Getting Married on a Budget: Wedding Dresses Under $500

It is peak wedding planning time! Last year I attended 8 weddings. Just last month alone three of my friends got engaged! Wedding planning is not slowing down, but with the economy the way it is, many brides are looking at ways to cut corners without compromising on making their big day one of the happiness of their lives. Like I have before, I will be featuring a series of postings highlighting ways you can have the perfect day without spending a fortune.

Below are some elegant bridal gowns all under $500 (some even under $200!):

Alex Evenings Single Shoulder Mesh Gown - Dillards: $120
Kate Metallic Strapless Dress - Ann Taylor: $199
Stretch Pique Sheath Dress - Neiman Marcus: $199 (plus an extra 20% for a limited time!)
Atria Fitted Low Back Gown - eDress Me: $205
Mary L. Couture Notch Bodice Halter Gown - Nordstrom: $228
Scala Beaded Off the Shoulder Gown - Dillards - $240
Silk Tricotine Sophia Long Dress - J Crew: $295
Silk Tricotine Goddess Long Dress - J Crew: $325
Calvin Klein Satin Gown with Detailed Bust - $330
V-neck A-line Chiffon and Satin Gown - The Rose Dress: $338
Faviana White Ruched Bodice Gown - eDress Me: $338
Tissue Organza and Satin Mermaid Strapless Gown - The Rose Dress: $350
Strapless Matte Satin Gown - The Rose Dress: $398
Aidan Mattox Niteline Beaded Strapless Gown - Nordstrom: $408
Taffeta Gown with Train - The Rose Dress: $498

Bridal Gowns Under $400

Who says a bride has to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding gown? Here are some bridal gowns under $400 for any of you planning for your special day:

Featured dresses:
JS Boutique Strapless Ruched Satin Gown: Nordstrom - $98
Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Silk Cowl Dress (Champagne): Target - $129.99
Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Eyelet Sheath Gown: Target - $129.99
Adrianna Papell Charmeuse Gown: Dillard's - $160
Betsy & Adam Pleated Halter Gown: Dillard's - $160
Embossed Halter long beach dress: J Crew - $195
Mary L Couture Ottoman Bodice Mesh Gown: Nordstrom - $248
Silk Tricotine Jenelle long dress: J Crew - $295
Sean Collection Beaded Empire Waist Gown: Nordstrom - $305
Silk Tricotine Rebecca Long Dress: J Crew - $350

If you're planning a wedding, check out this blog. It looks like a great resource for brides-to-be:
http://www.weddingtulle.blogspot.com.

Get it Now: Ann Taylor Dress for $29.88

Wedding season is approaching and brides are looking for the perfect bridesmaid dress and those of you attending weddings are looking for something appropriate to wear (like my friend Sweta who is going to 15 weddings this year!). This Ann Taylor Audrey Strapless dress in espresso may be the perfect option. It was originally $188 and is now only $29.88! The catch is that it is a final sale. For less than 30 bucks, it just may be worth the risk!

Bargain Bridal Gown Alert!

ABS by Allen Schwartz Empire Waist Gown - $225.90 (was $378) from Nordstrom
I think this gown is stunning and elegant. Who says you have to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding dress?

For some more wedding dresses under $400 from Nordstrom, check out this Sean Collection strapless embroidered gown or this Nicole Miller Square Neck Satin Gown.

Getting Married on a Budget?

I have been receiving a lot of requests lately about not only inexpensive options for those attending weddings, but also bridal party dresses for less. The Plain Dealer and Fashion Nette-Work have some great advice. Here are some other wedding (under $500) and bridesmaid dresses (under $200) for you bargain brides!

WEDDING DRESSES

Strapless Charmeuse - $308

This strapless gown is made of charmeuse. The sweetheart neckline and small train really add elegance to this gown. Check out http://www.the-rose-dresses.com/ for more great options.

Strapless Gathered Gown - $358

This gown is really beautiful. The gathering of the skirt and the detailing of the bodice really make this dress stand out. It's hard to believe it's only $358!

Caroline Long Halter - $295

J Crew really suprised me with this halter dress for $295. Quite simple and elegant.

Trapunto Bell Dress - $159.99

Isaac Mizrahi has done it again! This man continues to bring reasonable, chic clothing to Target. His Trapunto dress will make any bride look like a princess.

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Chloe Strapless Dress - $128

This Chloe strapless gown from Ann Taylor is on sale for $128 ($178 + 50% off). What a deal! With a plethora of colors and sizes, your bridal party is bound to look beautiful.

Long Strapless Chiffon - $115

This strapless dress is a great deal. It's featured in chiffon with a beaded applique and mini train. There are tons of colors available and it is available in sizes 2-28.


Eliza J Tiered Strapless Dress - $149

I think this satin tiered dress is so fun, yet polished. Also available in gold and mint. You can find it at Macy's.

Going to a Wedding? Dresses for Under $100!

Summer is definitely wedding season. If you are like me, you may have that one dress that is perfect for a summer wedding that you have been able to wear multiple times. The problem is, you can't really wear that dress to weddings of people who know each other - you don't want people to say "didn't she wear that to 's wedding"? Costs accumulate so quickly with flights, gifts, and hotels that you hardly have any cash left for a dress! Don't fear, here are some great dresses all for under $100!

Afternoon Weddings

Daisy Embroidered Spaghetti Strap Dress - $89.99

I absolutely LOVE this dress! With some strappy sandals or peep toe heels, this dress is bound to look fabulous!

Leaflet Tube Dress - $22.80

This strapless dress from Forever 21 really looks cute. The problem is, we can't really see how long the dress is. Since Forever 21 sometimes borderlines on "club gear only," this one may or may not be appropriate for a wedding.

Ruched Leaf Print Dress - $29.99

Run, don't walk to get this dress! Originally $89, this is a STEAL! The cinched waist and bow really bring some detailing to the dress. Great find!

Velvet Torch Corset Dress - $62.00

I think I saved the best for last in this section. I LOVE THIS DRESS (despite it being in the juniors section)! The colors are so fun and the corset waist pulls everything in. Nordstrom knows how to do it right.

Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are great. They are usually more casual and I love doing a bohemian chic look.

Long Floral Smocked Halter - $21.99

What a great deal from Mossimo at Target. This dress is particularly great for you taller divas.

Gap Bubble Dress - $34.99

I think this dress is so darling. With the right accessories, this will be perfect for a beach wedding. It's at the Gap and even better - it is available in petite and tall sizes.

Evening Weddings

Evening weddings tend to be more formal. I would stay away from a normal "little black dress" but instead would wear another color instead or a black dress with colorful accessories.

Lace Halter Dress - $46.90

What a great deal! This dress is feminine and elegant. The metalic accents really jazz it up. Also available in petites.

Strapless Sheath Dress - $89.99

Isaac Mizerahi really knows how to make Target clothing chic. This dress actually would be a great bridesmaid dress. I think it is so elegant. You could even get another sash in a different color to overlay the dress.