All posts tagged Bridesmaids

Bridesmaid Dress Roundup!
22 Dresses Under $50

Wooo! Today’s post makes me so happy. Not just because I love bridesmaid dresses, but ya’ll know I am also the biggest cheapskate ever – so today is like the roundup mecca of awesomeness! Take a scroll through our budget-friendly finds below, wont ‘cha? All of the product information and prices can be found at the bottom of this post.

22 Bridesmaid Dresses Under $50

1. Strike a Concord, $37 (sale price) | 2. Moxie in Magenta, $25 (sale price)
3.  I Love Your Dress in Plum, $43 | 4. Beige of Honor, $43 (sale price) | 5. Strawberry Iced Tea, $48
6. How Blue You Do, $48 | 7. Seams Only Like Yesterday, $45 | 8. I Dream of Indigo, $50
9. Frock Solid, $50 | 10. Closet Braid, $48 | 11. Midnight Sun Dress, $43 | 12. Steel My Kisses, $50
13. Easygoing Ending, $48 | 14. Not Just an Illusion, $50 | 15. Aquarium Afternoon, $45
16. Peppermint Iced Tea, $48 | 17. Versatile Lifestyle, $48 |  18. My Finest Aura, $35 (sale price)
19. Be Weave Me, $45 | 20. All Day Cachet, $50 | 21. The Current Time, $35 (sale price)
22. It’s Only Mint Believe, $50

Well ladies? What do you think? Do you have another favorite bridesmaid dress that is less than $50? Share a link for us in the comments below!

Less than $200:
Tailored Gold Bridesmaids

Less than $200: Tailored Gold Bridesmaids

There’s nothing sexier than a well-tailored dress. This gorgeous bridesmaid look is sure to flatter your waistline AND your wallet. Throw in a few gold accessories, some seriously sparkly shoes and you have a winning evening look. Best of all, the entire cost of this look comes in just shy of $200.

TOTAL COST OF THIS BRIDESMAID LOOK: $197

{Clockwise} 1. Jetsetter Journalist Dress, $65 | 2. Big Buddah Heather clutch in yellow, $40 | 3. Geo Drop earrings, $4 | 4. Essie nail color in Beyond Cozy, $8 | 5. RSVP Stella in gold, $80

Less Than $200:
Beachy Tropical Bridesmaids

Less than $200: Beachy tropical bridesmaids

I love the idea of a destination wedding. While I chose to get married in my home town I LOVE the idea of getting away for a little R&R while you are in the midst of last-minute wedding stress. Plus, you can just extend your stay after the wedding – there’s no need to travel again for a honeymoon! This bridesmaid look is so bright and airy! Add in some fun accessories and your girls are sure to match their tropical surroundings. 

TOTAL COST OF THIS BRIDESMAID LOOK: $163

{Clockwise} 1. Seaside Mojitos Dress, $60 | 2. Style&Co. St. Tropez handbag, $43 | 3. Essie nail color in Action, $8 | 4. Etched leaf bangle set, $10 | 5. Dangling faux stone earrings, $6 | 6. Michael Antonio Gota wedges in yellow, $36

Less Than $200:
Peacock Bridesmaids

Less Than $200: Peacock Bridesmaids

I’ve seen so many peacock themed weddings in the last few years, its ridonkulous! While I do love the idea, it’s an easy concept to take too literally (read: peacock feathers EVERYWHERE). This earthy bridesmaid outfit is my version of a deconstructed peacock color palette. Dosen’t the clutch just make you swoon?

TOTAL COST OF THIS BRIDESMAID LOOK: $177

{Clockwise} Occasion By Me dress in Teal, $98 | Bugle Beaded Clutch, $24 | Gold Teardrop Earrings, $4 | Essie Nail Color in A Rich Camel Beige, $8 | Michael Antonio Langston, $43

Less Than $200:
Edgy, Lace Bridesmaids

Less Than $200: Edgy, Lace Bridesmaids

Today’s budget bridesmaid look is perfect for the bride with a little edge in her step. With a combination of lace, sparkle and black accents, this look would be great for a classic black tie affair or a fall wedding. (It would also be a great bridesmaid look to match our Harold and Maude Wedding Setting!) Plus, with a price tag of only $142 for the entire outfit, how could you complain?

TOTAL COST OF THIS BRIDESMAID LOOK: $142

{Clockwise} Exquisite Visit Dress, $43 | Sarah Violet Seagrove Frame Clutch Wallet, $18 | Mother of Pearl Studs, $3 | Essie Nail Polish in Licorice, $8 | Chinese Laundry Hotline in Ivory Lace, $70

Less Than $200:
Blush Bridesmaids

Less Than $200: Blush Bridesmaids

Don’t you just love the ruching on this beautiful blush dress? Paired with neutral accessories and a bright, youthful clutch, this would be the perfect bridesmaid outfit for a romantic, ethereal wedding. Plus, these colors would look soooooo fabulous with dark and olive skin tones!

TOTAL COST OF THIS BRIDESMAID LOOK: $188

{Clockwise} Something Neutral Dress, $90 | Embellished Clutch, $25 | Woven Drop Earrings, $5 | Essie Nail Polish in Shop Til’ I Drop, $8 | Gabriella Rocha Christine in Beige Patent, $60

Best of MarryThis!:
A Collection of our Best DIYs, Free Printables & More!

Happy Monday friends! I thought we’d kick off this week with a roundup of our top 5 posts ever! This list was calculated based on a combination blog and Pinterest views! And our top post ever is …….. drum roll ……..

5 Reasons To Get Married When You're "Fat"

1. Five Reasons Why You Should Get Married When You’re Fat

A bit controversial, yes — but still a great read. I wrote from experience ladies! Read why I think trying to lose weight before your wedding is the worst idea ever.

'Be My Bridesmaid' Cupcake in a Jar with Free Printable!

2. “Be My Bridesmaid” Ombre Cupcake in a Jar with free printable

Surprise your bridesmaid-to-be with this fabulous ombre cupcake in a jar! I love this little gift because it’s SUPER adorable, affordable AND shows your friends how special they are to you without the added pressure of a large gift or gesture. I almost forgot the best part … our cute inkjet transfer “Will you be my bridesmaid” napkins! Your girlfriends will be so surprised to see their hidden message waiting for them!

Free Printable Wedding Planning Timeline

3. Wedding Planning Timeline free printable

Our timeline will take you through each wedding task (and when you should do them) from the day you get engaged all the way to the big day. We even made you a section to take notes just in case we left something out (the horror!). Just download, print and get checkin’!

Pick Your Poison Bachelorette Party Favors with free printable!

4. DIY “Pick Your Poison” Bachelorette Party Favors with free printable

Lets be honest, you’re NEVER going to wear that “one last ride for the bride” T-shirt again. This fun Pick Your Poison gift box filled with mini liquor bottles is the perfect gift for any bachelorette and her posse.

5. Five Things Your Budget Wedding Doesn’t Need

Budget weddings require a bit of extra time and smart planning, but it is SO possible to throw a beautiful wedding and still have enough money left over to … um, eat … or whatever. Here’s a list of the top five things your budget wedding doesn’t need. Also make sure to check out our 5 Things Your Budget Wedding Can’t Go Without.

Tell me, what are YOUR favorite MarryThis! posts so far? Share in a comment below!

Happy Planning!

Less Than $200:
Turquoise Bridesmaids

Less than $200: Turquoise bridesmaids

It’s official. This is my favorite bridesmaid look ever! I love the idea of pairing bold accessories with a beautiful neutral dress like this one. And those shoes … THOSE SHOES! These beautiful, funky heels inspired the entire outfit. I went a little over my $200 limit on this ensemble, but I just couldn’t swap out these shoes for a cheaper pair. SWOON!

TOTAL COST OF THIS BRIDESMAID LOOK: $228

{Clockwise} Sugar Cookie Platter dress, $75 | Carolyn mini-bag in champagne, $25
Wide lux enamel hinge bracelet, $30 | Essie in Potato Fields, $8 | Aldo Galler in khaki/teal, $90

Less Than $200:
Casual Coral Bridesmaids

Less than $200: Bright Coral Bridesmaids

As a curvy gal, there’s nothing worse than a tight bridesmaid dress. Fitting 10 pounds of sweet, sexy sugar into a 5 pound bag is NOT pretty and it sure as HELL isn’t comfortable. This relaxed strapless dress is the perfect combination of style and simplicity and will flatter many different body types.  Throw in some geometric-inspired accessories and a killer pair of heels and you’ve got a dream outfit that your bridesmaids could actually wear more than once. If you love these geometric earrings as much as I do, you MUST check out our Under $1K: Geometric Summer Bride.

TOTAL COST OF THIS BRIDESMAID LOOK: $200
{Clockwise} BB Dakota Gisela Strapless Dress, $85 | ASOS Slot Through Envelope Clutch, $37 |
Vince Camuto Geometric Goldtone Stud Earrings, $28 | Kensie Girl Harleen shoes
in Lunar Grey/Beach Coral, $50

Less than $200:
Black Bridesmaid Dresses

It’s pretty much a fact that once a bridesmaid dress, ALWAYS a bridesmaid dress. It’s not that brides have bad taste, but let’s face it, when four different women all have to wear the same dress, it usually only looks good on one of them.

Unless it’s a black dress. You’re bridesmaids still have a fighting chance with a black dress. And doesn’t EVERY girl need a little black dress? 

Here’s a collection of our favorite budget-friendly black bridesmaid dresses. You won’t spend more than $200 on any of these beauties! (And thanks to Mallory for the great post suggestion! I hope you find something you like!)

Under $200: Black Bridesmaid Dresses

Aidan by Aidan Mattox Pleated Chiffon Overlay Dress, $120 | Dance Till Dawn Dress, $100

Under $200: Black Bridesmaid Dresses

Coal, Calm, and Collected Dress, $65 | BCBGeneration Dress, $118

Besides the fact that your bridesmaids might actually be able to wear these dresses again, the best part about choosing black is that even with different dress styles, your bridesmaids will still look uniform. However, there are different shades of black, so make sure your bridesmaids all choose a deep, rich uniform black.

Under $200: Black Bridesmaid Dresses

Maggy London Side Bow Stretch Satin Sheath Dress, $128 | Awards Show Stunner Dress, $105

Under $200: Black Bridesmaid Dresses

Calvin Klein CD1E1ARH, $148 | Donna Ricco Mock Two Piece Sheath Dress, $138

I chose black for my bridesmaid dresses, I wonder if any of my ladies have been able to wear their dress again? I hope so! One of my bridesmaids even chose a patterned black dress (similar to the lace one above) and the additional texture was just beautiful!

Under $200: Black Bridesmaid Dresses

Donna Ricco Satin Sheath Dress, $138 | Night-falling for You Dress, $50

Under $200: Black Bridesmaid Dresses

Miss Sixty One Shoulder Dress with Corsage, $82 | Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Pleated Dress, $148

Happy Friday! We sure had a great week here at MarryThis! Here’s a summary of this week’s highlights:

5 Things Your Budget Wedding Doesn’t Need

It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. Actually I think the correct term is “WHAAAAAT??” followed by screaming and your parents taking out a second mortgage. 

Budget weddings require a bit of extra time and smart planning, but it is SOOOO possible to throw a beautiful wedding and still have enough money left over to … um, eat … or whatever. Here’s a list of the top five things your budget wedding doesn’t need.

5 Things Your Budget Wedding Doesn't NeedSparkling Setting / Striped Candleholders

Flowers up the Wazoo

Yes, flowers are gorgeous and really brighten up a room. But paying up to $5 a stem for flowers is just plain ridonkulous. These days there are so many beautiful non-floral centerpieces that there is no reason to spend $6,000 of your wedding budget on decorations that will die within a week.

A Bazillion Bridesmaids

I’m all about having a huge wedding party — but unfortunately, more bridesmaids means more $$$, especially if you plan on buying their dresses or even just covering the cost of hair and makeup on your big day. And for your out-of-town bridesmaids, you’ll have less girls to put up and feed for a few days. Check out our Less Than $200: Bridesmaids series for budget bridesmaid looks!

5 Things Your Budget Wedding Doesn't NeedRainbow Bridesmaids

Too Many People

This is HUGE. If I could get married all over again I would invite half the people and spend an extra week on our honeymoon instead. Once you figure in catering, favors, cake, booze AND rentals, you can EASILY spend $50 per guest (we spent $162 per guest, phew!). That’s MAJOR savings. Sure, making a tight guest list can be a bit difficult, but you’ll be SO glad you did when the wedding is long past and you can actually afford a down payment on a house.

Gourmet Food

I’m torn on this particular item, but it’s still worth noting. If you’re a foodie like me, you will love planning menus with your caterer — until you see the bill. DIZAMN! Adding pears and pecans to the salad costs WHAT?! Be honest with your caterer about your budget. They’ll work with you to find a menu that is tasty AND affordable. If it’s still too expensive, catering your own wedding is sooooo possible with smart planning! Check out our new Cater Your Own Wedding series for cheap and easy to prepare menu ideas!

5 Things Your Budget Wedding Doesn't Need
Ritz Carlton Philadelphia

An Open Bar (GASP!)

I know this is a hard concept to swallow. ESPECIALLY if certain family members can’t get along without help from tequila shots. Never fear, you can still host a bar on a budget! Talk with your vendor about cheaper options. For our wedding we offered bottomless beer (one micro-brew and one domestic), wine (house red and white), and a champagne toast — but mixed drinks were cash only. OR nix the bar all together and serve one signature cocktail along with flavored ice water and assorted soft drinks.

Following just one or all of these guidelines could save you thousands! What budget-saving tips are you planning to implement in your wedding?

Happy planning!

Budget Bridesmaid Gift:
DIY Agate Pendant Necklace

Budget Bridesmaid Gift: DIY Sliced Agate Pendant Necklaces

Oh to the my to the god. I planned to make these sliced agate pendants a few weeks ago but I had NO idea that they would turn out so amazing! I have been jumping with excitement this weekend waiting to share with you! Not only are these pendants freakin’ GORGEOUS in their simplicity (don’t you feel like you could look at an agate for hours?) they are also super easy to make AND budget friendly.

These pendants (chain included) only set me back $6.26 each. No joke! At that price you could easily hand out beautiful pendants to all your bridesmaids, or even as bridal shower or bachelorette party favors!

Read on for the how-to and budget breakdown!

Budget Bridesmaid Gift: DIY Sliced Agate Pendant Necklaces

The best part about these necklaces is that you need NO jewelry making experience at all! They’re so easy. I used round nosed pliers to do most of the work, but they aren’t absolutely necessary (though I do highly recommend them). Even if you never make another piece of jewelry again they are very useful to have around the house. Scroll down for instructions!

Budget Bridesmaid Gift: DIY Sliced Agate Pendant Necklaces

Agate Pendant Necklace

Here’s what you’ll need:

Budget Bridesmaid Gift: DIY Sliced Agate Pendant Necklaces

Instructions:

1. Cut your chain to approximately 72″ inches long. Fold the chain in half. It should now be about 36″ inches long. This length of chain makes a longer necklace style similar to this. If you prefer a shorter style, use your neck to measure the length you prefer and then double it and fold in half. Set folded chain aside.

2. Using your round nose pliers, open a small jump ring (figure 1). ALWAYS twist the ring open, never pull (figure 2). Feed the open jump ring through the clasp (figure 3). Close the jump ring.

3. Feed the chain through closed jump ring (figure 4). Set aside.

4. Just like step 2, open a large jump ring. Feed the jump ring through the pre-drilled hole in the sliced agate (figure 5). If you’re having trouble closing your jump rings completely, gently press the ends together using bent-nose pliers (optional).

5. Using your folded chain, feed BOTH ends of the chain through the agate pendant (figure 6).

6. Your chain should have two open ends (on the same side). Open another small jump ring. Feed the last link of each chain through the jump ring (figure 7). Close jump ring. Finally, link both ends together using the clasp (figure 8)!

You’re finished!

Budget Bridesmaid Gift: DIY Sliced Agate Pendant Necklaces

How fabulous are these? I used a double-length of chain to support the chunkiness of the agate, but you could always follow the same directions using a single length to make more economic use of your chain.

Budget Breakdown:

  • Sliced agate with pre-drilled hole: $15 for 6, $2.50 each
  • Small jump rings: .03 each (use 2)
  • Large jump rings: .20 each
  • Clasps: .50 each
  • 72″ chain: $3 each

Grand total per necklace: $6.26 

There are so many fun ways you could present these pendants to your besties! Add these to your tablescape and drape them over a beautiful tea cup, or place them in a “You Rock” card enclosed in a cellophane baggy. The possibilites are endless!

I hope you love these as much as I do! If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I will be happy to help! As always, I would love to see photos of your final necklaces. Send photos to allison@marrythis.com. You just might see your photo appear on the blog! Happy gifting!

Less than $200: Cool Blue

Budget bridesmaid ideas

Pairing a deep ocean blue dress with neutral and gold accessories give this outfit a classic edge. Your bridesmaids will be delighted to have your back in these cute frocks that will be cozy to dance in — and what a good friend you’ll be for choosing flats! I love the wishbone necklace! Surprise each girl with one on your big day so everyone matches.

Budget wedding ideas

Fire Lace Tank Dress, $48 | Madden Girl Flats, $39.95 | Wishbone Charm Necklace, $34 | Essie Nail Color in Topless & Barefoot, $8

Bridesmaid Gift Roundup

Today I pay homage to some of the most important people in your wedding – your bridesmaids. After all, bridesmaids wear many different hats. They listen to all your wedding woes and they wear whatever you ask them (and some even PAY for their dress, too!). And after gaining 4 pounds of pre-wedding stress weight, the best bridesmaids will even stitch you into your dress after your zipper pops (all the while reassuring you that these things happen, and that you are, indeed, NOT fat). Ahem … not that I speak from personal experience or anything.

Now, don’t you think THAT deserves a bomb(dot)com thank you gift? If I had known there would be an emergency “open seam dress surgery” I would have bought her the moon (and probably been a little less glutonous at our cake tasting … but I digress).

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite gifts to say “Thanks, girl. If it wasn’t for you, I would have had to get married in a Gwar T-shirt.”

Bridesmaid gift roundup

Diamond Candles – $25
Share your ring-fever with these long-lasting (and oh so gorgeous) Diamond Candles. Each soy candle contains a ring valued at $10, $100, $1,000 or $5,000 and are available in many different scents and colors.

Bridesmaids on DVD – $20
Need I say more? If you’re in the midst of wedding planning and haven’t seen this movie, drop everything and watch it NOW. A must own.

Bridesmaid gift roundup

Birchbox subscription – $10/month
Birchbox is the perfect girly-gift that keeps on giving. Each month your bridesmaids will receive a beautiful box containing 4 or 5 designer cosmetic samples (NARS, Juicy Couture and Stila have all made appearances). Gift subscriptions are available in 3, 6, or 12-month options.

Bottle of wine and gemstone bottle stopper – approx. $70
I’ve never met an alcoholic gift I didn’t like. And most likely, your bridesmaids haven’t either. Say thanks with this gorgeous Rablabs Amethyst Glass Wine Bottle Stopper ($55) paired with your choice of wine. We’ve chosen a bottle of Lust & Laune rosé 2011 by Zull.

Bridesmaid gift roundup

Julia Baker boxed chocolates - $40
As beautiful as they are tasty, this 18-piece Window box of assorted, hand-cut chocolates is sure to satisfy any bridesmaid’s sweet tooth.

iPod Shuffle – $49
The perfect workout companion that your bridesmaids are sure to appreciate. Make this gift even more special by loading up each iPod with your favorite songs.

Bridesmaid gift roundup

Kiel Mead Forget Me Knot Ring – $58
Your girls will swoon over this beautiful, dainty bow tie ring! Available in brass or sterling silver.

Damascus Rose Beauty Collection – $68
Pamper your bridesmaids with this full line of facial care by Badger. And best of all, Soap Hope loans out 100% of profits to organizations around the world that help lift women from poverty.

Bridesmaid gift roundup

Relaxing Tea gift combo- $49
We all know weddings can be a bit stressful. Help your bridesmaids relax with this beautiful Kinetic Stencil Mug set from Anthropologie ($8 each, set of 4) and Green Rose Kusmi Tea ($17).

Wells Collection Art Prints by Jess LC – $40 each
While purchasing art is a very personal choice, these beautiful prints are sure to impress and inspire your besties. Frame each print to add a special touch.

We like to do things on the cheap. Like, slap yo mamma cheap. But when it comes to gifts for your wedding party, I say (and Frankie says) “relax.” I would (and you should) gladly shell out extra clams for your bridesmaids.

We had a great week here at MarryThis! Here’s a summary of this week’s highlights:

And as always, don’t forget to check out our latest free wedding guide, An Intimate Beach Wedding! We’ve been working hard all week and can’t WAIT to debut our new guide that drops on Monday! It. Is. Gorg.

Happy Friday!

Less than $200: Brights!

Budget bridesmaid ideas

For a backyard affair or something equivalent in formality, I love the idea of putting bright, energetic colors on your bridesmaids. This is no fuchsia number with shoulder pads that your girls will cringe over, though — color blocking makes it modern, a charm necklace makes it fun (go the extra mile and make it a gift from you!) and paired with sandals and pink fingers and toes, this outfit will be a big outdoor hit.

Budget wedding ideas

Jessica Simpson Colorblock Dress, $98 | Aldo Hartstein, $50 |  Nine West Charm Necklace, $28 | Essie Nail Color in Fancy Delancy, $8

 
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