Chic & Cheap Wedding Dresses

A wedding dress is the most special gown a woman will ever wear, but she doesn't have to spend a fortune on it to look wonderful.

Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of The Knot.com visited The Early Show to put Julie, Hannah and Rene to the test.

Roney showed them six dresses that exemplify some of the hottest wedding trends. The dresses were so beautifully made, the anchors had a hard time setting the low-end from the high-end apart.

Hannah and Rene got both 2 points while Julie got zero. "That is why I am still single" Julie concluded but Roney gave her some words of encouragement.

"You'll be educated by the time your wedding comes," Roney said and offered tips on how to find the best dress according to the bride's wedding style, budget, and body type, which are discussed in detail in her book "The Knot Book Of Wedding Gowns."

Here are Roney's tips:

Personal Style

• The princess - Idyllic? Sentimental? This means ball gowns, tons of tulle, maybe even a corset. Embellishments are essential for you, look for sparkly crystal beading and pearl drops.
• The traditionalist - Think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie O. Your timeless look starts with a simple neckline (think jewel or bateau) and a skirt with straight lines. Your mother's pearls and proper pumps.
• The sophisticate - You're a chic realist. Bustling city streets, museums, and European adventures are more your thing. Your look: lean, long, and elegant. Hair that's swept up high; jewels that sparkle from a mile away. The effect: undeniably thoroughbred.
• The romantic - You're a romantic at heart and pretty is your operative word. On your day, you'll clothe yourself with the most intricate embroidery or layer upon layer of the loveliest lace.
• The dramatist- Your wedding is an opportunity to costume yourself in finery fit for an empress, from poufy sleeves to a lavishly decorated bodice.
• The bohemian - Your accessories: Fuss-free flowers, fairylike dresses, which are simple and breezy.
• The starlet - You want to look glam on your big day. Low-cut back and decolletage are given.
• The vixen - "Barely there" are two of your favorite words. The more skin you show, the better. Being a sexy bride is your goal and you've got sex appeal in spades. Your mane of hair flows free and your accessories of choice are pretty mile-high stillettos to show off your toes.
• The minimalist - Far from plain, you are modern in every sense of the word. "Less is more" is your mantra. No bows, no beads.
• The fashionista - To you, a wedding is just another day to strut your latest fashion stuff.

• Your budget - Dresses range in price from $500 to $15,000. The average gown is about $2,000. Dresses in the lower price ranges are typically made in assembly-line fashion, while couture dresses are handcrafted. Deciding how much money you're willing to shell out for your dress is step number one. Ten percent of your total wedding budget is usually a good guideline. Don't forget to factor in your accessories: veil, shoes, handbag, jewelry, lingerie, and hosiery.
• The formality of your wedding - Your dress should reflect the time and place of the nuptials.
• The season- Certain fabrics work better during a particular season
• Your religion- Check with your ceremony officiant to find out if there are any guidelines concerning bridal attire.
• Body type – It is important to find the dress that flatters you and makes you feel comfortable and beautiful at the same time.

• Broad (built like a swimmer with wide-set shoulders):
  Do: Expose your shoulders; select a dress with a narrow bodice to create an hour-glass shape
  Don't: Do not conceal your shoulders
• Pear-shaped (small on top, round off toward the bottom):
  Do: A Basque waist or strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and focus on your better half; an off-the -shoulder neckline will make your top look more in proportion to your bottom
  Don't: A sheath is not flattering and a v-neck will draw attention downward where you don't want them to go
• Full-figured (you're voluptuous, with a well-endowed bust and curvy hips):
  Do: Try ball gowns with a Basque waist, which has a slimming effect. A high-waist A-line dress with a low-neckline also flatters curves.
  Don't: A slim sheath or slinky bias cut will cling and may accent any extra inches; avoid spaghetti straps
• Petite (you're a teeny, tiny slip of a thing):
  Do: The key word here is "elongation."
  Keep things simple. Stick to open, sexier necklines - think strapless and off-the- shoulder styles.
  Don't: Avoid a dress or a skirt with too much volume; it will overwhelm your size
• Bony (short or tall, you don't have too much flesh):
  Do: A ball gown will make you look like a beautiful ballerina. It's a very feminine shape that will balance out your overall silhouette.
  Don't: If you're afraid your collarbone is too bony, stay away from portrait, off-the-shoulder or halter necklines. If you also have a flat-chest, avoid a darted bodice made of stiff fabric.
• Arm issues (if you think your arms are out of shape or too skinny):
  Do: Choose long or three-quarter length sleeves or go for barely there coverage with sexy sleeves made from sheer illusion fabric.
  Don't: Steer clear of the off-the-shoulder sleeves and cap-sleeve gowns, which will only highlight your upper arms.