cheap wedding inspiration

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} Iris’ Something Blue

Hey there, Broke-ass Brides!

I’m seriously stoked to bring you Iris’s request for a non-white wedding gown that is just Va-Va-Voom!  Here’s what Iris had to say:

Hi there!

Oscar de LaRenta $5,000.00+

Well, Iris, may I just say that you are one super smart cookie?!  By choosing a “not white” wedding frock, you have seriously upped your options and dropped your cost in one funky swoop!  I L-O-V-E it!

I had a blast playing personal shopper here!  So let’s dive into the sea of blue taffeta and one shouldered wonders I have in store for you.  Are you ready to Get Over It?

I stumbled onto designer Teri Jon‘s website and got smacked in the face with Awesomeness!  Both of the selected dresses are under $1,000.00! D-R-O-O-L….

1) ONE SLEEVE NAVY GOWN item 29207, $790.00

2) BLUE AND BLACK ASYMMETRICAL GOWN item 17029, $890.00

And then there’s Tony Bowls! He usually sells his gowns in prom shops. Since I don’t know where, in the world you are, you should definitely head to his website to find your nearest store.  Depending on the retailer and, of course, the year the design was released, a Tony Bowls dress could cost you anywhere from $300- $1,000.00.  I can’t help you out any more than that on price unless you do the rest of the leg work.  But, here are the two that I found best matched your azure dream!

All of these dresses are under the $500.00 mark!  I’ve  never had the pleasure of shopping at any of these sites but if any readers have purchased a gown from 1) Milanoo,  2) Elegant Park, 3) Luxeslee  4)  Alibaba, or 5) Dresssale.com, please comment below!

1) Dark Navy One Shoulder Flower Sequin Chiffon Evening Dress, $116.99

2) Dark Navy Fitted Asymmetrical One Shoulder Long Taffeta Bride’s Maids’ Dress, $142.99

3) Mermaid One Shoulder Floor Length Taffeta Evening Gown, $135.18

4) A-Line One Shoulder Floor Length Satin Prom Dress / Evening Gown = $128.80

5) Mermaid One Shoulder Floor Length Taffeta Evening Gown = $144.61

6) Mermaid One Shoulder Floor Length Taffeta Evening Gown, $135.18

7) Luxurious Dark Navy One-Shoulder Ruffles Dress, $128.99

Lightinthebox.com had four dresses that wowed me!  I particularly like that they make certain thier customers know that these dresses are not brand name.  They are reproductions/replicas of other dresses.  I’m down with that if you are!  These beauties are also under $500.00!

 

1) Chiffon Matte Satin Sheath/ Column One Shoulder Floor-length Evening Dress

inspired by Kathryn Le at Grammy Awards, $146.99

2) A-line/Princess One Shoulder Floor-length Satin Chiffon

With Crystal Detailing/ Criss Cross Ready-to-Wear Evening Dress, $299.99

3) Sheath/ Column One Shoulder Floor-length Chiffon

Elastic Woven Satin Bridesmaid Dress $129.99

4) Taffeta Trumpet/ Mermaid One Shoulder Floor-length Evening Dress, $178.19

There you go, Iris!  Don’t be blue!  I hope these options quell your fashionista thirst for fabulousity, structure, & that brilliant blue hue!  You are going to be a vision in whichever gown you grab!  Thanks for writing in!

Oh, and BTW, I like chocolate chip cookies

-Tori

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} Black & White Patterned Bridesmaid Dresses

OMG!  Did you hear?  Jesse G.’s got a crush!  It’s totally tragic because her crush is utterly unattainable!  As in, no longer on the market. (Single tear…) Here’s what Jesse confided in us:

“I need some of your CAI/GOI magic. In this case though it’s not so much can’t afford it as just can’t have it. I’ve got my heart set on black and white print bridesmaid dresses. I found this last summer at White House/Black Market.

And then I waited too long to tell the girls to go for it, and they sold out. I’m trying to stay under $100 because I know my maids aren’t rolling in cash. Help. I need to stop going back to this image over and over again, I can’t have it.”

Poor Jesse!  I say we pop a bottle of wine, curl up with Ben & Jerry, and GET OVER IT!  I’m here to help!  Black & white bridesmaid’s dresses abound!  Jesse, are you totally prepared to be smitten with something new?

Get Over It

Magic Black & White Sundress

Overstock.com $32.99

Onyx Nights Abstract Black and White Party Dress

Overstock.com $59.99

Dot Necessarily Dress

ModCloth.com $69.99

Make Me Wanna Shout Dress

ModCloth.com $94.99

Be careful with ModCloth, Jesse. They only have a limited stock. If you find something there that you absolutely must have, grab it! You can always get your gals to reimburse you. We don’t want you getting your heart broken a second time!

Sangria Sleeveless Dress

Amazon.com $67.93

Floral Scroll Empire Waist Knee Length Sundress by Annabelle

Amazon.com $24.99

Ever Pretty Spaghetti Strap Floral Printed Cotton Tulle Short Cocktail Dress

Amazon.com $89.99

PacificPlex Applique Ribbon Strapless Mini Dress Prom Party Formal Gown

Amazon.com  & Sears $71.99

A. Byer Juniors Strapless Print Dress with Belt

Amazon.com $23.62

A. Byer Juniors Strapless CG Party Skirt Dress

Amazon.com $69.99

Corey P. Jacquard Empire Dress

Kohls.com $76.50

Adult Pillow Case Black & White Damask Dress

By KootieZ at Etsy $35.00

Folter Clothing STRAPLESS BLACK ROSE DRESS in Black on Black Rose Print

Pinupdoll.com $74.95

I know, I know!  I cheated.  This last one is black on black. But, I just liked it so much I had to throw it in!  Okay Jesse, I gave you halter top, spaghetti straps, & strapless.  You got to see black on white, white on black, black on silver, and black on black.  And every last one is under the $100.00 mark!

Do you like what you see? Circle: Yes or No.  I hope this CAI/GOI got you through your dress dilemma, and now you’re totally head over heels for something that’s actually attainable.  And in the event that this Get Over It didn’t knock your socks off, I have some tips for you.  Don’t search for anything that says “Bridesmaid” if you want to keep the price down.  Use key words like pattern names and dress styles (i.e. sundress, party dress, cocktail dress, & yes, even prom dress). So girl, stop pining away for something you can’t have.  And revel in the endless choices you do have!  You’re bound to find “The One”, just like you found your fiance.  So buck up, Butter Cup!  And lemme know how it turns out!

-Tori

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} One Word, Three Syllables: Pnina

Pnina Tornai gowns are a certain kind of special.  They are expertly crafted, sexy yet sophisticated and detailed to the bone.  There’s a reason why their price tags are so high.  But that doesn’t mean us broke-ass brides can’t get the same look for a fraction of the Pnina price.   Let’s see what bride Taralin had to say:

Love this dress but can’t seem to find anything similar – and definitely can’t afford the Pnina.  Any ideas? Thanks!

Can’t Afford It:

Get Over It:

1. Kitty Chen.  About $1000.

2. Impression Bridal. About $1000.

3. Blu By Madeline Gardner. About $1000.

4. Moonlight Collection. About $1000.

5. Alfred Angelo. About $1000.

6. Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner. About $1000.

7. Modeca. About $1000.

8. Moonlight Collection. About $1000.

Miss any CAI/GOI magic?  Catch up here:

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} The ‘Belle’ of the Ball

I am in love with this week’s request because it deals with two of my favorite things: Halloween and “Beauty & the Beast”.  Today’s featured bride is having a “Beauty & the Beast” themed wedding on Halloween.  How fun is that?  Let’s see what Natalie had to say:

I am ABSOLUTELY in love with this dress. “Beauty & the Beast” is my favorite story and my fiance and I are kind of running with that theme for our Halloween wedding.  I am looking for something way cheaper though because a designer gown just doesn’t really fit in our budget.

Thanks so much,
Natalie

I did a little digging and discovered the “Belle” dress costs around $1000.  So I found Natalie some lookalikes for under $600.

Can’t Afford It

Get Over It:

1. Unique Vintage. $530.

2. Faviana. $378.

3. Unique Vintage.  $268.

4. Unique Vintage. $139.

5. Eden Bridals. Under $600.

6. Voyage by Madeline Gardner. Under $600.

7. 1 Wedding by Mary’s Bridal. Under $600.

8. Eden Bridals. Under $600.

9. Wtoo Brides. Under $600.

10. Mary’s Bridal. Under $500.

11. David’s Bridal. $399.99.

12. Bonny Bridal. Under $500.

13. 1 Wedding by Mary’s Bridal. Under $500.

14. Oleg Cassini. $499.99.

15. Davids Bridal. $599.99.

Miss any CAI/GOI magic?  Catch up here:

Pimped-Up Kicks: Sparkly Wedding Shoes That Double As Fab Holiday Heels!

For most brides, the dress is something that we wear on the wedding day and that’s it – one and done. But wedding shoes, well, we can wear these over and over! Since the holidays  are coming, I wanted to put together a roundup of sparkly, bling-tacular shoes that can be worn by a bride, wedding guest, or holiday partygoer. And all of these are $150 or less!

1.  Topshop $110 // 2. J. Renee $80 // 3. Urban Outfitters $49 // 4. Old Navy $35 //
5. Jeffrey Campbell $120 // 6. Steve Madden $150

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} Short, Sweet & Under $600

I am absolutely in love with the gown bride Alexis sent me.  It’s made by one of my favorite bridal gown designers, Elizabeth Dye, and once you see it, you will dye at the sight of its epic beauty.

Hello Broke Ass Bride!

I need your help! I’ve fallen for an Elizabeth Dye dress that’s out of my budget. It’s $1200, and the most I can spend is around $600.

I love the lacy detailed bodice, yet how simple and casual the dress is overall. It doesn’t necessarily have to be tea length.

Thanks so much Broke Ass Bride! You’re awesome!

Can’t Afford It:

Get Over It:

1. Galina Exclusively at David’s Bridal. Under $600.

2. RSVP. $160.30.

3. The Limited. $99.99.

4. David’s Bridal. $99.

5. Mori Lee. $127.99.

6. Queen of Heartz. $140.

7. Unique Vintage. $168.

8. Dessy. $215.99.

9. Bridal Brick Row. $675.

10. Alfred Angelo. Under $400.

11. Alfred Angelo.  Under $599.

12. Eliza J. $228.

13. Jessica McClintock. $600.

Miss any other CAI/GOI magic? Catch up here:

• What if I can’t afford a budget bridal gown?
• Can’t Afford it? Get Over it, Pt 1
• Short/Tea Length Gowns
• Break up with Oscar, Fall in Love with David
• Now Taking Requests
• Amsale Edition
• Lhuillier Lace Fiesta
• Your Requests Answered
• Pnina, Claire, Melissa, & Amsale
• Can’t Afford the “Carrie”? Get Over It with these Gowns
• Jovani “Get Over it” Wedding Gown Gallery
• A Groom’s Request for his Bride
• Alterations Included
• Under $200
• Grace Kelly Inspired Gowns with Sleeves
• The Sash Bride
• Off-Le-Shoulder Gowns
• Illusion Necklines
• The Textured Look
• Swiss Dots & Polka Dots
• Shoes… Yes, Shoes!
• The Sheath Dress
• Veils… Yes, Veils!
• Save Your B-maids Some Bucks!
• Lace Covered Pumps
• Curing Your ‘Something Blues’ With Shoes
• The Casual Reception Dress
• Pippa Middleton’s Gown
• Sparkly & Elegant
• Low-back & Lacey
• Collar Poppin’ Gowns
• Salma Hayek’s Balenciaga Stunner
• So Not Strapless
• Flapper-Style Reception Dress
• Bridal Gown For A Vintage Affair
• Stunning and Under $600
• Fit and Flare Fantasy Gown
• Full Skirted & Cap-sleeved
• Boho Budget Bride
• $350 or Less
• Lovely, Lacey & Less Than $600
• Rosa Clara
• Black and White Wedding Gowns

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} Black & White Wedding Gowns

I love when I get CAI/GOI requests for dresses seen in movies and TV.  Remember when I found the get over it versions of Carrie Bradshaw’s dress?  Well, this week we’re dipping into film fantasyland… Check it out:

Hi!

I’m a fairly new broke ass bride and I’m in love with a dress that’s soo “can’t afford it”, there’s literally not a price on it. Its Fleur Delacour’s wedding dress from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

Help!!

Brittany

{Can’t Afford It/Get Over It} Rosa Clara

Today’s CAI/GOI request comes from a friend of a friend (who was also my wedding videographer!).  This special friend of a friend has her on eye on a lacey, off the shoulder Rosa Clara stunner.  Check it out:

My friend Mady (college roommate!) is getting married and she in love with “Electra” by Rosa Clara. I was just showing her Dana’s blog and your can’t afford it/get over it post came up.  Any chance you’d write up this one for her next time you do that sort of post?

Can’t Afford It:

Get Over It:

1. Casablanca Bridal. About $1000.

2. Mon Cheri Bridals. About $1000.

3. White by Vera Wang.  About $1000.

4. Jasmine Collection. Between $500 and $1000.

5. BHLDN. Between $500 and $1000.

6. Allure Bridals. About $1000.

7. Demetrios. About $1000.

8. Bridal Brick Row. $750.

9. Amelie Bridal.  $290.

10. Symphony. $1123.

11. YSA Makino. $1855.

12. Lo-ve-la by Liz Fields. $922.

13. Badgley Mischka. $660.

14. Daymour Couture. $790.

15. Eco + Envy Ltd. £250 (short version)

Miss any other CAI/GOI magic? Catch up here:

• What if I can’t afford a budget bridal gown?
• Can’t Afford it? Get Over it, Pt 1
• Short/Tea Length Gowns
• Break up with Oscar, Fall in Love with David
• Now Taking Requests
• Amsale Edition
• Lhuillier Lace Fiesta
• Your Requests Answered
• Pnina, Claire, Melissa, & Amsale
• Can’t Afford the “Carrie”? Get Over It with these Gowns
• Jovani “Get Over it” Wedding Gown Gallery
• A Groom’s Request for his Bride
• Alterations Included
• Under $200
• Grace Kelly Inspired Gowns with Sleeves
• The Sash Bride
• Off-Le-Shoulder Gowns
• Illusion Necklines
• The Textured Look
• Swiss Dots & Polka Dots
• Shoes… Yes, Shoes!
• The Sheath Dress
• Veils… Yes, Veils!
• Save Your B-maids Some Bucks!
• Lace Covered Pumps
• Curing Your ‘Something Blues’ With Shoes
• The Casual Reception Dress
• Pippa Middleton’s Gown
• Sparkly & Elegant
• Low-back & Lacey
• Collar Poppin’ Gowns
• Salma Hayek’s Balenciaga Stunner
• So Not Strapless
• Flapper-Style Reception Dress
• Bridal Gown For A Vintage Affair
• Stunning and Under $600
• Fit and Flare Fantasy Gown
• Full Skirted & Cap-sleeved
• Boho Budget Bride
• $350 or Less
• Lovely, Lacey & Less Than $600

Silver Wedding Dresses on a Budget

Last week, after my post about blush wedding dresses went up, I got several requests to do a roundup of silver wedding dresses. And who am I to deny you?

So here are some lovely silver wedding dresses, all for under $1500.

Adrianna Papell, $210

David Meister, $550

JS Collections, $99

Alberta Feretti $861

Sue Wong $495

Tadashi Shoji $327

JS Boutique $199

ML Monique Lhuillier $218

Unique Vintage $78

Sue Wong $538

Carmen Marc Valvo $940

J. Crew $200

Aqua $75

You’re sure to shine in one of these. Good luck!

-Dana F.