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!
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.
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!
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.
This gown includes an on trend tulle maxi overskirt for an easy ceremony to reception transition. That’s two wedding looks for only $371!
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!
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.
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.)
I love the whimsical beaded sleeves of this dress! This elegant boho gown is only $350.
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.
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.
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!
This ultra sleek, modern halter gown is only $220 and currently available in every size from 0-16.
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.
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!
Unless you’re an event planner extraordinaire who thrives on four hours’ sleep, planning a wedding is almost always a *little* stressful. (And often more than a little.) Juggling multiple priorities, hard budgeting decisions, and balancing family expectations with your own wants is *tiring.* Maybe even the excitement you felt after getting engaged has long fizzled out.
But it’s possible for wedding planning feel exciting and fun again! My partner and I both have anxiety and figuring out the tips I’ve listed below have helped us not only survive the process, but have fun and feel more connected with each other about what we want for our wedding. Even though the big day is getting closer and we have more to do more often, planning is still fun and exciting.
Really, these tips all revolve around a central idea: you deserve to allow yourself understanding, happiness, and friendship during the wedding planning process. So with that, let’s dive in:
This one is so important, loves: treat yourself with something you both love that allows wedding planning to be meaningful, enjoyable time spent together.
When you and your partner encounter a budget snag with florals, or have to figure out replacing that dream photographer who fell through, or realize you *totally* forgot to account for renting glassware for your open bar, sometimes the stress gets taken out on each other. And that makes planning for your life together feel extra stressful.
A great way to remember what’s most important–that you love the other person enough to want them around for the rest of your life!–is to share something you enjoy together. This way, every time you plan you start from a place of feeling happy, relaxed, and on the same team as your partner.
And the treat is up to you! Maybe it is champagne. But it could also be your favorite takeout, coffee from your favorite spot, face masks, even your favorite funny movie playing in the background to help keep the mood light–whatever hits the spot.
Look for opportunities to make fun outings out of wedding planning-related errands and include friends from your wedding party! Sure, we invite our bridal party along for dress shopping, but there are so many other opportunities to have fun with dear friends from your wedding party while planning! Invite them along for food and cake/dessert tastings. (If you can plan more than one in a day, make a day of it!) Take your person of honor who loves vintage decor to the antique mall when you hunt for ceremony aisle boho rugs on the cheap. Or if you have a simple, fun DIY (more on that in #3) they can help with, lay out the wine and snacks and invite them over for a crafting party!
Depending on the particular elements you’re including in your wedding, this can take a lot of different forms. The important thing is to let yourself think creatively about how to use wedding planning to spend more time with friends you love who make you happy.
DIY-ing can help your budget and bring personalized touches to your wedding, but unless you’re already an expert in a particular craft too much DIY can become stressful and burdensome. Especially if you’re trying to DIY something that:
a) Must be done on or very close to the wedding day, i.e., anything involving fresh flowers
b) You have to make multiple of that you want to look consistent, i.e., wedding favors or again, fresh flower decor such as matching bouquets and centerpieces
c) Isn’t cost efficient vs. the non-DIY option
…then you may cause yourself *more* stress instead of less.
Instead DIYing fresh flower wedding centerpieces–which you’d have to do day of and doesn’t have a viable backup plan should something go wrong–try an approachable DIY that only requires making one or a few things ahead of time, in case you *do* need to ditch the DIY and hire a pro. Great examples include macrame ceremony arch backdrops, chair backings, and bouquet wraps; cardstock or paper installations for photo booths or above dessert tables; and spray painting cake stands and other small decor items.
Approachable, cost-contained, and bail out-able DIY that you and your love can do together–and with friends!–will make your wedding feel personalized and special without sabotaging your wellbeing.
This is a *big* one.
It’s easy to tick off a wedding checklist item and immediately think about what’s next. But if you and your love finished something that required a heavy lift?
*For everything holy, take a minute and celebrate it!*
I know it can feel weird celebrating getting something done for a party that revolves around you and your love, but if we’re being real, weddings are often not *just* about you as a couple–at least from a logistical standpoint. Unless you’re eloping with just the two of you, your wedding planning probably involves a degree of making sure other people are having a good time–and that takes *work.* So when you’ve done your work, let yourselves celebrate a little! Celebrating is a way of loving yourself *and* your partner, and acknowledging your time and effort are worth something.
Are there other tips you have for easing wedding planning stress? Let me know in the comments!
(PS: Also, check out my recent post about throwing limiting expectations from others about your wedding to the wind with one of my favorite two words sentences, lol!)
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
The bold, swirled illusion lace on this dress is absolutely gorgeous! At only $237, this beautiful gown is a solid steal.
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!
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.
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.
This simple, romantic dress would be perfect with a lush flower crown and wild, voluminous bouquet. The Dawn dress is super affordable at $118!
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.
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!
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?
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.
For the bride who wants a clean, modern boho look, this quartz hairpiece adds an earthy, raw touch of magic. This hairpiece is $133.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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!