Weddingbee Blog

If you’re considering a low key, casual, or city hall wedding, do you really need to be dragging a long dress around behind you? Why not try a LWD (Little White Dress)? In my search for affordable apparel for my (non)wedding, I came across dozens of sweet, sexy and stylish LWDs.

The layers and texture are so romantic, don’t you think?

[Maggy London; source]

These two offer a structured, sophisticated look.

[London Times (left: source); Ralph Lauren (right: source)]

These flowy dresses look romantic and comfy.

[Victoria’s Secret (both); source]

I’m swooning over the retro-’60s appeal of these detailed mini-dresses.

[Diane Von Furstenberg (top left: source); Anna Sui (top right: source); Antonio Melani (bottom left: source), Michael Kors (bottom right: source)]

And how about this daring, sexy shutter-pleated number?

[BCBGMAXAZRIA; source]

All of these dresses are great, but honestly, who says your wedding dress has to be white? Imagine strutting in to the judge’s chamber in one of these sassy styles!

As I mentioned in the post about my brown suit, my grandma was married in a suit that she chose because she would be able to wear it to work (and hence get her money’s worth from the purchase). As a tribute to grandma’s practical style, I give you this.

[Eliza J (source)]

If the business look’s a little too stuffy for you, how about something bright, fun and flirty? I think these could make great bridesmaids dresses too.

[Calvin Klein (left), London Times (right); source]

I love the structured-but-fun look of this pink shirt dress. And the yellow wrap looks so soft and romantic.

[Teri Jon (left), Max and Cleo (right); source]

I found all of these dresses online at popular stores’ websites, but fun, short gowns don’t have to come from department stores. Many wedding boutiques offer options for destination or eloping brides. And don’t forget about bridesmaids dresses: they can often be ordered in a variety of colors (including white and ivory).

In my searches, I did find department stores to be much more reasonably-priced when it comes to wedding apparel. The gowns may not be as fancy… but for a simple affair, fancy can be too much. For me, the biggest draw toward department store dress-shopping was the cost. None of the outfits above cost more than $500, with most running $150-$300. Sometimes department stores even offer free alterations (when you buy the dress from them)!

Would you consider a short dress for your wedding? How about a colored one? Have you looked in any nontraditional places to find your wedding apparel?