The 25-year-old New Jersey-based student had conceded to shopping for an evening gown instead of a wedding dress now that mounting school loans had put her dreams out of reach.
But earlier this week on the Today Show, she was given a free wedding dress by a stranger, recently featured in a Huffington Post article, who wanted to "pay it forward" by giving her dress to a deserving bride. Renée fit the bill, and she in kind plans to do the same after her 2014 wedding.
Perhaps the spirit of "paying it forward" will continue to catch on and deserving couples will be able to catch a break when it comes to planning their dream day.
In the meantime, here are a few other wedding freebies available to all willing to invest a little creativity and research.
1. Inspiration and tools.
Free wedding websites abound for brides and are more accessible than ever through mobile apps. Not only do these sites house details about your engagement and big day, but most also track your RSVPs.
2. Printables and other DIY crafts.
Whether it's menus and place cards or invitation suites and banners, a quick search will open a world of free, often customizable typography for you to print. WeddingChicks.com is one of my favorite wedding sites and offers a beautiful collection of free printables.
3. Photos.
Sign up for photo gift websites like CanvasPeople.com, who often offer free-ish photo canvases (you still pay shipping and handling). You can also score 30 free prints from Shutterfly when you create a free share site where you friends can see your engagement and wedding photos.
4. Gift registries.
Most retail stores offer free wedding registries but modern couples are increasingly turning to online services to fulfill their registry needs. CardAvenue.com is one such site, enabling couples to register for gift cards to retailers, restaurants and even grocery stores.
5. Something borrowed.
Let it be known that you're looking to borrow certain elements for your wedding, like candlesticks, crystal serving bowls or even an antique car (for pictures and reception transportation). Chances are friends or family have just the right serving dish, decor or conversation piece you need to make your wedding pop.
6. Something used.
In addition to borrowing items from friends and family, it's easier than ever to peruse other people's stuff in this digital age. Sites like Swap.com help you trade unwanted items for desired ones including wedding dresses, shoes and other necessities.
7. Giveaways.
Blogs often offer giveaways to build their email lists or to generate web traffic. Subscribe to RSS feeds for several of your favorite sites, then periodically search for "giveaways" for which to sign up. Create a separate email account just for these promotions so you don't clutter up your personal inbox.
8.Vendor perks.
Some wedding vendors offer wedding freebies just for using their services. A florist might offer a free bag of loose rose petals for throwing down the aisle, or a videographer might throw in extra copies of your wedding DVD. Ultimately, you can't get it if you don't ask!
By taking advantage of free resources, you won't feel the pinch when splurging for items or in areas that are really important to you. And after your wedding's complete, you might want to consider "paying it forward" by giving away items you'll no longer use. You may not land a spot on the "Today Show," but it should feel just as rewarding.
Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Nashville, Tenn., about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.
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