ABC Annual Conference Recap, Day 4: Rent the Runway, Designer Bridesmaid Dresses

How many times have you been told by the bride, "You can totally wear it again!" in regards to your bridesmaid dress? And how many times has it been true? Rarely, if ever! So, I am beyond excited to share this next great tidbit with you...Rent the Runway! Rather than spend $200-$400 on a bridesmaid dress they'll probably never wear again, why not choose a gorgeous designer frock for your bridesmaids that they can rent for only $50-$150?
Whoever came up with this is genius! Rent the Runway is a company that rents dresses, gowns, shoes, and accessories by fabulous designers for 10% of the cost of purchasing the items in a store. While not all of the items are bridesmaid appropriate, many are, and even more are wonderful options for rehearsal dinner, engagement photos, and much more!
Here are a few of my favorite options for your bridesmaids...

Robert Rodriguez, $75 to rent, regularly $595.

Badgley Mischka, $50 to rent, regularly $400.

Halston Heritage, $75 to rent, $455.

Lela Rose, $150 to rent, regularly $1,295.

And my favorite.....

Bibhu Mohaptra, $350, regularly $3,500.
I know it's pricey. But imagine wearing a $3,500 gown when you're not the bride...I know I would feel like a million bucks!

Your bridesmaids will receive their dress early enough to send it back and receive another if it doesn't fit quite right. It will come with a prepaid box to ship it back in after the wedding. Easy as can be!

Other than the last gown here, these are all incredibly affordable and will save your friends hundreds of dollars! And if they want to rent a second dress to wear to the rehearsal, the 2nd rental is half off. So theoretically (if they chose two $50 rentals), they could get 2 incredible dresses for only $75! Amazing, right?

Give your bridesmaids a gift for your wedding...Rent the Runway!

Budget Blooms: Astilbe

White Thread recently posted about this budget friendly bloom, the Astilbe. Of course, it isn't going to be every bride's taste, but I happen to love it. It's unique, makes a big statement in bulk, comes in a huge variety of colors, and is easy on the wallet. What more could you ask for?!

{click photo to enlarge}

I especially love this bloom for a beach wedding because of its uncanny resemblance to coral. It's a stunning addition to any spring/summer wedding, but especially for those wanting to bring a little seaside style into their wedding day.

For a little more info on the price of this unique bloom, you can purchase one bunch (10 stems) for $14.00 from American Floral Distributors in white, pink, or red.

Baby's Breath Decor: It's back!

And in a great way! I was never a fan of baby's breath, because it reminded me of ballet recitals as a kid and bouquets from the store with 3 roses, lots of greenery, and sprigs of baby's breath. Well, it's back in a whole new way...and I absolutely love it!

Florists are creating centerpieces and other wedding decor using large clouds of baby's breath that gives your wedding decor the feeling of lace. Here are just a few fabulous options...

above images via Ruffled

And here are a few more that we're using as inspiration for a wedding in August:

via the knot

via Benfield Photography

These beautiful baby's breath clouds are the perfect compliment to a vintage inspired wedding because of the way they mimic lace and use a very traditional flower in a very modern way. Just beautiful!

Budget Wedding Tip: White Carnation Bouquet

Many women have something against carnations and I used to be one of them. Traditionally they were used in a very non-pretty way with lots of baby's breath and greenery. But today, there are some beautiful ways to use this inexpensive bloom for your wedding! This gorgeous bouquet was recently featured on Martha Stewart Weddings and I love it. The stark contrast of black and white is stunning and the pleated wrap is unique and incredible!
To see some of our previous modern carnation posts, click here and here.

Budget Wedding Tip: Pizza Reception

This adorable rooftop wedding recently featured on Once Wed, has the right idea for planning a reception on a budget! Splurge on photography & save on food. They hosted a simple wedding with a casual reception where guests dined on a variety of fantastic pizza from a local pizzeria! Trust me, your guests will love it and you'll save a bundle on catering!For more photos from this sweet wedding, visit Once Wed's blog.

Money Saver: Dessert Receptions

With most people pinching pennies these days, having the wedding of your dreams can be difficult. I'm constantly looking for economical suggestions and have found a great one from Little White Book.
They suggest throwing a cocktails and desserts reception in the early afternoon and I absolutely love the idea! The desserts and cocktails are everyone's favorite treat anyway, so why not focus on a fabulous spread of these items? You'll save money and your guests will love it!

This is the perfect opportunity to check out your dessert bar skills a la Amy Atlas! For inspiration, see examples of her work here, here, and here.

Affordable Vera Wang

Vera Wang has just become more accessible! She has created a new line - "Demi-Couture" - with gowns 30%-40% less than her more established collections.

This beautiful gown has a price tag under $3,000.

Thanks to Martha Stewart for posting this great new info!