I got my dress from Alfred Angelo's and adored it. The seamstress was amazing. I'd opt for a corset back versus a zipper or button back because they're so versatile.
My dress isn't on this link, but I love the slinky, but classy look to these. Your figure would look great in anything though! Maybe these pics can atleast give you an idea for what you want.
http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collecti...4-59a249c89bee

Check formal dress shops too. I got mine for $200 at a prom/wedding shop. I am plus sized, so its hard to find a decent dress for a low price, and I did it.

My sister got one at a dept store for $99 cause it was yellowed and missing a few buttons. She got the buttons all replaced by my mom and had it dry cleaned and it was beautiful!!

Consignment (sp) shops are a good place to go as well. Any place where you can try stuff on is good.

I'm with the advice of avoiding David's Bridal. I made an appointment and they took one look at puffy me and helped a walk in first. I said budget, and they said they had nothing in their famous $99 sale in my size and that was the end of that. VERY snotty and rude. Heck on them, I looked good on our wedding day!

you should look online for charitable boutiques that are donating dresses to women who are getting married to men serving in the military. I know they're having this program in a couple of states, maybe you'll luck out or maybe not but it might be worth a try?

I wonder if Glory will weigh in on this thread. She recently got married and her gown was really, really pretty. I don't remember the price range (if we ever knew it), but she may have some input on where to find a pretty, simple gown.

Therex - You and Google led me to this:

http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/

Any of these near you?

I've been where you are! My hubby and I planned a wedding while he was deployed and had less than 6 months to get it all done!

I got my dress from a local dress shop. It's a Maggie Sottero (www.maggiesottero.com) and I paid $650. If you're trying on dresses and fall in love with it, ask to buy the sample dress, they'll knock off some of the price. But make sure it can be fitted to your size and it's not dirty beyond repair.

David's Bridal has beautiful dresses at GREAT prices too.

Check out local Bridal Expos if you can. Some may have vendors that sell gently used dresses at prices that won't break the bank.

Good Luck!

Sorry, no time to read all replies...forgive me if this has already been mentioned. Try Craigslist! Lots of gals there selling dresses. Good luck!

Claire Pettibone has some beautiful gowns! You could probably take the pics to a consultation and find something similar for much cheaper as well.

http://www.clairepettibone.com/bridal/?cp=gowns/cc