Bridal Bargain-Hunting Tip #2: Shop Duty Free

Whilst I wholeheartedly believe that shopping for various wedding items is generally worth the splurge of going retail and/or upscale, there are bridal bargains to be found out there. Don't be afraid to look!

Our second installment of bridal bargain-hunting tips comes as the hubby and I depart for a little weekend jaunt to London, so I will soon be practicing what I preach and plundering the airport duty free shops in search of holiday gifts.

Duty free works for weddings, too! If you're a bride who happens to be traveling internationally between now and your wedding, keep your eyes peeled for some great stuff: top of the line makeup and fragrances (hello, Jo Malone at Heathrow!) at bargain basement prices; and fashionable splurges like designer shoes, jewelry and handbags that won't break your wedding budget (but, granted, might still ding it a bit).

Heathrow's Terminal 3 alone is home to Bally, Bulgari, Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Harrod's, Hermes, Jo Malone, M.A.C., Mulberry, Tiffany, Tod's, Versace... it's rather dangerous actually.

I had two teenagers as bridesmaids way back when I got married in 2009, and I knew the girls were lusting after Longchamp Le Pliage totes.

As their bridesmaid gifts I decided to fill the totes above with other goodies (Sara Lenart jewelry and Philosophy products, to be exact!). I found an amazing deal at Heathrow: Le Pliage totes for GBP46 (about $72) - which retail for $125 in the US!

Brides beware: shopping duty free can be like braving the outlets - you never know exactly what you will find. So leave yourself plenty of time for shopping, manage your expectations, and keep an open mind.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to get back to making my list of William and Kate paraphernalia I'll be purchasing in London.

Cheerio,