Featured Image: Inslee Haynes
Growing up, my mom always told me, “it’s not what you wear; it’s how you wear it”. That humble piece of truth had an influence on the way I choose to stylize and I’ve found that the staple pieces in my closet grant the most versatility between occasions. Neutral colors, clean lines, and classic cuts and seams can earn an extended duration of wear and the personal satisfaction that your look will never go out of style. I found that these same principles effortlessly cross over to Bridal and today, I’m sharing a few the tried and trues that helped me achieve my classic wedding day look for less.
Step 1
A Classic Dress
Condé Nast Britain 2018 BRIDES
Find a fit that best flatters your figure and work the dress (don’t let the dress work you). For example, if you don’t wear pencil skirts to the office, it’s probably safe to say you won’t care much for a trumpet dress. Is your daily go-to holey jeans and fringed booties? Then consider steering clear from the glitzy ball gowns. Look through your current dresses and if you haven’t ever given it a thought, take a moment to consider how you feel when wear them (or the reasons why you don’t!). Familiarize yourself with the style that makes you most comfortable then decide before you walk into the boutique which style of dress best matches your shape and personality so that you can spend more time in the gowns you love and less in the ones you loathe. Your search squad will thank you for it!
Tip: All the pretties add up. The less lace, beading, jewels, and sequins, the more likely you are to land a deal on your simple beauty (that’s under budget!). Saving is winning, friend.
You can find the satin a-line ball gown I wore on my Big Day at your local David’s Bridal for under $500.00, here!
Step 2
The Statement Piece
HoneyPieBridal
Now that you’ve found your anchor, it’s time to dress it up. And because you saved cost on your largest apparel expense (the dress), you’ll have a greater amount allotted to your statement piece. Think of this purchase as you dress’s wing woman, BFFL, ride-or-die, I-look-better-when we’re-together-friend. The dress highlights you, and this piece highlights the dress.
Whether it be a piece of your favorite designer fashion jewelry or a ceremony veil from your local luxury boutique, find something that compliments the natural structure of your dress. High neckline? Rock those statement earrings, girl. Going strapless? Dress it up with a faux fur shawl or delicately beaded shrug. Mixing romantic textures is a thing. If your dress is satin or chiffon, create your timeless contrast with a lace veil. And lacy gowns play nicely with glammy belts and trims for a polished look and delicate, leafy hair pieces for the bohemian chic bride.
Tip: Less is more (With the exception of kindness, coffee, and toilet paper).
I found my Bel Air Bridal cathedral veil at Cincinnati’s Bridal and Formal in the Reading Bridal District just three days before “I do” (Approximate MSRP: $400.00).
Step 3
Oh Those Simple Accessories
Bridal Guide Magazine
Today is the day to showcase those special family heirlooms or the sweet somethings you’ve tucked away for all too long. Great Grandma’s vintage hair comb, Mom’s favorite strand of pearls, the diamond studs your Godfather gave you for graduation… or drop a subtle (or not so subtle) hint to your hubby-to-be that you’d love a dainty bridal set as your wedding day gift and be sure to have your MOH send him all your Pinterest screenshots so that there aren’t any day-of surprises!
Tip: These delicate touches will bring your classic dress and statement piece together with an effortless and poised finish. Show special attention to your simple bridal accessories by communicating to your photographer a week before the wedding which still shots (portraits and staged candids) you would like to have captured and they’ll be sure to snap pictures of your something old, borrowed, new, and blue when you have some downtime amidst the beautiful chaos of your “best day ever”.
My something old: My Great Grandmother’s engagement ring from the 1920’s!
My something new: Handmade bridal hair combs for a modest $15.99 found on Etsy!
My something borrowed: My Mother-In-Law’s diamond necklace (This was extra special because, the stone was from her mother’s engagement ring. Her father passed when she and her sister were young girls).
My something blue: $17.00 stitched handkerchief by Cincinnati bridal seamstress, Alterations by Toni!
Step 4
Be You
Southern Weddings
When it comes to wedding day vanity, let’s agree that it’s best to look like “yo best self”! Is your everyday look soft and natural or are you a Maybelline beauty? However you feel most comfortable on a night out is probably a step in the right direction when showing your vanity vision to your hair and makeup stylists. If yoga pants and a ball cap are your idea of trend casual, a low, tidy bun off the neck will create a polished and recognizable look for the bride your guests love (Be inspired by street style royal, Hailey Bieber). Does your morning routine include air-dried hair, bb cream, and one layer of mascara? Consider a loose and beachy wave on wedding day. Glammy girl? Add volume and length extensions to your feminine, romantic up do!
Practice makes perfect! Budget enough time with each of your trials to share your objectives with the stylist, and then give them an opportunity to achieve the look you’ve shown and about 2 or 3 modifications to meet your specific needs. Don’t be too shy to tell them that you want the tip of your right ear covered or that you’re not used to seeing yourself in a smoky eye. They will take notes on what you like and dislike so that when it’s your day on the throne, you’ll be more concerned about the mimosa in your hand and less about what they’re beatifying with theirs!
Tip: Remove the middle man and find a self-employed professional with a portfolio that matches your personal style. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the work of your stylists before you book and if possible, have your stylist travel to you on wedding day! The cost you’ll spend on their commute will be far less than the salon’s retail profit margins and the convenience of them being onsite that morning will increase the leisure and luxury for you and your leading ladies. Cheers!
My wedding day makeup was achieved by Cleveland queen & renaissance woman, Raven Reed ($125.00).
My wedding day hairstyle was achieved by Cincinnati boss lady & entrepreneur, Kaitlyn Mounce ($85.00).
The Art of the Party 