Info, advice, and inspiration for your affordable, inclusive, and beautiful wedding
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!
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!
Hi there! I’m starting a new FBNW post category called Under the Radar. In these posts, I’ll highlight designers and other wedding creatives doing *amazing* work that don’t have super wide visibility or follower counts (yet!)
So without further ado: our first Under the Radar is Halseene!
Halseene is a women-owned wedding wear company currently creating exclusively plus size bridal wear, with a mission “to empower all women to feel like they have the options needed in order to be their bold + badass self on their wedding day.” Pretty cool, right?
Halseene creates clean, modern boho gowns with occasional bold touches–like the Paloma’s incredible sequin skirt!
You can shop all of Halseene’s designs online. If you want to try on dresses IRL, they’re currently only available in Vancouver and Calgary flagship stores. But their website notes they’ll be available in a small handful US and UK stores soon.
Halseene’s gowns range from $2,400 – $2,700 and are made to order in size range 14-40. Their website notes they want to eventually include smaller sizes, but are “currently focusing on the segment of the market that is grossly underrepresented in our industry.” To which I say, rock on.
Who else in the wedding world deserves a shout out in Under the Radar? Let me know in the comments!
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!
Hi there! So I’ve been gone for a little while.
This is for 100% good reasons: planning my own wedding *and* a dear friend’s baby shower! I wanted my heart and focus dedicated to both events, so Fly By Night Wedding took a backseat for a few months.
Now I’m just over a month married, my friend is showered, and I’m so happy to be back! Once we get professional photos I’ll do a longer post about our wedding (and my dress!), the shower, and who I am IRL since I’ve been shy putting a face to FBNW. I’m a little nervous but also excited about lifting the veil, so to speak. 😉
In the meanwhile, I’m psyched for this post about one of my favorite topics: trendy, boho plus size wedding dresses you can actually afford.
Fly By Night Wedding’s most read post daily, almost without exception, is my first post about beautiful plus size boho dresses under $2,000. This isn’t shocking, with how hard it is to find dresses that are plus size, boho, and won’t cost you your firstborn. I’m amazed I haven’t come across more lists like this one, to be honest. I’ve known for a while that another list of affordable plus size boho gowns was due–I just had to find the gowns to make it happen!
So…ta-da! The October 2019 installment of gorgeous, affordable plus size boho wedding dresses! *cue noisemaker sound and confetti you’ll find in your hair for three weeks*
Just like the first installment, all of these dresses are $2000 or less–in some cases *much* less. Let’s dive in!
1. Lyra Vega Bridal – Deb Dress
Lyra Vega is dedicated to an easier online wedding dress shopping experience for brides. They offer affordable, transparent pricing and size inclusivity. Returns are even allowed on their made-to-your-size dresses, which I’ve never seen from another bridal shop.
Plus, the dresses are stunning! I’ve never seen an off-the-shoulder bell sleeve dress quite like the Deb, a steal at $995.
2. Tavifa Bridal – Modern Rustic Wedding Dress
Simple, modern, and romantic all at once, this dress is so versatile! Accessorize with dramatic jewelry and pampas crown for a magical desert elopement, or a simple crystal tiara for a mystical, queenly look. And the best news? This dress is only $490!
3. Saldana Vintage – Chloe Plus Dress
Plus brides looking for a boho look that’s bold, sensual, and won’t kill your budget: Saldana Vintage is *it.* They’ve expanded their plus dress selection to include 15 of their standard new lace dresses. With the exception of this dress–which is $1,098–they all cost under $1,000 and are made to your measurements. Although all the product pictures are currently of straight size models in smaller sizes of dresses, SV notes on their plus size new lace dress page that they’ll have photos of plus size models in the dresses on the site soon!
4. Saldana Vintage – Miranda Plus Dress
Look. At. That. Fringe! This cotton crochet lace dress is bold, sleek, sexy, and at $798? Gimme it.
5. Bibiluxe – Boho Lace Wedding Dress
This. Dress. Is. So. *Gorgeous.* The subtle hi-lo hem, lacy bell sleeves, and touch of open back are just perfect. For sizes above a UK 18, this dress can be made to your measurements for $816.65.
6. LaSabina Plus – Short Sleeve Boho Lace Wedding Dress
The intricate botanical lace and a simple, clean silhouette of this dress makes it a great option for brides with a modern, minimalist boho vibe! This dress is $1,589.34.
7. LaSabina Plus – Botanical Lace Ball Gown
This dress is ultra feminine and ethereal, perfect for brides who want a soft, romantic boho look! This dress is $1,485.83.
8. LaSabina Plus – Off the Shoulder Boho Lace Dress
Yeah ok, I had to share one more LaSabina Plus dress because *hot damn* is it gorgeous. That lace with dreamy off shoulder ruffle sleeves puts butterflies in my stomach! This dress is $1,554.94.
9. Dame & Maiden – Long Sleeved Vintage Lace Wedding Dress
I have *such* a big crush on this lace–don’t you want to just dance under a desert sunset in this thing? Dame & Maiden uses rare vintage lace to make this and all their incredible dresses to your measurements. This dress is $1,550.
10. Reclamation Design Company – Custom Glitter Gown
I couldn’t write a post about affordable plus size wedding gowns without including at least one dress from Reclamation Design Company, which offers some of the most breathtakingly gorgeous wedding gowns out there *period,* at prices that are hard to believe. Reclamation’s custom glitter gowns start at $827.62 for standard sizes, with their Etsy shop quoting “XL and above subject to slight extra charge for lace.” My educated guess is the upcharge would vary depending on your size. But with Reclamation’s most expensive dress listed as $1,300, I’m pretty certain plus size brides could get the glitter gown of their dreams for well under my stated $2,000 maximum for this post.
Finding enough dresses for this list was *so* much easier than my original affordable plus size boho wedding dresses post, and I’m really excited to see even more designers and labels get into the plus size wedding dress game! Have you found other amazing plus size boho wedding dresses for under $2,000? Let me know in the comments!
Plus, if you’re looking for accessories to finish your look check out FBNW’s list of unconventional 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!
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!
Engagement photos, rehearsal dinners, courthouse ceremonies–little white dresses are affordable and versatile enough for just about any engagement or wedding celebration! Below are 17 plus size little white dresses, all with a price tag at or under $250.
1. Anthropologie – Charleston Lace Mini Dress
From Anthropologie’s brand spankin’ new plus collection, A Plus! Pair with a chiffon skirt for your ceremony and take off to transition to a danceable reception look! The Charleston Lace Mini is available up to size 26 and is $180.
2. eShakti – Scallop Ruffle Embellished Eyelet Cotton Dress
This darling dress is available up to size 36 and is only $99.95!
3. ASOS – Lace Embroidered Midi Wedding Dress
This darling dress is selling out quick! Right now only available in size 16 and on sale for $111.
4. Boohoo – Lace Bardot Hem Midi Dress
Pair with a beautiful boho wedding skirt, wear alone for your beach or courthouse wedding, or steal the show wearing this dress for your engagement photos! This stunner is available up to size 24 and on sale right now for only $28.
5. Unique Vintage – Champagne Beaded Fringe Aurore Flapper Dress
Show off the fringe and sheer cap sleeves of this dress as a subtle nod to popular boho dress elements while looking like a roaring 20s dream! This dress is available up to size 4X and is on sale for only $56.
6. Eloquii – Ruffle Shoulder Dress
A classic silhouette with a splash of drama! This Eloquii dress is available up to size 28 and is $89.95
7. Boohoo – Kimono Sleeve Wrap Over Midi Dress
I love the flowy-yet-structured look of this midi dress, which is on sale right now for $25!
8. Modcloth – Keener Postures A-Line Dress
This simple, sweet satin dress is new today from Modcloth! Keener Postures is available up to size 4X and is $159.
9. eShakti – Floral Lace Eyelash Scallop Sheath Dress
Yep, this dress has pockets! This sheath dress is available up to size 36 and is $109.95.
10. Unique Vintage – Cream & Gold Sequin Victorine Fringe Cocktail Dress
Although the silhouette of this dress is thoroughly 1920s, the daring gold sequin detail feels straight out of a 2019 festival style lookbook! This stunning dress is available up to size 3X and is $98.
11. Pretty Little Thing – White Lace Strappy Plunge Midi Dress
Simple, summery dress with cute bow detailing on the straps! This dress is available up to size 24 and only $88.
12. Eloquii – Boatneck Eyelet Dress with Piping
This darling summery dress is available up to size 28 and is $119.95.
13. eShakti – Floral Paisley Embellished Lace Lattice Trim Dress
Another one with pockets! Available up to size 36 and price tag is $109.95.
14. Modcloth – Dream Celebration Fit and Flare Dress
This darling dress from Modcloth’s namesake label features dusty pink floral embroidery and is $250.
15. Boohoo – Boho High Neck Wide Sleeve Shift Dress
I adore this easy yet sophisticated boho dress! It’s available up to size 18 and on sale right now for only $22.
16. Unique Vintage – Ivory Hepburn Swing Dress
This beautiful dress pairs beautifully with a crinoline skirt underneath or worn as is! Full disclosure: I own this dress in a different color and it’s one of the best fitting, high quality ready-to-wear pieces I’ve ever seen or worn. The Hepburn is available up to UK size 24 and is $172.
17. Modcloth – Celebratory Style Fit and Flare Dress
Love the boho lace on the sleeves and neckline! This dress is available up to size 26 and price tag is $179.
If you’ve found other shops with amazing plus size little white dresses, let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking for a plus size boho wedding dress, check out this post!