Realities of a Low-Budget Wedding, Chapter #2: The Bride on a Beauty Budget

This post is a part of the series, Realities of a Low-Budget Wedding. See Chapter #1: Locations if you would like to follow from the beginning or need a refresher (not necessary to read in order).

In the next few chapters I’m going to focus a bit on Clothing and Accessories. Stay tuned because we’ll focus on the Bride & Groom, Bridesmaids & Groomsmen and even the Flower Girl(s) & Ring Bearer(s).

The BRIDE…

Obviously the point of the brides entire getup is to make her stand apart from virtually everyone at the wedding. Here we’re focusing on what I’d like to refer to as a “Beauty Budget” – it’s understandable that A) You want to look beautiful and have a stunning dress,and B) You want to keep it within expenses and not lose your look. We’d like to achieve a complete package overall.

Absolutely Stunning + Budget Worthy = Complete Package


Of course everyone’s budget flexibilities are going to be completely different. For example, a $2,000 beach wedding (if you live near the beach), cuts out a lot of expense in decor if you’re using the beauty of the sand and ocean, but on the flip side, a $2,000 budget for a Winter bride needing to decorate an indoor space, is completely a different matter. $2,000 maybe seem like a small budget, but to some, they’ve got less than even that to work with.
{START HERE} – Get educated with the basics before you get serious about a dress
First find out what body type you are {see resource links below} so that we can achieve the first part of the Beauty Budget – Absolutely Stunning. List and start looking at dresses within your body category before falling in love with a style – trust me, it will be less frustrating when you start looking and trying things on. The same goes if you fall in love with pieces from a style, for example, this Stephanie Allin, Anita dress [below] would be a better fit on a slimmer body whereas a curvier girl may look chunky or “stuffed” in to it – which would in most cases not be the goal right? You get my drift…

Resources for body type to dress type:

* How to Dress for Your Body Type by WikiHow users. I liked all the general information, illustration (body illustrations borrowed from this article shown in above graphic), and would allow you to create your own image if you haven’t been able to find a particular wedding dress style. I also think with the variation of styles from ornate to simple, not actually using an official wedding dress for your dress, you may be able to grab ideas to accent your body type along with your personal style (i.e. making your own unique dress, discussing a custom make dress with a seamstress or just looking at aspects in certain styles).
* Your Wedding Dress: Find the Right Fit for You from TheKnot.com by Hollee Actman Becker. Specifically wedding dress related, touches on all sorts of body type for dress types. Doesn’t include any illustrations, but the information is good. I would recommend reading these article in the order here so that you can understand your body type in regards to style before moving to wedding dress styles.
* Your Gown: An Anatomy Lesson [again] from TheKnot.com by by Hollee Actman Becker. A basic look at 12 gown elements to be more informed when you go shopping.
* Your Gown: Neckline Glossary from TheKnot.com by Hollee Actman Becker. A little more in-depth information on dress neckline styles.

TIP: Whether your motivation comes from the “something old, something new…” tradition, or the “I’m-going-to-do-this-MY-way” credo, accessories are the easiest way to add a few unexpected touches of personal style to your look. Hollee Actman Becker (TheKnot.com)

I would basically refer to this entire list by Hollee from TheKnot.com for some great tips, must know’s and tricks. She writes a lot on this topic from fabric type, best length for you, make-up tips, Seasonal tips and tricks down to ironing your own dress.

Let’s Make it Affordable!

Now that you’re a little more educated on how to find a dress that will suite your body. Let’s cover how to obtain a dress you are going to love by making it more affordable which gives us the second part of the Beauty Budget – making it Budget Worthy.

DESIGNER LABEL. Why do you want a designer label? Maybe you like pieces of the look and design elements that designer uses? If that’s the case then you’re in luck. Note specific things you like about the style and make sure it fits in to your body-type [see above on body type]. MAGAZINE DREAMER & WINDOW SHOPPER. For the rest of you who don’t care about designers specifically – start flipping through a few magazines, perusing online or use pictures from your own camera from real stores.


{My two page layout/inspiration notes to take shopping for a dress }

TAKING NOTES. Another small step that will keep you sane and more focused on what you want/like. This is similar to doing an inspiration board – I touched on this back in February 2010 { Your Wedding Starts with the Right Colour Coordinates }. Our version here is something portable that you can take shopping or to a seamstress.

These are visual notes along with written comments for clarity I liked using sticky notes rather than writing directly on the page because it made it easier to move them around as I found additional snippets I wanted to tape down. I would include at LEAST 3-6 different dress types with notes on elements that you like for each. Focus on things like the dress shape-type, neckline, bodice, embellishments, lace, bows and material type. Even if you aren’t familiar with material type or specific things like that – use adjectives to describe elements like,”I like the flowy-see-through fabric” or “I like the shiny lightweight look of this.” or “I like these fabric flowers”. If you’re out shopping or reading online, and someone tells you what things are called, write it in your notes.

MY NOTE TAKING PROCESS. I started with a main inspiration piece, which was the full dress on the LEFT magazine photo. I mainly liked the roses – a type of handmade rose referred to as Rosette {hah. I misspelled that on my sticky notes – oops}. I didn’t particularly like style of the strappless top so I found other tops or bodices that I did like. I like the ruffle at the base of the skirt, but the mermaid skirt is probably not my shape, I should look for another style skirt. I’m not exactly thin, so I probably don’t want rosettes all over the dress (might make me look bulkier) – notice how I morphed from LOVING the main inspiration piece with rosettes ALL OVER the dress to realizing that really I just liked some sort of incorporation of rosettes in general. The model is tall, small framed and well, skinny – the complete opposite of ME! Make sure you stay focused on what your body type is and what dresses might suite your frame best. It doesn’t mean totally eliminating pieces you like about dresses totally out of your body type range – referring back to the rosettes I loved so much. The only reason I added the bridesmaid dress notes was because I happened to come across it and didn’t want to forget about tying it in to the whole rosette clothing theme, maybe somehow I could incorporate it into my bouquet and/or grooms boutonniere? {notes I should add}.

AT THE SHOP. Take your pages shopping with you (in a binder or folder. I also organized mine into page protectors) to better describe what you want to clerks a seamstress or for your own comparison. If you aren’t going to a completely professional place you don’t want to have to rely on an unskilled clerk trying to pick something out for you – you can just show them your photos and notes and they can help you dig through racks.


Sewing Your Own Dress or Having it Custom Made…

SEWING. Personally, I wouldn’t attempt this feat unless you are familiar with sewing. Do not forge in to this unless you are familiar with fabric types as well as how to sew with those fabric types. Wedding dress materials generally tend to be delicate and can be difficult to sew with not to mention expensive – so chancing the project and not being familiar with sewing could end up in a budget disaster, with wasted time and fabric only to end up buying something you aren’t too happy with or over budget. Additionally, sewing a dress with the expense of materials (depending on style and quality) and time allotted may not actually be cheaper.

IF and only if you have the time, I would do a test run out of cheap linen (cheap sheets or yardage of lightweight linens) for fitting and general style, and if that’s a success, then and ONLY THEN purchase fabrics to make the real deal.


Now that I’ve threatened you to death with weather or not you should be sewing your dress, I will note that there are a few things you can do to spruce up a plain dress with minimal sewing or even a hot glue gun. Might sound hoakey, but believe me, you could do a lot with embellishments and possibly applique. Be open minded about where you pick up a base design, check out prom dresses, evening dresses and thrift shops.

If you have a specific dress structure in mind, you might even consider meeting with a seamstress to see what kind of quote on them sewing up the base, then you could add embellishments if you’re ok with simple straight-stitching, hand-stiching and maybe even some gluing. :)


Using a Seamstress to combine two dresses might also be an option. If you like the bodice of one, but the base/skirt of another, it might be doable for a pretty affordable price. Discuss price and options with the seamstress BEFORE buying anything and only AFTER taking your dress notes. They might also have additional suggestions and alternation options like it would be cheaper to choose such and such bodice rather than a more complicated bodice you might have in mind, etc. Find a seamstress you can build a good rapport with because a project like this is going to need clear communication.


Embellishments. If you have a crafty vision but maybe lack the impressive ability to accomplish dressmaking in time to make a gown, here are some things you could add to whatever sort of dress you picked up. These are some DIY ideas, but you can usually find most of these items pre-made on Etsy.com as well.


(rosettes & image from lollychops.com)

Rosettes. Generally used to create either a funky or sweet vintage look, depending on what type you make. If you Google “rosettes” you will notice many types – this is a slightly broad term to describe a variety of styles. Here’s a list of DIY resources on making different types. you could essentially hot glue these to areas on the dress (neckline, off the shoulder, waist, bustle maybe even scattered on the skirt or down the train. You have control over size and colours and extra jewels if you so wish to add.

* Linen or Muslim Rosettes: Beautiful, threadbare look. You could vary the materials – you can make these out of anything – match the material your dress is made of to make some to match. Great tutorial video (part of a project video – so the rosette portion is about 3min in). By Dona Downey on her website donnadowney.typepad.com or on Vimeo directly.

* Yarn, Pearl Cotton or Thread Rosettes: Basically a stringy-wirey look. How to Make a Rosette from WonderHowTo.com (video tutorial).

* Ruffly style of doing the rossette that could be used in the bustle or neckline. This one is out of felt, test it out in different fabrics.How-Tuesday: Pillow With Rosette Clusters from Felt Furnishings by Michelle from Etsy.com

Lace, Beading, Swags, Ribbon & Ruffles. Most often if you’re adding major lace overlays or extravagant additions, you will have needed to attach it to the dress pieces before it was all sewn together, but you might be able to again utilize a simple dress base and talk with a seamstress for a little help in adding some things. Here’s a good photo and descriptive reference for lace types used on wedding dresses I had found a lot of written resources that sadly didn’t include any photos, hopefully this helps when you are describing what you want to a seamstress. You can also ask for sample cuts of lace or fabrics (at a fabric store) that you may want to incorporate in to your dress too – this is probably the best way to discuss exact types with a seamstress.


Borrowing, Buying Pre-Owned and/ or Refurbishing Either Or…

Borrowing a dress is extremely convenient if a family or friend doesn’t mind and you don’t mind not keeping the memory around or having your own. If it comes to a very tight budget, that might be just what you’re going to get. You could possibly borrow a dress for the ceremony, but spend a little on a cute dress for the reception which could be a keepsake dress. This allows you to have a fabulous ceremony dress, yet have a pretty little keeper that may not be as extravagant, but may also be a more useful item than a ceremony dress is anyway. Also, many brides from big and small budgets do a change from ceremony to reception, so it’s not like you’d be doing something out of the norm to reflect your budget. Lastly, you are sure to keep clear of stains or accidents if you are only using the borrowed dress for photos and the ceremony…something to consider as you wouldn’t want an mishap to make your free dress start costing you money (cleaners).

Pre-Owned & Used dresses don’t always come from a thrift store. You can still get an extremely nice dress at a $1,000 discount or more (and still pay $2,000!) at places like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com – they also have dresses in the $200 range. You can also check out Craigslist.com and Ebay.com. Other resources for Pre-Owned dresses include: BuySellDress.com, WoreItOnce.com (not the most usable site, but if you’re really digging, take a gander), BravoBride.com [new and used], ReSellYourWedding.com, [very decently priced], WeddingDressMarket.com, IDoTakeTwo.com, RuffleSwap.com.

Shop Dress Discounts or optional variety: EncoreBridal.com, FormalDressShops.com (very inexpensive formal gowns that can be used for wedding dresses). WeddingGownsGalore.com (imitation designer dresses and discounted dresses)… this list could be endless.

Today I was at the thrift shop and took a cruise through their wedding dresses and although most of them were outdated or just not my taste to say it nicely, you could possibly use the pieces cheaply enough and have a seamstress add a bodice that would work or as discussed above in sewing, combine two different dresses – again, talk to a seamstress BEFORE heading out on this possible mission.

NEW. And of course, if you want a new dress, by all means shop designers and styles to see what’s out there at what price range. TheKnot.com has an excellent starting point in there Wedding Dress Photo Search.

***NOTE OF CAUTION*** when buying a used dress online, make sure the seller sends you a photo of the actual dress. A lot of online ad’s have stock images of the dress on model’s from original dress ad’s. Be sure to ask about any rips, stains, etc and expect the buyers beware on your final purchase. It’s the pitfall of buying used over the internet. Not that you shouldn’t, but communicate with the seller and get plenty of detailed photos of the dress as you can (that you can view large) before making a solid purchase. It’s not always convenient to buy a used dress local if a better deal is at a distance, just be careful.

That wraps up the wedding dress. I hope this gives you plenty of ideas and resources to use and make a wonderful budget-friendly day. I’ll address the brides accessories next time. :)

Author: Molly Bermea
Hi! I'm the COLOURlovers Community Curator. I come from a family with five imaginative kids. My mom instilled creativity to the max and you can usually find us scheming together, figuring out new ways to sew, craft or build DIY projects. The core of my artistic bone is in the art of painting.