Assuming that you’re planning on being a blushing bride in white on your wedding day, understand that you need not take out a loan merely to find that perfect wedding dress. Certainly, there are tons of places where a bride-to-be can get her hands on her dream dress for virtually pennies. But there are, in fact, lots of options for women who are getting ready for their special day. Take a note from Carrie in the “Sex & the City” movie, who upon accepting Big’s proposal, decided to don a simple, yet satiny cream suit from a local vintage store. Her pals were aghast. But the actual ensemble was both tasteful and appropriate for a wedding ceremony.
The White Pantsuit
People generally think of matronly divorcees when considering getting married in a suit of any kind. But in general, suits are not only cheaper than the average wedding dress; they can also be accessorized in countless ways. Some suits are even made to look like evening dresses. A quick Google Image search using the words “white suit woman” will reveal all sorts of delicious-looking options. Comb websites to find the cuts and patterns you like. Then hit the stores for fittings. Dress up a white or cream-colored pantsuit with a large flower. And in lieu of a traditional veil, select a sophisticated hat to top off your wedding look. The pantsuit is not just for older brides. This alternate to the wedding dress is perfect for evening ceremonies, eloping, or “just because…
Prom Dresses/Gowns
It should come as no surprise that swapping out a traditional wedding dress for a prom dress is another way to save lots of wedding money. Prom dresses have come a long way since the poufy, ruffled monstrosities that young ladies were forced to wear years ago. In fact, these days teens are selecting Oscar-worthy dresses to wear at their formal dances. Peruse your local formal wear shops and online prom dress manufacturers. You will probably be able to find a dress perfect for saying “I Do.” With the elaborate accessories (and you, of course) no one will ever know that your dress was intended for a high school dance instead of a wedding.
Getting married in an informal evening ceremony? Or maybe you’ve decided to elope quite suddenly. Cocktail dresses are just as acceptable as wedding attire as their poufy bridal counterparts. These little dresses are often more comfortable than typical “evening” wear, and cost even less. They allow for more ease of movement, and can be accessorized so formally, that guests may not realize that the dress was designed for Happy Hour. Since many cocktail dresses are shorter than the average bridal gown, pay special attention to the shoe. Nude, cream, and metallic shades are great accompanying colors for a cocktail wedding dress.
Sundresses
You need not ride off into the sunset on an island beach to don a sundress for your wedding. The idea of wearing thin, cottony material on a day so special may seem too informal. But many couples not willing to sacrifice love due an economic recession may find lots of acceptable ways to cut corners. Certainly, the beach is a most appropriate place for bride to say her vows in a sundress. Just take a glimpse at photos from supermodel Cindy Crawford’s marriage to Randy Gerber; the pair looks incredibly casual, yet chic (they were models after all.) Crawford herself even dons an ensemble that actually looks like a cross between a cocktail dress and a sundress. The point to be made is that practically any piece of clothing can be fashioned into appropriate wedding attire.
Salvation Army “Mash-Up”
Because there are actually some people in the world that can sew, you may find that having a dress made for you is the least expensive option. But instead of searching for expensive raw fabrics, why not look for used gowns from the Salvation Army or some other thrift store. Select two or three really cheap gowns that are similar in fabric, and have a seamstress to create an entirely new wedding dress. The same concept was behind the creation of Andie’s (Molly Ringwald) prom dress in 1986 film, Pretty in Pink. It might seem like a far stretch. But you may find that the materials you run across need fewer alterations than you think. And when all is said and done, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind dress that you spent virtually nothing for.
SOURCES:
www.ivillage.com
www.4prom.com
www.weddingdressdiscount.com
