{Advice} Budget bridal gown files

I have a few go-to places where I look for budget bridal gowns for the $550 looks featured on here, and also when brides frantically email me looking for something to fit their budgets.

I decided it's not fair that I keep this information to myself, only divulging it when asked. So here it is: My budget bridal gown files.

{Via Lacey LaDuke Photography; Gown from Storybook Bridal in CDA}

{No. 1: Dolly Couture; Santa Anita dress pictured} 

I love that Dolly has tons of dresses for under $600 and has custom options (including getting the dress made to fit your measurements, adding unique touches, and doing a completely custom dress). Also, Dolly Couture accepts returns, for extra security (though some restrictions apply).

Dolly Couture's wedding gowns are all vintage-inspired, which, as you probably know, makes my heart happy.

{No. 2: Ruche; Tiffany dress pictured}

I love Ruche's new bridal line! It comes complete with some of the most gorgeous ultra-budget friendly dresses I've ever seen! (Think under $100!) Also, Ruche accepts free returns (restrictions apply, check policy for details). Ruche has something to offer for everyone, from ballgowns to knee-length beauties like the one pictured.

The only drawback to Ruche's bridal line is the inability to customize. Since some of their dresses only come in small, medium, large, etc. sizes, this may be a deal breaker for brides with curvier bodies.

{No. 3: Ruffled Shop; Bonnie dress pictured}

Ruffled has been my favorite wedding blog for a long time, and when they launched their shop I nearly passed out with excitement. That said, this shop has kept its special place in my heart by continuing to offer reasonable prices, custom options (alterations, or totally custom dresses), and free returns (restrictions may apply). I also am in love, as usual, with the old-world elegance of these wedding dresses.

{No. 4: French Knot Couture; Daisy dress pictured}

First reason French Knot is fabulous: It's LOCAL! I love supporting local business, and this one is nestled right in the Seattle area. Beautiful. I also love the vintage-inspired gown designs and the low prices with all of the dresses being under $500.

French Knot Couture also creates the dresses to your measurements, and accepts returns (again, read policy for details as restrictions may apply).

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{Erin's I Do's} Using Craigslist

I fully admit it. I'm a stalker. I check up on him first thing in the morning, first thing when I get home from work, and multiple times throughout the evening to see if there's anything new going on. I'm not in love ... obsessed maybe?

But Craig's been so good to me over the past few months. Ever since I got engaged, he's been such a huge help. I can always count on him to inspire me. he gave me ideas I didn't even know were possible.

For a DIY or budget bride, Craigslist is your best friend. By searching through "services," I found my DJ (only $600!), my photographer ($400!) and my florist ($400!). I waded through some not-so-great vendors, but the vendors that I ended up with are all amazing people who happen to run their businesses out of their homes.

Are you looking for a wedding dress? Craigslist has everything from $100 1980's puffy gowns to $2000 designer dresses. Some are a little frightening, to be honest. But there are others that have never been worn. I've even seen entire ensembles (dress, slip, veil, shoes, etc.) for less than $800!

I found almost all of my decorations through Craigslist. I've been able to purchase all my stemware, most of my dishes, signs, vases, over 100 mason jars (to be used for both drinking and decor), candles and more--all for significantly less than at the craft store or rental company. It's amazing the deals that can be found if you're willing to take the time to sift through the posts.

When you're looking on Craigslist, start out by searching "wedding." That'll give you gobs and gobs of ads. Once you know exactly what you're looking for, search for that. Every day, I search for "vintage lace," "wedding lace," "vintage wedding," "milk glass," etc. Think outside the box. Type in random words that just might have something to do with weddings: "June," "DIY," etc.

It may take quite a bit of time and patience to find exactly what you're looking for on Craigslist. Or you might find your entire dream wedding all in one post. I can guarantee that, if you find one essential item for your wedding on Craigslist, you'll soon find yourself in stalker mode as well.

Does anyone else have any suggestions for Craigslist? Or do you have some amazing finds that you just want to share? Post them in the comments! Happy stalking!

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{Deals} Glitzy earrings under $10

I've decided it's time for another northwest etsy round-up! I don't believe we've done one since the blog moved to this new site in October! Crazy, right?!

And who doesn't love glitzy bridal earrings? Especially when they're under $10 per pair?! Let's check out what etsy sellers from the PNW have to offer.

Washington:

{6mm Swarovski White Crystal Pearl Studs | RLS Creations | Walla Walla, WA}

{price: $8}

{Elegantly Iridescent Earrings | MissEvelynBlair | Seattle, WA}

{price: $9}

{Elegant Teardrop Pearl Silver Clip-Ons | HFE Jewelry | Oak Harbor, WA}

{price: $3}

{Rustically Elegant Pearl Drop Earrings | Loralei Kai Designs | Vancouver, WA}

{price: $10}

{White Mum Earrings | Busy Beez & Chickadeez | Bonney Lake, WA}

{price: $6}

Oregon:

{Gold Braided Wire Hoops | Jenny's Treasures | Merlin, OR}

{price: $7}

{Faceted Black, Copper & Brass Earrings | Jewelry by Julie Kujawa | Portland, OR}

{price: $10}

{Chunky Fun Flower Earrings | General Goods | Tualatin, OR}

{price: $10}

{Peach Cream Pearl Earrings | 860 Sutter | Portland, OR}

{price: $10}

{Wire-wrapped Gray Pearl Earrings | Nikhar - The Elegance | Portland, OR}

{price: $10}

Idaho: Now, not many Idaho sellers are on etsy, but I did love this one pair of earrings from an Idaho seller:

{Olivia Vintage-Style Earrings | Tom Design | Moscow, ID}

{price: $10}

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{Deals} Cyber Monday

There are so many Cyber Monday deals out there for wedding-related stuff! Check out this list for tons of savings!

Wedding Dresses

J Crew: 25% off and free shipping store-wide, using code SURPRISE (get the above dress for only $431)

Unique Vintage: 20% off and free shipping store-wide, using code CYBER11 (get the above dress for only $160)

David's Bridal: 20% off and free shipping for purchases over $200, using code HOLIDAY (get the above dress for only $183)

Stationery

CatPrint: 25% off printing orders, using code CYBERCAT2511


Favors & Wedding Party Gifts

The Knot Wedding Shop: 25% off and free shipping on orders over $125

Exclusively Weddings: 20% off on orders over $199, using code WAN20; 10% off on orders over $99, using code WAN10

Wedding Chicks: 30% off store-wide, using code CYBERMONDAY

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{Deal} 20% off at Cameo Events

Here’s that long-awaited coupon we promised! From Cameo Events, accredited wedding planners located in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Check out our feature on Cameo here.

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