wedding dresses

Wedding Dresses Can Be Beautiful Ready-to-Wear and Affordable

Over July 4th weekend, we celebrated the elopement of a dear family friend with a reception on the lake. Celebrating their marriage made us think of other gals eloping. Where could you get a dress quickly? (since most elopements aren't planned 6-8 months in advance - the average time to get a wedding dress) And what about a budget bride - what are her options?

So we decided to answer our own question! Check out a selection of ready-to-wear dresses below. They're budget friendly, but not pre-owned!

Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Pink Watters Wedding Dress
Locklane Weddings & Events | Nicole Miller Strapless, Silk Faille Wedding Gown

Watters "Carina" $913 / Nicole Miller "Dakota" - Silk Faille Strapless Gown $1035 (most expensive here!)

Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Ann Taylor Goddess V-neck Wedding Dress
Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Teri Jon Wedding Dress

Ann Taylor, Goddess V-Neck $550 / Teri Jon, Metallic Lace Top Gown $580

Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Badgley Mischka Wedding Dress
Locklane Weddings & Events | Badgley Mischka Wedding Dress, Satin Strapless

Badgley Mischka, Cap Sleeve Gown $244.50 (sale!) / Badgley Mischka, Satin Strapless $695

Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Adrianna Papell Spaghetti Strap Wedding Dress
Locklane Weddings & Events | Aidan Mattox Sequin Tulle Wedding Dress

Adrianna Papell - Spaghetti Strap, Beaded Blouson Gown $299 / Aidan Mattox, Sequin Tulle $450

Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Adrianna Papell Rosette Wedding Dress
Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Erin Fetherston Silk Metallic Gown

Adrianna Papell - Pleat Bodice, Rosette Gown $238 / Erin Fetherston "Monique" - Silk Metallic Gown $550

Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Theia Gown - Don O'Neill
Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Strapless Mermaid Theia

Theia "Don O'Neill" $418 (currently sold out) / Theia, Beaded-Inset Strapless Mermaid $597.50

Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Nicole Miller Lauren Dress
Locklane Weddings & Events | Inexpensive, Kay Unger New York Lace Dress

 Nicole Miller "Lauren" - Stretch Linen $290 / Kay Unger New York - Lace Dress $136

Would you consider a ready-to-wear dress? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Unique Wedding Dress Options

Last weekend I was talking to a newly engaged friend who really wants a black wedding dress, but her mom isn't quite into it. Personally, I chose a traditional gown for my wedding, but I love the idea! And a black wedding dress fits her personality perfectly. Make sure your wedding dress screams you! Haven't thought about an alternative dress? Something unique, that's not pure white? Well here are some ideas.

Traditional white with a touch of black

Black Gowns

Bustier Gowns

Red Gowns

Gowns with a Cape

Floral Gowns

Blue Gowns

Shades of Pink

These are just some ideas. In reality, it's your wedding / your day. You can wear whatever you want to. Whether it's a uniquely colored dress, a white gown, a tux, jeans and a t-shirt, whatever makes you comfortable. But we are curious! So let us know, what would you choose? Already married? Say you could do it over and wear something new. Decided to stay traditional? Pretend tradition is the nontraditional - then what would you pick?