. This is a great option if you're looking for an designer gown but don't want to spend a fortune. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to find the perfect dress and get it altered if necessary—most rental companies require that you place your order four to six months in advance of your wedding date.

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, so it's understandable that you want to look and feel your best. But there's no need to spend a fortune on your gown—with a little bit of forethought and planning, you can find a beautiful and affordable dress that will make you feel like a million bucks without busting your budget.