cheap wedding inspiration

The Ring: Bling on a Budget

Reader Request:

Etsy seller PetrasRocks

“I have found my dream ring… but with my fiance and I paying for the entire wedding ourselves, it’s a little out of my price range. Can you help?”

We sure can! Here are some fabulous looks for less:

1 $899 //2 $699 // 3 $770 // 4 $703 // 5 $979

What do you think, BABS? Which of these pave halo diamond engagement rings is your reasonably priced fave? If you’ve got a wedding fashion-related request, leave it in the comments!

- Dana F. 

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} The BHLDN Statement Necklace

Today, we are taking a break from gowns and focusing all our attention on the bling–the kind that makes your neck look all gorgeous and stuff. Bride Emm wrote in asking me to find her a few alternatives for a $520 statement necklace she found on BHLDN. Many of you broke-ass brides out there (myself included) can barely afford a $500 dress, let alone a $500 necklace. So let’s help a sister out, shall we?

I was hoping somebody could help me. I’m having such a hard time finding something like the Undulate necklace from Bhldn.

I really can’t spend $520 on a necklace, but so far I’ve got zilch.

Can’t Afford It:

Get Over It:

1. Kendra Scott. $147.

2. Anthropologie. $48.

3. Amrita Singh. $140.

4. Anthropologie. $190.

5. Anthropologie. $68.

6. Coco Scapin. $88.

7. Sorrelli. $209.

8.Tigerlilly. $250.

Miss any CAI/GOI magic?  Catch up here:

How to score a cheap wedding ring: a true story.

Real bride Cris from Kiss My Tulle wrote in to tell me her amazing engagement ring shopping story, and I just had to share it with you! She and her future hubby worked their broke-ass brilliance like mofos and harnessed the power of “just ask”, to score big time on the ring of her dreams. You readers are so freaking inspiring! Check out Cris’ story…
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I recently got engaged and got to help pick out my engagement ring (which may not be optimal for everyone, but I was thrilled!). Of course, I had to get the best damn ring I could for the smallest price possible (is there really any other way?). It took us an entire day but our ring excursion ended with a .45 karat, G/SI1 rated, round solitaire white gold engagement ring + a 2mm white gold wedding band for a whopping $159.83.

That’s right, y’all – I got my engagement ring and wedding band for under $160.00! Plus, a complimentary cleaning every six months, full value appraisal, and free resizing as long as I own the ring. That’s one kick ass engagement ring + wedding band + full value appraisal + free resizing + free cleanings, all for a measly $159.83.

Looking for a way to score the same killer deal? Here’s some tips and advice that I was able to glean during our ring buying experience:

Upgrade Programs: Upgrade programs allow buyers to bring back a purchased ring and upgrade it to a nicer model or better quality stone. Generally, an upgrade involves using the “equity” built into the ring (the original price) + a minimum upgrade charge (usually about 50% of the original price) – then you only pay the upgrade charge because you already paid the original value. For example, say your original ring cost $1,500.00 – using a traditional upgrade program; you would be able to start looking at rings in the $2,250.00 range but only pay $750.00. This is a great idea for those looking to save money with a starter ring (like a starter house but smaller and more sparkly).

Referrals: We visited one of the best jewelers in our town and were pleased to find out that they happily referred budget-minded people to smaller (and more affordable) jewelers. Be sure to mention to the smaller jeweler that you were referred by the larger business. This will often make the smaller company more likely to help you with deals because they want to maintain a great relationship with the larger jeweler.

Think Local: Local jewelers tend to be small and family-owned – and more willing to work a slammin’ discount. Often, they have inventory that is sitting around and will cut a deal just to get rid of it. This is especially true in January when stores need to reduce inventory for tax purposes.

Reuse Old Jewelry: You can always remove the diamond from old jewelry and have it made into a new ring. I refuse to wear another woman’s rock (I’m cheap and flexible you guys, but no woman should have to wear a hand-me-down diamond from his previous relationship) but this would be a killer option for those looking to use an heirloom or broken piece.

Consignment: Many small jewelers do consignment (or pre-owned) sales. Consign your own unwanted piece, and once that sells you can use the credit to buy a new ring from the same jeweler (or take the cash and run). Another option is to straight-up BUY a consignment piece. Many consignments are for a good 50% less than the original owner had paid for it, and come with the original appraisal papers.

Sell Old Gold: Look, we’ve all seen those cheesy-ass commercials on TV but hear me out. Gold is valuable – in many cases, more valuable than a diamond! Many small jewelers will buy your old gold pieces and give you cash or let you have credit towards the purchase of an item in the store. This is what we did – and ended up with $1,142.00 in store credit!

Go for Loose Stones: In the jeweler business, loose stones are harder to move than pieces of jewelry because many buyers cannot visualize a finished piece. The owner of the jewelry store we ended up at was willing to cut us a fantastic deal on a selection of loose stones they had, and offered us a free setting. With that deal and our store credit from the gold, I was able to pick out a GORGEOUS .45 stone with a great quality rating (G/SI1) for a whopping $1,000.00 – and we used the last of our store credit (about $142.00) toward buying my wedding band.

Negotiate Perks: If you can’t cut a deal on the price – score some freebies. Ask for a discount on your wedding bands, complimentary sizing, free cleanings for life, and/or FULL VALUE appraisal for our home owner’s policy. Always, always get a full value (not the price you paid) jeweler’s appraisal for your insurance!

Opt for Less: Lots of us want that amazing, top-of-the-line ring, but those are expensive. One way to reduce your cost is to look for a slightly lesser quality stone or metal. For example, going down one clarity or color level will often save you hundreds (or even a thousands) of dollars, but the imperfections cannot be seen by the average person. Another option: go for a lesser quality metal for your setting. I ended up with a white gold band because a platinum version would have added $500.00 to the bottom line. I figured I can upgrade to a platinum band at a later anniversary – and save money now.

That’s my ring story! Will you be able to get such a great deal from your local jewelry stores? Maybe not, but keep in mind, we took the time to visit multiple jewelers, ask questions, and worked hard to negotiate great deals. And so can you! Ask about consignment sales, ask about selling gold, ask about discounts, and ask about perks or complimentary services. From my experience, (and Dana’s, too) you never know – so ASK!

-Cris

{Partner-Supported} Gold Jewelry from ShopNBC

So, you might love NBC for its swell Thursday night line-up (brilliant stuff, right?), but lately, we’re also loving it for its broke-ass friendly gold jewelry from ShopNBC online! From conflict-free moissanite diamond solitaires for you pre-engaged dolls out there, to gorgeous accessories to make your bridal ensemble sing… you’ll drown in all the delicious baubles at ShopNBC. The best part about blowing part of your budget on jewelry is that you get to wear it again and again… each time a sweet reminder of your big day. Its the gift (to yourself) that keeps on giving, yo! Check out ShopNBC’s jewelry collection today. What’s your favorite piece?

{MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!} Fabulous Engagement Rings for Under $300!

Merry Christmas from Chicago! We are surrounded by family, sipping on cocoa, as we  enjoy a white Christmas. We hope you are having an amazing day surrounded by loved ones. Whether you are with the ones you love or stuck in a land far away, you’ve always got us and we love you long time! MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM YOUR BROKE-ASS FAMILY!!! (and for our Jewish friends Happy Chinese Take-Out Day!)

And now on to our Frugal Fashionista Dana F.’s latest post…
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I’ve got a secret for you – my vintage diamond engagement ring cost just $250 at a secondhand jewelry store. And I couldn’t possibly love it more.

In my opinion, “two months salary” is a bunch of malarkey. An engagement ring doesn’t have to break the bank, it just needs to symbolize the commitment. So here are a handful (no pun intended) of adorable, unique engagement rings that cost less than one week’s salary instead.

Click the images for links.

$260 –  Blanca Monros Gomez diamond flower ring

$88 – Katie Diamond Labaradorite Kama Ring

$233 – Diamond Ring from Overstock.com

$128 – Pear Shaped Topaz Ring from Etsy seller onegarnetgirl

$278 – Ruby Ring from Etsy seller esdesigns

$230 – Antique Diamond Ring from eBay

$298 – Black Onyx Ring from Gemvara

$122 – Carla Caruso White Sapphire Ring

If anyone else has some suggestions for unique engagement rings, I’m sure we’d all like to hear ‘em! Bring it on!

-Dana F.

Wild about Wedzu {New Handmade Indie Wedding Shop}

Wedzu is the new etsy. Handmade and indie vendors sell their wares directly to you. Except Wedzu is even better for brides, because it is all weddings, all the time. And supporting indie artists is an excellent choice, grasshopper. Plus, handmade indie gear is often among the freshest in wedding style, and is usually bad-ass in its uniqueness. Just like your wedding should be.

They just launched last week, and I went to quickly glance at the site and next thing I knew an hour had gone by and there was drool all over my keyboard. Best of all? It’s pretty darn broke-ass friendly! Whether you’re just window-shopping for wedding inspiration or have a trigger-happy buying finger… the goodies to be found at Wedzu are hypnotically hype!

This personalized honeymoon bag tag is ridick adorbs. An offbeat wedding gift idea that I love! $37.50 by C’est Superbe!

I am dying…. I am dead now. But I’m coming back from the undead to tell you how lovesessed I am with fritts rosenow bespoke boutonnieres! Starting at $35 each, I think I know a certain Fresh Hubby who will likely be the lucky recipient of one of these badboys. Irresistably hip. Effortlessly rad.

The apparel section is a special kind of heaven. Full of froth and fluff and sass and frass. Clockwise, from upper left: Eve by r e d d o l l by Tatyana Merenyuk $950, Strapless Satin & Lace by Lovey Bridal $325, Ivory Roccoco Bridal Wrap by Bonzie $69, Ruffled Chameleon by Isadora $375

The jewelry section is pretty phenomenal. Totally solid. Totally special. Totally gorgeous. Totally affordable. Clockwise, from upper left: Weave Ring by Moa Jewelry $100, NY Skyline Ring by Moa Jewelry $150, Champagne Diamond Ring by Andrea Bonelli Jewelry $320, Clean Water Ring for Charity Water by Christine Mighion Jewelry $400

Ohhhhhh…. man. I likey. I likey loooooong time. What do you think? Are you wild about wedzu?

5 New Ways to Accessorize Your Bridal Look

To me, the best part about wearing an all-white dress is the part where you get to doll it up with fun accessories.  You have a blank canvas that’s just waiting for you to make it pop from head to toe. Past favorites accessories include: statement necklaces, hair flowers, headbands, and boleros.  These accessories are totally still in style, but I thought it was time to introduce some new favorites…

1. Garter Socks

via Etsy seller Previously

via Etsy seller SWANclothing

via Etsy seller SWANclothing

2. Anklets & Bare Feet

Photography credit: Levi Matthew Photography

Photography credit: Levi Matthew Photography

3. Couture Scarves for the winter bride

Real Bride, via

via Etsy seller Tickled Pink Knits

via Etsy seller Vital Temptation

via Etsy seller An English Affair

via Etsy seller Magda Linen

4. The Capelet

via Etsy seller Lovely by Isha

via Etsy Seller Bena Basils Designs

via Etsy seller Modern Romance

5. The Goddess Hair Chain

via Urban Outfitters

via Urban Outfitters

via Etsy seller Raven Eve Jewelry

via Etsy seller Noemiah

What do you guys think the new “bride style fad” will be?

Don’t Mess With The Dress. Even if it’s “Pre-Owned”.

I’ve seen it a million times.  In every wedding, there’s one thing the bride can’t compromise on – what they’re getting married in.  If it’s not the dress, it’s not the dress, and you just can’t fight it. As a matter of fact, don’t even try.

Oh, but for those of us on a budget, therein lies the rub, right? You’ve found the perfect dress and it’s $4,000. Huh. Well, you could…uh…or, maybe if you gave up Starbucks for the next (2)year(s), or…No.

Before you go traipsing into Monique L’huiller to get your heart broken (or maybe shortly afterward) think seriously about getting a pre-owned wedding gown (Don’t you love  how the Wedding Industrial Complex has found a prettier term for the word “used”?). Yes, it’s been worn by someone else, but it’s still gorgeous, and even more gorgeous on you, and better than that, you’ve got more money in the bank.

Ah, but there are rules…

Only $700! This is why I live in Burbank.

Here in L.A., we’re pretty lucky. We have quite a few stores that sell pre-owned and sample couture dresses, like Encore Bridal and Glamour Closet. Or you can even rent your wedding gown at One Night Affair. Heck, I just saw this beautiful Caroline Herrera gown (shown) at little consignment store in Burbank, for only $700. Couture for less is everywhere out here.

For those of you that aren’t as geographically blessed (first the great weather, now this)  – there are a lot of great websites out there. You know most of them – Recycled Bride, PreOwned Wedding Dresses, Bravo Bride, etc. But how do you know if it’s THE dress if you don’t try it on first? What if you buy it, and have it shipped to you, and it’s all wrong? Gah! First of all, you can head off some frustration by trying on dresses at a store first to figure out what style works best for your body type. If you go to like, David’s Bridal… hey, if you fall in love with a dress there, then you’re paying David’s Bridal prices. Win-Win.

But if you’re able to get out of there with your original goal intact, remember that many of the pre-owned sites also allow you to search by location. Look for dresses that are near you, and contact the seller to see if you can try it on before you buy. One of my current brides went that route. If that doesn’t work, find out if there’s a return policy, and commit it to memory. 48 hours to a week to notify a return? Check! 3 days to return it? Check! You’ll have to pay for shipping, of course, but that can be as little as $35, domestic, and count on a 10-15% re-stocking fee, depending on the site. Say you’re paying $900-$1500 for a dress that was originally $4,000. Even with shipping both ways and a re-stocking fee, that’s still a lot of savings. Or, you can just cut out the middleman and sell it online yourself, which is what another one of my brides did.

Vera Wang Tastes Better Pre-Owned.

You cannot mess with the dress, baby girl. And what else could you spend that 2k on? I’m thinking, on the bar, but that’s just me. There is nothing like saving tons of money on something that you really, really want.  And you are going to look beautiful. Good luck, and most of all, have fun with it, okay?

This week’s deals:

You’re definitely going to need some shiny, shiny to go with your half-off Jim Hjelm (Snap!). Adorn Brides is having a spring special on their Diamond  jewelry rentals – beautiful pieces for $150 or less. Diamonds. GO.

p.s. And for those of you who might have heard, yes, Vera Wang is designing a line for David’s Bridal…but it won’t be out until spring 2011. I know, right?

See you at the end of the aisle,

(wondering who Liz is? Get caught up here, and here!)

{Earth Day} We’re Loving: GREEN goodies

Earth Day is 40 years old today, and we’re so excited. Mother Earth means so much to us, that we even made a vow to protect her during our wedding! So, naturally, on this day in her honor, we’z about to bust out some of our favorite green goodies to help you discover how being green can help you save green, have fun, and give Big Mama Earth a big, heartfelt, broke-ass hippie {HUG}

Anyone out there have disposables guilt? You know, that regretful feeling when you buy a pack of disposables for your home, a party or a wedding event? Hang onto your socks, and meet this bevy of bio-goodness. There are tons of disposables out there made from biodegradable materials, such as corn starch, bamboo and sugarcane bagasse, and they’re super affordable, yo! We used some for our day-after party and they were perfect! Biosmart used to offer a $20 party pack that fed 50 people… I wish they’d bring that back! But still you can get 125 plates for $9.99 or 250 bar cups for $24.61 – can I get a what what? That’s my jam!

Ohh Emm Geee.

Yes, please.

Sustainable Party is an adorable site filled with different styles of sustainable disposable – from your basic whites to some really stylish bamboo. They sell most items in bulk batches (ranges from 25 to 3,000) and bulk batches mean bulk discounts, and you know we love that! And I can’t resist those party monsters they put in the product porn GreenFeet has a great selection at great prices too – but my favorite has got to be the bamboo spork!

Present your disposables in a cute fabric lined basket, tie some rustic twine around the utensils, cut up recycled fabric with pinking shears to create adorable cloth napkins and some grub…. you’ve got yourself a guilt-less, easy clean up and affordable feast.

Browsing for a wedding dress can be eco-friendly in so many ways these days, its hard to justify not checking this shiz out! Naturally I’ve gotta plug the eco-fashionistas out there, having worn a gown made of sustainable fabrics… so let’s give it up for Deborah Lindquist, Amy Jo Tatum, and Puridee who handmake gorgeous confections of dresses out of organic and recycled fabrics and are just to die for!

Amy Jo's green-chic line has retro flair

I LOVE this color by Puridee!

But there before buying new, make sure to check out the zillions of bridal resale options… from vintage shops in your hometown to awesome online resalers like Recycled Bride, wedding website classifieds, or charity resale events like Brides Against Breast Cancer. You can even rent gowns like the one in yesterday’s gorgeous real wedding feature for just one night! Already married? Unload that lonely gown and send it down the aisle again on another lucky brides back, and list it for resale or donate it today!

Guiltless snacking is my favorite.

Add some sun to your day.

I’m sure you’ve seen that Sunchips has a very sexy new biodegradable bag, but did you know that all those old bags can still be put to good use? Check out this cutie pie chip bowl from Ecoist for your wedding registry or a gift, or snag a purse made from a Lay’s bag for your summer wedding!

California Pink Tourmaline, and vegan!

Something old, made new.

Eco-wedding rings do exist, and what a great way to make a vow, right? Recycling rings from estate sales and vintage boutiques is a great place to start, but you can get even more progressive by seeking alternative styles like the gorgeous wood-laid reclaimed silver bands right there, or those made of reclaimed metals and non-diamond jewels like this gorgeous $298 pink solitaire by McFarland Designs on etsy. Even better, scour your old jewelry box and ask friends or family to donate old metals, send ‘em to a jeweler, and have your own design cast from some meaningful metal.

Oh, there are so many goodies we love that support and protect the lady that feeds us, houses us, nourishes us and on which we’ll marry… I could go on for days. Do your part today and every day.  As the Native American Proverb says:
Treat the earth well… we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

What are your favorite green goodies?