Info, advice, and inspiration for your affordable, inclusive, and beautiful wedding
*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. 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!
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. Thanks!
Like probably every bride-to-be post-2010, I fantasize a *lot* about my wedding and Pinterest is my biggest enabler. (Because I *need* to pin every DIY macrame wall hanging I see, right? Right?!) But Pinterest wedding dresses are my *thing*–I’m perfectly happy browsing wedding dresses on Pinterest for hours on end!
Pinning wedding dresses might be the most fun because there are so many swoon-worthy bridal gowns to imagine yourself wearing! But wedding dress hunting on Pinterest can also be *very* frustrating: you see a dress you love, click on the pin for info on how and where to buy it, aaaaaaaand–
Nothing. Nada. Womp-womp.
I can’t count how many times I’ve clicked a wedding dress pin to see who designed it or where to buy it, only to find a clickbait article that doesn’t list designers, an Instagram photo without the designer tagged, or–my personal favorite–another pin with no info.
After so many Pinterest dead ends, I thought *somebody* had to have spilled the beans on where to find those popular Pinterest dresses, right? Nada again.
So, for all you brides who have been as baffled as me, here’s my first Beautiful Pinterest Wedding Dresses and Where to Find Them! In this post, I’ll give you the lowdown on popular pins featuring three dresses.
Dress 1: The Melanie from Flora Bridal
Who *hasn’t* swooned over this dress? It’s a stunning boho wedding gown with a long sleeve, backless silhouette that’s become (and remained) wildly popular with brides over the past few years. The intricate details on the bodice and sleeves are breathtaking.
Melanie is from Flora Bridal’s 2019 Siren of the Desert collection. Flora Bridal is based in Haifa, Israel and their dresses are carried in bridal shops throughout the U.S. You can find U.S. stores that carry Flora here. Melanie’s price tag is $4050.
Dress 2: The Amira from Immacle
While the previous dress took detective work, I stumbled on this one by total accident and was ecstatic! From the moment I saw this dress on Pinterest in the most lighthearted and fantastical wedding shoot, I adored it! I love its fringe-y bell sleeves and delicate floral lace. It strikes the perfect balance between edgy hippie and ethereal woodland goddess.
The Amira is from Barcelona label Immacle’s Senda collection. Although Immacle currently only stocks dresses in their Barcelona and Madrid showrooms, they ship worldwide. Also, their website has an e-shop page indicating it will open soon–exciting! I don’t have the exact price of the Amira, but Immacle’s gowns start at approximately $3,300. (I’ll update with exact price here if confirmed.)
Dress 3: Evalyn Bodice, Ivy Lace Overlay, and McKinley Skirt from Rebecca Schoneveld
It’s no wonder this bridal look has been getting lots of love on Pinterest. It’s relaxed yet elegant, boho yet classic, and trendy yet timeless all at once. The emotional, intimate photos of the bride with her groom beautifully showcase her entire look from lush greenery crown to chiffon skirt.
These separates can be found on the Rebecca Schoneveld website (separates toward the bottom of the page). Bridal shops nationwide also carry Schoneveld’s dresses and separates. The combined price of the Evalyn Bodice, Ivy Lace Overlay, and McKinley skirt is $2820.
Is there a Pinterest wedding dress you’re swooning over but can’t find? Let me know and I might discover your dream dress in my next Pinterest Dresses and Where to Find Them! Also, don’t forget to sign up to get my FREE “Four Places You Aren’t Shopping For Affordable Wedding Dresses (But Should)” Guide!
Plus, if you need to accessorize your beautiful Pinterest wedding dress, check out FBNW’s list of boho wedding hair accessories!
(PS: If you know the photographer for either Melanie dress photo, please let me know! I want to credit photographers for their beautiful images as much as possible.)
Hello, and welcome to Fly By Night! I’m so glad you’re here.
I started Fly By Night because like many brides–especially those planning their own weddings!–I spend a *lot* of time online researching wedding stuff. And I love it! You won’t hear me complain about 3am Pinterest binges dedicated solely to browsing cute sandals for the rehearsal dinner.
*However* (and this is a big however!)
Despite the endless supply of wedding resources online, I find myself asking the same questions over and over:
That dress from Pinterest is beautiful, but where can I actually buy it? (And can I afford it–and if not, does anyone carry something similar? In my size?)
Why did none of the many advice articles I read tell me my vendor would need this one thing to feel comfortable executing my vision?
Why are there still so few resources for–or just writing about–weddings with queer couples, queer wedding parties, and queer attendees? How do you help queer loved ones feel as safe and comfortable as possible at your wedding, especially around conservative attendees?
After every one of these questions I think, I wish *somebody* had written about this. But one of the most basic (and best) snippets of writing advice is to write what you want to read but hasn’t been written yet, so finally I realized: I could write about this!
I’ve named this space Fly By Night, because a tiny, quiet truth beneath the flood of how-to articles, Pinterest boards, and all-in-one resources seems to be that a lot of us feel like we have no idea what the hell we’re doing when it comes to planning one of the biggest, most meaningful days in our lives. And it makes sense! You only plan on doing it once, no one teaches you how to do it, and there are people whose literal full time job is doing a thing many of us are scraping together in spare moments between multiple jobs and chores and still trying to have a social life. (Can you tell I’m in my thirties?)
So I want to affirm this experience of feeling like you’re floundering a little through an exciting but also big, stressful process, which is why I chose the name Fly By Night. Not only do I want to offer advice and resources I haven’t found anywhere else, but also keep things real–because everyone needs a little help, including help feeling okay about needing help.
I’m here to help you, so let’s help each other: what wedding advice would you like to find? What resources do you want that don’t seem to exist? What question do you keep asking yourself that no one has answered? I’ve love to hear your thoughts!