Summer Wedding Bridal Pictures

As a 2023 bride, finding the “perfect” elements to complete my wedding day is not only expensive but stressful. Deciding what I wanted to splurge on and what I would want to do (or would be ok with doing) myself was a great place to start to ease the stress! Here are just a few of my favorite items and hacks that I am using to personalize my wedding without breaking the bank. Remember that picking out all the details is supposed to be the fun part, so save yourself the stress of trying to make it all perfect and make the day yours! Choose the shoes you want to wear, not because they’re trending or even because they're simple. I’m all about combining what I love to wear now and still staying classy so that my wedding will feel timeless when I look back. If you feel the same, or just want a few ideas, read on! 

The Bow is Back 

With the rise of Barbie-core and coquette styles, as well as the entrance of the classy “it” girl, a rekindled love for elegance and the classics is back in today’s trends. Sometimes, the trends of the day are onto something when pieces return again. The timeless bow is more than just a trend but a fashion staple. The exit dress isn't as much of a commitment as a wedding dress, so feel free to combine the dreamy with the trendy with Pippa and Pearl’s Mrs. Show Stopper Mini Dress with Back Bow. If you want something more lowkey, 12th Tribe and Lulus both offer beautiful hair bows for a more toned-down but fun look. Yet another timeless piece that still shows personality is David’s Bridal x Betsey Johnson blue satin bow heels. Not only are these shoes stunning by themselves, but would effortlessly complete your ceremony look with your “something blue”.

Engraved Perfume 

Many customized gifts for the bridal party gain popularity quickly, promptly become the standard, and then are forever the only thing you can think of when brainstorming day-of or proposal gifts. Engraved perfume is not only unique, but a beautiful gift for your girls, mom, or mother-in-law. While most personalized gifts with their name and the date run the risk of being basic or just not really usable after the wedding, perfume is a long-lasting gift. Customizing with an engraving makes it an elegant gift that retains its usefulness while still being a cherished keepsake. You can even try to do it yourself with a glass engraver or dremel to practice your DIY skills.

Shoes that showcase your personality

Making your wedding personal to you and your partner feels impossible as the world of the wedding industry sucks you in, and your budget feels only big enough to cover the essentials. The two options seem to be either 1) pay a fortune for a stunning and one-of-a-kind wedding day, or 2) get over the idea of having a wedding that is yours and stick with basic items. But having a unique statement piece for your wedding ensemble is such a great way to make the day yours, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you don’t want it to. And what better way to show your personality than with your shoes? While Sofia Webster has the most gorgeous butterfly heels that are so much more fun than plain nude heels, they are more than $800. In my own case, I have a *slightly* toxic habit of thinking that I can DIY just about anything. In this case, I did it with my own gold heels and butterflies from Amazon for my rehearsal dinner because a pair of stunning designer heels simply weren't in the budget. If you don't want to run the risk of making your shoes look too DIYed, Etsy has countless dreamy and whimsical options.

Sheer Luck

Mesh doesn't have to be confined to the times you attend a festival. Layering a mesh diamond top over a corset or other white top is a great way to add a little sparkle to your bridal shower or bachelorette. Even a pearl bralette is a fun combination of elegance with just a little spice. 

Love You Like the Movies

If you’re looking for a unique way to announce your engagement, and that also saves a little money, making a vintage movie poster is the way to go. While there are some sites, such as Etsy, that can make them for you, it can be really fun to make your own! It allows you to show a little personality by customizing it to you and your partner while saving a bit of money. While I didn't send out save-the-dates, I made one on Canva to display at the front of my reception area!  

Written by Mallory McKeever

Edited by Ruthann Daniels

Photos from Pinterest