Info, advice, and inspiration for your affordable, inclusive, and beautiful wedding
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I can’t believe I’m writing an Under the Radar post about Bibiluxe, but I’m writing an Under the Radar post about Bibiluxe.
Why? For one, I’ve seen their beautiful, recognizable-on-sight dresses and robes all over the internet. Mega babe influencer’s influencer Officially Quigley has modeled one of their pieces. And although they’ve got over 4000 sales on Etsy, they only have a few more Instagram followers than sales—which makes me feel like their customers *love* them, but they don’t have nearly enough other admirers for how amazing their pieces are. (Especially considering that all of their pieces can be custom made to your size—plus size brides rejoice! And a lot of plus size brides are featured on their IG feed, so make sure to check it out.)
Let’s drool together over some of these dresses:
This is under $400. Under $400.
Um, HELLO. Fringe sleeves and on the dress body both makes this so…luxe ;););) sorry couldn’t help myself
And this ~sheer~ delight (full of wordplay today, forgive me):
So let’s review: beautiful dresses (and kaftans and robes)? Check. Affordable? Check. Size inclusive? You betcha.
Babes, I want Bibiluxe to have the thousands more followers and the blue check they deserve. And I want plus size brides especially to know there’s an affordable option out there for stunning boho dresses made with care.
Did you already know about Bibiluxe? Love their pieces? Let me know in comments!
If you’ve read FBNW for a while, you know I *adore* Reclamation Design Company! Designer Trista’s gowns are breathtaking, one of a kind, size flexible works of magic. I feel so lucky that I wore one of her gowns down the aisle for my wedding in September. (You can read about it in my previous post!)
My gown gives the reclaimed vintage lace it’s made of new life. I don’t want it to gather dust again now that my wedding has come and gone.
So today, I’m announcing Fly By Night Rental!
If you have an upcoming maternity, family, or engagement shoot and want to bring out your inner goddess–or you’re a photographer who wants to give clients something beautiful and unique to wear for a session or styled shoot–this dress is *it.* It fits sizes small through XXL, including moms-to-be.
In fact, my dress’ first shoot post-wedding was for my dear friend Blake at eight months pregnant with her beautiful baby boy! She kindly let me do her makeup, put on my dress, and modeled to utter perfection:
And PS: if you live in the Austin area, not only can I deliver the dress right to your house, but you can also rent *this:*
This is no zip tie crown! Each one of those wooden spikes are hand-drilled into the headband and further secured by the wrapped gold fabric. This is a legit crown from Batcakes Couture and it’s one of the most sturdy-yet-flexible and comfortable accessories I’ve ever owned. (You can see me wearing it in my previous post.)
So if you wanna rent this dress and/or crown for an upcoming personal or creative/professional photoshoot, hit me up! Can’t wait to hear from you. 🙂
*deep breaths*
Ok, here goes.
When I started Fly By Night Wedding in January 2019, I stayed anonymous on purpose. And not just online! I told no one, fiancx and therapist included, that I created a wedding blog.
If FBNW failed but no one in my life knew about it, I thought, then I wouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. Because if the blog failed then *I* failed, and I definitely didn’t want anyone to know that. Also, what if people thought it was vapid? Or ridiculous? More reason to hide! (See why I’ve got a therapist?)
But as a bride to be, some things felt glaringly absent from online wedding spaces:
Where to find plus size dresses outside the few well-known labels where trendy, unique dresses under $2,000 don’t exist. Dresses people on a shoestring budget can actually afford. Literally anything acknowledging that queer people get married, attend, *and* are in wedding parties, and often butt up against cisheteronormative erasure and violence in the process no matter their role in a wedding.
Navigating these things, I felt like I was making it up as I went along–and I knew I couldn’t be the only one with Bridal Imposter Syndrome. So I decided to share what I was learning and Fly By Night Wedding was born.
So now: who am I?
I’m Layne, the one in the dress, and I got married to my fiancx Mark on September 14, 2019 in Austin, Texas where we live. I moved to Austin in 2013 to get my masters in creative writing. But after a dark, difficult time in grad school (TW: intimate partner violence), the thought of writing left me sad and sickened.
Fly By Night Wedding made me excited to write again.
It’s funny–a lot of what makes me anxious about sharing FBNW with people in my life is what makes it fun to write. It’s (mostly) straightforward, quippy, and *cute.* And coming from my particular writing background, my self-consciousness about writing something “fluffy” about ~weddings of all things~ is through the roof.
But I’ve written FBNW for a *year* and before now, only told Mark and my therapist. And I don’t want to keep my little labor of love a secret anymore.
So hi, I’m Layne and I’m behind Fly By Night Wedding!
And since I started FBNW as a bride-to-be planning a wedding, here’s a bit about the big day!
- We asked two dear friends (who are married to each other) to be in our wedding parties–and instead of a ring bearer or flower girl, their angelic dog Zooey walked down the aisle!
- Instead of religious texts, two beautiful poet friends read poems during the ceremony.
- My brother played the ceremony music. The processional was “Table For Glasses” and recessional “For Me This Is Heaven,” both by Jimmy Eat World, because I’m a sentimental emo kid. (I got lyrics from Table For Glasses tattooed on my ribs the first time M visited me from 700 miles away and we made it official!)
- Tame longhorn cattle live on the venue grounds and they are so PRECIOUS
- I bought my original wedding dress from BHLDN for less than $200 and had it customized with armbands, a front slit, and pockets! But six months of aerials training later, my shoulders didn’t fit the dress and alterations weren’t realistic. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Reclamation Design Company and ended up with a dreamy custom made vintage lace gown! (Got my reception dress from Two Sisters the Label and it is utterly perfect/could be a wedding dress in and of itself.)
- Mark *insisted* we have a mac’n’cheese station because I love it so much. <3
- We changed our first dance song at the last minute. Daniel Johnston died three days before the wedding and we watched The Devil and Daniel Johnston together. After talking about his music’s presence in our lives, without having to ask each other, we decided to change our first dance to Johnston’s “True Love Will Find You in the End.”
And now pics!
(All photos by Donny Tidmore Photography)
My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a cent more but but FBNW will get a small commission, which helps keep us running. Thanks!
Happy holidays, everybody! Not only does this time of year come with hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, and (hopefully!) time to relax indoors away from the cold, but also ~really, really good~ wedding dress deals. This post includes normal price affordable dresses *and* some sweet sale items that won’t be around long, so make note of your favorites ASAP!
So let’s dig in!
1. ASOS – Open Back + Floral Embroidery Wedding Dress
Honestly, just click the link and watch the dress video on ASOS, because it moves *so* beautifully! And does not look like a dress that only costs $285. Like, really.
2. ASOS – Jarlo Petite Allover Lace Maxi
Allover lace plus a bustier bodice equals a sexy-yet-refined bridal look that’s a touch boho, a hint of pinup, and overall flirty and modern. This dress is only $261!
3. Lulus – Glam Cream Beaded Fringe Maxi Dress
Got a New Year’s elopement and looking for just the right outfit? Beaded cape fringe makes this flapper dress feel current, fun, and offbeat without getting costume-y. This dress is $238.
4. Lulus – Medusa White Lace Strapless Maxi Dress
This gown includes an on trend tulle maxi overskirt for an easy ceremony to reception transition. That’s two wedding looks for only $371!
5. BHLDN – Adelaide Gown
ALERT: big BHLDN markdown! This bell-sleeved beauty is now only $499–a big drop from $1,395. Currently all sizes from 00-16 are available, but with BHLDN’s current sale I doubt that will last for long!
6. BHLDN – Marston Gown
ALERT AGAIN: another big BHLDN markdown! This gorgeous high neck, allover lace gown was originally $1,695 and is now only $499! Most sizes between 00-18 are still available, but if you’re crushing on this dress I’d buy it ASAP.
7. Dame and Maiden – Vintage Lace Halter Wedding Dress
A vintage lace, made-to-order in your size wedding dress for only $485? You’re not dreaming. (Dame and Maiden has a lot of other stunning vintage lace dresses to drool over, too.)
8. BHLDN – Sinclair Dress
I love the whimsical beaded sleeves of this dress! This elegant boho gown is only $350.
9. BlushFashion – Three-Quarter Lace Sleeve Plus Size Wedding Dress
This dress can be made up to a size 4XL and is only $250! BlushFashion gets rave reviews for how comfortable, high quality, and well-fitting their dresses are, so this price tag seems like a steal.
10. BHLDN – Carmen Dress
This flowy yet structured gown looks like what an ancient Greek goddess would wear for her modern wedding! Available in every size from 0-18 and only $325.
11. BlushFashion – Flutter Sleeve Lace Wedding Dress
This delicate, ethereal dress is available in an XS-XL for $330, and for $379 can be custom made in any size. I *adore* the short flutter sleeve accent on the fitted long sleeve!
12. BHLDN – Montreal Dress
This ultra sleek, modern halter gown is only $220 and currently available in every size from 0-16.
13. BHLDN – Andres Gown
ALERT: this BHLDN markdown is a total steal at only $499–down from an original price of $1500! Sizes left are limited, so snap this up quick if it’s on your radar.
14. Saldana Vintage – Festival Fringe Gown
Edgy, rock’n’roll gowns are some of my absolute favorites! But with their intricate design elements–fringe, tassels, carefully placed intricate laces, etc.–they often carry a heavy price tag. This free-spirited dress can be made in US size 2-16, or custom-sized, for only $350!
Are there other wedding dress steals happening right now people should know about? Spill in the comments! Plus, if you’re looking for accessories to finish your look check out FBNW’s list of boho headpieces and hair accessories!
My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a cent more but but FBNW will get a small commission, which helps keep us running. Thank you!
This edition of Under the Radar features maybe the first wedding dress designer I ever swooned over: Fable Dresses!
Fable Dresses’ Etsy says they’ve only been operating since 2017. But I swear I remember seeing owner and designer Jada’s dresses floating around the internet years before that and was in *love.*
I mean, just look at the incredible embroidery on this wedding dress bodice:
UGH. So delicate and pretty! All of Fable’s creations are hand embroidered and handmade from recycled materials. I just want to flit through the forest talking to birds and squirrels a la Snow White in one of these gowns. (A girl can dream, right?)
Fable Dresses offers affordable and eco friendly options for brides who want color and whimsy in their wedding outfit without spending a fortune. All of their dress options are less than $1,000. And this dress (with hand-embroidered butterflies on the shoulders!) is only $250!
Plus, you can get an embroidered ring pillow to match your look for an all-around magical ceremony:
Fable also offers belts with crystals, beads, and other glimmery baubles to accessorize their magical dresses! Which are also versatile enough to match your own mystical outfits. Personally, I think they’d make great festival wear!
So get over to Fable’s Etsy now, because all pieces are one of a kind! You don’t want to miss out on something magical.
Do you know a designer I should feature in an Under the Radar post? Let me know in the comments! (And if you want to see more magical dresses, check out these glittery, shimmery wedding gowns.)
My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a cent more but but FBNW will get a small commission, which helps keep us running. Thanks!
It’s time again for one of my favorite topics: Pinterest wedding dresses and where to find them!
This one is different from previous PWD&WTFT posts. (Lol at that ridiculous acronym, btw.) Instead of featuring a few different dresses, I’m going to focus on one dress and not just where to buy it, but where to find similar dresses from legit shops. This dress is a little different in that a few labels that have designed very pretty and wearable emulations of the original, so I want to show you the different available options.
So let’s dive in!
The Original Pinterest Wedding Dress
Self-Portrait – Pleated Crochet Floral Maxi Dress
This image has been plastered across Pinterest countless times, but I haven’t once seen it link to the original dress: the Self-Portrait pleated crochet floral maxi dress. Kate Middleton wore this dress to a November 2016 movie premiere, which given when this image was blowing up Pinterest, is likely what made it so popular! At 340 euros, or approximately $379, this is one of the most affordable designer Pinterest wedding dresses to go viral.
A few labels have emulated this dress at even more affordable price points, including in different colors–let’s take a look!
The Emulations
Eternal Ivory – Mary Ashley Dress
Eternal Ivory’s Mary Ashley dress is the closest emulation of Self-Portrait’s original dress I’ve found, specifically because it’s maxi length with long sleeves and a pleated skirt with a side split. Unfortunately the dress is currently sold out, but has been restocked more than once. At only $129, it’s worth keeping an eye out for.
Eloquii – Lace Evening Dress with Pleated Skirt
Eloquii’s take on this dress is full length with a beautifully pleated skirt and comes in four colors! Plus, it’s only $124.95.
Ivy City Co – Arabella Lace Gown
Ivy City Co not only has a beautiful full length version of this gown for $148, but also
…a midi length take for $78! The midi comes in the above white, hunter green, pink, and black. Plus…
…a mini version for toddlers and little girls! Very cute flower girl dress, if I say so myself.
Have you found other shops or labels emulating the Self-Portrait gown? Let me know in the comments! Also, check out my previous two Pinterest Wedding Dresses and Where to Find Them posts!
My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a cent more but but FBNW will get a small commission, which helps keep us running. Thanks!
It’s time for another roundup of beautiful boho dresses that won’t break the bank! Here are eight boho wedding dresses under $500:
1. Free People – Heart on the Floor Duster
Vibrant embroidery, tassels, and voluminous sleeves–what more could you ask for? Able to be worn as a dress or duster (so you automatically have a way to wear this post-wedding!), the Heart on the Floor is $450.
2. Free People – Charlie Maxi Dress
For casual summer weddings–especially on the beach!–this open-backed halter dress makes for a daring yet laid back look. Charlie is $350.
3. Fillyboo – I Am Lola Duster
Soft floral embroidery and a geometric neckline make this duster perfect for a pastel boho ceremony or elopment. I Am Lola is $480.
4. BHLDN – Leon Dress
This beautiful dress features intricately detailed beading from neckline to hem–and is only $300.
5. Fillyboo – Little Bear Maxi Dress
Another incredible embroidered piece from Fillyboo, with beautiful tasseled bell sleeves! This dress is $450.
6. ASOS – Fiora Embellished Bridal Gown
This super modern, clean take on the floral lace boho gown stands out from the crowd! The Fiora is $490.
7. Fillyboo – Strawberry Fields Gown
Like everything I’ve seen from Fillyboo, the boho details on this dress–billowy sleeves, tassels, bold lace patterns–are to die for. The Strawberry Fields is $380.
8. Free People – Tambourine Maxi Dress
This breezy, off-the-shoulder dress is flowy yet structured and *so* feminine. The Tambourine Maxi is $420.
Let me know in the comments if you come across any more amazing boho wedding dresses under $500! Plus, if you’re looking for accessories to finish your look check out FBNW’s list of boho headpieces and hair accessories!
My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a cent more but but FBNW will get a small commission, which helps keep us running. Thanks!
There are *so* many incredibly affordable wedding dresses out there! But it wasn’t until after I bought my own dress that I discovered just how many trendy, affordable options exist–and I know other brides experience miss out on that, too. For you brides looking for a downright steal, here’s my second compilation of boho wedding dresses under $100!
1. ASOS – Maxi Dress with Lace Godet Panels
Clean, geometric lines paired with flutter sleeves and lace paneling give this dress a modern, minimal boho look–and it’s only $79.
2. Shein – Off the Shoulder Lace Panel Dress
Perfect for a casual beach wedding or courthouse ceremony, this offers a little of the unexpected for both: lacy sleeves on the beach and a flowy, beach-y silhouette for the courthouse. At $26, this dress is affordable for brides on even the tightest of budgets.
3. Shein – Lace Bodice Pleated Panel Dress
Easy yet elegant, this dress has tons of five star reviews and is only $32!
4. ASOS – High Neck Maxi Dress in Crepe
This minimal dress is *perfect* for a super chic, modern boho desert ceremony or elopement. The subtle blush ombre is absolutely beautiful–and best of all, this dress is only $87.
5. Red Dress Boutique – In Any Event White Maxi Dress
An easy yet beautiful dress option for just about any boho wedding celebration, the In Any Event dress is very popular–it’s currently on back order for May 3, 2019. This stunning dress is only $68.
6. Modcloth – Chi Chi London Sophisticated Ceremony Dress
Bold, playful lace and a sweetheart neckline meet in a perfect combo for the bride that wants a dress with boho details and an updated classic feel. The Sophisticated Ceremony Dress is $80.97.
7. Red Dress Boutique – Dot Your I’s Nude Maxi Dress
Not your typical wedding dress, but stunning for a moody beach wedding or contemporary, of-the-moment boho-meets-classic vibe. This beautiful dress is $84.
8. ASOS – Club L Crochet Detail Maxi Dress
High neck, vibrant floral crochet detail on this dress is modest yet festive and laid back. This dress is only $60.
9. Red Dress Boutique – Night at the Met Ivory Maxi Dress
Pair this ethereal, playful dress with a dried bouquet and statement earrings to make an elevated boho splash! The Night at the Met Dress is $88.
Let me know if you come across any more boho wedding dress steals in the comments! Plus, if you’re looking for accessories to finish your look check out FBNW’s list of boho headpieces and hair accessories!
My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a cent more but but FBNW will get a small commission, which helps keep us running. Thanks!
One of the reasons I started Fly By Night Wedding is because I believe *everyone* who gets married deserves the beautiful, meaningful wedding day they dream of–including people who are on a tight budget.
I *love* writing these posts as a resource for brides on a budget to quickly know that yes, there *are* dress options out there that are stylish and beautiful. Getting real about money and budgets in the wedding industry still carries a lot of stigma. But we’re in 2019 and no one should be embarrassed to celebrate their love because they can’t afford a costly wedding–especially when so many young people are carrying significant debt and unable to find jobs that pay a fair wage. If anything, getting to celebrate love in the face of these challenges is something couples on tight incomes especially deserve.
So, here are seven beautiful boho wedding dresses under $100 for every bride on a budget who deserves to feel beautiful on her wedding day:
1. One Loved Babe – Lace Bohemian Maxi in White
This lace boho maxi is beautiful! Pair with a flower crown and simple yet bold statement necklace for a stunning boho wedding look fit for your backyard celebration or intimate elopement. This lace bohemian maxi is only $60!
2. Pretty Little Thing – White Sequin Cape Detail Maxi Dress
This slinky dress oozes boho glamour! And at $56, it’s affordable for just about every bride.
3. ASOS Edition – Wedding Maxi Dress with Flutter Sleeve
What a simple yet regal dress! The high neck and flutter sleeves look utterly dignified yet relaxed. At $75.50, this dress is a bargain.
4. Morning Lavender – Ellen Beige Floral Tulle Maxi Dress
I love the light botanical touches of green in the floral pattern of this dress! It’s unique but able to be easily styled for either a boho wedding or a more classic look. Plus, it can be worn with straps or strapless! The Ellen Beige maxi dress is $82.99.
5. Morning Lavender – Cora Blush Floral Maxi Dress
Another Morning Lavender dress! The white floral lace overlay on blush lining is a very trendy, contemporary look and at $80.99, super affordable.
6. ASOS Edition – Delicate Lace Wedding Dress
This elegant yet casual dress is perfect for any boho wedding! Also, did I mention it only costs $57?
For the bride who wants a simple and comfortable yet beautiful wedding look, the Evermore dress’ pockets, elastic waistband, and delicate neck and chest embroidery is the perfect fit. The Evermore is only $49.99.
The beaded and scalloped hem top of the Ember dress is truly gorgeous! I honestly can’t believe this dress is only $92. Get this dress now while you still can!
9. Nee See’s Boutique – Prima Ballerina Gown
Pair this sequined top dress with simple pearl earrings and a dried bouquet for a blush boho glam bridal look! The Prima Ballerina gown is $79.99.
10. ASOS Edition – Satin Fringe Wrap Wedding Dress
Normally satin dresses are about as far away from a boho aesthetic as you can get, but the relaxed wrap silhouette and dramatic fringe of this dress make it both super casual and boho edgy! Pair with a white blossom and sage green flower crown for a striking, back to basics boho look. The satin fringe wrap dress is $95.
11. ASOS Edition – Little Mistress Maternity Maxi Dress
For brides who are expecting, this is a darling boho gown at an incredible price! The Little Mistress maxi dress costs only $38.50.
Have you found other awesome boho wedding dresses under $100? Let me know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to sign up to get my FREE exclusive “Four Places You Aren’t Shopping For Affordable Wedding Dresses (But Should)” Guide!
My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a cent more but but FBNW will get a small commission, which helps keep us running. Thanks!
You can breathe a sign of relief–yes, there are beautiful boho wedding dresses under $500!
Finding your wedding dress can and should be one of the most fun parts of planning your wedding! But it’s totally normal for dress shopping to feel stressful, too–especially if you don’t have much money to find *The Dress* that you’re supposed to fall head over heels for the same way you did for the person you’re marrying. Aren’t society’s wildly high expectations just great for anxiety?f
Thankfully, there *are* beautiful gowns that can be had at a pretty reasonable price. I’ve gathered eleven gorgeous boho wedding dresses under $500 here for budget savvy brides who want (and deserve!) to feel stunning on their big day:
This. Dress! The Topaz gown is an elegant yet earthy boho gown that does not look like it should cost only $363–but only costs $363!
2. Jen’s Pirate Booty – Prophecy Lapis Maxi Dress
If you’re going for a boho glam look, this dress is *it!* Just as fitting for a desert elopement as a hippie chic beach wedding, this dress is $436.
3. Jen’s Pirate Booty – Blue Gate Hyacinth Gown
Yes, another Jen’s Pirate Booty gown, because they’re too gorgeous not to share! Although unlined in photos, this dress does come with a removable slip–and is only $308.
4. Jen’s Pirate Booty – Swan Song Maxi Dress
Last Jen’s Pirate Booty dress, I swear! The nearly floor-length sleeves in bold lace and backless silhouette of this dress make it a showstopper. The Swan Song dress is $363.
5. Asos EDITION – Nouveau Embroidered Wedding Dress
The bold, swirled illusion lace on this dress is absolutely gorgeous! At only $237, this beautiful gown is a solid steal.
6. BHLDN – Lilac Gown
This boho dream of a dress is on sale for only $450! Although the wrap pictured appears to be sold out, pair this dress with the BHLDN Palmer Cape at $190 for an incredible wedding look totaling under $700!
7. Saldana Vintage – Raquel Dress
Go total flower child with this crocheted caftan dress! This dress includes an adjustable waistband and adjustable back tie, so you can achieve that flowy hippie goddess look and still have fit. This dress from Saldana Vintage’s plus size bridal collection is $498.
8. Free People – Melly Dress
Easy and idyllic, the Melly dress is perfect for the bride who wants understated, idyllic beauty for her wedding day. The Melly dress is $389.
9. Joyfolie – Dawn Dress
This simple, romantic dress would be perfect with a lush flower crown and wild, voluminous bouquet. The Dawn dress is super affordable at $118!
10. Fillyboo – Cleo Duster
This stunning duster is a true flower child bride’s dress, with beautiful keyhole lace, tassel-tied waist, and those billowy sleeves. Plus, this can be worn after your wedding day unbuttoned to the hips or waist with embroidered bell bottoms for major 70s vibes! The Cleo Duster is $360.
11. Fillyboo – Daisy Chain Reaction Dress
If you’re looking for a beige or champagne dress option, look no further than this positively witchy, mystic dress! The illusion lace and starry symmetrical embroidery of this dress make it a real standout. The Daisy Chain Reaction Dress is $490.
Let me know if you come across any more boho wedding dress steals in the comments! Plus, if you’re looking for accessories to finish your look check out FBNW’s list of boho headpieces and hair accessories!