Starting to think about my wedding dress…

I only have a couple requirements for my wedding dress.

It must be simple. And I mean, I want to be able to wear it again and again. Which means I am not looking for a traditional wedding dress.
It must be elegant. I want nice detailing and good quality material.

I hear you now… “You don’t want a traditional wedding dress?!?”

That’s right.

I don’t want to spend all this money on a dress that I will only wear for 1 day! If you went this route, I’m not saying you made the wrong choice or anything like that! Please don’t get the wrong impression. This is just my opinion!

My friend, who is getting married in 2011, has already put a down payment on her $1,500 wedding dress.

$1,500!!!!!!!

FOR ONE DAY? Well not even 1 day, for a few hours!

I will never understand that.

And I do realize that I can get a cheaper traditional wedding dress for a fraction of the cost. But really, spending even $300 on a dress that will only be used for a few hours is just crazy.

With that being said, I still want something nice.

I have been browsing different dresses online and pricing different ones out. Here’s what I have come up with so far.

During my hunt for the perfect dress, I stumbled across this RED dress!

Look at the detailing! I think it’s really pretty.

Initially I was turned away because it’s not white. But then I got thinking, my dress doesn’t have to be white!

But this dress does come in white as well… (I REALLY like the white one!)

And then there is this one…

This is exactly what I am looking for. Something simple – but not plain.

So, how much do they cost?

$35.00!

Ha.

And shipping is $15.

My budget is around $100 – $200.

I showed my mom, without telling her the price, and she loved it! So did H.

I haven’t made any decisions yet – but what do you think? White or Red? … or damn girl, that dress is UGGGGLY!

Just to help you get the visuals, I have dark brown hair, brown eyes and tanned skin.

Frugal Dreamer on January 4, 2010 | Filed Under Wedding

41 Comments

Financial Catastrophizer on January 4th, 2010

I actually know somebody who went this route as well so the concept at least is not foreign to me.

I think the dress is very nice but I do think that while staying within your budget you can probably find something that is likely made of a nicer material or more structured. I think a structured dress is very important for myself and that dress doesn’t look like it is.

But, it is still a very nice dress at a great price. I think you should go with your gut. If you love it, then it’s the right one.

Terri on January 4th, 2010

I disgaree with ^^

I think that those dresses are really nice. I personally love the red one.

HighClassLowIncome on January 4th, 2010

The dress isn’t my style personally but if you like it and will know you’ll wear it again go for it! I don’t think it’s stupid that you don’t want a traditional dress. I’d rather too use the money for something else like paying off bills or for saving! Then again.. I don’t have marriage plans LOL.

Good luck finding a dress!

Laura on January 4th, 2010

Are there any pictures showing the bottom of the dress? I really like it in the white, but am curious what kind of cut it is. The detailing is really pretty

Sophie on January 4th, 2010

That thrid dress is the one.

it’s really quite beautiful.

I vote for the 2nd white one.

Frugal Dreamer on January 4th, 2010

Everyone has different styles, so I appreciate the honesty you guys!

Laura: The bottom of the first 2 dresses has the same cut as the 3rd dress posted. If that helps…

Sophie: Yes! I am leaning more towards the 3rd one as well. It’s more “me” and would fit my body style better than the 1st two!

lenelein on January 4th, 2010

I agree that it is crazy to spent so much money on a dress that will only be worn a few hours! But I don’t like your suggestions that much, I think that the white dress looks rather see-through… Maybe you could get a white dress made from natural fibers in a nice cut and change the colour after the wedding? A friend of mine had a 50′s style dress in white silk and changed the colour to purple later on. She already wore that dress 5 times!

Lisa's Dollar Signs on January 4th, 2010

Not having a white dress seems to be a going trend nowadays… a wedding I shot on a Tuesday afternoon was the bride in a bright red funky number (link). It’s about what YOU will feel comfortable in!

speaking of which, that dress in white is gorgeous… summer dress! But you’ve still got some time to keep looking, too! Woo!

frugal brunette on January 4th, 2010

Absolutely gorgeous! this can even fly as a traditional dress for those that doubt you
But not only is this a steal, it is almost prettier than some of the expensive, traditional dresses out there.
You definitely gave me something to consider in the future!

Annie on January 4th, 2010

RED! How pretty I think any of them would be perfect; like you, I love the detailing on the first two. And you can wear them again at a less formal setting, too. I’d be a bit concerned about white only because (and maybe I just notice this stuff or something): SEE THROUGH. Particularly the lighter and cheaper quality dresses.

Sorry…had to point it out

The Asian Pear on January 4th, 2010

I think the third is prettiest of the three. I’m not sure if you’d be able to wear it again though… it’s VERY white and I can’t really see you wearing it for any other occaisions… You can’t wear white to someone else’s wedding. That being said, if the dress is only $35 it’s not a big loss.

Although you could possibly dye it one day and wear it for any other occaision.

Jessica on January 4th, 2010

I don’t think either one of those are particularly great for a wedding dress. Yes I bought an expensive dress but amazingly I got to wear it twice ( for the same husband of course). I plan to wear it again for a vow renewal in about 18 years.

But I understand where you are coming from. Came by Via Krystalatwork.

Therese on January 4th, 2010

I’ve just started reading your site, and I love the idea of going with a dress you can wear over and over.

It’s almost like a tradition in my family: my mom did the same thing (for both of her weddings…).

I’m not a fan of those dresses, just because of the type of fabric and cut. I think something more structured might work out better. Have you checked the sale section of J.Crew? That might fit into your budget. I understand wanting to save some, but why not just *see* what spending $100 – $200 would do

After all, its your special day and you want to look gorgeous!

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com on January 4th, 2010

The dresses are not my style, but I think the first one in white is the nicest

I like the light detailing… and the V would be flattering

Red on January 4th, 2010

I love that you’re going a non-traditional route! When I was younger, my mother told me that she rented her wedding dress. “Rented!? That’s so gross!” I thought. Now I think, if I don’t buy a non-traditional dress – like you are – I’d definitely look into renting a traditional gown for a fraction of the cost. It just doesn’t make any sense to spend over a grand on a dress you’ll wear once.

All that being said, I really like the first dress in white. But red would look beautiful too. Good luck!

Ginger on January 4th, 2010

I vote for the 3rd dress. It’s got a bit more going on which you will need if you’re not going the traditional route.

Spice it up with refined accessories and maybe a tiara and you’ll be all set!

As for being see-through, just wear a slip!

Frugal Dreamer on January 4th, 2010

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Keep in mind I am not having a traditional ceremony. So don’t picture me walking down an aisle in that!

Picture… 6 people (include H and I), a park, in the spring!

LisaM on January 4th, 2010

Love the dresses, I think you should wear whatever you love. I wore http://www.pyramidcollection.com/itemdy00.asp?c=01&SKW=apparel+dress&SKW2=&TKW=&Scat=Y&GEN1=Dresses&OR=&parent=&T1=P8792+S&PageNo=11&pos=10 to our outdoor, small ceremony and wouldn’t have had it any other way. Enjoy and congrats!

Laura # 2 on January 4th, 2010

These might not be anyone else’s style, but this isn’t their wedding either. So while they cannot picture themselves in the dress, that doesn’t mean the dresses are ugly, by all means.

Would i choose either of those dresses? I don’t know. I just wish I was getting married. LOL.

I think the 3rd one is really cute. I think you could make it work for the style of wedding you are having. And it IS a pretty dress.

Rina on January 4th, 2010

I like the 3rd one as well…but in the red!! LOL I wanted a wedding dress with a red bodice when I was looking and my Mom nearly had a heart attack.

Heather on January 4th, 2010

Very pretty, all of them! I would personally still choose white, but as someone pointed out, just make sure it’s not see through!

Laura on January 4th, 2010

At $35 a dress i would get all three! And still be under your $200 budget. Or at least get the red and white one. A great red dress is fun and stands out in a sea of black. And in the summer, with your tan skin, a white dress will look so crisp and beautiful.

dinah on January 4th, 2010

as you know i wore a black dress to get married in. we eloped with only his parents there. i didn’t want a black dress, but it was 1 week before christmas and everything was sold out or just not right. the black dress was the nicest one i found.

i thought i would wear it again…but i never have. even though it’s just a black dress i still think of it as my wedding gown.

you could go the bridesmaid dress route or grad dress route. my friend wore a grad dress and it was gold and black and gorgeous and you would never have known it was a grad dress.

girlmakescents on January 4th, 2010

I like the third one best in white. I like the halter style better. I think white would look very pretty in the spring outdoors. Maybe you can get the red one too for your honeymoon, you would still be under-budget!!

This Thrifted Life on January 4th, 2010

I love the white dresses, especially the 3rd. The white would give you the “wedding” feel, but you could also wear it as a pretty sundress in the summer. I think it’s neat you’re going with an option like this!

Margarita on January 4th, 2010

I think you’ll find most people are open to non-traditional dresses nowadays. I want to get married in a short tight dress one day! As for colour, I would wear whatever you feel comfortable with in your heart. Don’t wear white because you feel you should wear it, wear white if feel in your heart that’s the dress you want to walk down the aisle in.

Good luck choosing!

krystalatwork on January 4th, 2010

I like the third one! But I also think that any of the 3 would look fabulous on you. Especially the red because of your skin tone. That being said, I do like white dresses for weddings.

But I am quite enjoying non-traditional wedding dresses these days. When I eventually get married, I want a knee-length dress appropriate for a beach wedding.

The Lost Goat on January 4th, 2010

You should wear whatever you like. As for the see-through problem (which also occurred to me), you’ll have plenty of money left over for a really nice slip. Or it can be see through – who’s looking, really? (except for hopefully H;)

Christy on January 4th, 2010

I understand not wanting to spend a lot of money on a wedding dress. My dress cost $20!!! I got it at the Sears outlet store. It looked like a wedding dress – shiny and white, but much cheaper (I think the regular price was $189.)

Val on January 4th, 2010

I love it and your reasoning. If you love it, go with it! Your wedding, your dress.

dinah on January 4th, 2010

FD can you give me the link for the sidebars again? i can’t remember it and i deleted the widgets when i changed to the new skin.

Frugal Dreamer on January 5th, 2010

Dinah: I commented on your latest post with the link!

Serendipity on January 5th, 2010

I love the third one. Gorgeous!

Finding my way to Debt Free on January 6th, 2010

I simply adore that third dress! though I do think that if you like it that much, the red one for your honeymoon – a nice dinner out dress – would also be lovely. and in the spring with the breeze blowing and the fragrant flowers in the park you’ll look like a meadow princess out for an afternoon in the garden! (Since i’m not sure how long your hair is) I got a picture of a woman standing in the garden with her hair long and flowing – a flower tucked behind one ear, joined by her prince in khakis and a relaxed shirt!

Very romantic!!

Frugal Dreamer on January 6th, 2010

Finding debt free: – WOW. You pretty much nailed it!!! My hair is quite long, too!

joyful on January 6th, 2010

i like both of the white dresses. they are simply gorgeous. i think if you choose either one you will be pleased.

lace wedding dress on January 15th, 2010

Wedding dress is always the first stuff that all brides are think of. But the preference always different. The red one is very impressive, just sometimes want to escape from the white, ordinary ones.

I bought my wedding dress!!! on February 1st, 2010

[...] know when I first started talking about wedding dresses, I said that I didn’t want a traditional one, I didn’t want to pay $X for wearing a dress for [...]

dearabbie on February 7th, 2010

the first too look like they are made of a good material, the third looks like what you might wear in the summer to bed. I like the white second dress, but i think you would post the one that makes you happy and excited about your wedding first, so what does red say about a bride, you arent traditional, the detail in all these dresses is stylish and kinda free spirit, so red says free spirit especially if you wear it on your wedding day, How do you want this wedding day to be different to the first experience you had in your first dress? that’s what you need to ask yourself, how are you a different or same person as before, walking down the ilse is about presenting who you are to all your guests and your partner groom whatever, and who you will be in the maraige, it makes a statement that’s why brides to be have to have the perfect or dream dress, they are really saying they want to represent who they are in their dress, while I want to look like a princess disney fairy tale, I am wanting to express my more traditional and dreamy parts of my personality. think does the red dress express myself, or did I pick too white dresses because red is me but not my public me, or did i pick two white dresses because i am exspected to wear a tradtional color, what ever you wear whether hypie hemp or princess of fairytales satin ball gown. YOu need to be comfortable in your own skin as well as the dress so make sure the dress is a statement of who you are and what you love, not somebody else’s idea which is what you get when you post your ideas on a webpage and look at others opinions before thinking about your own. to thine own self be true. shakespeare wrote in a play, that’s not in the bible. But still on your wedding day if you dress to make yourself happy it will be the perfect dream dress for you. won’t it? And if you were the person who loved the cinderella gown but would only be happy in red,? why not? you aren’t property, only you can give yourself to the one you are marrying, give yourself as you are, dress to impress yourself, after all it’s your day no matter how modern you are.

Frugal Dreamer on February 9th, 2010

Dearabbie: Thank you for your comment! And I agree – I NEED to be comfortable in the dress I choose. But I did already buy my wedding dress. You can see pictures of it here! http://www.frugaldreamer.com/?p=1331

LisaEvans on August 2nd, 2010

Where did you find the white dress you displayed in this blog? I LOVE IT! Please send me a link if possible. Thank you….suprwmn45@yahoo.com

Lisa