Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Read on for Kira and Noel’s intimate DIY outdoor minimony in Maryland.

How did and you and your fiancée meet? How did you know she was the one?

We met in Portland, OR on the Lewis & Clark College campus at orientation for a program we both applied to in 2014. I had just gotten my degree in Food and Nutrition from San Diego State and Noel had recently graduated from a Master Gardener program in Baltimore. A match made in food heaven! Really, I felt the spark from the moment I saw Noel…it took her a little longer but she finally got on board!

Tell us your proposal story!

Since Noel is into photography and I am often her model, I did not think anything of the fact that we were meeting with our friend and professional photographer Margarita at the park to take some shots. Halfway through, Noel realized she “forgot her shoes” in the car and we agreed to link back up at the pagoda at the top of the park. Noel had lined the path leading to the pagoda with twinkling lights and proposed at sunset exactly 5 years from the first day we met. She set up a speaker and played Best Part by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar while she got down on one knee. That ended up being the song for our first dance!

How did you decide on your wedding day look?

All I knew is that I wanted something lacy and form-fitting. Once I found my dress, it was easier to figure out the smaller details like the veil, shoes, hairstyle, etc.!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

My advice about shopping and just wedding things generally, is to do you! I know it sounds cliché but truly make the day about you and your future spouse. I think there are many, many things we feel pressured to do because of tradition, family, culture, and so on. Try to focus on what would spark joy for you and your partner. And, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box!

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I don’t dress up too often so I just really loved getting fancy for such a special day!

How did you feel when you knew that you #FoundtheOne?

I am not much of a shopper so I was thrilled to find my dress on the first day I spent looking. It was such a relief to be able to check that off the list! I loved that David’s Bridal had a wide variety of dresses so I could try on a few in one go!

Tell us about your wedding day!

We got married at a nature reserve and my amazing wife embraced the idea of compromising, so we were able to have the ceremony and a brunch style soiree (she is not a morning nor breakfast person!) outside on the deck. We streamed the ceremony so our friends and family from afar could join and our officiant was Noel’s best friend! It is fitting that she included our community in the ceremony asking them to surround us in love and support because the community made the day such a success!

Our amazing florist allowed us to rent our flowers so we could stay within budget. And my friends from back home (that I lovingly nicknamed the pit crew) ran around town crossing T’s and dotting I’s to make the day a success. Our dope neighbor/friend/artist Dave made an entire three-panel plywood backdrop for the ceremony from scratch as a wedding gift and our families put in work on the weekends to help us finish the many DIY projects we started. It was such a beautiful experience to witness everyone coming together in the name of love. It was the biggest project that Noel and I have worked on together and I am still so overjoyed about the day.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

My absolute favorite part was the ceremony, looking into each other’s eyes as we said our vows but a close second would be dancing in the rain (it started to drizzle during the reception). But third, can we talk about the food? We had Milk & Honey, a Black-owned restaurant cater a brunch style menu – shrimp & grits, berries, and cream French toast, cheesy hash browns, bacon and mimosas. Perfection!

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Noel jokingly sometimes says ‘fee fi fo fum’ as I’m walking through the house because I have a heavy step. You always know I’m coming before I get there. Desiree reminded me to walk slow on my way to the alter, but you better believe I stomped right up there in about 5 seconds flat!

Did you have to make any changes to your wedding plans because of Covid?

Once we realized our wedding was in limbo, it was hard to move forward without understanding the changes we’d need to make. Ultimately, we dropped the attendee list and budget down dramatically and opted to have our ceremony and reception outdoors. Though it was stressful, it was actually for the better – we decided to put our savings into buying a house before the wedding so we’re able to make it work with a smaller event.

What flavor was your wedding cake?

Vanilla birthday cake with cream cheese frosting!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

Planning the wedding was truly a labor of love, as both Noel and I are creatives with distinctly different styles. Once we started collaborating, we came up with a fun, colorful vibe and my favorite parts were the signage we designed & created using acrylic sheets and paint to match our palette, the stationary for our invitations, details cards, etc. and the custom wine labels for our favors.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Lean into your natural talents – if you are a planner, dive into that! And, if you aren’t, don’t force it. Look to your network for support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I’m still working on that but our community fully and completely showed up for us and for that we are eternally grateful!

MORE DETAILS:

Date: October 16, 2020

Location: Howard County Conservatory

Dress Style: Plunging Illusion Bodice Lace Dress

Photographer: Margarita Photography

Love this DIY Outdoor Minimony in Maryland? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

The post Real Wedding: Kira & Noel appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

In the middle of planning your minimony, but still need a dress? We’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up a few of our all time favorite casual bridal styles to help inspire your shopping. Keep reading for some of our best effortless wedding dresses for your upcoming micro wedding or elopement, and see why real brides just like you fell in love with these too!

Flutter Sleeve Stretch Satin Dress with Ruffle Hem – Style SDWG0825, $159.95

Say ‘Yes’ to this trendy, satin faux wrap style dress! Delicate details such as the flutter sleeves, faux wrap bodice and cascading ruffle give this dress a bohemian vibe. The effortless design is the perfect complement to your laid back wedding plans

What brides are saying…

“I said yes to this dress and am so happy I did! It’s super cute and comfy. It’s very simple, yet classy and elegant, and extremely affordable!” – Nicole

“I purchased this dress when planning my micro-wedding online. Only ordered one dress, only tried on one Dress. I either got really, really lucky, or this dress is that awesome!” – Stacy

“I just felt absolutely beautiful in it. It was a dream. It has a bit of 70s style to it which I lived for, and it flows gorgeously at the bottom when you walk. I wanted to dress it up so I paired it with a veil and belt. Can’t recommend enough for any bride- backyard wedding or not!” – Jess

Scalloped V-Neck Corded Lace Bodice A-Line Dress – Style SDWG0801, $169.95

Perfect for a beach or courthouse wedding, this simple and effortless A-line dress is a must-have for all our casual brides! Romantic lace covers the bodice and delicate spaghetti straps, while a flowy chiffon skirts creates beautiful movement as you walk down the aisle. A sweet grosgrain sash defines the waist and completes this easy-to-wear bridal style!

What brides are saying…

“I had a simple courthouse wedding (COVID wedding) and this dress was perfect. It was so elegant, form fitting and flattering. It was an absolutely beautiful dress!” – Elizabeth

“I loved how sweet, romantic and modest it looked. I wore a cathedral veil to add some extra drama during the church ceremony.” –  Breanne

“I absolutely adore this dress. I’m having an outdoor wedding and this dress is perfect. Lightweight and not to bedazzled for a country girl like myself!” – Alle

Off-the-Shoulder Long Sleeve Lace Draped Gown – Style 184213DB, $199.95

Chic & comfortable? Yes, please! This off-the-shoulder dress is ideal for an intimate minimony or elopement. The figure flattering jersey sheath dress features a sequin detailed bodice and gorgeous lace sleeves. For a customizable look, wear this style as a boatneck or fully off-the-shoulders for a modern bridal style.

What brides are saying…

“I fell in love with the dress when I first saw it on the David’s Bridal website. When I went in looking at dresses and saw this dress, I knew that it was my dress. It was everything I had imagined and cannot wait to wear it on my wedding day! Best purchase ever!” – Mpandabear1

“I absolutely love this dress. It is simple yet elegant at the same time. I paired it with a belt and gave it a little extra bling!” – Krystal

“This dress was so comfortable! I danced the entire evening in it! LOVE IT!” –  Trish

Scalloped One-Shoulder Lace Sheath Gown – Style 183668DB, $199.95

A one-shoulder neckline with a scalloped trim adds a modern take on this classic silhouette. The allover lace fabric has hints of shimmering glitter throughout for some subtle sparkle. This gown is perfect for your upcoming backyard nuptials!

What brides are saying…

“My wedding dress was everything plus more. Not only was it a beauty but the comfort of the dress made it even more of a pleasure to wear all night. I love it!” – Tasha

“My husband and I had a very small and intimate summer wedding! This was the perfect gown for our special day! I received many compliments on my dress!” – Samantha

“This dress is incredible…shimmery, stretchy, flattering and a bit edgy. I would have never thought I would consider a one shoulder wedding dress, but I am so glad Shelby (my stylist) picked this winner!” – Tlwallace

Cuffed Off-the-Shoulder Lace Sheath Gown with Slit – Style DB1531, $259.95

Sleek and sophisticated, this gorgeous lace sheath dress is a stunning option for your low-key wedding. A cuffed, off-the-shoulder neckline creates a figure flattering fit, and a slit skirt adds a trendy detail. Our favorite part? The simplistic design of this dress makes it perfect for you to accessorizing with all your favorite finishing touches!

What brides are saying…

“I never gave this a second look online but once I put it on in store I completely fell in love. I felt like this dress was super classy for our courthouse elopement and my husband was smitten with that slit in the front!” –  Bwschneider

 “I was in the market for a simple yet classy style dress, since I got married during the pandemic in a very small and intimate ceremony. And this one was perfect, I added the belt to give it a little “pop”. Overall, happy with the style and comfort of the dress.” – Lezah

“This dress is stunning! There isn’t a single thing about this dress that I don’t love. It is sexy yet elegant. Very comfortable you don’t have to worry about the shoulders slipping. I was just amazed with this dress.” – Ellie

Chiffon Wedding Dress with Strapless Ruched Bodice – Style INT15555, $159.95

Dreamy layers of soft chiffon make this ultra-romantic dress an all time favorite! The simple A-line silhouette and sweetheart neckline gives you that classic bridal look with a casual twist. The lightweight fabric of this gown make it ideal for your outdoor or beach micro wedding. Elevate your bridal look by adding a crystal embellished sash for that extra sparkle!

What brides are saying…

“This was the perfect dress for me! I loved how flowy the dress was and it was perfect for my cruise wedding. It was a dream to travel with, had no wrinkles and it was easy to transport due to how lightweight it was. It was perfect for outside photos. With it being such a amazing price, I was able to accessorize it a little more.” – GBooth  

“I have had my eye on this dress for a couple months before I even had my appointment at David’s Bridal. I walked in and showed my stylist the dress, she sized me, picked my size and I tried it on and was in love immediately! Such a perfect dress for my simple beach wedding!” – Macysaunders

With these looks and so much more at David’s Bridal, your search for casual and effortless wedding dresses is over! Book your appointment to see these gowns and more customer favorite wedding dresses in person at your local David’s Bridal! Plus, explore more effortless wedding dresses online! Are you a past DB bride and want to share your gown story? Leave a review and upload your photos at davidsbridal.com!

Featured photo by: @anniecrawford__

The post Casual & Effortless Wedding Dresses You’ll Love appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Tiffani and Alex postponed their big wedding for next year but still wanted to make things official. Read on for their lowkey micro-wedding in Indiana.

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

We met at a Halloween party in college in 2015! I never dated many guys growing up because I am so picky and a hopeless romantic. I was ready to date him not even a week after we met and that’s really how I knew he was the one.

Tell us your proposal story!

We love to travel together and planned a trip to Dallas, TX. I had told him If we were going to be that close to Magnolia that I wanted to make a day of that and so we did. He proposed in Waco, TX on a bridge!

How did you decide on your wedding day look?

I’ve always wanted sleeves, so that was a must for me! And since I’m still saving my original dress for a larger celebration later this year, I wanted something very different than that!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to cry or feel like you just know right away that that’s “the one” but don’t put that pressure on yourself. Just have fun and acknowledge things you love about each dress and how it makes you feel about yourself.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I’d say the train or lace detailing!

Tell us about your wedding day!

It was stress-free and intimate. We got to spend more time taking photos + more time talking to family than we will probably get at our bigger wedding and reception.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

I would say, reading vows. We decided last minute to do this. I always think it’s so sweet when people do but never wanted to do it in front of 250+ people, as I knew I’d be nervous and wouldn’t make it through. However, when we had to postpone our bigger wedding we decided to do it. Still didn’t make it through without crying but it was super sweet.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Everything went pretty perfectly, at least that I was aware of! But if anything, I’d say crying during my vows. I made it one sentence in…not sure if everyone made out what I was saying after that. HAHA

Did you have to make any changes to your wedding plans because of Covid?

Because of COVID, we are actually having our big wedding on New Year’s of next year! So, we just had 25 of our family members and had a small ceremony and a little dinner! I got a new dress, we chose a different venue, and cut our guest list to 25 people!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

My grandmother was one of my favorite people ever and she passed 1.5 years ago. She had a blue ring and I tied it to my bouquet as my “something blue” and something to remind me that she was there with me. She loved Alex!

What did you do to stay stress-free on your wedding day?

It was very hard to do considering the circumstances, but I kept reminding myself that it was out of our control and we would still have a beautiful day surrounded by loved ones and that’s what REALLY matters. Also, that we are really getting the best of both worlds getting two weddings.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Know that some things may not go as planned but you will probably be the only one to know that so don’t stress the small stuff!

More Details:

Date: November 6th, 2020

Location : Red Barn Acres (Fremont, IN)

Dress Style: Floral Lace Long-Sleeve Dress

Photographer: Haley Macciomei Photography

Love this intimate rustic micro-wedding in Indiana? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

The post Real Wedding: Tiffani & Alex appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Baylie and Brady were high-school sweethearts and tied the knot in an intimate cottage mini-wedding in their home state of Georgia. Read on for more of their cottage mini-wedding in Athens!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one?

Brady and I met in middle school actually. I definitely had a crush on him, but we just remained friends. That changed our sophomore year in high school when we started hanging out more, and then the rest is history! He’s my high school sweetheart!

Tell us your proposal story!

Brady loves grand gestures, so he always said he wanted to propose when I least expected it. In August of 2019, we went to Daytona, Fl with my family like we do every year. Because getting engaged at the beach with my family seemed expected, that’s when I least expected it. I even made jokes the whole time about trolling social media with a “fake proposal” picture that had a funny caption indicating that it definitely wasn’t a proposal. This year in particular, we decided to climb a lighthouse there, something we’ve always said we wanted to do. As I was posing for the fake proposal photo, Brady whipped out an actual ring and said “how’s this for a fake proposal?”. I was so unexpected because it was too expected, which he later told me was his plan all along.

How did you decide on your wedding day look?

I have a wide range of tastes when it comes to style, so I never had one dress I envisioned wearing. All I knew is that I wanted something unique but still timeless, and something more boho and modern as opposed to traditional. David’s Bridal was the first and only place I looked at dresses!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Definitely have some dresses or styles in mind before going shopping, but don’t be so set on one in particular. Having a basis to start with helps you to narrow down what you love and eliminate what you found to not work. Having your heart set on one thing may lead to disappointment, and not having any clue may make your shopping experience stressful and leave you overwhelmed. It’s all about finding that balance with some sort of direction to start in.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I absolutely LOVED the sleeves on my dress and the off-the-shoulder style that felt sexy and classy. Besides the dress, my favorite things were my shoes. Our wedding was outdoors in a terraced garden, so I needed to be sure that my shoes would work on the terrain. They were essentially tan, leather, heeled booties!

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

The dress I found wasn’t one I ever saw online. The amazing stylist at my David’s Bridal store pulled it for me after our consultation because she thought it would suit my style. Before I even had it fully zipped up, I was in love. It felt so “me” and I couldn’t imagine wearing anything else on my wedding day. I was actually 4 weeks postpartum when I went dress shopping, so having that dress on made me feel so beautiful and confident in a time when I was vulnerable.

Tell us about your wedding day!

Both of us always wanted a very intimate ceremony that was more about the marriage itself than the wedding. We wanted a fun, non-traditional, celebration of our love that would reflect our relationship. So, we chose to have the day with 20 people in an outdoor garden at a small cottage in our hometown of Athens, Georgia. We were surrounded by so much love and celebrated with our favorite pizza and delicious desserts afterward while gathered around a fire. It was purely magical. So dreamy!

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

Because our day was so simple and raw, I feel like we got to actually enjoy it and are able to remember it more than just the usual big blur of a wedding day that goes by so quickly. The part that really stands out was having our family and friends surrounding us in a semi-circle during our ceremony. Our officiant had us look around at the congregation a couple of times to see everyone there supporting us. It felt so intimate and we felt so much love.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Oh yes – something funny and something stressful. We almost didn’t have flowers because our florist forgot to deliver them. Once the setup time we discussed passed and they still weren’t there, my sister called and they promptly came. She was a lifesaver and saved me from the stress of handling it. All was well and the flowers we set up JUST before guests started arriving. The funniest thing that happened was a surprise appearance of a bird flying around during the ceremony. I was in the middle of reading my vows to Brady when a bird flew past our officiant and right between us. I didn’t find out until afterward because I was so focused on Brady when it happened that I totally missed it. I’m actually bummed that we never caught it in a photo.

Did you have to make any changes to your wedding plans because of Covid?

The only thing we changed was the location. Originally, we were going to get married in Savannah, Georgia, but ultimately decided that it would be best not to have to travel, so we changed it to our hometown of Athens, Georgia. We always planned for it to be an intimate day and outdoors, so luckily everything else could remain as planned. We did always have in mind that we would have a casual “reception” at a later date so we could celebrate with everyone who wasn’t there, so we’re just planning to do that whenever we feel it is safe and responsible to do so.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

My favorite was the boutonniere I had made for my husband. I had our florist include a bead that was given to my husband’s grandpa after his grandma passed in 2018. The bead was made out of dried and pressed rose petals from his grandma’s funeral, so it is so special. Brady was able to hold his Gram close and know she was with him on this big day.

What did you do to stay stress-free on your wedding day?

So, we actually took a more non-traditional route for the day, and Brady and I spent the entire morning together. We went to breakfast at Waffle House like we always did the mornings before our dances together in high school. We also got some cozy and intimate photos in our pajamas before getting in our wedding attire. Having him there with me just eased any stress I was feeling and really allowed us to focus on each other, which was what the whole day was supposed to be about!

What’s your best wedding planning advice? And what advice do you have for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

I would say do what feels right. If you want to take your time to plan an elaborate wedding that you’ve always wanted, then absolutely do it. Or if you want to go a more budget-friendly route and use the money you’d spend on a wedding to go towards a home or a honeymoon, then do it. There are so many different directions that you can take for a wedding, and none are better or worse than another. It’s so easy to get caught up in what social media and Pinterest say a wedding should be like, but just do what makes you happy and is within your means.

Also, figure out what things and traditions are important to you to incorporate. Don’t let people pressure you or make you feel bad about your choices of anything. Be as traditional or non-traditional as YOU like. The most important part of the wedding is the union it is creating and everything else is just minor details. No matter the size, weddings and wedding planning are stressful. Just know that something may not go as planned, and that is OKAY. Just remember what the day is about and let that be all that matters to you.

PS. You may think you won’t have to tell guests to keep their phones away during the ceremony… but you absolutely do. I made the mistake of assuming people knew!

Any other wedding moments you want to share?

Our story is a little unique in the fact that we found out we were pregnant just two weeks after getting engaged. It was so special that we got to have our daughter, who was six months old at the time, be a part of our day. Brady carried her down the aisle and gave her to my dad as my dad gave me to Brady. We got to celebrate our union as a couple and as a family that day!

More Details:

Date: November 6th, 2020

Location : Athens, GA

Dress Style: Floral Lace Long-Sleeve Dress

Photographer: Karen Norian Photography

Love this intimate cottage mini-wedding in Athens? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

The post Real Wedding: Baylie & Brady appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Can you plan a wedding in 6 months? Absolutely! The shorter timeline simply means prioritizing important decisions and focusing on what matters most to the two of you. Whether you’re planning a traditional size wedding, a micro wedding, minimony, or an elopement with a celebration afterwards, we’re here to help! Read on for how to plan a wedding in 6 months or less!

Be Flexible

If you’re not tied to a particular month or season, you can snap up a venue’s next open day, whenever that is. You might even get a discount since it’s often harder for places to fill their calendars as a date approaches. There are perks to weekday weddings too, so don’t be afraid of Monday-Friday either (just be sure to give your guests as much notice as possible).

Stay Organized with Digital Wedding Planning Tools

Being organized is one of the best ways to stay stress-free with planning and if you are hoping to pull off a wedding in under 6 months you are going to need some help. Start using digital wedding tools to help you establish your wedding checklist, wedding website, craft a wedding vision board and more. Head over to Pearl by David’s for everything you need to plan the perfect wedding day.

Create A Budget

No matter the size of a wedding or how long you have to plan the event, a budget is always needed. Crafting a wedding budget early on in the planning process makes it easy to start looking at venues and contracting with vendors. When planning a wedding in 6 months or less locking in the wedding budget should be a top priority. Sit down with your partner and decide on what the budget for the wedding is and who will be contributing to the event.

Find A Venue

Finding a venue to say “I do” can be a challenge for couples especially if you are planning a wedding on a tight timeline. As soon as you have set a wedding budget and have an idea of a date you should start your search for a wedding venue. When trying to plan a wedding in under 6 months you should make sure to keep your options open and be willing to look at different style wedding venues and even check out non-traditional venues which can be a great option.

Hire A Coordinator

Weddings are a big event to plan and if you are looking to tie the knot in under 6 months you are going to need as much help as you can get. Hiring a coordinator can be a great way to pull all of the pieces together and take some of the stress off. Many couples think a coordinator or wedding planner is going to be out of their budget but it might be worth the investment.

Think Small

For an especially short timeline, like 30 days, consider limiting your guest list to simplify the preparations. One way to do this: Celebrate the main event with immediate family and host a larger party after the wedding. See our tips for planning a small wedding

We only had 5 months to plan and at most places, it takes up to 6 months to get a wedding dress. Mine only took about 2 weeks to come in!

Jacqueline, Knoxville, Tennessee

Go All-Inclusive

An event space that’s all-inclusive can make your life a lot easier since you won’t have to find separate venues for the ceremony and reception or enlist outside vendors to take care of the food and drinks. Hotels tend to have a range of options available to fit your guest count.

Spread the Word

As soon as you have a venue and a date, share the details with your guests so they can clear their calendars! If you are working on a tight timeline of 6 months or less you can’t delay sharing the information with the important people you want to be present on your day. Sending out save the date cards should happen as soon as you have locked in your date and location followed by invitations which should be sent out 8-10 weeks before the actual wedding day.

Don’t Delay Dress Shopping

For the biggest selection, try on wedding dresses as early as you can so your stylist can help you #findtheone that will be ready in time for your big day! Certain styles are only available by special order, while there are others are ready-to-ship and arrive in days. Grab your bridesmaids, special friends and family and make your bridal appointment !

I came to David’s Bridal with my 3 bridesmaids and my mother looking for my dress, and we found my dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, flower girl dresses, and dress for my mom. All in one day. It made the rest of the planning so fun.

Mandy, Corinth, Texas

Decide On Your Bridal Party

If you are planning on having a bridal whether it is small or big you will need to establish who will be with you on the big day. Decide who you will ask to be in your bridal party with your partner and ask those special people as soon as you can – you will want to make sure they are available!

Get Your Marriage License

You will need to do a little research depending on where you are planning to get married but no matter where you are getting married you will need to get a marriage license before you can say “I do”. Different states have different rules when it comes to how long before your wedding day you need to file for a marriage license so make sure you do your research, especially when working on a short timeline.

Make an Easy Getaway

You have enough big-day details to decide, so think about an all-inclusive resort for your honeymoon. You can also postpone your travel plans for a few months if you need more time to figure out where you want to go!

Whether you’re looking for how to plan a wedding in 6 months or are planning on a longer timeline, we’re here to help! Ready to start your wedding planning journey? Use our free online wedding toolkit to help you plan and stay organized for your special day. Book an appointment at your local David’s Bridal or shop online to find the perfect dress for your upcoming wedding!

Featured image uploaded to David’s Bridal by Nakisa

The post How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months–Or Less! appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Thinking about a smaller, more intimate wedding but not sure where to start? Minimony, micro wedding, or elopement, no matter what you call it, we know not everyone wants their big day to be a grand soiree for 300, and we’re here to help! We asked Pearlice Diggs, founder of P3 Weddings & Events in Atlanta, to share her best small wedding ideas.

1. Limit your guest list

“Guest count is everything,” says Diggs, because it determines the amount of invitations, tables, centerpieces, food, and other related expenses. “Make sure the people you’re inviting are the ones you have a close connection with. Think about who has been a part of your journey, both as individuals and as a couple.”

2. Change up the calendar

With fewer people’s schedules to work around, you might try tying the knot on a day other than Saturday, the day that books up the quickest. “You can get a better deal if you go with another day of the week,” Diggs says.

3. Choose a multipurpose venue

For a logistically simple wedding, “pick a space where you can host both the ceremony and the reception,” says Diggs. “It’s convenient, and you’re saving money by not shuttling guests all over the city.”

4. Repurpose flowers and decor

Another plus of hosting the whole day in one location: You can easily reuse ceremony flowers and decorations at the reception. “Use altar arrangements at the head table, and place bridal attendants’ bouquets in vases for centerpieces so you’re not paying twice,” says Diggs. “It’s economical!”

5. Splurge on what matters

Hosting a smaller wedding lets you direct more funds to high-priority elements, like a good photographer, that special dress, or even your honeymoon. “Put your money to the items that mean the most to you,” suggests Diggs.

If things start to get out of control, keep in mind that “with a smaller event, you get to see snapshots of the couple’s personality,” says Diggs. “It really keeps the focus on the bride and groom.” Friends and family who come to celebrate also get more attention. The planner recalls one pair she worked with who had more than 200 guests: “To this day, they don’t remember everybody who was there!”

Feeling inspired by these small wedding ideas? Get started today by shopping in-store or online at davidsbridal.com! Plus, keep all your planning organized using our free online wedding planning toolkit!

Featured photo by @LakenWilcox

The post How to Have the Best Small Wedding: 5 Ideas | Pearl appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Read on for Jordan and Tylar’s chic boho elopement at Joshua Tree.

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one?

We started dating when I was a junior and he was a senior in high school and we’ve been inseparable ever since! Conveniently, we had the same school in mind and went to James Madison University together. We lived together our senior year and then after graduating, we moved to California together! I knew he was the one before I even turned 18. Our love was cosmic. We were perfect for each other. Our first date was the first time we’d ever spoken to each other but it felt like we’d known each other our whole lives. As cliche as it sounds, it was truly love at first sight!

Tell us your proposal story!

In our first year of college, we went to California to visit my brother for a summer vacation. I’d been once before and insisted on taking him to see the sunset in Laguna Beach, so when we went it was absolute magic. Apparently, at that moment he knew he’d bring me back to that same spot one day to pop the question. Fast forward five years, he got our mutual friend and photographer Rohn to ask me to do a photo shoot for my blog one day, so I just assumed he was in town for work and wanted to create together. I drove to Laguna without a clue of what was about to go down. I literally wore a wedding pantsuit because I thought I was just shooting some looks for Instagram. So embarrassing!

When we got down to the beach, Rohn handed me his phone to watch a video of Tylar telling me he loved me and that he wanted to ask me a question. On the beach were four lanterns, each with a folded up love note on the inside. Each love note ended with a line of this poem that Tylar ends all of his love letters with. When I walked around the corner after reading the last note, he was standing there beside the same flowers he left on my porch the night he asked me to be his girlfriend in 2012.

I walked over to him, he grabbed my hand and told me how he wanted to love me forever, and got down on one knee. I’m not going to lie, I kind of blacked out a little bit because I was so nervous, but I embraced him immediately and said yes! On the inside of my engagement ring, he engraved the last line of the poem he ends all of his letters with: “but never doubt I love.”

How did you decide on your wedding dress?

I tried on a ton I thought I liked but cried when I tried the one on (a beaded V-neck sheath from the DB Studio collection)! I didn’t expect to want something so classy and traditional, but it was perfect. The beading in the center is shaped like a diamond and I love the open back! I felt excited, emotional, and like a bride when I found the one!

Do you have any dress-shopping advice for future brides?

Go in open-minded! You never know what you want until you try it on. I thought I wanted something super boho with lace and bell sleeves. But that style ended up being super unflattering on me and I ended up with a fitted, beaded, Gatbsy-looking dress!

Tell us about your wedding day!

We got married in Joshua Tree, just the two of us. My brother officiated the wedding, which was really special. Tylar was waiting for me in the desert as I rolled up in a vintage white mustang. Once I got over to him, he turned around and cried when he saw me for the first time. We exchanged our vows, cried a lot, and then made it official! It was super easy and super simple, but it was absolute magic. After we finished the ceremony and the photos, we hopped in the convertible, blasted classic rock, and drove to Popeyes to end the night!

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

Tylar’s vows were everything to me. People get caught up in the location, the guests, the bridal party, and all that jazz but all I needed was to hear him promise himself to me. We both wrote our own vows and his were the most romantic thing I’d ever heard. He could literally give Nicholas Sparks a run for his money.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

I almost forgot my bouquet. Ty left for the desert first so that he didn’t see me in my dress and my brother drove me there in the mustang after. The mustang wouldn’t start at first, and when it finally did I realized I forgot my bouquet when we were halfway there so we had to turn back around and get it.

Is there something you wish you had known before the big day or while you were planning the wedding?

Honestly, it went so well. I highly suggest eloping because it went exactly as planned and was stress-free!

What did you do to stay stress free on your wedding day?

I listened to my favorite songs all day to distract my mind!

What’s your best wedding planning advice? And what advice do you have for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

Get eloped! It’s so special having the ceremony for just you and your partner. Even if you celebrate or have an official ceremony later, I highly suggest taking a day for just you two. There was something so magical about being alone in the desert with just our vows and promise of infinite love. It was easy going, relaxing, special, intimate, romantic, and perfect.

MORE DETAILS:

Date: September 25, 2020

Location: Joshua Tree National Park, California

Dress Styles: Beaded Sheath V-Neck

Photographer: @hannahdeklephoto

Love this chic boho elopement at Joshua Tree? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

The post Real Wedding: Jordan & Tylar appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Read on for Kristina’s telling of her and wife Kindell’s Waterfront Micro Wedding in Newport Rhode Island.

Briefly tell us how you met! How did you know that she was the one?

Kindell and I met at the copy machine where we both worked. Kindell was new to the team and I could tell she needed some help figuring out the fancy machine code. After some time had passed Kindell asked me on a bowling date but we both knew it wasn’t exactly a great date. It’s a good thing our journey didn’t end there.

There was still hope and we had other opportunities to make special connections. At the time, I was in grad school and invited Kindell to do some work with me at a local coffee shop and after we would kick up our feet at India Point Park. This is where we really fell in love! I started to edit Kindell’s film scripts and she would remind me to pay attention to my studies. Kindell and I are grateful our journey didn’t end at the bowling alley! Now, every February 6th, we go bowling on our anniversary to celebrate where our adventure began!

Tell us your proposal story!

Every New Year’s Day, Kindell and I go to Easton Beach in Newport, Rhode Island for the Polar Plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. Kindell invited some of our closest friends and her sisters to participate in the proposal. After returning from the freezing cold water, Kindell had each person line up on the sand and handed me a single red rose. Kindell played a special recording of Alicia Keys’ “Unthinkable” that my good friend and musical artist, Paul Lowe recorded. Then, she got down on one knee and read from an entry she wrote in our daily journal that we write to one another in each day. Surrounded by love, she asked me to continue to spend the rest of my life with her!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look? 

I recently lost a good amount of weight and wanted to make sure I was comfortable in my body and the dress that I would walk down the aisle to meet my bride in. I often call Kindell vintage and well, she is a photographer and filmmaker and wanted to go with an old Hollywood glam look that I knew she would be crazy for!

Kindell originally was going to have a friend design and make her jumpsuit. Back in March 2020 when she was originally scheduled to be fit and sized her custom design, COVID-19 closed stores and kept us at home during a time when we needed to find her something to wear.

But then my DB stylist called me around the time we had started to look for other options to remind me that my dress was in! She asked if there was anything she could help me with. I immediately requested if she could help us search for a jumpsuit in Kindell’s size. She got back to me via text and phone after searching high and low and calling different stores to find this special jumpsuit in what we had hoped was a perfect size for Kindell.

Did you shop together or was it a surprise on the day of the wedding?

We shopped together for Kindell’s jumpsuit (after we were trying to figure out options based on COVID-19) but my dress and my complete look was a total surprise to her! She did surprise me with a custom corset back that the David’s Bridal team created for her, a gorgeous belt, and really sweet accessories! Her look was PERFECT for our Newport wedding!

Do you have any dress-shopping advice for future brides? 

Be open to trying different styles when you arrive at the store because neither of us ended up with what we originally thought we wanted. I thought I wanted something with sleeves and lace that was form-fitting and Kindell didn’t really know what she would look the best in. We are so happy to have had stylists to assist with this journey who were honest with us and assisted in finding just the right fit.

Also, don’t bring too many people—2 or 3 opinions are more than enough and the staff will be completely honest with you! Have a budget for your dress and don’t forget that you will need to budget for alterations, accessories, and all the extras!

Did you have a first look? What came to mind when you saw your future wife for the first time in her dress?

Yes, we did! At first glance, my heart exploded in excitement! I had anticipated this moment for so long! We smiled and then the tears started! Kindell was taken aback during our first look and was overjoyed that I wore my hair down, and told me I looked angelic!

I thought I was going to cry but little did I know Kindell was in tears and couldn’t stop crying! Doing a first look helped to easy so many of the jitters and feelings of nervousness that we had and so happy we decided on it! This moment was priceless! It was a perfect moment and confirmed how perfect we are for one another. We would absolutely suggest that you do a first look!

Tell us about your wedding day! 

We were surrounded by close family and a few friends! We celebrated our love and journey and committed to one another.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

The first look! It was everything and took our breaths away. It was intimate, personal, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

We accidentally signed the wrong copy of the marriage license and had to resign the next day!

Is there something you wish you had known before the big day/while you were planning the wedding?

How fast the day would fly by and how to better pace enjoying each other while celebrating with loved ones.

What was your first dance song? 

‘Speechless’ by Dan & Shay

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

We decided to throw an after-party reception at Tiny Bar in Providence, based on the number of people at our ceremony and reception and since we committed to a micro wedding. Also, we repurposed décor from earlier in the day and made gorgeous floral arrangements for the tables. We had custom masks with our name on them to celebrate safely with friends who weren’t in Newport earlier that day.

What did you do to stay stress free on your wedding day?

We hired a wedding planner! Pearl Farquharson, of Designed by Delsie became our best friend through this process and helped me be at ease. She helped build trust that things would go smoothly and took care of everything behind the scenes. We can’t thank her enough!

What’s your best wedding planning advice? And what advice do you have for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

Hire a wedding planner! This is as great an investment as your photographer! Even when you think you have everything under control, there are things you may have never even thought of!

Add color and texture to your décor that your guests will love and have a huge impact! Invest in a photographer whose style you like and make sure it’s not only based on your budget. Have an earlier ceremony (ours was at 1:00 PM) so you have the rest of the day to celebrate! It’s YOUR DAY! Don’t follow traditional rules – make your own new traditions with the person you are committing your journey to!

More Details:

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2020

Location: Regatta Place, Newport, Rhode Island

Dress Styles:

Kristina: Lace and Organza Wedding Ball Gown

Kindell: Cuffed Off-the-Shoulder Stretch Crepe Jumpsuit

Photographer: @ashleyolafssonphotography

Love this Waterfront Micro Wedding in Newport Rhode Island? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

The post Real Wedding: Kristina & Kindell appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Thinking of planning a smaller wedding? We’ve got you covered! So far we’ve walked you through the ins and outs of minimonies and elopements, and now it’s time to talk about the mini wedding! Keep reading to learn more about this modern wedding option and our recs for dresses for a mini wedding!

What is a mini wedding?

A mini wedding (or sometimes referred to as a micro wedding) has all the workings of a traditional wedding, just on a smaller scale! A mini wedding features a quick ceremony followed by a casual dinner and reception (complete with traditional dances and speeches if you’d like). The guest list exceeds no more than 50 of your closest friends and family, allowing you to see those that mean the most while still feeling intimate. This ceremony style offers a more affordable and casual option for couples.

Mini Wedding Dresses

Since a mini wedding is the marriage of traditional and low-key, there are really no rules when it comes to dresses for your mini wedding. Our number 1 tip? Be true to you! Whether you opt for something more casual or more detailed, the options are endless when it comes to your day-of look. Keep reading for some of our favorite mini wedding dresses that will “wow” your loved ones!

Stylish Sheath

Choose a stylish sheath style for your micro wedding! The comfortable and easy-to-move-in silhouette makes mingling with your family and friends a breeze. For that added bridal touch, look for a dress with lace, beading or added appliques to elevate your look!

Classic Ball Gown

Looking for that traditional bridal style while walking down the aisle? Opt for a classic ball gown! This timeless silhouette will make you look like a princess as you float down the aisle in front of your loved ones. Plus an unembellished gown, such as this all over satin style, makes for the perfect blank canvas to accessorize and make your own.

Modern Mermaid

For the bride who wants something a little more modern-traditional, try a mermaid silhouette with trendy details! On this style, the fit-and-flare shape flatters every figure and offers a quintessential bridal look while an off-the-shoulder sleeve is a contemporary touch. Opt for beading, lace, or both to make heads turn as you walk down the aisle.

Romantic A-line

Be the epitome of romance with a dreamy A-line dress! The fitted bodice and flared skirt makes this style easy to mingle and dance in. Plus the addition of 3D floral appliques and lace will give you that whimsical and dream-like look.

2 Looks in One

Just because you’re having a mini wedding, doesn’t mean you can’t switch up your reception look! Get two looks in one by pairing a chic slip with a unique overdress! Get creative with your style by mixing and matching options to create your own custom bridal look. Our favorite part? You can get two looks in one! Wear both slip and overdress for the ceremony, then remove the top layer for your reception look!

Ready to find the perfect dress for your mini wedding? Shop these looks and more mini wedding approved styles at your local David’s Bridal or shop with us online at davidsbridal.com!

Featured photo by @lanabaughmanphotography

The post Top 5 Dresses for a Mini Wedding appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Read on for Bernadette and Gabrielius’ backyard micro wedding in New York!

How did you and your fiancé meet?

We met in NYC where we actually both worked in the same store and I was his boss. We worked together for a year before he made his move. It took a while for me to finally agree to go on our first “date” but I’m so glad I did. Eight months later, I moved back to Seattle, where I grew up, and he followed. A year later, we moved back to New York, where we are now!

Tell us your proposal story?

It happened in his parents’ backyard, which was a really special place because it’s where his late grandmother spent a lot of her time. I didn’t know it, but he had already spoken to my parents and siblings to get their blessing. He wasn’t planning to do it that day (he didn’t really have a plan at all), but everything just lined up beautifully. It was just the two of us and I was wearing a band shirt, flip flops, my hair up in a messy bun, no makeup, and all of my nails were different lengths/shapes. And it was absolutely perfect!

How did you decide on your wedding dress?

We flew to California to surprise my sister for her birthday and while we were eating lunch one day, my sister and I made a last-minute decision to go to David’s Bridal. We called for an appointment after lunch and had a blast. It was the first time I tried on wedding gowns and did not think I would walk away with the one, but here we are!

Do you have any dress-shopping advice for future brides?

Don’t be afraid to try on dresses that you don’t think match your “vision.” My stylist actually picked out my wedding dress (shoutout to Rebeka in Sacramento!), and it was nothing like I thought I wanted. While I already had 2 other dresses in the running, she handed it to me and asked me to try it on for her. Once it was on, I knew right away that I didn’t want my (now) husband to see me in anything else!

Tell us about your wedding day!

We were originally going to have a small wedding of fewer than 80 guests but then downsized to a micro wedding with a church ceremony of immediate family only followed by a reception in my in-law’s New York backyard. After I got into my dress on the day-of, one of my cousins set up a Zoom meeting with my closest girlfriends so they got to see me before I walked down the aisle. Even though we were all thousands of miles away, my heart felt so full to have them with me, even if it was virtual. We also live-streamed our ceremony on Facebook and were overwhelmed by the love and response we got!

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

My new 8-year old sister prepared a surprise Wedding Mad-Libs portion for us and our guests! We’re saving them so we can do the same at her future wedding. We also jumped in the pool with her at the end of the night!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

Besides making our cake, my MIL spent pretty much the entire quarantine re-doing/decorating her backyard where our reception took place. I couldn’t have pictured a more beautiful setting! Also, my husband (aka my favorite cook in the universe) prepared our reception dinner and drinks! Steak, shrimp, potatoes, veggies, seafood couscous, Long Island iced teas and Sangria!

What flavor was your wedding cake?

My Mother-in-Law made a traditional Lithuanian cake called Sakotis! If you haven’t heard of it, please google it because this cake is AMAZING.

What was your first dance song?

‘Tennessee Whiskey’ by Chris Stapleton

What did you do to stay stress-free on your wedding day?

My family cancelled their flights here and then rebooked 12 hours before the flight left after Governor Cuomo mistakenly put Washington on the travel advisor list TWO DAYS before our wedding. So just being able to spend the morning with them helped me take that BIG EXHALE. With stress like that, there was no room for wedding day nerves!

What’s your best wedding planning advice? And what advice do you have for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

Being a COVID Bride is tough but so are you! This is you and your future spouse’s day! SO MANY things can and will go wrong and you’re going to have to make difficult decisions that might be hard for people to accept. But in these times, surround yourself with people who support you and lift you up. You are carrying enough weight and don’t need to feel the burdens, grief, and opinions from those that don’t. YOU ARE DOING YOUR VERY BEST! Keep your eyes on the prize and trust that your day will be perfect in its own way.

More Details:

• Date: June 26, 2020
• Location: Southampton, NY
• Dress Style: Beaded A-Line Gown
• Photographer: Thalia Nino

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or find a location near you to try on and take home your dream dress. See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

The post Real Wedding: Bernadette & Gabrielius appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.