Super Cheap wedding dress!

[mormor]

I am getting married in October.. and have to pay for it myself (with help from the future hubby, of course).. well being as cheap as I am, I set out to buy a dress for under $100. Here is what I did:

First I picked out the style that I really, really wanted (no holds barred here... I was inspired by all things designer)

Then I did a little research to find that many of our favorite wedding dress manufactureres also make what retail stores call "special occassion dresses".. and YES this would include PROM DRESSES! Some of them are even the same dress, just manufactured under a different brand name (kind of like how many brand name food companies manufacture the generic or store brand products as well). And did any one notice that last year's prom dresses looked alot like wedding dresses, with the white tulle, satin, silk, and the likes?

Knowing that it is now July, and all prom dresses would be on super clearance, I went to all my local department stores: Younkers, Dillards, JCPenney, Sears, and VonMaur to check out their prom and special occassion dresses.

Would you believe that after 10 hours of scouring the city of Omaha, I found "the" dress in the Junior's Prom dress section. Now, knowing that I am NO junior size.. (I am perhaps an 8 in petities).. I tried on a size 11/12, and it fit wonderfully...

I found the dress of my dreams (same as the wedding dresses in stores) for $60! And better yet, I can have my grandma alter it for free!

I showed my parents, and they had no idea it didn't cost me hundreds of dollars!

Where there is a will, there is a way!

[NaomiMarie]

Hey, GOOD FOR YOU!
I cannot wait to see pics of the wedding/dress ......October is such a nice month to get married in too!
Naomi

[mormor]

Bless your heart!

I am very excited. I will post pics soon! Thank you for your kind words...

[jersey_girl227]

Way to go, mormor!

I've found (not personally, I am single!) that weddings can be done nicely and not by breaking the bank. My friend is getting married in August. I am doing her programs and place cards (I have a little background in design) and her pew bows and flower girl basket. I figured I could save her a few hundred bucks.

Congrats on finding your dress and for $60!!! Definitely post pictures so we can all see. And good luck in your married life!

[NaomiMarie]

I agree, you do NOT need to spend a lotta $$$ to have a beautiful wedding!
It blows me away when I hear how much formal weddings cost (and that people actually have that kinda $$ )
DH and I had a VERY small ceremony @ home with our immediate family members present. I wore a very simple white cotton dress (beautiful lacey effect along the neckline & bottom hem).
Looking back, I wouldn'thave changed a thing. All that mattered is that at the end of the day DH and I were married!
Naomi (married for 9 years, together for 14)

[mormor]

Its good to hear the encouragement! I wouldn't have spent more than a dime, but this is (unfortunately my second marriage), and the first one was a justice-of-the-peace cermony at the courthouse when I was 19. I am 25 now, and my fiance has never been married... so part of me really wants some of the frills that others have... I so want to make this special!

I have gotten so many good ideas from people, and have had lots of help from members of my church. I have a professional photographer, pianist, and a lady who is doing my invites and programs with embossing and the like. The best thing is, they are giving their services as our wedding gift! We are very blessed!

The only part I am still stumped on is the bridesmaid dresses. I have 3 maids (all of varying sizes - in fact, one will be pregnant!) Even though they are all paying for their own, I don't want them to have to pitch in more than $50 bucks. Any ideas? My colors are ruby and cream... and red is sooo hard to find this year!

Thanks for all the help! Love you guys!

[3tbear]

mormor, what a great deal on a wedding dress! I never would have thought to go to the prom section in a store for that! You have ingenuity for sure. Be sure and post photos!

[BuckeyeGirl]

Originally posted by mormor

The only part I am still stumped on is the bridesmaid dresses. I have 3 maids (all of varying sizes - in fact, one will be pregnant!) Even though they are all paying for their own, I don't want them to have to pitch in more than $50 bucks. Any ideas? My colors are ruby and cream... and red is sooo hard to find this year!

Thanks for all the help! Love you guys!

I used to live in Columbus, Ohio and was blessed to have several factory outlets such as Spiegel's Salvage and JC Penney Outlet.

If you have a JC Penney's Outlet store within a 250-mile radius, it's worth the trip. I was in a wedding there last year and they had a large selection of styles and sizes of bridesmaids and prom dresses.....matching of course! for less than $50.

If that isn't an option for you, check into upscale consignment shops. The dresses are often available in various sizes that can be altered. I also know that in many areas, you can rent wedding attire such as bridesmaids and wedding dresses. Just check around with different stores you find in the phone book. Tuxedo rental places can also give you referrals.

Hope this helps! Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. I wish you every happiness and blessings.

[whitequeen96]

Wonderful deal on the wedding dress, and so innovative! You should be proud of yourself!

As for the bridesmaids dresses, here's what I did for my first wedding, about 20 years ago. One day, all the bridesmaids and I got together and made full-length, gathered skirts. We even used elastic waists, as they were covered by big satin sashes. They were so easy; we finished them all that afternoon, except that each girl had to add a little trim around the hem. I then had each girl buy her own blouse, stipulating only the color and length of sleeve. They all looked so pretty, and each girl had just a touch of individuality in the blouse. (Some were Victorian, some peasant-style, etc.) The outfits consisted of pastel floral skirts, a matching sash, and a white blouse. Since we were married outdoors, surrounded by lots of flowers, it was perfect! Could you find a ruby striped or floral fabric for the skirts? (Check the home-decor section of the fabric store; you might find something in a polished cotton or something like that.) Then you could have everyone get cream-colored blouses.

[jersey_girl227]

I echo the JC Penney outlet. It is definitely worth the trip if you have one in your area!

[mormor]

You guys are great! Thanks so much for the tips. I do have one of the biggest JCPenney outlets about 15 minutes from Omaha. I will be sure to go there! And the ideas on the homemade dresses gave me some ideas for those helping out that aren't in the wedding party.

Love you all! God Bless!

[Darster]

I think you are on the right track.
The simplest marriages are the most dignified, I think!
They are classic!

I saw this somewhere...

"Loved the wedding; invite me to your marriage" - signed God.

LOL it's true ain't it?

Good luck on your welding...I mean, wedding!


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[NaomiMarie]

Originally posted by Darster
I think you are on the right track.
The simplest marriages are the most dignified, I think!
They are classic!

I saw this somewhere...

"Loved the wedding; invite me to your marriage" - signed God.

LOL it's true ain't it?

Good luck on your welding...I mean, wedding!


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I've seen that quote too........isn't it true?!

[tiberiu]

Congratulations my dear for the wedding... I would like to help you a little bit with some groomsmen gifts ideas. If you find something to suit your taste please do not hesitate to ask for my help.