Some brides would like to pull together an inexpensive wedding and they need to know that it can be done. Anyone who wants a Gothic indie-style celebration already knows that they don't have to follow all of the traditional wedding rules. And, smart girls know that taste trumps money.
Black Wedding Dresses
Britain and the rest of the UK are ahead of the world when it comes to Gothic style. However, women in The States have learned to work with fewer options and come out ahead of their American compatriots. The easiest way to make a statement is to find a gown that is anti-white. Here are some ideas:
- Katrina Marie Designs Black Sateen Wedding Gown If this looks too shiny on you, blow out a few candles and pass around more Sangria.
- Black Velvet with Red Renaissance Gown at Artemisia.com. This comes in other color combos if you don't want black or don't want red trim. About $150.
- White wench wedding gown also comes in black at VintageStyleClothing.com. What the heck is a wench? Did I just make up that word?
- Black Isabella Wedding Gown at Kambriel.com is perfect for a winter wedding. ($295)
- Black Bodice Wedding Dress at LilyWedding.com or LilyWedding.co.nz
Black Corset
Another idea is to get a corset and pair it with a black bridesmaid’s skirt. It's cheaper to get a ready-made corset, though you might want a custom-made, bespoke corset for a great fit. Some corsets are meant to be worn over clothing. Or, you could get a white wedding dress from a second-hand store (maybe have it dyed a deep red) and wear a lovely corset over it. The best thing about a corset is that it can be worn more than once, so even a custom-made corset not a splurge.
- RivitHead.com has cheap corsets. I find this one to be super sexy.
Bridesmaid, Prom, or Evening Gowns
For an inexpensive alternative, check out bridesmaid dresses. They come in more colors and they’re cheaper.
- Long Red Satin Dress at David's Bridal. This dress is like a blank canvas. Punk it up with some decadent gloves and a red or black veil.
- Black Satin Lolita Dress at Milanoo. It's for cosplay but it also shows up as bridesmaid.
- Here's a cool blood red bridesmaid dress.
Nordstrom.com
Check department stores. There are advantages to buying a black evening dress in a regular store. The garment will be sent immediately and it can be returned if it doesn't look right. Also, there are always long black dresses online for a last-minute wedding. One good website to try is Nordstrom.com:
- Adrianna Papell Strapless Rosette Ball Gown Satin corset-style bodice (optional straps) and skirt with rosette-organza overlay. ($238) It's almost gone but call to find others in Nordies' stores.
- JS Boutique Beaded Waist Jersey Gown ($198) Comes in several colors.
- Calvin Klein Asymmetrical Jersey Gown in black or red. ($158)
Red Wedding Gowns
Red wedding dresses are also worn for winter (Christmas) and Valentine’s Day weddings, so they are a bit easier to find than other colors.
Some places to look for red dresses:
- Sexy Red Princess Ballgown HeleneBridal.com
- Red Dracula's Bride Gown at Kambriel.com is so beautiful that non-Goth, indie brides should disregard the name and consider this. Look at the sexy, gorgeous drape of the fabric. It comes in black or ivory, as well. ($300)
- Velvet Sacred Heart Medieval Dress at VintageStyleClothing.com has a gorgeous black-and-red brocade bodice. You could cover your arms with a black lace bolero.
Purple Dresses
Purple is becoming easier to find since I wrote this article, so you shouldn't have much problem finding anything. If looking for a special size, check out Qinceanera and prom dresses.
- After Six Bridesmaid Dress in African Violet
- Luna Luz Iris V Neck Dress in Iris or another dark color. Author loves Luna Luz dresses and any Luna Luz will definitely be worn again. This dress is casual but it could be punked up big-time with an underbust corset and accessories. It's a fab frock that will be worn again and again.
- Strapless Evening Gown at LadyGagaBridal.com
- Renaissance Gothic Ballgown ($125) because life is cosplay. Why won't my husband wear anything fun!
A Goth girl should also look at shades of midnight blue and white dresses with colored bodices. Most Gothic clothing stores are in the UK, but there are websites where a woman need not rediscover the metric system.
Top Hats
You may want to add a gorgeous top hat to give your gown the final touch. Look at Louise Green for modern hats. Even if you decide to wear white, top hats and mini top hats are perfect for the modern Goth.
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Remarriage After Divorce - Second Marriage Wedding Dresses
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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