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!
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 November and if you’re anything like me, you’re already excited about the holidays. Garlands and string lights, reindeer pulling sleighs on neighborhood lawns and rooftops, the first whirls of snow in the air–the whimsy of it all is irresistible. Given the rich color palettes, cozy vibes, *and* off season discounts on venues that come with winter, it’s no wonder the winter wedding is only getting more popular!
If you’re considering or planning a winter wedding, tapping into holiday traditions can add memorable warmth to your ceremony and reception. And it’ll be a lot of fun for both you and your guests! Here are five winter wedding ideas that will make your day filled with holiday magic:
1. Incorporate winter greenery and blooms into your florals.
There is *so* much creative potential here. You can incorporate poinsettias or holly berries into your bouquet for touches of winter warmth, decorate the aisles of your ceremony space with mini Christmas trees, hang pine garlands in your reception space–the options are endless! Maybe even one of these winter crowns for you or your wedding party.
2. Add the sound of holiday cheer to your processional.
Having a flower girl, ring bearer, or any pups in your ceremony? Give them jingle bells for a sprinkle of winter music as they go down the aisle! You can attach to a flower girl’s basket, a ring bearer’s pillow, incorporate into a boutonniere or wrist corsage, or attach to a collar. Melt everyone’s hearts by incorporating jingle bells into this winter wedding dog collar for an absolutely adorable wedding party pup!
3. Have a wassail toast.
Wassail, or warm spiced apple cider, is a delicious alternative to toasting with champagne during your reception. It can be made with or without alcohol–spiced rum is *so good* in wassail. Copper mugs are a beautiful option for serving wassail, but any heat-safe mug will do. (There are so many cute mug options out there it’s hard to go wrong.)
4. Gingerbread cookie decorating station.
An interactive winter wedding dessert option that’s fun for kids and grownups alike! The setup for this can range from simple to elaborate depending on how many cookie shape varieties and toppings you want to offer. You can really go all out with sprinkles, candies, beverages like egg nog and milk, and tons of winter holiday shapes! But even just your classic gingerbread man cookies and red, green, and white icing options is enough for a table everyone will enjoy.
5. Rent reindeer.
Yep, you read that right! Of course, whether there are reindeer to rent in *your* area is a case-by-case basis sorta thing, but there are businesses across the US that rent reindeer by the hour or day. Petting and hanging out with cute reindeer on your wedding day and have them in your photos sounds utterly magical.
But one thing to keep in mind: unlike many other wedding services that tend to be less in demand during the winter, reindeer rentals will be in demand for other holiday-themed events and parties. So, if this is something you want to budget for and commit to for your winter wedding, you’ll want to book a rental well in advance.
What other ideas do you have for your winter wedding? Drop 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!
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!
Looking for a splash of unexpected color on your wedding day? These nine colorful boho wedding dresses are exuberant, bold, and festive–and perfect for brides with personalities to match!
Check out these colorful boho wedding dresses and find your unconventional wedding day look!
1. Lovely Bride – Palermo Dress
Covered in a stunning appliqué of muted blue flowers, this dress has a mystic yet modern, clean boho look. The Palermo dress is $4001.
2. Lucy Can’t Dance – Moonage Daydream
I love all of Lucy Can’t Dance’s retro-futuristic boho looks, and this pastel space queen dress is one of my favorites! The Moonage Daydream Dress adds two touches of light color with its reverse light gray dip dye skirt and iridescent sequin top. The Moonage Daydream is made to your measurements for $3,118.92.
3. Lucy Can’t Dance – Ground Control Dress
I just *had* to include another dress from Lucy Can’t Dance! The pale blue dip dye and geometric sleeves make this dress both offbeat yet fitting for many different boho wedding aesthetics. The Ground Control Dress is made to your measurements at $2,438.43.
4. Wardrobe by Dulcinea – Aurora Dress
This utterly ethereal dress is named after the northern lights the colors of its dip dye skirt bring to mind. Pair with a silver starry crown for a breathtaking celestial wedding look. The Aurora dress is $865.
5. Rue de Seine – Aegean Dres in Indigo
You’ll look like a princess from a faraway land in this dress! This gown’s dip dye tassels and lush blue and pale pink floral fabric are jaw-droppingly beautiful. The Aegean gown in indigo is $3,475.
6. Dame and Maiden – Pastel Lace Wedding Dress
The painted lace of this dress is unlike anything I’ve ever seen–the bold pastels, dip dye fringe armbands, and split front come together into an incredible boho gown.The warm, vibrant colors have me fantasizing about a summer solstice festival wedding! This dress is $1,795.
7. Dame and Maiden – Pastel Lace Wedding Dress with Fringe Sleeves
This. Dress. UGH. So vibrant, sunny, and festive, this dress is perfect for brides throwing weddings full of joy and color. That yellow to lavender ombré fringe is to *die* for! This dress’ price tag is $1,875.
What other colorful boho dresses have *you* found that brides would love? 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!
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!
As a lifelong crystal collecting, fantasy novel devouring, unicorn and dragon obsessed sentimental nerd, I love how the boho wedding trend has opened up so many possibilities for brides who want to look magical on their wedding day! One aspect of boho styling I’m happy to see get more creative is boho wedding hair accessories.
Here’s the thing: I love flower crowns! But there are so many other headpiece and accessory possibilities coming into vogue that deserve more spotlight. Also, flower crowns don’t fit every mystical boho persona: what if you want to be a winter queen, a celestial goddess, a crystalline princess?
So, I’ve collected nine boho wedding hair accessories that aren’t flower crowns for brides who want to accessorize outside the box here:
1. Gold Star Celestial Wedding Crown
Celestial weddings are having a moment right now and I am *into it.* This starry tiara is elegant yet whimsical, the perfect finishing touch to your bridal look. This crown is $125.
2. Large Crystal Wedding Back Crown
For the bride who wants a clean, modern boho look, this quartz hairpiece adds an earthy, raw touch of magic. This hairpiece is $133.
3. Opal Stud Tiara
Major rock’n’roll goddess vibes! I love this tiara–it’s edgy, organic, and a little bit outer space. This opal tiara costs $62.
4. Dark Mermaid Crown
Not every beach wedding has to be drenched in teal and fuschia! For the bride who dreams of a moody beach wedding, this seashell crown is a stunning finishing touch paired with a shimmery gold or ivory gown and structural dried bouquet. This seashell crown is $65.
5. Gold Star Bridal Headband
A simple yet striking hairpiece like this starry headband is both incredible romantic and easy to wear with a number of hairstyles. At $37.42, this is an affordable way to add starry night sparkle to your wedding look.
7. Wild Crystal Wedding Tiara
There are a lot of options out there for crystal crowns, but this one stands out for its wild, organic structure and two tiers of crystals. This stunning tiara is $161.50.
8. White Berry Bridal Crown
For a bride looking for an unexpected botanical headpiece, this berry crown is full of ethereal, innocent romance. And at $8.50, it’s an incredibly affordable way to achieve a unique and magical look for your big day.
9. Golden Halo Bridal Headpiece
Halo crowns are a fast-growing trend, and Batcakes Couture does them right! Most halo crowns are made from zip ties, but Batcakes’ crowns are handcrafted from wood and made to last. She offers a variety of halo crown designs, which can even be customized with colorful gems! This crown is $124.95.
10. Ivory Lace Bridal Crown
Piece. De. Resistance. Seriously, I gasped when I saw this crown, also from Batcakes Couture. For the bride who wants to exude magnificent, avant garde queenliness, this crown is meant for you. Truly, I *need* to see someone wear this for a moody, regal winter wedding. This snowy, beautiful crown is $300.
Have you stumbled upon creative boho bridal hair accessories worth knowing about? Share 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!