Archive for category Bridal Gowns & Accessories

If you’re loke most budget brides, one of your first priorities was to find a gorgeous, affordable bridal gown so I thought I would start featuring designers who offer a great selection of affordable, stylish wedding gowns! For our first featured designer, I choose the Wtoo collection by Watters! The Wtoo collection was introduced by Watters specifically as a budget friendly line of affordable gowns. The collection includes a great selection of gowns in different styles including some of the most popular 2009 wedding trends: grecian goddess styles, crumb catchers, elegant floral embriodery, and a little sparkle.

Here are a few of my favorites from the collection. House Of Brides offers 28 gowns from the Wtoo collection starting at $350!

Finally! 2009′s gowns bring brides some real choices, after several years of strapless uniformity. (Thank you, Vera Wang!) If you’re the type of bride who wants a couture (or couture-inspired) gown to match the finer shades of your personality and wedding style, 2009 is the year with your name on it! Here are a few of the hottest trends going:

Crumb-Catcher Bodices.

This regal, old-world design twist came from that same lust for luxe that brought us Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, and its subsequent style explosion in the bridal world.

BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

Mori Lee Style 2161: $670 from House Of Brides ($1009.95 retail),  Wtoo Style 11011 Penelope: $435 from House Of Brides ($724.95 retail)

Greek Goddess Columns.

The ultimate look backward, the style takes us back to the lovely goddesses (and early supermodels) of Greece’s Golden Age. With plenty of glorious examples to be seen from bridal magazines to the red carpet, this style’s not going away soon. Happily, it lends itself to arm bling and the half up-half down style that’s still so alluring to brides. Also note: bridesmaids look amazing in goddess gowns when the bride’s wearing something more structured.

BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

Impressions Style 4940: $315 from House Of Brides ($474.95 retail), Wtoo Style 11719 Catherine: $490 from House of Brides ($679.95 retail)

Asymmetrical / One-Shouldered Styles.

These gowns are sexy attention-getters. Another hot commodity on the red carpet, the asymmetrical top adds up to an exciting departure from same-old strapless, while exuding plenty of come-hither vibes.

Subued Color Plays.

Color’s no longer the domain of a bold — or even distracting — burst of contrast in the train or cuffed bodice of an otherwise stark-white gown. Instead, next year’s color inspiration flows from Vera Wang’s gowns in warm toasts and charcoals, St. Pucchi’s fabulous champagne and platinum combos, or gowns that ripple with multicolored gardens of embroidery (Claire Pettibone).

The Mini.

No longer the oddball in an otherwise full-length portfolio, minis have become serious business, with layers and ruches and ruffles aplenty. Increasing number of brides find them a brilliant choice for tent weddings on the shore or in the vineyard. And let’s not forget those brides who want a gorgeous but mobile second gown to get down and boogie the night away.

BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

Alyce Style 6073: $238 from PromGirl, Jovani Style 155118: $400 from PromGirl

For more 2009 wedding trends and expert help in planning a hot wedding, see Favor Ideas. Don’t miss our personalized wedding favors and elegant wine stopper favors

This week’s budget dress is probably one of my favorites. This Lady Roi Bridals creation is absolutly amazing with its black contrast detailing. It is made in matte satin and features an empire seam embellished with black piping and black floral appliqué delicately scattered on bodice and inner hem. Ihis gown also has wonderful beading over the bodice and skirt. This dress leaves onlookers stunned with its beautiful lace-up back. Style 8339 normally retails for $599.95 but is a steal on House of Brides for $428.00

eBay can be a budget bride’s savior dream but it can also be a nightmare. If you are looking for a great deal on your dream dress, eBay may have just the dress for you. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid disappointment when you are shopping for a dress on eBay.

1. Pay Attention to Photos – Don’t buy a dress unless the seller has included photos of the actual dress – not just the designer’s photos.  This goes for any gown, new or used.  Avoid listings that only offer the designer photo. If this is a used dress, you want to see photos of the dress in it’s current state. If it is a manufacturer who claims they can make a replica of the dress – you have no idea what their version will actually look like unless they include photos of one they have recently completed.

2. Ask About Shipping -  If the dress you are considering does not have the shipping cost listed, ask before you bid. Once you win the bid, you are legally required to purchase so if youre wonderful $200 steal ends up having a $150 shipping cost tacked on, you’re stuck with an expense you did not count on. Honest sellers will be able to give you a shipping price up front so that you know what to expect.

3. Visit A Bridal Salon – Seriously! Until you’ve tried on dresses, you have no idea what different styles will look like on you. Many brides have found their dream dress online only to receive the dress and be disappointed that it doesn’t look as good on them as they thought it would.  A trip to a local bridal salon will help you determine what styles to avoid when shopping online.

4. Is it Made to Order? – Made to order isn’t always a bad thing. A made-to-order gown means that the seller will manufacture the gown to your measurements for you. This can be a great deal – but remember – if it is Made to Order it is NOT a designer gown. There are many overseas sellers that offer “made to order” gowns using designer photos. NEVER order a made to order gown unless they offer photos of the actual dress they have made in the past.

5. Feedback Matters! If your seller is a bride selling her own gown, she may not have a high feedback number but sellers who offer custom made gowns and bridal salons selling designer samples will have higher feedback numbers. Check the feedback to see what previous customers have to say, and pay attention to the most recent feedback in particular.

BONUS TIP: READ!!! Don’t let a pretty picture and a low price get you bidding to soon. Read the listing from top to bottom and take time to ask the seller questions is there is any information missing.

To get you started – we recommend visiting Your Dream Dress on eBay. Your Dream Dress is a bridal salon that offers top designer samples on eBay at a fraction of their retail price. Their gowns are new gowns that have been used as samples in their own salon and includes names like Alvina Valenta, Vera Wang, Anne Barge and more.

Just a reminder of the extra 5% discount available at House of Brides on their Red Hot Wedding Dresses. Simply use the code ‘LOVE14′ and get ready to wear your wonderful dress without the guilt of spending your entire budget plus more.

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Designed by Alfred Angelo Style # 1783. Regular Retail $899.95 for only $895.00.

Designed by Jacquelin Exclusive Style # 5457. Regular Retail $804.95 for only $545.00.