How to Achieve a Luxury Wedding Day Look on a Budget

Hi Everyone!

How goes it? Today’s topic is one requested by my one of my best friends. She said that I should write a post about how to achieve a luxury look on a budget. While I am by no means an expert when it comes to actual wedding planning (I just have a lot of opinions lol), I do have some ideas when it comes to the fashion side of things! Read on for my thoughts on this topic.

Fit is everything.

When it comes to your alterations, the fit is EVERYTHING. A poorly altered gown can ruin even the most couture dress. I’m sure you’ve seen photos of hemlines that are too long or short, cups that aren’t properly fitted, or a gown that looks either too tight or too baggy. A less expensive dress, when altered well, can be taken up a notch! Not that a less expensive dress can’t be more beautiful than an expensive one, but good alterations can really up the wow factor. Make sure to factor the cost of alterations into your budget and search for someone who has worked with bridal gowns before. Look at photos of their work if possible as well.

Don’t go overboard.

Sometimes keeping things simple can be the most chic and luxurious thing you can do. When it comes to the gown, don’t automatically go for the most embellished dress you can find just because you perceive sparkle as meaning more expensive (unless that is the look you want). There are super simple gowns that look so elegant, no one would know you’re on a budget. When it comes to completing your look, adding on a ton of accessories is a big no and can make you look overdone as well. The same goes for you hair and makeup. Sometimes more isn’t better. You don’t need a super involved, crazy hairstyle. Sometimes an undone bun just screams, “Wow she is so effortlessly chic she doesn’t need to try. She is so cool.” And one more thing, if you’re afraid of what people will think because you aren’t spending your life savings on your dress or bridal glam, stop it right now! I’ve had the chance to try on top of the line wedding gowns, and I’ve tried on less expensive ones as well. All of them, while they weren’t necessarily what I wanted, were beautiful. Most of the people I know who have gotten married did not sell their kidney for a dress, and I thought ALL of them were beyond gorgeous. The only thing I do notice that bothers me is alterations that aren’t done well (family and friends reading this, all of your gowns were altered great so I’m not talking about you lol).

Luxury shoes are not a necessity.

Now if you know me, you probably think I’m a hypocrite because I love me some nice shoes. Listen, if you want the luxury shoes and can fit them into your budget, awesome! I just recommend that either you’ll be able to wear them again and/or they are actually comfortable. Now that being said, no one really sees your shoes that much, so don’t feel bad at all if you don’t have Jimmys, Manolos, or Louboutins. Just look for a pair that looks great with your gown. My only tip would be to maybe not go for something that is full on pure white patent leather. Satin styles always look nice!

Confidence is key.

There’s just something about someone who knows they look good, and I don’t mean in an arrogant way. Whether you’re shopping for a $500 gown or a $50,000 one, make sure it makes you feel the most gorgeous you have ever felt! And again, make sure you feel comfortable in it, which kinda comes back to the alterations.

My last remark is to create a budget before you start planning. I know it’s hard because chances are you have no idea what certain things cost, but try to do your research. And make sure to prioritize! For an example that covers the non-fashion components of your big day, if you really don’t care that much about the cake, put that money somewhere that does matter to you. And also think big picture! You don’t need to shell out a bunch of cash for custom cocktail napkins when that money could go to something that would make much more of an impact on your big day. It’s all about sitting down and prioritizing elements that get you a bigger bang for your buck and balancing that with what is most important to you. One exception: If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t take shortcuts on certain things because you may pay for it in the long run Example: If you see a top tier designer wedding dress for $200 online, run far far away. When it comes down to the fashion piece, I really stand by going for less is more and really honing in on the alterations. When you try too hard to be “luxurious” things just end up not looking quire right. Even if you have the money for a luxury wedding, if everything is super overdone, it just comes across as tacky or gaudy. And last but not least, whatever budget you have, have no shame about it! It’s so easy to get caught up in wanting an insane wedding when scrolling through Instagram and on Pinterest. If you are marrying the love of your life, you’re rich in love, and that is the best type of rich to be!

Do you have any tips on how to achieve a luxury look on a budget? Let me know in the comments!