I don’t know about you, but when I’m flipping through a fashion magazine and see a page where they’re patting themselves on the back for their awesome fashion finds under $100, I’m not really impressed. What they generally decline to mention in their flashy headline is that it’s not the entire outfit pictured that’s under $100, it’s each individual piece. That means that the lovely outfit they put together could easily set you back $500. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of money lying around to blow on one outfit.
I thought it would be fun to take the idea of the fashionable budget look, apply it to weddings and make sure the outfit is actually affordable. So I’ve put together two bridal looks for you. No catches, no surprises, just gorgeous looks at amazingly reasonable prices.
This first look would cost you less than $500 (including shipping fees to anywhere in the U.S.!!!)—most gowns alone cost more than that! Like most wedding day looks, the inspiration for it came from the incredible gown offered by Fab Gabs. Made in the 60s, this Nadine Jr. Petite floor-length stunner is a sequin and silk chiffon dream! The sparkling boat neck bodice is high and glittery enough to negate the need for a necklace.
To keep the sparkle factor going throughout the look, I chose to complement it with accessories that are just as glittery and luxurious looking. The feather and rhinestone hair comb, which is one of Tessa Kim’s handmade delights, brings an additional dose of glamour. This piece would look awesome with a low chignon or just about any up-do—which, by the way, would showcase the dress better than leaving your hair down.
With your hair up and no necklace needed, dramatic earrings are a must, no? If these sparkling chandelier earrings handcrafted by Connecticut’s Lizardi Bridal don’t do it for you, I don’t know what will. These dazzling sparklers are totally spotlight worthy. The cubic zirconia pave and brilliantly faceted Swarovski crystal dangles ensure that these earrings will shine from absolutely any angle.
Why stop the drama there? I thought adding a chunky, dramatic bracelet would be the perfect way to top off the look (just wear it on your right wrist so it doesn’t compete with your rock!). This four strand, vintage-style bracelet made by Jurgita Handmade is exactly what I was looking for. The drama of this bracelet comes from the vintage-inspired rhinestone brooch at its center. The sparkles there are complemented by the Swarovski crystals that are strung with Swarovski pearls to complete the bracelet. Gorgeous!
All you need now is a pair of fabulous shoes. Perhaps they could be your something borrowed? If you don’t have a friend who shares your shoe size, Ebay is a great place to check around for cool shoes at low prices. Peek around and sort by price to keep yourself in budget.
The second look would cost under $800. I built this look around the idea of the proverbial “blushing bride.” Soft pinks are undeniably romantic and add a princess-like quality that just can’t be beat!
I started the look with a dreamy tulle and silk gown from Holly Stalder. My favorite part of this dress is the cool antique lace and tulle ruffle at the top. Totally unique and drool worthy! I’m also loving the tiered skirt and the sexy silk cross straps in the back.
I thought the sterling silver and freshwater pearl necklace by Bella Lina Designs would be a gorgeous way to add to the uniqueness of the look. Where do I start?! The silver and pearls would be beautiful on their own, but the addition of the silk flowers, ribbon and sterling rings make me squeal with delight. I’m absolutely in love with this ultra-feminine, totally unique piece.
To play off the adorable flowers in the necklace, I chose this cute peony hair clip made by Emily Wooton. Not only would this clip look amazing with any hairstyle, but all of those layers add great texture to the look. It also happens to be adorably whimsical, which works nicely with the romanticism of the pink.
JBM Designs’ sweet Peony Pink dangle earrings play off the shine of the pearls in the necklace. The Swarovski baroque crystal briolettes sparkle brilliantly, as does the sterling silver ear wire. They add to the elegant femininity of the look and can certainly hold their own in combination with the necklace.
So, as you can see, you don’t have to spend your life savings to end up with a killer wedding day look. For less than most dresses cost, you can put together a jaw-dropping combination of pieces that you can wear again and again.
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.
