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} 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:

{Partner Love} Turtle Love Co. Offers Beautiful, Eco-friendly Wedding Bands That Perfectly Suit Both Bride & Groom!

{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

Have. and WANT.

I’ve been on kind of a weird home decor bender. Usually I stick to dress porn while web-window-shopping, but my lust is now divided. And my taste is definitely strangely…. sinister? I questioned it at first but now I’m just surrendering to it.

It started when I ordered these Haunt tumblers from Fab.com (ps: if you’re not on fab yet, I sincerely feel sorry for you. here’s an invite to join. you’re welcome.)

I could not love these more.

Then we went to the iam8bit Gallery opening, featuring art inspired by 80′s video games. GUYS. My head exploded into a million animated puffy hearts that fluttered around the gallery and got in everyone’s hair and it was awesome. Ok maybe not that. But that’s how happy this exhibit made me. And, we bought these.

They’re called The Brother and The Hero. And they’re the TITS.

PS: This show is up until September 10. If you live in LA, its a must-see. Plus its basically next to my new favorite restaurant. So there’s that.

Then I bought this. It is called Stockholm Syndrome by BreeAnn Veestra. And it will melt your face. Ready?

BreeAnn’s other work is equally facemelt-worthy. Check it out.

Now I want THESE.

I covet you, vintage bird skeleton repro from Spitfire Girl. Which is just down the street. The temptation might kill me.

This picture.

It’s called Can’t Let Go. I can’t let go of wanting it.

Not sure what this new skeletal bird obsession is about. Slightly concerning.

This rug from Supreme and Gallery 1950. 

It maketh me to want it.

I saw this on Regretsy and definitely would NOT regret owning this. But can’t find one to buy. Frownyface.

Maybe I should learn to cross-stitch and make one myself? UNLIKELY.

Not sure what this new things that say fuck obsession is about. Slightly concerning. (sorry, mom.)

Oh, and this. From that iam8bit Gallery show. I want this too.

Hi-larious.

So. With all this in mind. On a scale of 1-10… how big of a weirdo do you find me to be? Because, looking at all this in one space makes me realize how creepy I really am, deep down. Right? But that still doesn’t make me love it any less. So, alright… good to know, I guess. Ha.

Dresses for a Hippie Wedding

Reader Request time, again!

I am sure you hear this all of the time, but I am a broke ass bride in need of your help.  A little background: my fiance and I have two year old twin girls and have decided it is time to officially tie the knot.  We are both hippies at heart and have decided to have our wedding at the ski resort where we first met.  It is a beautiful mountain venue and “earthy” just like us.  The decor will be minimal, just some flowers and such, but I am having a hard time deciding on a dress.  I love all of the pirate/hippie style ones you have previously posted, but I am not sure if I am that hard core.   Please help, any suggestions would be super appreciated!

Here are some dresses that I think you’ll love. You could buy a new dress…

Victoria’s Secret, $80:

Bianca Nero, $345:

Free People, $128:

One by Meghan, $305:

Jen’s Pirate Booty, $229:

BHLDN, $600:

Urban Outfitters, $79:

Or you could try a vintage one…

Etsy, $349:

Etsy, $198:

Mill Crest Vintage, $675:

Good luck in your search!

-Dana F. 

{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