The best bride and bridesmaid shopping resources for wedding style

Photo by Brumley And Wells via Style Me Pretty

If you're getting married or in a wedding this summer, then chances are you've been searching for a new dress (or two, or three) that will look perfect for your role in the big day. Unfortunately, shopping for anything that is associated with a wedding is notoriously expensive — we're talking wedding dresses that cost thousands of dollars, and bridesmaid dresses that'll put a bridal party out hundreds of dollars each... or more!

If you're on a budget and not looking to blow your last few paychecks on a dress you might only wear once, you're not alone. That's why we've put together this bride and bridesmaid shopping resource guide to finding beautiful, wedding-worthy dresses on a budget. No matter if you're a bride shopping for a dream dress on a dime, or a bridesmaid looking a dress in that perfect shade of blush to complement a mismatched bridal party style, these shops are the first places you should look for a steal. Some of them you may have heard of and some of them might be a little more off the radar — but they all deserve a quick glance when you start your wedding style search!

Read on for lots more tips and our complete list of bride and bridesmaid shopping resources...

BHLDN

By now, BHLDN is a household name in wedding style — and for good reason! They source some of the most gorgeous designer wedding dresses for reasonable prices, and offer quicker shipping time for each dress than a normal wedding boutique would. Their prices range from beautiful dresses under $1000 to $4000 at the most pricey — which is pretty reasonable, once you start shopping around for your dream dress. Don't forget to poke around in their on-sale wedding dress section for TONS of hidden wedding dress gems.

Shop some of our favorite BHLDN looks:

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Etsy

Photo by LeAnimal on Etsy

Etsy is a must-browse site for brides or bridesmaids looking for super unique and handmade wedding style. There are some big names in wedding and bridesmaid dresses that are starting to emerge on Etsy — LeAnimal and Truvelle are two of our favorites, offering totally stunning bridal looks for reasonable prices that you won't find in a boutique. Lots of fun bridesmaid styles are to be found here too, especially if you're looking for details like tulle skirts or flexibility in design!

Photo by Truvelle on Etsy

Photo by Luminia on Etsy

ASOS

If you haven't been looking for wedding-worthy style on ASOS, you're seriously missing out. They've got tons of beautiful dresses in different shapes, colors and cuts, and recently introduced a wedding boutique with looks that are especially perfect for bridesmaids and brides alike. For bridesmaids looking for a style-forward dress option in a mismatched bridesmaids color scheme, ASOS is a must!

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Revolve Clothing

Oh Revolve Clothing, how we love thee so. If you're looking for a more boho, Free People-style look for your bridal or bridesmaid look, then we suggest you hightail it to Revolve Clothing, stat. There's lots of beautiful, breezy maxi dresses in gorgeous colors that any bridesmaid would love — and they even offer some amazingly affordable and stylish wedding dresses, as well! Our favorite is the boho lace wedding dress separate which we've included below...

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Modcloth

Looking for something a little sweet and sassy for the wedding? Modcloth has been the go-to for brides looking for that perfect short courthouse wedding dress, and bridesmaids everywhere vouch for Modcloth's bridesmaid-ready looks that they'll actually wear again. Most dresses are less than $150 — a true steal for any kind of wedding day style!

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Lulu's

Photo by Princeton Ivory Lace Dress, Lulu's

If you're budget is incredibly squeezed but you want to look amazing, we suggest checking out Lulu's not only are their pieces totally affordable, they also are super-cute and wear-again-worthy. Think of it as your higher-end Forever 21. There's also tons of stylish little white dresses that scream bachelorette party and bridal shower...

Photo by Lulu's

Ruffle Force Green Maxi Dress

Photo by Lulu's

Royal Engagement Strapless Maxi Dress

Sole Society

It doesn't stop with the dress — you're going to need shoes to complete your look as well! We love Sole Society for their wedding-worthy heels at reasonable prices. Don't you agree that some of the shoes below would go perfectly with your new dress?

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Zara

Photo by ZARA

Lace Dress

Mostly minimalist but never boring, Zara is worth checking out for brides and bridesmaids who want a fashion-forward wedding look that is timeless and a little edgy. Oh, and their collection of little white dresses is ON POINT!

Photo by ZARA

Long Dress with Applique Neckline, ZARA

Photo by ZARA

Long Sleeved Dress, ZARA

Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway has become a favorite for brides and bridesmaids everywhere — you get designer prices at a fraction of the cost, look amazing, AND you don't have to worry about that "I'll never wear it again" dilemma.

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Union Station

Photo by Lesley Kerr Photography,

Dresses: Union Station

Union Station (formerly Little Borrowed Dress) is a great option for a bridal party that wants the classically pretty bridesmaid dresses without the $300 price tag per dress. Instead of having your bridesmaids buy a pastel-colored dress they might not wear again, they can rent these pretty pieces for $50 each, and get a wide range of colors and cuts — meaning you can choose the shades, and they can choose the shape of the dress that'll fit them best. That's a win-win in our book!

little borrowed dress 1

Union Station

Now that you know the best shopping resources for wedding day style, it's time for you to shop til you drop! We're talking a huge selection and lots of reasonable prices... so what are you waiting for? The perfect wedding dress or bridesmaid dress is out there. Let us know where else you brides and bridesmaids have had success finding wedding-worthy style — we'd love to add to this list!

15 DIY wedding cake toppers: ideas to take your budget wedding cake to the next level!

Photo by DIY it at The Chic Site

Perhaps you've done all the big things — booked your photographer, hired your caterer and have an officiant — so you can kick your feet up and take a break, right? Well, actually yes, you definitely should pamper yourself, take breaks and make sure you're staying as stress-free as possible. But when you're ready to jump back into the wedding planning game, you might find yourself a little baffled by the small details.

Why? Well, for one there's a LOT of small details that go into a wedding day, so figuring out where to start can be tough! But when you start chipping away at it, you may find there's quite a few things you can (and should!) DIY to cut costs and add a flair of creativity. Perhaps one of the best things to create for your big day? DIY wedding cake toppers!

We've rounded up some of our favorite DIY cake topper ideas and tutorials to inspire you brides — we promise that in most cases, this DIY won't cost more than $10 and won't take more than 30 mins to create...win-win, right? I mean, how cute is that sparkly star cake topper above?

Read on for more fun DIY wedding cake toppers!

These tissue paper cake toppers are super easy to create, and look adorable on cupcakes and cakes alike! Isn't it sweet how these look a little bit like fireworks on top of a dessert?

Photo by DIY it at Make Life Lovely

This has to be one of my favorite wedding cake topper tutorials ever! Jen at Something Turquoise is always cooking up the craftiest ideas, and this painted hashtag cake topper is no exception.

Photo by DIY it at Something Turquoise

This has to be one of the most creative cake toppers I've ever seen! The vintage teacup on top gives it a whimsical feeling, while the fresh flowers keeps it lively and colorful.

Photo by DIY it at Ruffled

This paper flower garland cake topper is a little bit boho and a little bit whimsical — and is 100% guaranteed to look amazing on your cake!

Photo by DIY it at Kelly Murray

Sure, maybe you haven't seen pipe cleaners since your crafting days in elementary school — but that doesn't mean they won't look amazing on your wedding cake! We love this simple XO cake topper idea by Minted, below.

Photo by DIY it at Minted

This next cake topper is created with candy necklaces! Not much to DIY here, just find candy necklaces and skewers, and you've got a unique and (literally) sweet DIY cake topper!

Photo by DIY it at Potter and Butler

Everywhere we look, tissue paper tassels are making an appearance in wedding decor. And for good reason! It's colorful, cute and so easy to DIY or buy. Why not use it for your cake?

Photo by DIY it at Something Turquoise

Looking for a more boho wedding cake topper? Then you'll love this heart-shaped thyme wreath — who knew an herb cake topper would look so adorable?

Photo by DIY it at Gold Mine

Glitter and banners galore —that's what's going on in this next DIY cake topper, and I have to say I'm in love!

Photo by DIY it at Something Turquoise

Maybe you're looking to have a cake topped with bountiful blooms? This next DIY cake topper idea incorporates a little-known tool called a cake vase — trust me, if you want flowers on your cake, you'll want to know this one!

Photo by DIY it at Martha Stewart

Pinatas aren't just for birthday parties! Why not put them on your wedding cake? (Bonus points for having a sweet surprise inside...)

Photo by DIY it at Minted

For the bride looking to do something a little more modern (dare I say mid century mod?), these next geometric cake toppers are for you...

Photo by DIY it at Minted

For an extra touch of festivities, these balloon cake toppers are a fun and unexpected touch for a dessert table.

Photo by DIY it at Martha Stewart

For someone looking for a luxe wedding cake topper on a budget, Lia Griffith's printable cake topper templates are for you! Simply print, cut and glitter, and you've got a gorgeous statement cake topper that will wow everyone.

Photo by DIY it at Lia Griffith

So now that you have all these options for DIY wedding cake toppers, the hard part is going to be choosing which one will go on your cake! How are you making your wedding cake stand out on the big day, brides? Let us know in the comments!

A romantic and chic Las Vegas elopement by Your Dream Photo

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When you hear of a couple eloping in Las Vegas, I'm sure a romantic, chic celebration isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind... but today's couple, Anastasia and Vitaly, pulled it off in style! From Anastasia's gorgeous mermaid gown to Vitaly's fun, bright style, this is a stylish and fun-loving couple who aren't afraid to be themselves.

The first half of their chic elopement took place in the city, with the classic backdrop of casinos and beautiful hotels; however the second half of their elopement in the desert is truly breathtaking, and adds a completely romantic element to the entire celebration. Captured in beautiful detail by YourDreamPhoto, this is one elopement you can't miss!

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Well brides and grooms, what do you think of Anastasia and Vitaly's gorgeous Las Vegas elopement? We love how they made it truly theirs! Congrats to the happy couple, and thanks to YourDreamPhoto for sharing this special day.

5 alternative wedding ceremony ideas for a unique celebration

Photo by Jeremiah and Rachel

It's the whole reason why you're getting married — the special moments that happen when you walk down the aisle to the "I Do's" is some of the most meaningful of your life. However with all the money, hype and stress that go into a modern wedding day, sometimes the importance of the wedding ceremony can be lost in the planning process.

Well, we're here to put the wedding ceremony back into the spotlight with these gorgeous alternative wedding ceremony ideas. These ceremony ideas aren't just visually gorgeous, they're also the perfect way to bring meaning to a personal ceremony. Read on for more amazing alternative wedding ceremony ideas!

1. Standing ceremony

If you are looking for something that feels a little more intimate and less formal than a traditional seated ceremony, opt for a standing wedding ceremony. These are great for a couple looking to keep the ceremony short, sweet and fun.

Photo by Erich McVey via OnceWed

2. Circular/surrounded ceremony

Maybe a standing ceremony is a little too informal and you're looking for a ceremony with a little more flair? Then a wedding ceremony with a circular seating arrange is perfect! Dramatic, sentimental and visually stunning it's a great option for couples that want to add a wow-factor to the big day.

Photo by Gia Canali via Style Me Pretty

3. Amphitheater ceremony

If your wedding ceremony venue allows for it, amphitheater seating could be a beautiful and memorable option for your guests to view this important moment in your life.

Photo by Amy Arrington via Green Wedding Shoes

4. Champagne ceremony

Many times the wedding bar opens after the wedding ceremony... but why? Chances are your guests will enjoy being able to sip on a bubbly beverage before and during your ceremony too!

Photo by IQ Photo via Elegance and Enchantment

5. Picnic ceremony

Getting married in a gorgeous park or outdoor wedding venue, but want to keep the vibe casual? Give your guests a picnic-style seating arrangement so they can stay comfortable during your ceremony while enjoying a fun new wedding experience.

Photo by B. WRIGHT PHOTO via Grey Likes Weddings

Well brides and grooms, which of these cool wedding ceremonies would you want for the big day?

4 tips for throwing a stunning summer country wedding

Photo by Christina Karst

This post was written by our friends over at Wedding Paper Divas, the leader in wedding stationery. Wedding Paper Divas believes you deserve gorgeous personalized wedding stationery at prices that will make you smile.

A rustic country wedding is the perfect idea for outdoorsy, informal, and fun-loving couples. A pastoral landscape lends a casual and relaxed attitude to the proceedings, which can be the perfect recipe for a fun and memorable event.

Summer country weddings can be molded to fit every style, personality, budget and wedding tradition. Rustic affairs can include or not include whatever suits the couple’s unique style, especially as each and every typical wedding detail looks fabulous against a lush country background. Read on for a compilation of our favorite country wedding tips and photo card ideas, and be sure to check out more on how to host a rustic wedding anywhere!

1. Country Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue Ideas

Photo by Janet Howard Studio

Photo by Michelle Boyd

Country weddings can take place in elaborate rustic-themed venues or in the most basic of outdoor spaces. Barns, gardens, terraces, parks, hillsides, private homes, or anywhere in nature that people can gather work perfectly, and can be beautifully decorated to fit a country theme. No matter your personality or budget, be sure to choose a space that’s friendly and unrestrictive. A large vista or a nice view is the perfect accent to a country wedding, although dense greenery complimented by rustic florals is another perfect backdrop for a stylish and memorable country wedding. Don’t forget to match your Summer country wedding with custom photo books and couples photo albums to cherish the memories forever.

2. Country Wedding Color Scheme Ideas

Photo by Anna Delores Photography

Photo by JD3 Photography

The color scheme of a country wedding should match the theme and style of your chosen venue. Earthy tones accented by a few bright and festive colors work perfectly if you’re dealing with a neutral country landscape. Although a strictly natural color palette does accentuate the beauty of the surrounding landscape, an unexpected burst of color does wonders for the overall look and feel. Consider bright and unexpected details; floral arrangements, colored lights, curtains or even bridesmaids attire would kick your rustic country affair up a notch. Be sure to match your customized wedding stationary to your rustic wedding invitations for a perfectly coordinated look.

3. Décor Ideas: Planning a Country Wedding

Photo by Caroline Lima Photography

When it comes to country weddings, it’s all in the details. Décor sets the tone and style of any wedding, and rustic country weddings in particular rely on thoughtful choices to really set the mood. Of the many events frequently held in country settings, weddings are arguably the most formal. This formality and sense of occasion should be demonstrated using thoughtfully selected wedding décor. Luckily, these details don’t need to be pricey or overly complicated. Choose a few of your favorite ideas to highlight and let the rest fall into place. Whether it’s thoughtful floral arrangements, creative table assignments, a unique DIY altarpiece or rustic signposts to guide your guests around the property, these details will convey your personality and set the tone for your country event!

Photo by Elena Zhukova

Photo by Elena Zhukova

4. Flowers, Favors and Final Details

Photo by Sarah Lyn Photography

Photo by Larissa Nicole Photography

Photo by Michelle Boyd

Country weddings present many opportunities for rustic charm, notably in details like flower arrangements, wedding favors, centerpieces, and even in wedding attire. Country settings are beautifully complimented by simple, bright floral arrangements, and offer the perfect opportunity for simple and rustic take-home favors. Make your wedding favors do double duty by using them for seating assignments or for fun specialty drinks or treats. A little extra personality never goes astray in country weddings, so explore options like custom gift tags to give your favors an extra pop.

Related Products:

save the date cards, wedding guest books, irish wedding traditions, save the date ideas,

The don't-miss guide to creating your wedding registry!

Photo by Emily Elizabeth Photo

Setting up your wedding registry can be tricky — with so many traditions and expectations surround your wedding and the gifting process, it can be hard to navigate what's proper etiquette! How should you share your registry with guests? Why do some your relatives hate the idea of a honeymoon registry? And about when is polite to send thank you cards? Well, we're answering all those questions and more for our friends over at Dot and Bo, who asked us to write a comprehensive guide to wedding registries on their blog! We're including a tidbit below, but make sure to read the whole thing on their blog!

Creating a registry for your wedding is one of those traditions that goes way back. It serves as a simple way to let your guests know what items you’ll need to fill your newlywed home and start your life together, so they can send you an appropriate wedding gift. While wedding etiquette dictates that gifts should never be expected, most guests do want to contribute something special to the couple in this exciting part of their lives, and appreciate knowing exactly what to give the couple.

Time are changing quickly though — and chances are your wedding registry isn’t going to look like your grandmother’s from back in the day! The modernization of the wedding registry has caused some contention between generations, with old rules and etiquette shifting to accommodate the attitudes of new couples. So how is a couple to navigate proper wedding etiquette and create a modern registry that they are truly excited about? Here are some hard and fast tips for etiquette and how to set up your registry for gift-giving success!

Read more on Dot & Bo today! Let us know in the comments how you set up your own registry!

A hip country engagement with a sweet touch by Kaytee Lauren Photography

A hip country engagement...with a sweet treat!

Is it possible to have an engagement shoot that's equal parts romantic, lighthearted and fun? It might seem like a hard thing to pull off, but today's couple, Rebekah and Josh, totally nailed it! From the gorgeous country scenery to their stylish, casual outfits and (literally!) sweet moments with their favorite donuts, this couple sprinkled a little bit of everything into their hip country engagement photos. And it totally worked!

Captured beautifully by Kaytee Lauren Photography, Rebekah and Josh' engagement is one you're sure to be inspired by. Keep reading for more pretty pictures...and don't blame us if you're hankering for a donut after this!

Gorgeous, stylish couple's engagement photos!

Gorgeous, stylish couple's engagement photos!

Gorgeous, stylish couple's engagement photos!

Gorgeous, stylish couple's engagement photos!

Lovely hip country engagement photos

Gorgeous, stylish couple's engagement photos!

Engagement photos and donuts. A match made in heaven!

Engagement photos and donuts. A match made in heaven!

Engagement photos and donuts. A match made in heaven!

Engagement photos and donuts. A match made in heaven!

Engagement photos and donuts. A match made in heaven!

Stunning country engagement photo idea

Stunning country engagement photo idea

Stunning country engagement photo idea

Stunning country engagement photo idea

Stunning country engagement photo idea

Stunning country engagement photo idea

Stunning country engagement photo idea

Stunning country engagement photo idea

How lovely are they?! I love the location they chose — so simple and pretty, the perfect country backdrop for romantic engagement photos! Thanks to Kaytee Lauren for sharing, and congrats to Rebekah and Josh!

Photography: Kaytee Lauren Photography | Hair: Elle Style Studio | Makeup: LaCretia Baskfield | Sweets: Sugar Shack Donuts

Win $200 to make your groom and groomsmen dapper with Gold Coast Goods!

Gold Coast Goods — dapper custom groomswear for your own wedding! Love this!

This giveaway is now closed! The winners are Phil K and Rebekah S. Thank you for all who participated. Remember — Wedding Party readers get a special discount code toward Gold Coast Goods for a limited time! Use "weddingparty" at check out for 20% off anything from the Gold Coast Goods website, or 15% off a custom order.

Let's cut to the chase — if you thought it was hard finding your bridesmaid dresses, just wait until you try to find the perfect style for your groomsmen. There are a lot of options out there to make your groom and groomsmen dapper (aren't we brides just spoiled for choice?), and once you nail down a style you'll need to accessorize to complete the look. Whether you're choosing ties or bowties, tuxes or suits, we've got a little something up our sleeves this Friday to make that entire process a little easier for you!

We've teamed up with Gold Coast Goods to give TWO lucky brides $200 toward perfect groom and groomsmen accessories. If Gold Coast Goods sounds familiar, that's because it is — we featured a gorgeous boho-chic elopement featuring styling by their talented founder, Samantha Baker, earlier this week! If that feature didn't leave you smitten by those handsome grooms and their stylin' getups, just wait until you see more dapper pieces from Gold Coast Goods! Trust us, they'll look perfect on your groomsmen.

Gold Coast Goods — dapper custom groomswear for your own wedding! Love this!

Gold Coast Goods was started by Samantha and her mother, Jan, in 2013, after they collaborated to make ties for her own wedding! In addition to the neckwear collection you can find on their website, they also work with brides to make custom ties and bowties (and even pocket squares!) for weddings. It's an incredibly personal process, with Samantha and her mother working directly with the couple to find the perfect combination of fabric, color and styling to complete their wedding vision.

If you thought that sounded awesome, just wait until you get to the best part: once the ties are all sewn up, Gold Coast Goods will finish them individually with a monogrammed tie loop that can display a couple's initials, the wedding date, or the initials or nickname of a groomsman.  They're the perfect way to tie a wedding party together (pun intended!) and provide a meaningful gift for groomsmen.

Okay, ready to see more fabulous style by Gold Coast Goods and learn how you can WIN some amazing custom neckwear for yourself? Keep reading, friends!

Gold Coast Goods — dapper custom groomswear for your own wedding! Love this!

Gold Coast Goods — dapper custom groomswear for your own wedding! Love this!

Photos above by Hairbro Studios

Two lucky readers will win $200 for a custom order at Gold Coast Goods for their groom and groomsmen style! We're talking the perfect accessories for your main men to look ultra-handsome on the big day, ladies — completely custom for your wedding colors and style. Helloooooo groomsmen gifts! (Wouldn't it be nice to check one more thing off the list?)

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Here's how to enter the giveaway:

1. Follow Wedding Party and Gold Coast Goods on Pinterest

2. Pin your favorite Gold Coast Goods look. Use this blog post or their website for Pin-spiration.

3. Comment on this blog post and tell us your about your groomsmen style. Don't forget to leave a link to the pin!

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But that's not all! Samantha from Gold Coast Goods has generously offered a special treat for ALL Wedding Party readers! Use the discount code "weddingparty" at check out for 20% off anything from the Gold Coast Goods website, or 15% off a custom order. Score.

Oh and PS — these bowties look pretty killer on ladies, too.

Gold Coast Goods — dapper custom groomswear for your own wedding! Love this!

Gold Coast Goods — dapper custom groomswear for your own wedding! Love this!

Gold Coast Goods — dapper custom groomswear for your own wedding! Love this!

Start your pinning engines — this giveaway isn't going to last forever! You've got until next Friday, April 10th 2015 to enter before we wrap up this awesome opportunity. And since there are TWO (yes, two) opportunities to win, you definitely don't want to miss out!

For even more dapper groom style ideas from Gold Coast Goods, don't forget to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

Best of luck — we'll update the post next Friday with our lucky winners!

The fine print: Custom orders are only available for orders of 4 ties or more and only available in the US. Read here for more about our

giveaway terms and conditions

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