20 Brides Who Prove You Don’t Need To Spend A Fortune To Steal The Show

1. This bride knit her own dress for $20!

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She reminisced with a sense of accomplishment as she shared the story of her wedding dress creation. With a gleam in her eye, she described the meticulous process of knitting every stitch herself, pouring her heart and soul into the delicate fabric of her dress.

2. This bride wore her mom's wedding dress

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She found herself in a predicament when her eagerly anticipated wedding dress failed to arrive in time for the ceremony. However, with a stroke of serendipity, she stumbled upon her mother's cherished 1960s wedding dress, tucked away in a closet full of memories.

3. This bride just opted for a costume

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She proudly adorned herself in the traditional attire of her Caucasian heritage on her wedding day. The intricate details of the wedding dress spoke volumes of cultural significance, woven into every thread and embellishment, and she easily made a 'costume' into her dream dress.

4. This bride made her very own wedding dress

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With an indomitable spirit and a fervent desire for uniqueness, she embarked on the ambitious journey of creating her very own wedding dress. The endeavor proved to be a formidable challenge, fraught with trials and tribulations along the way, but it was all worth it in the end.

5. This bride found the perfect second-hand homemade dress

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In a stroke of serendipity, she stumbled upon an extraordinary treasure: a meticulously crafted handmade wedding dress that exuded an aura of timeless elegance. As she delicately examined its intricate details, she couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship that hinted at its origins from the late '60s or early '70s.

6. This only cost her $17

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As her gaze met the dress displayed before her, an undeniable connection sparked within her soul, resonating with a profound sense of certainty. In that moment of serendipitous encounter, she felt an inexplicable bond with the garment, as if it had been waiting patiently for her arrival.

7. Who said you had to go for expensive white?

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In a bold departure from tradition, this bride dared to defy conventions and embrace the vibrant hues of a rainbow for her wedding dress. Casting aside the notion that wedding attire must adhere to the pristine purity of white, she embarked on a daring journey of self-expression and individuality.

8. When it's the first dress you try on

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Amidst the racks of wedding gowns, she hesitantly reached for a dress that caught her eye, unaware that it would become the epitome of her bridal dreams. As she slipped into the fabric, a sense of anticipation filled the air, tinged with uncertainty and excitement - but obviously it was perfect!

9. This bride went for a playful ball gown

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Though she had never envisioned herself in a ballgown, she found herself unexpectedly drawn to the allure of one particular dress. The moment she slipped into its voluminous layers of tulle and satin, she was swept away by a sense of whimsy and delight that she hadn't anticipated.

10. This bride bagged a second-hand Morilee gown

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After scouring through numerous options, she stumbled upon a gem in the world of secondhand treasures: a stunning Morilee gown. Despite its pre-loved status, the dress exuded an undeniable charm and elegance that captured her heart. Who said pre-loved can't be perfect for a wedding?

11. This bride transformed her mom's dress

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In a heartwarming nod to family tradition and sentimentality, she embarked on a journey of transformation, reimagining her mother's 1980s wedding dress for her own elopement ceremony. With a keen eye for design and a reverence for the past, she set out to breathe new life into the vintage garment.

12. All the celebrity style, none of the price tag

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In a world where celebrity culture reigns supreme, it's undeniable that many would be eager to showcase a wedding dress as resplendent and captivating as hers. With its exquisite design and timeless elegance, her gown possesses an undeniable allure that transcends mere admiration; it commands attention and captivates imaginations.

13. Luckily, a postponement didn't affect the dress

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Opting to postpone their eagerly anticipated October 2020 wedding to October 2021, she found herself grappling with a mix of emotions. While the decision to delay their special day was a pragmatic one, the anticipation and excitement of wearing her dream wedding dress couldn't be contained.

14. This bride sewed her own wedding dress liner

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With just a mere five days left until she embarked on the journey of a lifetime, she felt a surge of exhilaration as she meticulously sewed the final touches of the liner into her wedding dress. The delicate fabric seemed to come alive under her skilled hands, and it must have felt even better wearing something you'd made.

15. This bride said yes to the dress almost immediately

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Surprising even herself, she found that she said "yes" to the proposal much sooner than she had anticipated. As the reality of their impending nuptials settled in, she couldn't help but acknowledge that the journey ahead would be a long one, spanning a year and a half until their wedding day arrived.

16. Changing the dress and date can sometimes be a good thing

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In an unexpected turn of events, she found herself making significant alterations to both her wedding dress and the planned date for the ceremony. What began as a straightforward vision for her big day evolved into a series of decisions that reshaped the entire event.

17. A unique dress is the way to go

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Immersed in a sea of wedding dress options, she found herself drawn to the unparalleled uniqueness of one particular gown. Amidst the myriad of traditional styles and contemporary designs, this dress stood out like a rare gem, captivating her with its distinctiveness.

18. A simple bohemian style made this bride's dream come true

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After an extensive search for the perfect wedding attire that resonated with her bohemian sensibilities, she finally stumbled upon the dress that encapsulated her unique style. It was more than just a garment; it was a manifestation of her free-spirited nature and love for all things unconventional.

19. Money spent on the perfect dress is never money wasted

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In a moment filled with overwhelming emotion and joy, she made the decision to purchase her dream wedding dress. As she slipped into the gown, a wave of emotion washed over her, bringing tears to her eyes as she realized that she had found the perfect ensemble for her special day.

20. When the dress fits just right

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With a heart brimming with adoration and satisfaction, she found herself utterly enamored with her chosen wedding gown. As she slipped into the dress, she couldn't help but marvel at how it hugged her figure with a flawless precision, as if it had been tailor-made exclusively for her.

21. A dress that twirls

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Upon her mother's request for twirly pictures, she found herself grateful for the whimsical idea that added an extra layer of joy to her wedding preparations. The notion of capturing twirls in her wedding gown seemed to infuse the entire experience with an element of playful enchantment.

22. Sticking within budget is always possible

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Immersed in the blissful realization of her impending nuptials, she reveled in the transformative experience of feeling like a true bride. With every detail falling seamlessly into place, she couldn't help but bask in the overwhelming sense of love and contentment that filled her heart.

23. Spur of the moment can often lead to the perfect find

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In a spontaneous burst of excitement and independence, she embarked on a solo dress shopping expedition, eager to explore the possibilities of finding her dream gown. With no companion to offer opinions or guidance, she relied solely on her intuition and personal preferences to navigate the array of dresses before her.

24. You don't need to spend a fortune to find the perfect dress

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With her heart aflutter and anticipation coursing through her veins, she found herself standing before the mirror, enveloped in the ethereal beauty of what could only be described as the most perfect wedding dress she could ever have imagined - and under budget to boot.

25. A gorgeous train doesn't have to cost the Earth

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With a sense of excitement and pride, she eagerly positioned herself to showcase a particular angle of her attire, intending to highlight the exquisite beauty of the gown's magnificent train. As she adjusted her stance and turned slightly, her eyes gleamed with anticipation, eager to share the breathtaking details with those around her.

26. This online dress only cost $50

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In a twist of fate that would become a cherished tale in her wedding journey, she found herself turning to an unexpected solution when her designer wedding dress faced delays: a $50 wedding dress purchased online. Despite initial apprehensions about the unconventional choice, she soon discovered that this budget-friendly alternative held its own in stealing the spotlight on her special day.

27. A fairytale dress without the debt

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As she slipped into the enchanting gown, a sense of magic and wonder enveloped her, transporting her to a realm where dreams come true and happily ever afters are within reach. With every delicate lace detail and shimmering bead, the dress seemed to weave a spell of whimsy and romance around her.

28. What real brides wish they'd never spent money on: fancy food

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Over a decade ago, Jean Liu tied the knot in the romantic city of Florence. Reflecting on her wedding experience, she acknowledges that while it was a memorable affair, there are aspects she would have approached differently. Looking back, Liu admits that opting for more straightforward dishes might have been a better choice.

29. Buying a second dress for the outfit change

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Reflecting on her wedding day, Ariel Okin admits that she regrets opting for a second dress. In hindsight, she realizes that she never actually changed into it during the festivities. The joy and excitement of the celebration were so overwhelming that she found herself fully immersed in the festivities, not wanting to step away from the party even for a costume change.

30. Having an afterparty

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Virginia Van Zanten reflects on the decision to host an afterparty following the reception. While the afterparty was undeniably fun—with a '90s cover band and a lively atmosphere—it left her wondering if she would make the same choice if given the chance to plan it all over again. Despite the entertainment and revelry, Van Zanten realizes that the transition from the reception to the afterparty disrupted the momentum of the celebration.

31. Wearing designer shoes

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Lizzie Means Duplantis reminisces about her wedding day footwear choices, acknowledging that she made a decision she now regrets. Opting for a pair of stunning designer shoes for the ceremony, she found them to be uncomfortable and, to her dismay, largely unnoticed by guests. In hindsight, she wishes she had worn the special wedding boots gifted to her by her brother and sister.

32. Too many tequila shots!

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Mignonne Gavigan acknowledges a decision that may not have been the wisest in hindsight. Following their ceremony at Maroma in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the couple opted to serve tequila shots as post-ceremony cocktails. However, as the night progressed, they realized that this choice led to a few of their guests indulging a bit too much.

33. A fancy Italian cover band instead of just a DJ

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Reflecting on her wedding day, Jean Liu contemplates a decision she would have made differently in hindsight. She muses that opting for a DJ instead of an Italian cover band would have been a better choice. Liu recalls encountering technical issues associated with setting up for a live band, along with occasional challenges with song selections lost in translation.

34. Having all the guests stay in one place

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Colleen Mistry reflects on her decision to have her wedding in a small town, where she became fixated on the idea of having all her closest friends and family stay under one roof at the trendiest hotel in the area. However, she now admits that this led to overspending on a buyout fee that didn't even cover everyone's room rates.

35. Having a living wall constructed

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Virginia Van Zanten shares a specific detail from her wedding experience, recalling the installation of a fabulous living wall behind the DJ's table. However, she admits that despite its beauty during daylight hours, the feature was largely unnoticed after dark due to inadequate lighting.

36. Far-too-expensive mementos

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Jean Liu prioritized the importance of invitations from the outset of her wedding planning. She opted for letter-pressed invitations, delicately stitched and enclosed in elegant wood-like envelopes to evoke a rustic ambiance. However, Liu acknowledges that she went a step further by placing each invitation, along with RSVP cards, in a suede folder accompanied by a pencil, and then encasing them in brown boxes.

37. The wedding cake itself

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Mignonne Gavigan reflects on her wedding day and expresses a wish that they had placed less emphasis on the cake. In the midst of enjoying the festivities, they found themselves so caught up in the fun that they forgot to pause and cut the cake themselves. Eventually, the event staff stepped in to handle the task, ensuring that all guests were served.

38. Having a fancy, expensive 'everything'!

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Arden Fanning Andrews reflects on her wedding planning journey, revealing a deliberate choice to cut corners and prioritize simplicity over extravagance. From sending e-invitations to opting for a Spotify playlist instead of a live band, each decision to streamline the festivities meant one less detail to worry about on the big day.

39. Toasting with champagne

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Alison Laesser-Keck expresses her perspective on the value of a champagne toast at her wedding. Recognizing that a significant portion of her guests may not partake in champagne, she made the decision to offer wine for the toast instead. We're sure most people would prefer wine over champagne anyway!

40. Thank you gifts and favors

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Alison Laesser-Keck shares her perspective on wedding favors, expressing that they didn't hold much value for her. To her, they evoked a sense of weddings from the '80s or '90s. Instead, she chose to focus on welcome bags and turndown gifts for her guests. It's definitely true that 'traditions' can be a waste of money!

41. A quirky guestbook

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This bride recalls a creative concept her husband drew—an image of a tandem bicycle with strings attached to it—and how they provided an ink pad for guests to stamp their fingerprints as balloons. However, the guestbook didn't receive much participation, with only about 10 people adding their mark.

42. An aisle runner decoration

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The couple reminisces about their extravagant 250-person wedding, complete with lavish decorations and attention to detail. However, one aspect stands out as a regrettable expense—the aisle runner. Despite its hefty price tag of $1,500, the bride didn't even notice it while walking down the aisle.

43. A special request for decaf coffee

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This bride reflects on a decision made for their wedding reception: serving decaf coffee. Despite suggestions from older women that there would be a demand for decaf, particularly since the wedding was held in the evening, the beverage remained largely untouched.

44. The number of bridesmaids they had

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Emma W, reflecting on her wedding experience, expressed regret over the amount of money spent on the dresses for her four bridesmaids. Emma emphasized the importance of focusing on the true essence of marriage rather than getting caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning.

45. Paying for a venue that ended up being too small

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Nataliya O shared her insights, advising against going entirely DIY or opting for off-the-grid quirkiness when planning a wedding. Reflecting on her own experience, she expressed a desire for a venue that would have accommodated her first dance with her husband. Sometimes, saving money can also mean not getting what you really want!

46. An expensive centerpiece (that broke!)

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This bride expressed frustration over a mishap with her wedding plans when she was set on having a blossom tree placed on her bridesmaid table. Unfortunately, her plans were thwarted when the tree broke the day before the wedding, before anyone had the opportunity to admire it.

47. A vintage car they used for 5 minutes

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Jo M reflected on her wedding experience, noting that while the transportation was lovely, it served a practical purpose of getting from point A to point B, and that her and her dad were only in the car for five minutes on the way to the church. Sure, it would have looked nice... but the ceremony itself is more important.

48. Too many flowers!

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This bride had no regrets about how much she spent on her wedding day, but gave some practical words of wisdom - that you should only spend a lot on flowers if it's for the bouquets, and any other flower decor would be better being cheaper and fake! If you do want to fill every corner with flowers, who's to say they have to be real ones?

49. Renting a quirky post box

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In discussing wedding budgeting tips, the speaker advises against spending on a post box, citing feedback from some couples who regretted the expense. Instead, they suggest allowing guests to leave cards and gifts in a beautiful box with a slot or on a well-appointed table within the venue, ensuring it remains visible and accessible to all attendees.

50. Paying for guests you don't even want there

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This bride reflects on the experience of inviting specific individuals to their wedding out of a sense of obligation, only to regret their decision when those guests demonstrated the very reasons they had initially hesitated to extend an invitation! Money wasted on your special day.