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Mrs. Mary Jane, Grand Forks, ND Age and Occupation: 26, Instructional Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lead Programmer Engagement Date: February 28, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: City Hall About Me: I'm a career woman on the surface and a homemaker at heart. I love fast cars and high heels, and my favorite food is cake. Mr. Mary Jane and I are both full-time employees and students, and we just bought our first house. We love to curl up on the couch with buttery popcorn, Sour Patch Kids, and the latest Netflix arrival -- whenever we can get a break from everyday life.
About Mrs. Mary Jane

[For those just joining me on the dress-hunt, revisit the past:
Part I; Part 2; Part 3
]

Remember my brown suit? Well, forget it. I returned it earlier this week.

Why? Well… as much as I liked the familial symbolism of it, and as much as I liked the suit itself, it really wasn’t me (at least not bride-me). The more I thought about it, the more I really did not want to get married in a brown suit. You see, I know that many of you may say I’m crazy, but I’ve always had some trouble feeling feminine. I’ve been a tomboy much of my life (with interests in cars and electronics and no fear of getting my hands dirty). I’m also quite tall and have struggled with my appearance and self-image a lot over the years. And in December I had a momentary lapse of judgment and got a very short pixie haircut. Not a style that screams womanly beauty for me.

So the idea of getting married in a long-sleeved, brownish suit was making me rather wary. I want to be feminine and cute on my wedding day, and I’m not particularly cute-looking by default (IMHO). Sure, I look like a girl, and not a particularly bad looking girl at that. I have a girl shape and a girl face. No one is confusing me for the opposite sex. But I’m also almost the same height as my groom. I have long arms, big feet, and the aforementioned short hair. Nothing can make me petite, and it takes the perfect dress to make me look delicate. While my suit did have delicate elements to it (like the notched boat neck), I decided it would be a better fit if our wedding was going to be in the late fall or winter. In early September, the weather will still be summery and I’ll likely look out of place and sweaty in such a heavy, conservative outfit.

It was hard for me to return my suit (I considered keeping it for work), but with a new house in the works and a wedding to plan, I needed any extra money I could get, especially now that I needed a new wedding dress.

Having already hit up the Macy’s and Nordstrom websites for ideas, I decided to just go to the mall and see what the local stores had to offer. The snow is finally melting here in Grand Forks, so sundresses are starting to show up in our stores. I was hoping to find a nice tea- or knee-length white sundress… and I hit the jackpot! Check it out:


[source]

Meet my new dress: the Floral Eyelet Dress by American Living. It’s comfortable, not too tight, and not too short. It’s feminine and cute. It’s summery. I’m happy with it. But you know what makes me really love it? It was $100. (But I’m not done yet!) It was marked down 40%, to $59.99. And I had a leftover gift card from Christmas, bringing my out-of-pocket total to… $14.00. FOURTEEN BUCKS, people. (So if I change my mind again, it’s not like I’m going to go broke because of it!)

I need to take it in a little in the waist, but otherwise it looks just great. So there you have it, the ultimate budget wedding dress!

If you’re looking for a rehearsal dress or even some budget-friendly bridesmaid dresses, I highly recommend checking out the sundresses at your local department stores. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

Did you manage to buy your wedding dress for significantly less than your budgeted amount?

Tags: |   Link for this post | Share this post: Finding a (Non)Wedding Dress: Part 4 (Addendum)      
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58 Responses to “Finding a (Non)Wedding Dress: Part 4 (Addendum)”

1.
Emilydll
Member
Emilydll (message)  428 posts, Helper bee

I think this is absolutely perfect Miss Mary Jane!
Also I adore your short hair cute! :) I’ve always been a short hair fan. ;)
I think you should order a fun hair flower to complete the perfect look!

 
2.
LatteLove
Hostess
LatteLove (message)  4,094 posts, Honey bee

great dress!! I think it looks good on you–a touch of delicate, but not too foofy!

I’ve been scouring stores for the last two months to find an affordable white sundress that it somewhat dress for my second reception. This is just perfect!

 
3.
Miss Mary Jane
Bee
Miss Mary Jane (message)  1,516 posts, Bumble bee

Oh man, Emilydll,, you did not see my hair when it was REALLY short :-o. I will dig out a picture from Christmas for one of my future posts so you can really appreciate the shortness. It’s been growing out for about 6 months now… ;)

 
4.
flbeachbride
Member
flbeachbride (message)  328 posts, Helper bee

If you add some dangly earrings, a hair flower and some cute bag and shoes you have got it down. Lovely!!

 
5.
rachelpete
Member
rachelpete (message)  79 posts, Worker bee

I think this is perfect! :) Maybe you should try a cute birdcage veil to complete the outfit!

 
6.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Mascara (message)  771 posts, Busy bee

I think it’s perfect! Great find! And I’m glad you stayed true to yourself and didn’t keep the brown suit when you were second guessing it.

 
7.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Bruschetta (message)  5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

So cute! I’m definitely hunting for the perfect sundress — either for the shower and/or RD — so it’s great to hear there are fun, affordable ones out there!

 
8.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Ballet Flat (message)  642 posts, Busy bee

Is that from JCPenney’s? I was eyeing that dress (might have been the same) for “going away” but they didn’t have it in my size! It’s SUPER cute on you though! :) Yay for a great bargain too!

 
9.
chelseamorning
Hostess
chelseamorning (message)  1,482 posts, Bumble bee

I like this option the best out of all of those you’ve shown us. This looks very cute and summery and wedding-y on you. Good choice!

 
10.
MissCamera
Member
MissCamera (message)  671 posts, Busy bee

That dress looks great on you! I’m so glad you decided to forgo the brown suit.

 
11.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Beagle (message)  1,051 posts, Bumble bee

Cute! :) I like the way it fits on you, and it’s perfect for the occasion!

 
12.
Annui
Member
Annui (message)  314 posts, Helper bee

I love it!

 
13.
go2bee
Member
go2bee (message)  185 posts, Blushing bee

Aww I’m so glad you decided to go for a dress as well…it’s so pretty!!! Now you have to start hunting down the perfect accessories!!!!!!

 
14.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Piglet (message)  629 posts, Busy bee

I love it on you - moreso than the brown suit…and I think you’re gorgeous!

 
15.
Guest Icon
Guest
Lauren

Dang, and I thought I did well with a $110 dress! (I heart etsy.)

 
16.
Guest Icon
Guest
AshCat

Nice find! You look adorable. And after it’s tailored, you’ll feel even more confident about your purchase.

 
17.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Bruschetta (message)  5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

Oooo, can I add that I’m excited to see what kinda shoes you’re going to select?!

 
18.
Bee Icon
Bee
miss star (message)  1,277 posts, Bumble bee

I think it looks really great on you! Very feminine :)

 
19.
kara
Member
kara (message)  623 posts, Busy bee

Fabulous! Now as pps said…the hunt for accessories! Shoes? :)

 
20.
Steph921
Member
Steph921 (message)  190 posts, Blushing bee

So cute!! I second birdcage veil would be so fabulous!

 
21.
MrsSl82be
Member
MrsSl82be (message)  1,472 posts, Bumble bee

I am currently on the search for a simple after party dress for the wedding night. I’ve been eyeing a couple at Nordstrom’s and hoping for a sale soon, but will definitely be hitting up dept stores since we’re finally getting some warm weather around here!

Love your dress BTW :)

 
22.
Guest Icon
Guest
Lisa

Beautiful dress! You look lovely in it.

A side note for anyone else looking for inexpensive dresses (maybe not white, but dresses in general):
American Eagle just opened up their “dress shop”, and although a lot of them are casual (as per AE style), some of the sundresses are very pretty and I’ve worn a couple to semi-formal events!

 
23.
Member Icon
Member
miss_norris (message)  82 posts, Worker bee

Oh you look gorgeous!! :) Not too pouffy-fou-fou-bridal but lovely :) Good work!

 
24.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Perfume (message)  1,632 posts, Bumble bee

It’s delicate and sweet. Just perfect!

 
25.
Natakie16
Member
Natakie16 (message)  493 posts, Helper bee

I love it, I’m happy for you that you found something that makes you feel all bridal! Now to the accessories! :)

 
26.
FMH
Member
FMH (message)  161 posts, Blushing bee

It’s perfect and too cute!

 
27.
Guest Icon
Guest
Nicole

That is such a cute and flattering dress. And for $14, I’m impressed!

 
28.
Guest Icon
Guest
Felicity

I think this one is my favorite so far! Maybe you can spend the money you saved on a little birdcage veil, or a hair embellishment from ohmydeer’s etsy shop, which would look beautiful with your short hair. Maybe a small bouquet of colorful flowers and you’ll be the most stunning bride to walk through the doors of city hall :)

 
29.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Peep Toe (message)  1,636 posts, Bumble bee

Love it. And I am a huge fan of short hair!!

 
30.
JennyBryde
Member
JennyBryde (message)  1,148 posts, Bumble bee

That dress is so sweet! Congrats on narrowing it down! I did love your little brown suit too!

 
31.
Cole B
Member
Cole B (message)  450 posts, Helper bee

This is definitely my favorite one you’ve shown us. Its really feminine and bridal without being too over the top. I agree that you should get a birdcage veil.

 
32.
august15bride
Hostess
august15bride (message)  1,378 posts, Bumble bee

I LOVE IT! And congrats on the price! I stayed under my budget which was $1000 to find a dress that was $724. Not as impressive as your budget beater!

 
33.
Guest Icon
Guest
EMDB

That is adorable!!!!!
Plus, you can dye it after the wedding to a more usable color and get a lot of wear out of it, if you really wanted to. Or you can wear it to summer parties (that aren’t weddings) with a cute cardigan and fun shoes!

 
34.
Member Icon
Member
LegallyWed (message)  31 posts, Newbee

I’m really happy that you went with this dress! When I was reading your posts, they sounded like you were trying to convince yourself that brown suit was the way to go! Good for you for going with your gut AND good for you on the fabulous deal! I wish I could say the same about my dress!

 
35.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Duckling (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

It looks great on you! And the price is awesome! Also, I think you look beautiful!

 
36.
Maude
Member
Maude (message)  326 posts, Helper bee

This is adorable and feminine and perfect for your wedding! With the alterations you mentioned, it will look stunning!

 
37.
SpinningJenny
Member
SpinningJenny (message)  434 posts, Helper bee

Love. ^_^ I am such a huge fan of eyelet sundresses, though. I think I want to investigate having a custom floor-length dress made of eyelet for my own wedding…
I think this is great–it’s summery and airy, delicate and bridal without being a BWD (big white dress). Congrats!

And I agree, some cute kitten heels and a fabric flower/birdcage veil would be super pretty without being over the top. Yaaay!

 
38.
Guest Icon
Guest
SweetSalz21

Perfect choice! This is my rehearsal dinner dress. It’s so bridal and summery :)

 
39.
Miss French Bulldog
Bee
Miss French Bulldog (message)  6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

I love your new dress, it looks fantastic on you! I’m glad you returned the brown suit when you weren’t sure of it, you need to find a dress you feel great in :)

 
40.
Miss Mary Jane
Bee
Miss Mary Jane (message)  1,516 posts, Bumble bee

@SpinningJenny: That sounds like an awesome idea. I love eyelet too. So feminine :)

 
41.
Guest Icon
Guest
Caitlin

I love your hair! It really highlights your facial features.

I am going to be a short-haired bride myself! No shame in that!

 
42.
Shamrock
Member
Shamrock (message)  60 posts, Worker bee

super cute dress! very flattering.

 
43.
catrelle83
Member
catrelle83 (message)  292 posts, Helper bee

I love that dress!
It’s the same dress that I have to change into out of my traditional (heavy!) wedding dress!

 
44.
Guest Icon
Guest
Nothing But Bonfires

This looks FABULOUS on you! I’m so glad you found your dress. And congratulations on the price — fourteen bucks is impressive indeed.

 
45.
Lillindy
Hostess
Lillindy (message)  4,224 posts, Honey bee

Nice find, I sure like it a lot more than that brown suit and it looks more delicate on you than the suit did.

 
46.
Member Icon
Member
tiggah77 (message)  4 posts, Wannabee

I’m going to be wearing an eyelet wedding dress as well! I’m not sure what kind of shoes you’re thinking of wearing, but just in case you’re looking for flats since you’re almost as tall as your future hubby… I just bought my wedding shoes at Payless…they’re American Eagle white eyelet ballet flats… and with the BOGO sale I only paid $9 for them!!!! Woo hoo! =)

 
47.
MaPo
Member
MaPo (message)  312 posts, Helper bee

I must jump on the kudos bandwagon and say hooray for your find! I think there are definite cameleon possibilities with it too. I would totally throw a jean jacket and sandals or flip flops on that puppy all summer long or cardigan-and-flats it up with a pretty necklace for business casual.

 
48.
MightySapphire
Hostess
MightySapphire (message)  2,608 posts, Sugar bee

Heck yah I did! Go ebay!

 
49.
Member Icon
Member
VivianD123 (message)  15 posts, Newbee

Miss Mary Jane, in case you change your mind I would also suggest trying some of the short JCrew dresses on for size. Especially the short Sophia or short Rebecca. Can usually be found on Ebay - or Weddingbee =) - for less than retail. Good luck!

 
50.
Member Icon
Member
bass lover (message)  56 posts, Worker bee

wow!! I am soooo happy for you! Maybe with all of the $$ you saved, your future hubby can surprise you with a little bling as a wedding gift..hehe..hint, hint.
Shoebuy.com has great deals on shoes, 20%off promo, and if you register, you get an addl. 10% and free shipping! AND they sell kitten and 1 inch heeled shoes…
Good luck and happy hunting for accessories!

 
51.
Guest Icon
Guest
Krissy

yayyY! love it!

 
52.
WorstTwinEver15
Member
WorstTwinEver15 (message)  758 posts, Busy bee

Cute!!

 
53.
Guest Icon
Guest
Claire

Such a cute dress, you look gorgeous! Congrats on finding your dress :)

 
54.
Ms. CitySlicker
Member
Ms. CitySlicker (message)  36 posts, Newbee

I think it great that you have kept looking for a dress until you knew it was the one without having to spend thousands! I agree that a birdcage veil would look cute with your dress. Congrats on the great find!

 
55.
Guest Icon
Guest
Katie

I LOVE it! Its great that you found a dress that’s ‘you’. The suite was nice, but this is bettah!

 
56.
mrspaetz
Member
mrspaetz (message)  1,707 posts, Bumble bee

Fabulous, this is perfect!

By the way, I think you rock the short hair look, edgy, bold, yet feminine :)

 
57.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Latte (message)  646 posts, Busy bee

love it! very light and summery. and i’m a sucker for eyelet.

 
58.
Member Icon
Member
Bean (message)  235 posts, Helper bee

Good decision, MJ! Although I was a fan of the suit, there was something about it that bugged me and I couldn’t pinpoint it until I read your post just now. I totally agree that this dress was the change you needed. Yay!

 


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Mrs. Mary Jane
Mrs. Mary Jane Mrs. Mary Jane, Grand Forks, ND Age and Occupation: 26, Instructional Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lead Programmer Engagement Date: February 28, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: City Hall About Me: I'm a career woman on the surface and a homemaker at heart. I love fast cars and high heels, and my favorite food is cake. Mr. Mary Jane and I are both full-time employees and students, and we just bought our first house. We love to curl up on the couch with buttery popcorn, Sour Patch Kids, and the latest Netflix arrival -- whenever we can get a break from everyday life.
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