Elopements are here to stay and there is so much to love about them. What I love most as a photographer is seeing couples taking back the power on their day and doing what they want to do. So, I have put together this list of stellar dresses that are elopement worthy AND $500 & under!

Planning a wedding and everything looks fine but nothing looks wow? I spent weeks staring at my reflection thinking something was missing — turns out the dress is just the canvas. These are the exact accessories and details that made my bridal look click into place, for any bride who knows she looks nice but wants that stop-the-aisle moment. Took me four months of searching so you can skip straight to the good stuff.

Whether you're attending a wedding soon, or you'd just like a pretty outfit in your closet, hope you'll find your next “go-to” in my list!

Full length gowns that are anything but basic

Pro wedding dress flipper since 2016 ~ Only sharing tried and tested products ➕ Details & Tips in the CommentsI use all of the following to care for my gowns & refurbish worn dresses.Although I am a professional, these are all household-level items that perform at a professional level and can benefit you in other ways.I also try to keep things budget-friendly and cute ~ because let's be real, no one wants to put their wedding dress in an ugly overpriced bag or outdated box. Some people are SO scared of preserving, cleaning, or even steaming their wedding gowns, but with a little bit of know-how, you don't have to be! Save the bank, steam it yourself the night before your wedding. Clean at home - it's eco-friendly and cost-effective. Pack yourself for peace of mind. I hate to say it, but no one cares as much as you do about your wedding dress. Sadly, some dry cleaners don't at all.Bonus for the brave budget brides ~ BUY USED and then use these tips and tutorials on my website to bring that wedding dress back to brand new. If you're one of my lovely colorful brides, GET OUT OF HERE. Just message me, gown cleaning is on the house, I got you covered to keep that work of art prime.

This this is the ultimate wrapping list to get everything essential to wrap your gifts year round.. I am definitely jealous of the wrap cutter. I feel like Im super disorganized with our pile of wrapping paper so lets come up with some solutions.

Go ahead and RSVP “yes” to that wedding invite — because you’re going to want an excuse to wear these dresses! This list of gorgeous wedding guest looks is organized by season to make your search effortless. Let me know which one’s your favorite! 😍

You shouldn't have to squeeze yourself into a size 10 sample wedding dress and pretend you can tell what it would look like if it actually fit. You shouldn't have to pay a “fat tax” for purchasing a larger size. (Seriously, screw that!) Check out these inclusive Boston & New England wedding dress boutiques with a wide range of sample sizes and styles available to try on in-store.

A curated list of meaningful and stylish wedding giveaways for guests from eco friendly options to DIY and personalized keepsakes.💞

When my husband and I got married, we went to the courthouse and had a very small get together at a restaurant with close family and friends. For our 5 year vow renewal, we are making it a mission to have that dream wedding that every couple dreams of. This list shows everything that

These are all of the faves I've purchased for our 2026 wedding in Brazil!! Some of the items that ALMOST made the cut had to end up on this list too - they're too good to pass up!

I put this list together because planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and it helps to have all the little details in one place. These are the pieces that I think truly make a difference for a bride — from beauty and style to comfort and peace of mind. Some are practical must-haves, like an emergency kit or comfy shoes, while others are special luxuries, like bridal lingerie, jewelry, or a signature perfume, that make the day feel unforgettable. Altogether, this list reflects the mix of essentials and meaningful touches that help a bride feel prepared, beautiful, and fully present on her wedding day.

LOVE LOVE this trend of brooches as boutonnières for the groom and groomsmen. Did you notice them at the 2026 Oscars! They are budget friendly. Last forever (nice keepsake) And so much easier to attach to your suit than pinning on a flower-that gets crushed with every hug.

Wedding guest dresses that don’t break the bank (a lot from Amazon!). Higher quality and affordable options for every occasion because being a guest can be pricey!

This is your sign to plan the destination wedding you've been thinking about. I just planned my destination wedding and I'll be sharing all the tips I learned here.

Getting married soon? Check out my must haves from Amazon that I immediately added to our registry! These items are going to help us stay organized and will keep our counters clear for more cook prep.

Decor for your next shindig, bash or raising of the roof!

Take a look at everything I bring to a wedding as a wedding photographer. Wedding days require a lot of equipment and a lot of back up equipment. There are some fun things I like to use on a wedding day as well!

Wedding Day Lifesavers! (I used every single one)

Celebrate with our Happy Mother's Day Yellow Floral and Green Leaves collection, featuring customizable photo gifts and personalized stationery you can tailor with your own messages. To help you create a coordinated look, I’ve curated this set to include matching Tableware & Dining essentials, alongside beautiful recommendations like Sunflower Fields teapots and botanical bedding. Whether you are hosting a brunch or looking for a unique gift, these hand-picked floral designs offer everything you need for a memorable Mother's Day.

Giving gifts to loved ones is certainly a must to please them, it has become a tradition in all circles, giving gifts is usually done during birthday celebrations, anniversaries, wedding anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Christmas, New Year or at important events such as engagements, weddings, important family gatherings, here I recommend some gifts that are suitable according to the event so you don't need to be confused about what gift to give to your loved ones

Different options for Father’s Day gifts ! Google shows the same gifts constantly so these are out of the ordinary from that.

All things my wedding!!! No gate keeping when it comes to my wedding. I’ll show you my getting ready outfit, decor, and all things day of!

Guest attire you can wear again & again 🩷💍

Planning a wedding and drowning in mass-produced veils that all look the same stiff, shiny, costume-y mess? Same. I spent weeks scrolling through options that photographed beautifully but felt like craft-store tulle in person. This is the lineup of handmade veils that actually drape the way you picture in your head — soft, romantic, real. If you want that windswept bridal moment without fighting your veil all day, start here before your date creeps up.

If you’re planning a wedding on a budget. These are all the amazing finds that made my day custom and special. It’s all in the details.

Look, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings—some in vineyards, some in Vegas chapels, one in a barn that smelled faintly of hay and regret. And every single time, the same question pops up: “What on earth do I wear?” This isn’t some stiff, rule-heavy manual. It’s a friendly, no-BS roundup of dresses that actually work—whether you’re dealing with a “cocktail” invite that means nothing, a destination wedding in July, or your cousin’s ultra-formal church ceremony. Plus, real photos, real price ranges, and a gentle reminder: please, for the love of all things holy, skip the white.

Here are some of my favorite Southern California wedding cake options

A little buzz, a lot of love—this espresso martini-themed bridesmaid proposal is the perfect blend of glam and caffeine-fueled charm. With luxe neutrals, cheeky cocktail inspo, and that just-said-yes energy, it’s the ultimate way to pop the question in style.

The most adorable accessories for your bachelorette party, wedding day, or just everyday life in your bridal era

You can't go wrong shooting engagement photos in Maine, there are so many beautiful places. Here are some of my favorite spots to shoot couples!

Everything I’ve loved (or wish I’d had) for wedding season — whether you're planning your own, helping a friend, or just looking for inspo. From bachelorette party ideas and outfit finds to makeup, wedding day must-haves, and vendor recs, this list covers a little bit of everything. Most of it can work for anyone, but since I'm in Kansas City, the location-based ideas (like venues, vendors, and activities) are KC-inspired.

My essential wedding photography kit; bags, harnesses, lenses, backups, and an emergency kit! Everything I need to capture every moment with ease and confidence!💅🏼

If you’re as obsessed with TSITP as I am, you’re surely hosting a watch party at some point this season to celebrate (and grieve!!) the end of such an incredible series. This list has everything you need, from TSITP decor to favors for your besties. ps team Connie baby forever 🤪❤️

Fall weddings are so beautiful! Here are a few dresses I will be wearing this fall and other options as well!

wedding season is REAL. when everyone around you is getting married (i literally have like 15 weddings this year), these are the looks I’m actually wearing as a guest⭐ marked with a star ⭐ are budget friendly

There’s nothing like dark, moody colors for a gorgeous fall wedding. My wedding was in October and these were my favorite picks!

Planning a wedding on a budget felt like trying to fit champagne taste into a lemonade wallet — every Pinterest board mocked me. If you're engaged, staring at venue quotes, and quietly panicking about how to make it all look expensive without a second mortgage, this is the exact lineup I used. Took me five months of trial-and-error so you can skip straight to the good stuff.

Vibrant theme for July/summer bridal showers with a patriotic twist. I Do BBQ, Let Freedom Ring, She's a Firecracker, etc. USA military and patriotic holidays.

This playful theme is all about celebrating her new “engaged” status with fun market touches like a flower bar. Think chic signage, soft neutrals, and a mix of rustic touches that make the whole shower feel lighthearted, stylish, and totally memorable.

Planning a birthday or wedding and staring at generic plastic cake decorations that scream ‘I grabbed this at the grocery store ten minutes ago’? Same. I spent way too long settling for toppers that looked nothing like us until I finally tracked down ones that actually felt personal. If you're the type who puts real effort into celebrations but keeps getting stuck on the cake detail — this saves you the three-hour rabbit hole I went down.

Planning your bridesmaid proposals or bachelorette? Start here! Consider this your quick guide to the all-in-one bachelorette gift bag or the perfect starting point for your bridesmaid ask plans.

Your partner deserves nothing bur the best. Adorable gifts from Etsy for your partner for any occasion. Etsy is an amazing place for handmade and personalized gifts. I want to show you some of my favorites. Here are a few recommendations!

Looking for the best dress to wear to a wedding? I spent months scouring the internet looking for dresses for my nephew's wedding this spring for both my daughter and myself. There are so many options out there so this list is some of our favorites we saved. Hope you enjoy them too! #ad This list contains affiliate links.

Being a bride is such a short, sweet season, so soak it up with all the fun finds! This is your one-stop list for all things bridal! Here is your curated list of bridal essentials and extras like dresses, shoes, prep favorites, and all the little things that make being a bride so special.

Planning a wedding on a budget is stressful enough without dropping $40 per bridesmaid box from some overpriced subscription service. I had six bridesmaids and about $60 total to work with, so I figured out how to DIY proposal boxes that looked like I spent way more. Every single one of them teared up — and two full-on ugly cried. If you're engaged and trying not to go broke before the wedding even starts, steal this whole lineup before prices creep up for wedding season.

Quinceanera invitations can get really repetitive as far as the designs go…I've been making some and I'm going to be adding some that don't follow the “normal” design themes, but are a little more sophisticated. I'll add more here as I get to them, and I've also added some that I've found on other sites.

As someone who is recently engaged, I have included everything bridal for a photoshoot, bridal shower, or the big day!

Weddings are expensive! My fiancé and I could not find what we wanted that wouldn’t break the bank, so we decided to make our own, budget-friendly wedding decor! Don’t let yourself get too stressed. This is a beautiful time in life. Enjoy the process and allow it to bring you closer to your partner.

As a wedding planner, this is what is in my wedding day emergency kit! Anything you can think of, it's in this list!

After all the work of planning the wedding, there's also gifts for others to consider. There are some ideas I used to thank my girls and parents for being a special part of my day.

Staring at a blank notebook two months before your wedding, wondering why you can write a 500-word Yelp review but not three paragraphs for the love of your life — yeah, that was me. This list is for the engaged person who keeps pushing vow writing to next weekend. Everything here helped me get words on paper, from guided journals to the pen that made it feel real. Don't wait until the week before like my cousin did.

My favorite decor, clothing and accessories for bachelorette parties! I'll be throwing a mini bach party in Palm Springs with a full bachelorette party next year!

As a 2025 bride, I decided to add my recommendations for decor for my bridal shower and wedding that I have ordered and will be ordering especially for some brides on budget!

To keep your linen signs displayed beautifully and securely you need the right stand! We have listed our recommendations below according to the sign size. All can be found on Amazon.

Discover a curated collection of bridal gowns that blend timeless elegance with modern chic style — all without breaking the budget. From romantic lace silhouettes to sleek minimalist designs, this board features trendy, unique, and affordable wedding dresses for every bride-to-be. Whether you’re dreaming of boho vibes, classic glamour, or fashion-forward details, you’ll find stunning inspiration and budget-friendly bridal looks that feel luxurious at every price point. Perfect for brides searching for stylish wedding gowns, affordable bridal fashion, and chic wedding dress ideas that stand out beautifully.

Here's some of our favorite wedding venues in the Tampa Bay Area!

This “He Popped the Question” bachelorette theme is all about bubbly energy, flirty fun, and that unmistakable soda‑girly aesthetic. Think silver accents, heart‑popping details, and a whole lot of fizzy charm inspired by the bride’s favorite drink.. It’s sweet, sparkly, and perfectly on‑theme for a crew that loves a little carbonation with their celebration. From decor to bach bags to outfits, every detail is designed to feel refreshing, playful, and totally bride‑approved.

I have had the joy and honor to officiate hundreds of interfaith Jewish/Christian ceremonies and this is my curated list of elements you may need for your ceremony!

I’ve picked out the most affordable bride jewelry options that don’t sacrifice style! From stunning earrings to elegant necklaces, these pieces are perfect for brides who want to look gorgeous without breaking the bank. Check out these budget-friendly bridal jewelry ideas for your big day!

Set up the perfect candy bar table for your baby shower, birthday or wedding!

Summer is here and I am adding all of my dream coastal European wedding guest dresses to this list! Think chic and effortless elegance that will have everyone asking you,"where'd you find that dress?"

One thing that our couples are always looking for are great Rehearsal Dinner Venues. Here is a list of some of the best in Charlotte, sectioned out by area!

A laid-back girls trip theme with a mix of western touches and winery weekend vibes. Think boots, wine tastings, neutral tones, pops of red, and simple decor that feels fun without trying too hard. It’s the perfect balance of cozy, playful, and easy to pull together for a bachelorette weekend with the girls.

A curated list of decor, activites, favors and bridal gifts for your Veuve before Vows // Last Rendez Veuve themed bachelorette party. From champagne glasses to Veuve-themed ballon decor to Prosecco Pong, this list will make party planning a breeze! Whether you're looking to host a more luxury party or are planning on a budget, there's recommendations for everyone.

Celebrate your 2026 graduate in style with this curated list of must-have graduation party supplies, perfect for creating a memorable and Instagram-worthy event. From trendy decorations and personalized grad banners to tableware, party favors, and photo booth props, these 2026 graduation essentials make party planning easy and stress-free. Whether you're hosting a backyard bash or an elegant celebration, these graduation party ideas will help you honor your senior’s big achievement in unforgettable fashion. #ad As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commissions for qualifing purchases. #ClassOf2026 #GraduationPartyIdeas #GradPartyDecor #2026Grad #SeniorCelebration

Sharing some of my favorite wedding pieces for the bride that won’t break the bank. I love classic wedding designs that can stand the test of time - but also feel individualized. These are some dresses, accessories and products that I’d pic if I was to get married (again) this year 😆

My fiancé is going on his bachelor trip this weekend so I packed them all “adult” goodie bags as my way of saying thank you for attending. Think hangover kit meets mans needs and hobbies.

From a bow-themed birthday party to a “She's Tying the Knot” bachelorette party, here's a roundup of the best the bow-themed decor and party favors!

What I have added to my personal wedding registry! We have already lived together for almost 5 years so it was a little tricky to start this. Hope this can help you ⛪️💍

Spent three hours pinning wedding backdrop ideas only to realize half of them were discontinued and the other half looked cheap in person. If you're drowning in Pinterest inspo but can't find anything that actually photographs well without costing five figures, this is the list I built after way too much trial and error — save yourself the headache before your date locks in.

As a Swiftie it's fun to imagine what her wedding would look like so this list includes her wedding dress, his suit, venue, cake, decor, bridesmaids dresses, and everything in between!!

Planning a wedding with 150 guests and a paper seating chart taped to my fridge was a disaster waiting to happen — I moved Aunt Linda six times before I even picked the font. If you're deep in reception planning and the table assignments are making you question everything, these place cards actually made the whole process feel manageable. Grabbed most of these months before the wedding so I wasn't panic-ordering at 2am the week before.

These 20 1 year anniversary gift ideas for him mix small, thoughtful add-ons with real upgrades to the things he carries, wears, and uses every single day, so the first paper anniversary feels like more than a card. I built this one after watching my own husband wear through three wallets before I finally bought him one meant to last, so every pick here had to earn its spot the same way mine did. From a $17 tin of tea to the one splurge he will actually brag about, there is something here no matter what your first year together looked like. Tell me in the comments which one you ended up wrapping.

Planning a teen birthday party and want it to be fun, aesthetic, and on point? This list has everything you need to throw the best teen birthday ever — from stylish decor and dessert ideas to party favors, outfit inspiration, and entertainment. I've pulled top finds from Amazon and Etsy, so everything is easy to shop and teen-approved. Whether you're planning a relaxed hangout or a full-on celebration, these must-haves will help you set the vibe and make it a party to remember.

Finding a wedding gift that doesn't end up in a closet is weirdly stressful — especially when every couple already has a blender and matching towels. If you're the person standing in a store thirty minutes before the reception panicking, this is every personalized Mr and Mrs gift I've given that made someone tear up, laugh, or immediately post on Instagram. Took me about eight weddings to nail this list so you don't have to waste the money I did.

Gift ideas for the bride in your life for her engagement, bachelorette party, bridal shower or just because!

Wedding registry finds I truly love 🤍 From cozy everyday essentials to elevated hosting staples—these are pieces meant to last long after the vows and into real life together.

Celebrate another fabulous year with Aging Like Fine Wine birthday party ideas—featuring chic outfit inspo, wine-themed decor, classy cake toppers, balloons, table settings, and photo-worthy party details. This board is packed with elegant, trendy finds for milestone birthdays, girls’ night celebrations, and luxe wine-inspired parties. Perfect for women who want a stylish, Instagram-worthy birthday aesthetic that feels classy, fun, and confident.

Planning a wedding look sounds fun until you're drowning in Pinterest boards at 2am, nothing matches, and your mom keeps texting you links to things you'd never wear. If you're the bride who has a vision but can't find the actual pieces to make it real — I burned through months of stress so you can skip straight to the good stuff.

Long distance relationships are HARD and take some creativity. These little things can help you and your love feel more together, even while you're apart. Here's your encouragement to keep putting in effort and keep loving when it's hard! ❤️

Need help with finding the perfect wedding guest dress based off the wedding type. I am talking that garden/outdoor, beach wedding. formal/black tie wedding, city modern wedding. I got you!

The 10th anniversary is traditionally tin/aluminium (strong, flexible, built to last) — so these ideas either use those materials or nod to the theme in a fun, modern way.

I was a 2023 Bride and I got so many sweet gifts and gave a lot of gifts. Here are some of the gifts I received, would have liked to received, or have actually given, that I would recommend. From personalized keepsakes to luxe essentials, these gifts are sure to make any bride-to-be or bridal party member feel loved and celebrated! From the bride to the groom. From the mother of the bride to the Father of the Bride. From the ring bearer to the officiant and everyone in between!

As a September 2024 bride these are the gifts I gave to my bridesmaids and tbh… I think I killed it! I know it may look pricey but I’m telling you… START SAVING NOW! I was able to slowly save up for over a year to #1 be able to afford this #2 not have to touch my wedding budget for these gifts!! If I can afford it so can you!!

Bridal showers cluster in the weeks before a wedding, which is exactly when a bride-to-be is running on caffeine and checklists. Build her a self-care gift basket around three moments: the getting-ready morning, the late-night wind-down, and the first week of married life. Everything here comes from Ulta, Sephora or Anthropologie and most picks land between $10 and $60, so you can mix a splurge with a few small extras.

This is a list of everything I used/had at my wedding in the fall of 2024! I DIY'd a lot of things, had wood sola flowers, had a very small guest list to make it feel cozy & more manageable to talk to everyone, and I made most of the signs with Canva!!

With Valentine's Day next weekend, I have curated some last-minute valentine's gifts for your significant other. Whether he's a new beau or a husband, you will find something for him here. My list includes personalizable gifts too!

Here are some of my favourite picks for this wedding season! The perfect transitional dresses for a late summer or early fall wedding

Because they’re family too. This collection includes must-have essentials to make your dog’s role in your wedding day effortless and picture-perfect — from elegant accessories and ceremony-ready outfits to comfort must-haves and smart gear for the big day.

Items you must have on your bridal registry. I like items that are multi-functional and appeal to many different tastes.

p.s. save this list if you like it because i'll be updating it occasionally with new dresses! let's face it, these sites have hundreds and hundreds of pages of clothing, and it's a nightmare to sift through. but i stand by the fact that you don't need to be spending hundreds of dollars on a dress, AND that you don't need to be wearing the same (plain) dresses as other people. i've searched through hundreds of dresses to find ones that are $100 and unique. both are also they're typically fairly quick and have a great easy return policy so i can order a bunch to try on and return.

As someome who has attended at least 5-6 weddings a year for the past few years, here is the current in my clost list of recommendations. It's been so hard to find a balance in your 30s on what your style is! Im a lulu's girly, what can I say.

Everything I bought and used to plan my best friend's Camp Bachelorette themed weekend which had a few little naughty touches to it! This was great for a girl's weekend in the woods!