Affordable Wedding Dresses - Strapless

People tend to either love or hate strapless wedding dresses; they divide opinion the same way that they often divide your arm fat to create an unattractive muffin top look. This, of course, is why they're not always popular; you have to be very careful when wearing a strapless dress that it fits perfectly otherwise you can end up looking like bread baking over the top of a tin.

However, I believe that strapless wedding dresses can be done and done well. Just like Jools Oliver in her simple but stunning strapless wedding dress. Plus, you don't even need to spend a lot of money on them. I've got four beautiful and affordable strapless wedding dresses for you to peruse.

Annabelle Dress - BHLDN

This is actually one of BHLDN's bridemaids dresses but I think it would make a perfect wedding dress. As well as being strapless it also has waist ties that can be adapted into sleeves and it can be worn over 15 different ways. One of the best ways is just simple and strapless. The beautiful soft tulle does all the talking for you.

Priced $260

Erin Featherston Monique Silk Metallic Gown - Lord and Taylor

This Erin Featherstone dress is a little unusual, it features light gold speckles all over the soft cream silk. The metallic marks are subtle but they also stand out, making this a unique wedding dress.

Ideal for a metallic-themed wedding.

Priced £257.58

Cool Change Pamela Embroidered Maxi Dress - Matches Fashion

This light and floaty maxi dress is ideal as a bohemian wedding dress. The pretty embroidery provides a touch of something different over a rather simple silhouette.

This is ideal for a beach wedding.


Priced £215

Strapless Wedding Dress with Lace Embroidery - Etsy

I think this is my favourite of the affordable strapless wedding dresses. It's a beautiful romantic wedding dress with lace detailing on the bust which contrast perfectly with the plain white skirt.

I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to wear this though!

Priced £289.93

That's all the affordable wedding dresses for this week.

Bye!

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The Simpsons/Family Guy Crossover Trailer

I'm so excited for The Simpsons Family Guy crossover episode and now that I've seen this trailer from last week's Comic Con I really can't wait.

I know some people have been saying that they're selling out or that they're both running out of ideas but I don't think that's true at all. The Simpsons is a classic TV series. Now it's become regular daily viewing and has spawned many similar series, including Family Guy, but at the time of it's inception (1987 can you believe) it was an original concept and one that no one had really seen before.

Seth MacFarlane readily admits that he was inspired by The Simpsons when creating Family Guy but he has definitely taken it in a different direction and it has grown from a cult classic into a mainstream TV show that manages to buck the system while at the same time milking it considerably.

The two of these together is just going to be great.

The trailer shows that in typical Simpsons and Family Guy style they are taking the piss out of their similarities as well as their differences; especially in the argument over Duff beer.

One of my favourite parts was Homer and Peter having a giant chicken style-fight that sees them gaining Hulk-like powers and flying into space.

I personally think it's great, but what did you think of the trailer?



P.S. Affordable Wedding Dresses to come later this day, stay posted.

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Affordable Wedding Dresses - Crochet

Bear with me; I know that when most people think of crochet, granny blankets spring to mind. But crochet can actually be delicate and stylish and it can look great in a wedding dress, as shown by LeAnn Rimes' wedding brunch crochet dress. You can either go for a fully crocheted dress or select one with just a touch for a fun vibe.

Crochet was big in the seventies and a crochet wedding dress definitely provides this feel, so select a crochet dress if you want a retro, bohemian vibe.

I've found a range of cheap crochet wedding dresses that are ideal for your big day.

Vintage 60s Cotton Bohemian Crochet Lace Wedding Dress - Etsy

This is a proper retro looking crochet wedding dress. The gown, from Kitsch Bitsch Vintage, is fully crocheted in a dark cream colour. It's cotton and stretchy, so will fit well. Plus, it comes with a free slip to go underneath so you don't have to flash that much flesh.

It looks lovely with the flower crown and bouquet, go for a similar look at your wedding for a sixties feel.


Priced £262.65

Mollie Crochet Mesh Maxi Dress - Boohoo

This crochet maxi dress from Boohoo is only £30! It's the cheapest on the list and probably the cheapest of all of the Affordable Wedding Dresses that I've featured.

It's got just a subtle crochet detail on the chest and the mesh skirt, this gives it a summery, beach feel. In fact, it would be perfect for a beach or garden wedding.

Priced £30

Miss Evita Crochet Wedding Dress - Etsy

This is an example of a glamorous crochet wedding dress. I love that this is a classic bridal silhouette and it's made more interesting with the crochet overlay. It's ideal for a bride who wants a touch of bohemian look but still wants a stylish wedding look.

£299.92

Miguelina Lilac Crochet Maxi Dress - Nieman Marcus

This all-over crochet maxi dress has a lovely texture and feel. It has a shorter slip underneath so, you get a long dress but you can also show off your legs.

The capped sleeves and boat neck are very flattering and provide a timeless silhouette while the crochet makes it quirky and fun.

Priced £370.98

Journey Bohemian Luxe Sheer Crochet Wedding Dress - Etsy

Another Etsy crochet wedding dress; Etsy is a really great place to find both handmade and vintage crochet clothes. This one is a light, all-over crochet that gives it an ethereal feel. I love the long sleeves and sweeping skirt.

It's got a sexy low back which gives it a modern touch.

Priced £599.23


That's all for this week, check back next Monday for more affordable wedding dresses.

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Truly Vintage Wedding Fair

I've been meaning to post about this for a while as this was actually almost a month ago but work keeps getting in the way.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know about the great day I had at The Truly Vintage Wedding Fair at the beautiful wedding venue Glemham Hall on the 22nd June. I was there helping out my friend, paper-cutting artist Emma Daniels, as she was running paper-cutting workshops on the day. That was my excuse for being there, I was really there to browse the lovely wedding items and have a bit of a day dream.

The hall itself is lovely, I wrote a bit about it before when Emma and I went to scope the place out. It's the perfect setting for a wedding, as well as a wedding fair. While Emma held paper cutting workshops in the stunning dining room a string quartet played both classical and modern music.

Out in the grounds was the tent where all the exhibitors were. There were so many that I can't mention them all but here are a few of my favourites.

Myrtle & Mint for beautiful flowers

Amelie's Kitchen made stunning and delicious wedding cakes

Oh What a Lovely Wedding! for wedding styling

Blossom Me Darling for flowers and head pieces

And finally Alder Tree for the most delicious fruit ice cream ever


It was a lovely day and a lovely venue for a wedding.

Check out Glemham Hall and if you're getting married in the next couple of years then definitely visit the wedding fair next year.

Also, don't forget that Emma Daniels does personalised wedding stationary!

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Affordable Wedding Dresses: Ethereal

This week's affordable wedding dresses post isn't inspired by a certain era, rather a certain look; an ethereal look. It's quite hard to explain the term ethereal but I'm sure you all know what I mean. An ethereal wedding dress is usually light and floaty, like Kate Moss's wedding dress and often infused with a natural feel.

An ethereal bride will look like she's almost from another world; a celestial being.

You may think that this sort of look will cost a fortune, but I've found five beautiful dresses that not only make perfect ethereal wedding dresses, but are also affordable.

Ethereal Fairytale Dress - Free People

With a name like Ethereal Fairytale Dress you know that this is going to be ideal as an ethereal wedding dress. It features a short strappy slip with a full-length lace overlay with fluted sleeves.

It's definitely far away from a traditional look but it's ideal for a bride who wants an ethereal and laid-back feel. It would be particularly perfect for a beach wedding.

Priced £228

Celine Silk Chiffon Gown - Dreamers & Lovers

Floaty sleeves are a staple of the ethereal wedding dress look, and this Celine wedding dress definitely delivers.The gown is crafted from chiffon and satin and manages to be both bohemian and elegant.

The sleeves are the main feature and make the dress ideal for a woodland wedding with a lot of flowers.

I also love the V-neck and the empire waist detailing. It's very feminine and a little bit elvish.


Priced $1,105

Kate - Ruche Bridal Collection

I was going to include this Ruche wedding dress in last week's Medieval Affordable Wedding Dresses list, but in the end I decided it would suit this one a lot better. It's a very unusual wedding dress, both in cut and colour. It has a dark gold lining overlayed with white chiffon. This creates a dusty pinky-gold colour which is feminine and unusual.

The pretty dress is wonderfully floaty and can be worn off or on the shoulders. Personally I prefer the off the shoulder look. It makes it that much more special and unique.

Priced $248.99

Custom Hand-Embroidered Whimsical Wedding Criss-Cross Long Dress - Etsy

This lovely wedding dress from Madabby on Etsy is weird and wonderful. It's a beautiful soft off-white dress made with criss-crossed lace and tulle. It creates a unique gown with a tight fitting bodice and a floaty skirt.

It also has beautiful floral embroidery which gives it a lovely finishing touch.


Priced £178.77

Emily Dress - Minna

Short wedding dresses can provide an ethereal look too. The Emily dress from Minna is short and sweet. It is made from Scottish lace and silk Georgette and has flower embellishments on the skirt.

It's a simple sleeveless dress but the material and the details make it extra-special. I love the way it's styled with a large flower belt and a floral crown.

Priced £530


That's all for this week folks. Check back next Monday for more affordable wedding dresses.

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Books About Town

The Librarian, Author: Terry Pratchett

If you're in London then you've probably already seen the amazing new book benches that are up for the summer. I haven't ventured out of the sticks recently so haven't seen them myself but I love all the designs and I particularly love the idea behind them; to celebrate Britain's works of literature and promote reading.

There are 50 benches in all and they have been created by Wild in Art in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust and a lot of talented artists. You can find out more about them on the Books About Town website.

Here are a few of my favourite benches.

Dr Seuss: Author: Dr Theodor Seuss Geisel

Earnest, Author: Oscar Wilde

Elmer the Elephant, Author: David McKee

Great Expectations, Author: Charles Dickens

Sherlock Holmes Stories, Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Canterbury Tales, Author: Geoffrey Chaucer

The Lion, the With and the Wardrobe, Author: C. S. Lewis

Affordable Wedding Dresses: Medieval

From Guinevere to Maid Marion, the medieval theme is ideal for a wedding. A medieval wedding dress combines the two looks that brides are most often after; ethereal and elegant.

Medieval dresses most usually feature long, flowing sleeves, a fitted bodice and loose skirts. They vary from very simple to overly elaborate and anywhere in between. You can then add a circlet of something in your hair, like Julia Ormond in First Knight, to complete the look.

You can either go all out with the medieval theme or just have a touch of it in your dress, such as long sleeves. Either way, medieval wedding dresses are beautiful and, best of all, also affordable. I've selected five lovely medieval style wedding dresses that are cheap yet great quality.

Mara Medieval Wedding Dress - Etsy

This Renaissance Gown from Etsy seller FrockFollies is ideal for a bride who wants to do the medieval theme properly (not sure why the groom in the picture is in a Victorian get up though). FrockFollies are specialists in medieval and period dresses and this one is a great example of the attention to detail. It's made out of ivory crushed velvet and features red trimming.

The back detail is lovely with the lace fastenings. Unbelievably, this dress is under £200!
Little tip; this is best worn for winter weddings, you're likely to boil in it in the summer.

£179.22

Margot Bridal Dress - Monsoon

This Margot wedding dress provides a nod to the medieval era in a modern wedding dress. It's a very simple and elegant gown with long sleeves and a pretty detailed waist tie.

It's got a very clean, minimal look but the lovely sleeves and floating material provide it with an ethereal feel.

Priced £229

Mystic Gown - Free People

With a name like Mystic Gown you know this dress is going to provide a ethereal look. While it's not a full on medieval gown it has medieval features, such as the cut and the fluting sleeves. It's got a lovely natural feel; ideal for a woodland wedding.

The detailing is subtle but so pretty. A beautiful dress with a whimsical feel.

Priced £500

Lady Gwen Gown - Etsy

This beautiful handmade wedding dress features everything that one looks for in a medieval wedding dress; epic sleeves, a laced bodice and flowing skirts. It's ideal for someone who wants to have a medieval or fantasy wedding.

It's very feminines and perfect for fulfilling all your woodland wedding fantasies.
Romantic Threads craft gowns based on several eras throughout history as well as Steampunk gowns.


Priced £314.01

Holly Lace Dress - Dreamers and Lovers

This crochet wedding gown combines a medieval silhouette with a bohemian, seventies look. The long, fluted sleeves are the real focus and they work well with the off the shoulder cut.

This dress is ideal for a laid-back wedding. Wear it with flowers in your hair.

Priced $680

That's all folks.

Have a happy Monday.

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