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. 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.

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. Brooke and Jacob postponed their original wedding plans but decided to tie the knot in a last-minute ceremony with friends and family. Read on for more from their A last-minute mini-wedding in Westcliff, Colorado.

How did you and your fiancé meet? And how did you know that he was the one?

We met freshman year in college through my twin brother. We started to intentionally date in January of that year. He was my first and last boyfriend. He is a man of faith and high character, he works harder than anyone I know and leads with gentleness and kindness. As I got to know him more, I found all these characteristics to hold true. I knew he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Tell us your proposal story!

Where do I begin… We both wanted it to be a surprise and that is hard when the girl is hopeful and expectant of a proposal. We knew we wanted to get married after graduating college, so, a proposal senior year was fair game. Jacob and I share a love for hiking and adventuring. Since we did not have the opportunity to camp with friends in the summer, Jacob had the idea to plan a trip with some of our close friends on a fall weekend. Before suggesting the weekend trip to me, he secretly communicated with our friends (one being a photographer) and shared his plan to propose.

When they were all on board, he told me about his idea to camp with friends, and of course, I thought it was a great plan. Then, he had me start a group message with all the friends to plan the trip. They played along (because the trip was secretly already planned). We ended up going to a cabin in Arkansas. Our photographer friend suggested we go on a sunrise hike to Whitaker point (again, this was Jacob’s idea filtered through our friend).

When we got to the lookout, the photographer began to take pictures of Jacob looking out at the sunrise. He asked me to join for a cute couple picture. After a few shots, Jacob turned to me and went down on one knee. I was in shock and was overwhelmed with joy and love. Of course, I said Yes, and we had a day full of celebration to follow. It was one of the happiest days of my life!

How did you decide on your wedding day look?

I was open to any style and chose the dresses that caught my eye. My mom and some close friends helped pick out dresses. I tried on a few that we liked a lot, but, when I tried on THE dress, everyone stood up with chills all over their body. It was the tear-jerking moment that sold the dress. The dress is lightweight and accentuated my petite figure but still made me feel like a princess.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Be open-minded because even if you think you know EXACTLY what you want, you may be surprised by what you will fall in love with. Choose dresses for fun, because who knows, a dress you never expected may be the perfect one for you. Wait for the moment that you imagine yourself walking down that aisle feeling like the most beautiful bride in the world.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I LOVED the lace and the fact that it was a ballgown that didn’t overwhelm my small figure. I loved that it was lightweight but still had beautiful layers. Of course, the train made me feel like a true bride. It was perfect.

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

I felt like a princess and a true BRIDE. My dreams met with reality at that moment. When I looked in the mirror, all I could think of was the fact that I was getting married. I felt like the dress emphasized my small waist and flowed so beautifully. The lace was delicate and not overwhelming. I liked everything about it. I couldn’t say no! My mind was screaming YES!

Tell us about your wedding day!

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day? My highlight was when my husband turned around with a tear-filled face to see me for the first time walking down the aisle. We were both filled with emotion and shared such an intimate moment when we grabbed each other’s hands. We began our ceremony worshiping God, in the middle of the woods with our family. It’s hard to describe just how perfect and beautiful that moment really was.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Our entire wedding was unexpected. Due to COVID, we made the decision to postpone a wedding reception with family and friends until it was safer to gather. But we still wanted to get married on the wedding date originally set. So, two weeks prior to the wedding, we decided to have a wedding in Colorado (where I am from) instead of Tulsa. We got married on my grandparent’s land in Westcliffe, CO with immediate family. Although it was unexpected and heartbreaking to suddenly change everything I had planned, it was the most beautiful and perfect day.

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

I wish I had been less worried about all the details to make the day perfect. I learned that no matter what the day looked like, it would be perfect as long as I ended the day getting married to the love of my life.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

Our arch for the reception. Jacob built the arch and I did the flowers. It turned out more beautiful than I could ever imagine. We both felt very proud of ourselves!

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

 I spend time with Jesus to start my morning and had one on one time with my parents. I got ready with my childhood best friends and TRUSTED that everything would come together. Also, I came to a point (after the chaos of changing our entire wedding) of not worrying about any tiny details. My only focus was marrying the love of my life that day.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

The best advice I can give is to trust your ability to plan and the people who are helping you. They will put it all together on your wedding day. It’s like magic. Hire a day-of coordinator if you can, because you shouldn’t be allowed to lift a finger on your wedding day. Brides that are planning weddings in the midst of this pandemic should remember that the goal of the day is to get married no matter what happens. It is not about the details; it is about the unity of you and your spouse. Don’t miss out on the beautiful commitment you are making.

More Details:

Date: May 23, 2020

Location: Westcliffe, CO

Dress Style: Sheer lace and Tulle Ballgown in Ivory/Champagne

Photographers: 

Noah Benda @nbproductions.co

Jake Reib @reibphotography

Love this Colorful DIY Micro-Wedding in Texas? 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: Brooke & Jacob 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. Quiana and Mark had to downsize their wedding celebrations but still made it a day to remember. Read on for more from their love-filled mini wedding in New Jersey.

How did you and your fiancé meet? How did you know that he was the one?

Mark and I met at church. We actually attended the same church all our lives but it wasn’t until a dance rehearsal for a church event in 2012 that we spoke for the first time. He had such a kind, outgoing personality, and a true servant’s heart. I knew Mark was the one for me by the way he pursued me during our courtship. His strong faith in God, character, and charm won me over.

Tell us your proposal story!

It was our 6-year anniversary. We decided to do a gift exchange over dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. I had a feeling this could be the day he popped the question so I made sure I looked ready just in case! He was so excited that he was dropping hints throughout the night. He kept telling me “the night isn’t over yet.” He decided to wait until after dinner to surprise me with my gift which was the proposal and he popped the question right outside of the restaurant! It was just the two of us and it was super sweet.

How did you decide on your wedding day look?

I was planning for our big day for years in advance. I knew it was coming so I had a ton of different dress styles saved in my photo gallery. Pinterest became my best friend too! I created a board with all kinds of bridal inspiration. All of the dresses I saved to my gallery had something in common. I loved hints of lace and tulle. So, when I started my dress search, trying on these styles helped me narrow down my wedding day look.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Dress shopping can get stressful so before you begin your journey just take a deep breath! Take a few minutes for self-love. Yes, admire your body in the mirror. As women, we’re quick to vocalize the areas we don’t like about ourselves, but now is the time to embrace it all. Try on multiple styles to see what best complements your shape. You might find that you like some styles that are not on your Pinterest board. Lastly, remember that this is YOUR special day and as long as you LOVE the dress you walk down the aisle in, you’ve made the right choice.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

Oh! I LOVED the hidden pockets on my dress. The pockets were disguised in the tulle skirt. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered them and I even kept my phone in there so I didn’t need a purse.

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

I was thrilled! After shopping around for about a month, I was finally able to say yes to the dress! It was a blessing to have found the dress when I did. The wedding was 3 months away so thank you David’s Bridal!

Tell us about your wedding day!

Our wedding was just beautiful. I loved every moment of it. Mark and I decided to save our first kiss for this day so we were super excited for that moment. We dated for 7 years, so this day was long awaited. The whole day was unforgettable.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

It rained! We knew there could be a chance of rain on the wedding day but just a week before the big day the forecast predicted sun! I was saddened because I would’ve loved an outdoor wedding but a little rain didn’t steal our joy. The rain actually added a memorable touch.

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

The more time to plan, the better! You’ll be more at ease. We got married during a pandemic and there was so much uncertainty around wedding planning that we had to make quick decisions. Ultimately, we could’ve waited but we just didn’t want to take that chance not knowing what the next few months could bring. We had faith and took a chance. We couldn’t be happier.

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

Due to Covid- 19 we had to downsize our guest count. Although it was bittersweet and there were quite a few loved ones who couldn’t make it, we were happy that our wedding was intimate and we’re grateful for the ability to stream. Everyone was safe and loved ones could still be a part of our special day.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

My mom made my bouquet. Watching her smile and beam with joy as I watched her work her magic made it so special.  She made it with lots of love. She also made the wedding favors. We had these personalized bells on the chairs before the ceremony that said “Ring the bell and wish them well”.

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

I prayed! My faith is the biggest part of my life. It keeps me grounded. I also laughed a lot with my sister. Laughter is always good.

What’s your best advice for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

Try not to worry too much because it all works out in the end. Remember why you’re getting married and who you’re getting married to and no matter what happens on that day you’ll be happy and grinning from ear to ear.

More Details

Date: November 1, 2020

Location: New Jersey – Valleybrook Country Club

Dress Style: Tulle Tank V- Neck Ball Gown with Layered Skirt

Photographer: Ever Be Photography

Love this love-filled mini wedding in New Jersey? 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: Quiana and Mark 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 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.

Tying the knot in an intimate celebration? Congrats! You can still achieve minimony chicness…because your big day is still special, just smaller! From outdoor-perfect decor, to laid-back looks for the bride, and special gifts for your guests, these minimony must-haves are everything you need to make your smaller-scaled soireé the most memorable!

Laid Back Looks

Style RAQUEL, 20072024, DB3230

No matter how big or small your wedding day is you deserve to feel special! Celebrate your bride status all day long…from getting ready in style to accessorizing your casual wedding day look, add a personalized touch to your bridal look. There’s no better time to embrace a laid-back look than now! Try a jumpsuit, casual gown, or even a customized bridal separates look! If you’re leaning into a causal bridal look, dress up the look with sparkling accessories for the ceremony. Then when the knot is tied, throw on a denim or leather jacket for a look that’s ready to party!

For Your Maids

Styles F20342, F20235

It wouldn’t be your big day without your maids by your side! Even if your bridal party downsized, your maids can still celebrate in style! An easy, breezy, comfortable dress is the perfect fit for your maids to wear to your casual wedding! Dressed up or down with shoes and accessories, these gowns are totally twirl-worthy and ready for a night of celebrating! Your bridal party might be smaller but you don’t have to scale back your gifts! Treat your girls to matching robes or personalized goodies to say thank you for being by your side!

Spruce Up Your Space

Style CW286, 35568, BS-411

The beauty of throwing a smaller-scale wedding is the opportunity to get creative with every part of the process…including the decor! More is more when it comes to an open-air celebration and balloons, banners, or supermarket flowers are perfect for sprucing up your space. Whether your minimony is taking place in your backyard or a nearby venue…you’ll still want to make it your own! Embrace wedding traditions like a ceremony arch, photo backdrops, and more decor to make the space your own.

Safe Celebrating

Style MK1020, MK1006, F20342, WG3827

Welcome your nearest and dearest to your big day with something that shows them just how much they mean to you! Take extra safety precautions by greeting your friends and family with masks to match your wedding aesthetic! After tying the knot and celebrating all night long, send your guests off with favors, handpicked by you and your fiance!

Just because your soireé is smaller, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in style! From elevating your casual look to decorating your space, these must-haves are all you need to achieve minimony chicness! From dresses to decor, shop everything you need to plan your big day on davidsbridal.com! Plus, explore more tips for dress shopping online and planning a wedding at home!

The post Everything You Need for Your Minimony 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 Vikki and Joshua’s DIY backyard mini wedding in Redlands, California.

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

We met 6 years ago at Vans. I came in to apply for a job and he interviewed me. Josh transferred to a different store back in his hometown and we didn’t cross paths again until attending a show for a mutual friend’s band 6 months later. He used one of those cheesy pick-up lines and it worked! I knew he was the one when he told me he loved spending time with my family because family means everything to me. Who knew 20+ cousins wouldn’t scare him away?  

Tell us your proposal story!

I’ve always told Josh that if he were to propose I would want our families to be there to witness it. It was Christmas Eve of 2018 and we were celebrating with my side of the family and then we usually spend Christmas morning with Josh’s family. It was a pajama themed party and everyone was dressed in their best Christmas pajamas; my hair was in a messy bun and I had no makeup on.

We usually play games during the Christmas party and this game we played that night changed our lives forever! Josh and I were team captains and the game ended in a tie. What better way to break a tie if the captain can plead their case as to why their team should win? I knew something was up when Josh’s speech started with “Vikki, I’ve known you for 4 years now and your family welcomed with me with open arms…” he got down on one knee and the rest was history!

How did you decide on your wedding dress?

Josh and I had to postpone our big wedding to November due to COVID. My dress for the big wedding was one I got from a boutique last year. Josh and I decided that we wanted to keep our dating anniversary as our wedding anniversary since our 6-year anniversary was coming up in August. It was a last-minute decision and with everything going on we knew we wanted to hold a small ceremony with just our families. I went into my local David’s Bridal by myself and told the associate, “This is very last-minute, and I just want a simple dress that I know I’ll be comfortable in.” She brought out 3 choices and I absolutely fell in love with my wrap dress. That’s how I found my dress!

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

Find a dress that you feel 100% yourself in. Look for something you’ll be comfortable wearing for hours.

Tell us about your wedding day!

It was a hot day in Redlands, and we were feeling it! Josh’s parents offered their home to host a dinner and have the ceremony in their backyard. I told Josh’s mom that I wanted it to feel like a family party. There was no stress, and everything looked so beautiful. We had Josh’s favorite hometown food catered and decorated this long table that sat both families together and just enjoyed each other’s company and conversation. I had butterflies the entire afternoon because I couldn’t believe it was FINALLY happening.

The highlight of the night was being able to share the moment with all of our family and friends through Zoom and reading through their chat messages on the screen. It was so sweet of them to join us because I knew they wish they could’ve all been there in person.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Our nephew Ezekiel is known to throw anything he can get his hands on. As I was walking down the aisle with my dad, Ezekiel thought it would be funny to throw a can of mints down the aisle too!

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

We didn’t account for the summer heat when we moved our wedding date from springtime to the summer heat in August! The day was absolutely magical, but we were HOT!

What was your first dance song?

1+1 by Beyonce. Josh and I are music lovers and although this pandemic is keeping us from experiencing shows and concerts, we still have our wedding playlist we curated to listen to at home.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

Josh’s mom had custom face masks made so we can stay safe and stylish.

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

Honestly, it wasn’t stressful at all. It felt like a small family party and it was absolutely perfect. Everyone was so happy that Josh and I were celebrating! Especially after being heartbroken about postponing the big wedding…they knew that this meant a lot to us.

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

Do what makes YOU and your future hubby happy. Try not to worry about everyone else. If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends or family. When Josh and I had to postpone our wedding to November, we were so worried about what everyone else would think. We didn’t have a chance to cope with the fact that we may not get married this year. And then one day we woke up and said, “Let’s just do this already!” And I am so happy we did. My heart is full!

More Details:

• Date: August 14, 2020
• Location: Redlands, California
• Wedding Dress Style: Flutter Sleeve Satin Wrap Dress
• Photographer: Michelle Dudley Photography

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! Inspired by Vikki and Joshua’s mini backyard wedding in California? Check out more real weddings from DB brides! 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: Vikki & Joshua appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring, and this one is extra special! Jessica, an ICU nurse and recent newlywed was one of many winners of our Frontline Fierce Contest. Because of her dedication and resilience on the frontlines of the pandemic, Jessica was able to win a dream dress to wear on her big day. We’re honored to have been able to give back to Jessica just a fraction of what she has given back to her community. From getting engaged, what it’s been like as a nurse planning a wedding during a pandemic, to all the special touches that made her celebration one-of-a-kind, this real bride is spilling all the details. Read on for Jessica and Doug’s Intimate Backyard Mini Wedding in Washington State.

Tell us how you and your fiance met? How did you know that he was the one?

Doug and I met on an online dating app. For our first date, I paid for our dinner and told him he could pay on our next date to see him again!  I knew he was the one when I saw him around my family. We come from different cultures, and he was so very open to learning about my Mexican culture and background. He has started to learn Spanish, and that means a lot to me!

Tell us your proposal story!

Doug’s mom came over to visit us, and I suggested going on a hike to a beautiful lake around the area. We hiked 4 miles to an elevation of 5,580 feet to a sparkling aquamarine color lake in a cold October morning. Doug found a place to take pictures, which was very unlike him (I should’ve gotten a hint). He then told me he had an important question to ask me and got on one knee and proposed! I was not make-up ready for a proposal as I always hoped to be, but it was perfect. It was the most beautiful day I could imagine. Gray jays were flying around us the whole time. It was like a fairy tale.

Tell us about you and what you do! We’re so inspired by your work on the frontlines!

I have been a registered nurse for five years. Last December, I transitioned to work in the intensive care unit at my local hospital. I was looking for a change in my nursing career after being a medical oncology nurse for four years. When I finished my training by the middle of March, COVID-19 had started to affect people in our community. I had no idea that I was training to become an ICU nurse for pandemic! On the daily, I take care of critically ill patients in my community, including those affected by COVID-19.

How did you decide on your wedding dress? What did you love most about it and how did it make you feel?

I had initially bought a wedding dress at a local boutique. However, from our engagement date to May, I was down four dress sizes. Due to COVID-19, alterations stores were closed, and I was unable to get my original dress altered. But I saw David’s Bridal Frontline Fierce Contest and decided to apply – and I won a dress! In a limited amount of time, I had to find a dress that was going to fit and require the least alterations possible as the wedding was so close, and I found the one! I loved my David’s Bridal dress more than my original wedding dress. My new dress was comfortable, elegant, and it truly felt like me! The dress made me feel so beautiful on my wedding day. It had a slit down the leg, which also made me feel sexy! The chiffon skirt made it so easy to move. I would pick this dress over again over my original one!

Any dress-shopping advice for future brides?

Pick something that will make you feel happy on your wedding day! I wanted to be comfortable and feel free, and the chiffon skirt did it for me. Do not try to make other people happy! Also, try on dresses that are out of your comfort zone!  Wedding dress shopping should be a fun experience and not a rushed one.

Could you tell us what it was like to be working on the frontlines and planning a wedding at the same time?

Working on the frontlines was hard. I work night shifts and feel so tired all the time.  The care I provide drains me physically and emotionally. Thankfully my family and friends helped me out so much to take care of details. I stressed about planning our wedding, but the most stressful part was thinking about how we could still have this important moment in our lives while keeping our families safe. I get to see and experience COVID-19 very close and get to see the worst of the worst. The patients I care for are very sick. To think that one of our family members could potentially become affected by COVID was the most stressful part of wedding planning. Thankfully our families stayed safe!

Did your wedding plans change because of Covid-19?

Our original wedding plans changed drastically due to COVID-19. We had planned for a big Mexican wedding. We had initially invited about 175 guests and had to downsize our wedding to 15 people! One of the doctors that I worked with offered up her house for our intimate backyard mini wedding, and it was so beautiful. We separated our families on each side of the aisle. Each of our families had a table to eat, as well. It was not the wedding we had imagined, but it was way more than we had ever expected! It was intimate and low-stress.

Tell us a little more about your big day!

Our wedding day was even better than I imagined. The weather was perfect. It was sunny, with no clouds in sight. The doctor who allowed us to use her backyard had a friend who volunteered to do all of our decorations, and she did such an incredible job! Everything just came together. Throughout our ceremony, birds were flying around; we laughed, cried, and had a good time!

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Our wedding was both in English and Spanish to include both of our families. Our officiant, who is one of our closest friends, announced us as husband and wife in English, and I started to go for “the kiss,” just to then hear her saying, “What about in Spanish?”. I had to retract from kissing my now-husband until she completed the ceremony in Spanish. Everyone was laughing, and I could not hide how impatient I was to kiss my now husband!

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

I wish I had known and understand that everything works out at the end. Also, I wish I had been less detailed oriented and enjoyed the moment a little more. I also wish that I would’ve delegated and trusted people more to take care of things for me. As a nurse, I feel that I always want to be in control of the situation and want to take care of things myself without asking for help if I can do something.

What was your first dance song? 

Our first song was a Spanish song called “Todo Cambio” by Camila. I felt that this song described our love the best. The chorus of the songs translates into, “Everything changed when I saw you. My world changed from black and white to color when I met you. It was so easy to love you so much. Something I never imagined.”

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

I think the whole wedding was a complete DIY as all of our friends contributed something to make this day happen – from the venue, decor, pictures, desserts, my makeup, and the alterations to my dress. We are so lucky to have such talented and giving friends and family! We will forever be thankful for everything they did to make our wedding day happen.

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

I took a nap before I started to get ready for the ceremony! It made me feel refreshed, and it gave me some time away from everything and everyone for a moment.

What’s your best wedding planning advice? And what advice do you have for brides that are going through a similar situation right now?

My best wedding planning advice is to allow others to help you as much as possible. Delegate what you can so that you don’t have so much on your plate. Truly enjoy the moment. Our wedding was so personal, having only our families around us. Initially, I was not very excited about having a small wedding, but now I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was intimate and stress-free. I didn’t have to worry about greeting 175 guests. I didn’t have to worry about something going wrong as anything could be fixed. My favorite phrase as we got close to our wedding was, “I have a wedding dress, a husband to be, and someone to marry us, and that is all we need.”

More Details

• Date: July 18, 2020
• Location: Washington State
• Wedding Dress Style: Lace Applique A-line Wedding Dress
• Photographer: Miguel Cornelio Photography and @msotophoto1

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: Jessica and Doug appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.