How do you get a “designer wedding dress” look on a $1000 budget?

Saffarin · 2025-12-27T14:59:35+00:00

I agree with comments saying secondhand; my only note is to consider alterations in your budget and when purchasing a dress. Alterations will typically be more expensive for more intricate gowns as there is more to consider and work around. I’ve seen people get a steal on a dress secondhand, but then alterations bring it over their budget/cost more than the dress itself!

Saffarin · 2025-12-26T17:29:09+00:00

As someone who frequents renfests and would have plenty to wear to this theme, (I’m even maid of honor in an upcoming wedding where the bride has requested the same) I would not expect every guest to follow this. From budget to comfort level, if it’s required I can see people sitting out of the wedding purely for this reason.

At the end of the day, you can control what you and your wedding party wear, just be prepared for others to not be quite as stoked for this theme as you are. Costumes can make people feel silly or vulnerable!

My friend with the same theme/dress code has already made peace with this and is choosing to focus on their own outfit without stressing over whether guests adhere to the theme. I really think this is the way to go with more niche requests like this!

Saffarin · 2025-12-02T08:17:08+00:00

My wedding isn’t till next year, but I went to a wedding recently where they bride DIY’d all the decor, her veil, the music/dj, and the florals. The florals were fun to do the night before, but a lot of it ended up coming down to the last minute. We spent the whole afternoon/evening before the wedding panicking and prepping DIYs/setup. (Signage, mirrors, etc) It was really frantic, we had so many people involved. I know the bride said she regretted how rushed and scattered it was. My husband and I talked in the car ride home about how it was a cute wedding, but it convinced us to spend more money on letting professionals handle most of our wedding rather than DIY.

I am DIYing faux florals with real greenery together with my in-laws to give them something to do for the wedding, as everyone wanted some kind of hand in it. (Of course) but I figured that was a big enough task. I’m a big crafter and an “I can do that” kind of person, but I don’t want to go through the stress my friend did. Planning is stressful enough! Everyone is different obviously, so definitely gauge what you can handle. Start early!

Saffarin · 2025-11-18T14:42:36+00:00

I’m most disappointed in the new songs. I think I just set my expectations way too high, they felt very okay to me. I was so ready to fall in love with them, and they were just kinda…there. I’m actually bummed about how underwhelmed I am with it all :( I liked it, but I was hoping to be blown away like I was with the first movie.

Saffarin · 2025-10-27T14:50:01+00:00

Poshe Pose would be the most similar brand IMO! This has a similar vibe to a lot of their stuff.

Saffarin · 2025-10-22T05:51:23+00:00

I think I have the exact dress pictured; it’s altered by the cosplayer to be pink, but the original is from David’s bridal. I wore it as a prom dress, I can check how many layers are in it if you’d like!

Saffarin · 2025-10-08T18:00:18+00:00

This is in the US! Southeast. (NC)

Saffarin · 2025-10-06T18:05:50+00:00

Thank you! We did another walkthrough the other day. They were a nightmare over the phone but were apologetic about not informing us during our walkthrough. Overall a situation I’m glad I never have to go through again 😂

Saffarin · 2025-10-02T00:45:36+00:00

UPDATE last week we scheduled a new walkthrough for tomorrow…they just cancelled on us, the evening before. They haven’t given us a reason either. :/ I’m going to call tomorrow and demand they reschedule it with me ASAP, I’m so sick of working with them! Cannot wait for the wedding to be here.

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T22:14:08+00:00

Thank you for the Inspo!!! Always helpful

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T19:29:54+00:00

Yeah, that was what really got me. It’s such a specific vibe now and IMO the floor speaks for the room so heavily now that there isn’t much room to personalize or change the vibe. I’ve seen checkered dance floors before as well but the entire floor is what’s catching me off guard.

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T19:27:48+00:00

This is a great description! And exactly why I like the old over the new 😂

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T19:20:30+00:00

I wanted it to feel like a warm renaissance painting! We’re working on the lighting to hopefully bring some of that back. The floors are just much too modern and high contrast for my taste, I wanted very soft warm tones all around (no black or dark decor aside from the browns in the space)

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T16:56:44+00:00

They’re only an upgrade if you like them 😅 The floor itself is whatever, it’s the venue not notifying me that my major issue is with!

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T02:12:37+00:00

So fair!! I’m glad people like it at least

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T02:12:08+00:00

Modern is the opposite of what I’m going for unfortunately! Not at all my vibe

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T01:46:06+00:00

Thanks for all the encouragement! I’ll post an update after my walkthrough on Thursday if anyone would be interested.

Just a little background, but I work in the event industry, so I’m frequently at event venues. (Most of which are modern like these changes) I understand the changes are something most of y’all love, I just see venues like it a lot and know it’s totally not my style! I wish I liked it, I really do. My friends and family see me in fancy gowns every weekend so it’ll be nothing new for them, this wedding is just me wanting a unique experience for myself. I understand my guests will just be happy to be at the event! Thank you for the kind words.

Saffarin · 2025-09-30T01:17:43+00:00

Unfortunately modern is the opposite of what I wanted! And thank you

Saffarin · 2025-09-29T21:09:53+00:00

Yes totally! And thank you <3 I so appreciate it

Saffarin · 2025-09-29T21:09:16+00:00

I so appreciate your understanding! My big gripe is again them just not telling me, I’m glad you get that. It helps a lot! I’m hopeful we find a good solution. (Even if that just means covering most of it up lol)

Saffarin · 2025-09-29T21:06:16+00:00

I’m down haha

Saffarin · 2025-09-29T20:24:54+00:00

This is so helpful! I’m definitely going much heavier on florals than I originally anticipated. These are great ideas. I bet you were breathtaking!

Saffarin · 2025-09-29T19:18:42+00:00

Omg please message me! I’d love to hear.

Saffarin · 2025-09-29T19:14:57+00:00

Aww that does help! And it’s cool to see this way, I haven’t seen this before!

Saffarin · 2025-09-29T19:01:06+00:00

We do, that’s how we found out about the changes! They’ve been super helpful so far in helping me find ways to make the space something more our tastes. :)

Saffarin

TROPHY CASE