Recessionista Finds: Dresses!

The beginning of the year is prime time for deals on wedding attire, specifically wedding and bridesmaid dresses.  And being the recessionista-minded planner that I am, I have been thrilled to see a bunch of sales for brides come up so far this year.  Since there are so many discounts going on I rely on many blogs to keep me updated.  BrideFinds posted a great deal on Ann Taylor's wedding collection- 25% off wedding dresses for a limited time and oh yeah, Ann is throwing in FREE shipping too!  And for bridesmaids there’s a special coupon code in effect through Wednesday 2/15, giving your gals 20% off any order over $50!

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In even more awesome news, Target has just launched a bridesmaids collection!  I could LIVE at that store if they let me, so it is a no brainer that I'm pretty excited about this line.  All dresses are under $70, they offer both short and long styles and the size range is 2-28.  The cost of being a bridesmaid can add up quickly and being able to buy a dress at a trusted nationwide store that you will wear again is pretty much all a girl on a budget could ask for.  After scouring this line, I saw a bunch of dresses I'd wear as a guest to a wedding or big event which is a total score for the price.  Happy shopping!

Recessionista Brides Start A Trend

This week the New York Times published an article discussing the latest bridal attire trend.  Can you guess what it is?  Savvy brides are spending less on wedding gowns and instead are now focusing on the accessories.  As the article points out, there are so many options for gowns, most of which are focusing on the recessionista bride.  Vera Wang's White Collection for David's Bridal, Anthropologie's BHLDN line and J. Crew's bridal collection, just to name a few. 

As a recessionista extraordinaire, I'm all for buying accessories that can be worn again and again... and again.  I would even suggest to go a step futher by focusing only on buying the accessories that you need.  I love the freedom today's brides have to make their own rules as the days of buying everything new for your wedding are over.  Brides are realizing that they may already have the perfect shoes, necklace, wrap, etc. which can save hundreds of dollars.  Or if you do want to splurge on wedding shoes, at least you can wear them again.  Some brides are excited to change into a reception dress, so buy a second dress that is more of a party dress that you can get a lot of mileage out of at future events.  And by the way, let's not leave the men out.  With most grooms choosing to wear a gray, tan or black suit in lieu of a tuxedo, I think it is worth the extra money to buy a tailored suit that you will be able to wear for a lifetime.

Lastly, the biggest way to cut costs may seem obvious- do not mention the "w" word- wedding.  Aside from an actual wedding gown appointment, don't mention the accessories you are shopping for are for your wedding.  I hope this gives couples some inspiration to get the most out of their attire, not only on their big day but for future events.  Since my Felicity C Weddings clients are always ahead of their time, I've picked a few client photos for ideas. Enjoy!

 CHERISH your dress, LOVE your accessories.

Credit: Clair Pruett

 

Embellish with a jeweled sash & hairpiece that you can wear again.

Credit: Procopio Photography

Rock a 2nd wedding dress that you can wear to many future events.

Credit: Jacqueline Schlossman/ ReadyLuck

Great News for Shoes

Some girls go crazy for purses, some for designer jeans, and some for shoes.  Most of us females are trying to make peace with our inner fashionista during this recession.  Luckily a new designer, Absolutely Audrey, has come up with an answer to our need for versatility that our newly appointed inner recessionista side approves of- shoe clips!  You can shop by occasion or by color.  You can give these as a gift for your bridesmaids to wear again and again.  This can be your something "new" for your wedding attire!  The list goes on and on.  Not to mention that your fiance will be excited to see that you are spending less than you would on new shoes and getting a lot more for your money!  I've even included a few designs from the website.  Enjoy!

Ellie multi colored shoe clips. Source

 

Amanda crystal shoe clips.  Source

 

Felicia bridal white feather shoe clips. Source