I actually came across this designer on eBay and I am totally in love! The designer, Dolly Thicke, specializes in vintage 1950’s style tea length/short gowns that are absolutely fabulous! Her eBay store offers store samples from her California boutique and new gowns. The best part is that her gowns are priced between $250 – $600 – making this chic style affordable for any bride.
Check out her current listings – mouse over the picture to see the price or click to view that particular listing.
This week’s Budget Dress Of The Week is a gorgeous dress called Antoinette from the Bridal Online Store. For brides looking for a gorgeous ball gown with tons of style on a reasonable budget – this is it. Antoinette has a luxurious full ball gown skirt with lovely feminine detailing and lots of elegant embroidered details – and it’s only $499 which includes the purse, wrap and removable straps! I think the bodice is my favorite part – I love the sweetheart neckline and the detailing.
We’ve been following Jessica at Budget Savvy Bride for a while now – it was great getting to follow her through the wedding planning process for her own budget friendly southern wedding this past May. We are very VERY glad to hear that she plans to continue blogging now that her wedding day has come and gone.
Why we love it?
1. She’s a true budget bride. Okay, we’ve used that one before but that ‘Been there, Done that” (or There, Doing That) factor makes for believable, usable advice.
2. She shares real budget weddings – with lots of photo eye candy! Sometimes planning a wedding on a budget can seem daunting and even the most optimistic bride can feel the stress. Nothing gives you a boost of confidence like seeing amazing photos from recent weddings that are not only budget friendly but also GORGEOUS! Her new Budget Wedding of the Week feature makes us a little jealous that we didn’t think of it first lol.
3. It’s a great looking blog – and yes we think that counts. Who says budget friendly can’t come in a fresh, chic package?
4. Her own wedding was FANTASTIC! Seriously – you have to see it. Here is a sneak peak: you’ll have to head over to Budget Savvy Bride to see the rest.
Photography by Chris and Adrienne Scott for Evin Photography
In the current economy, it’s not surprising to see wedding trends moving in a budget friendly direction for 2010. Among the top trends predicted to be hot for 2010 weddings there are a number of budget friendly trends you’re going to love!
Intimate Backyard Weddings:
In a trend that brings to mind the wedding at the end of “In Her Shoes” with Cameron Diaz, many 2010 brides are opting for elegant, intimate weddings in their own backyards. This growing trends is extremely budget friendly for obvious reasons: no location fees, smaller guest lists and a more casual menu allow for a much more affordable affair. If you don’t have a great backyard – consider the yard of a close friend or family member. A local park may be the next best thing. Brides opting for this style of wedding need to keep the weather in mind and make sure to have a foul-weather back up plan.
DIY Wedding Favors
DIY Brides are going to love the return of personal, handmade wedding favors. While handmade wedding favors may be a time consuming option, 2010 brides appreciate the savings and their guests appreciate the personalize sentiment.
Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses
The perfectly matched group of maids is a thing of the past. Brides are opting for mismatched styles in a number of different ways. Some brides are choosing to allow their bridesmaids the freedom to choose dresses they love (at prices they pick) by simply providing a color guideline. Other brides are choosing to outfit their maids in a variety of colors that compliment each other. Patterned styles are also popular, as are combinations of patterns and solids. Why is this budget friendly? This allows your and your bridesmaids to shop at smaller boutiques and shops that wouldn’t generally be considered bridesmaid gown shops.
Statement Jewelry
2010 brides want to make a statement but without the cost. One great way brides are choosing to do this is with bright, bold statement jewelry. Statement jewelry pieces don’t have to be expensive: bright colored beaded necklaces are huge this year – and a lot less costly the pearls or diamonds.
Nearby Destination Weddings
Brides who love the idea of a destination wedding are turning to more affordable options closer to home. This may be a local beach, a bed and breakfast or a small local resort where the couple can have their dream destination wedding without the travel expenses.
Meaning Over Materialism
Over all, as we adjust to the changing economy, brides are beginning to adjust their priorities. 2010 weddings will concentrate more on the meaning of the even rather then the materialism. As brides look for ways to cut costs, they will also be looking for special ways to convey the true meaning of the event. Many brides are choosing to concentrate more on the why rather then the how.
This week’s blog love is going out to Dana at The Broke-Ass Bride. We actually first found Dana on YouTube through a fantastic video she put together with her fiance – we’ll post it below cause we know you want to see it lol. So why do we love The Broke-Ass Bride?
1. She’s a true budget bride who describers her own wedding as “Budget: tiny, Love: huge”
2. She might have huge love – but she’s also got huge personality. You’ll see it in the video and it shows all over her blog as well.
3. She’s got GREAT taste. Don’t believe me? Here is proof – and more proof.
So go check out The Broke-Ass Bride. Oh yeah, and here is the video we promised:
Last week I featured a Scala dress and this week I have one more I want to share. This layered gown doesn’t have a train – but it would be absolutely perfect for a beach wedding, a garden wedding or an intimate, informal wedding. The sequined bodice gives it a great touch of glam while the soft layered skirt gives ita romantic feminine feel – for, wait for it…. $258! – Check it out here….
Sweet!
I want to know this couple. I want to be their best friend and I want to be invited to every party they ever host because I am willing to bet their parties are THE BEST!!
SO AWESOME!
I haven’t done a Real Deal post in a while but this Christina Wu gown was a definite must share. This gorgeous gown is a white, size 8 Christina Wu design used as a sample gown at a bridal salon. The gown retails for $780 and is currently listed on eBay for $100! That’s a great deal for a gorgeous embroidered gown.
Here’s a neat new site that brides on a budget will want to check out. The idea is to bring together brides who are looking for the same wedding items: decor, apparel, rentals, vendors, etc. With Bridal Share, brides can work together to share the cost of items that can be used and shared between their weddings. Brides who are already married can offer items for sale, and brides who may have purchased items and then changed their minds can swap items as well.
Bridal Share not only helps you save money – it also makes it easier to reuse wedding goodies – and reusing is very eco-friendly. Best of all – Bridal Share is free:)
Is it Friday already? My word this week has flown by! I hope you have a great weekend planned!
For today’s Budget Dress of the Week – I choose this gorgeous gown from Scala. This ivory trumpet style gown has a ton of detail and elegant style at a lovely little price of $498! Not bad at all. I’m not sure what I like more: the floral applique on the bodice, the side wiped skirt detailing, the trumpet skirt or the budget friendly price!
What do you think?
