A FAIRY tale wedding is the dream of every girl.

A romantic wedding with a luxurious gown, red-carpet strewn with rose petals and the magical sound of bells chiming in the background.

But what if, for some reason, you can't afford that dream wedding?

It doesn't help now that inflation and other costs have pushed up prices of everything that is crucial to celebrating this occasion. But don't despair.

There are actually quite a number of alternatives which will do the trick. The key is to budget wisely.

The important things are your dinner and your ceremonial dress.

Those are things that people see and remember and talk about when they get home.

But don't nitpick.

Don't insist on having shark's fin soup if you can't afford it, or blow your budget on fancy hotels.

Here are a few tips on how to stretch that dollar for the perfect wedding:

1. Rent a dress

Every girl wants to look ravishing in her wedding gown. But if you're on a budget, rent.

At Fame Bridal Boutique, choose from over 100brand-new gowns - from just $500 for four days rental, depending on material and design.

Second-hand gowns are from $300 for four days and alterations are provided free of charge.

Other services include professional make-up and hairstyling at just$450 for two sessions.

2. Pick the right place

Location is everything.

Prices are lower at the Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore because the hotel is outside of town.

Proximity to the East Coast Park means dessert is enjoying a moonlit stroll on the beach.

Three different themes for ballroom decorations are available -- Glamour Glitz, Oriental Charms or Garden of Eden.

And instead of the traditional Chinese dinners, go for their international buffet package, with 16 choices for $70 nett per person.

You also get a night's stay in the hotel's Bridal Suite and enjoy other perks.

• New Face finalist Lim Zee Hui looking resplendent in a Bliss Bridal wedding gown.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Sep 12, 2008.