Bridesmaid looks under $500.00

Being in a wedding party is expensive. Most people can expect to spend at least $1000.00 on attire, gifts, and miscellaneous "duties" such as bachelor/bachelorette parties and showers. Add travel if you're far away and the cost can rise exceptionally.

Here are some bridesmaid looks under $500.00, including the dress and accessories such as jewellery, shoes, clutches, etc.

Want to lessen the cost even more? Incude one of the accessories into your budget as a gift to your girls. 

One

Clockwise: Dress: Victoria's Secret ($69.50) - Earrings: Kendra Scott ($60.00) - Boots: Zappos ($140.00) - Hairpiece: Etsy ($23.00)

Total cost: $292.50

Two

Clockwise: Dress: Forever 21 ($21.80) - Sunglasses: Aldo ($12.00) - Beach bag: BCBG ($75.59) - Sandals: Shop Mystique ($185.00)

Total cost:  $294.39

 

Three

Clockwise: Dress: Forever 21 ($24.80)  - Earrings: Etsy ($33.00) - Shoes: Kate Spade ($328.00) - Clutch: Danier ($69.00)

Total cost: $454.80

 

Four

Clockwise: Dress: J.Crew ($344.00) - Earrings: Etsy ($23.00) - Clutch: Etsy ($48.00) - Shoes: Bloomingdales ($65.00)

Total cost: $480.00

• Which look is your favorite?

Wedding gown trends: All about the straps

Here are some of my favourite gowns from David’s Bridal’s latest trend: New Necklines. Strapless dresses are the go-to choice for most women when they decide on their wedding gown, but more brides are now opting to try different styles, such as halter or one shoulder.

Some people shun David’s Bridal, but they have gorgeous gowns at affordable prices and to me, that is a winning combination.*

Here are my favourites from both the David's Bridal Collection and White by Vera Wang collection:

One shoulder Vera Wang - $1028.00 $828.00

Take a look

One shoulder David’s Bridal Collection - $549.00

Take a look

 

One shoulder David’s Bridal Woman - $449.00

Take a look

Sleeves with keyhole back David’s Bridal Collection - $599.00

Take a look

Cap sleeves David’s Bridal Collection - $799.00

 

Take a look

A-line with lace sleeves David’s Bridal Woman - $649.00 $399.99

Take a look

Halter style Vera Wang - $1448.00

Take a look

Lace sleeves - $799.00 $699.99

Take a look

Many of the David’s Bridal Collection gowns are available in plus-sizes via David’s Bridal Woman collection.

*I was not sponsored or compensated by David’s Bridal for writing this post. Opinions are entirely my own.

• Did you go traditional and wear a strapless gown? If not, what did you choose?
• Which is your favourite gown?

Wedding Trend: Mismatched Bridesmaids

In the world of weddings, it is difficult not to follow at least some trends. One that I cannot get enough of is mismatched bridesmaids dresses. I chose to have my bridesmaids in different dresses and when I told people this, I usually got, "Ohhhh... okay... yes..." No one understood!

I liked the idea of mismatched dresses for many reasons. With three different body types, I knew that narrowing down one specific dress would be next to impossible, or at the very least, a frustrating experience for all of them. I wanted them to feel comfortable in what they were wearing. And, if they could wear the dresses again - bonus! All I asked for was a certain colour scheme and that it paired well with cowboy boots. The girls shopped on their own time and sent me pictures as they found potential winners. In addition to that, our wedding was not too "fancy"; we were married at a winery in a barn-style venue. The groomsmen wore ties and vests, but no jackets. To me, mismatched dresses fit well with our "theme."

Of course, there are different ways to go about it. You could choose to have bridesmaids in relatively the same dress; just choosing different styles that might flatter their body type (ie: one in halter style, one in strapless, etc). Alternatively, you could give your girls some direction, such as colour scheme, and let them go nuts.

A couple of ways to go with mismatched bridesmaids and still achieve a pulled together look?
Choose the same bouquet for all of the bridesmaids
Choose to have the groomsmen all match (but still coordinating well with the bridesmaids)

Here are some of my favourites:

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Source: Heather P. Moore via Inspired By This

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Source: Max Wanger via Inspired By This

• Did you or would you do mismatched bridesmaids dresses?