Affordable gorgeous wedding dresses

Wedding dresses are one of the BIG headaches when it comes to wedding planning. ALL brides would love to look gorgeous and stunning on their special day with the least minimum fuss of finding the dress whilst, hopefully, matching their budget!

From what I've heard, renting wedding dresses or getting them custom made sure do cost an arm and leg! It can range from RM1,000-3,000 each gowns or even more! Unfortunately, as much as I would like to look beautiful and glorious on my wedding, I, have to be practical with my tight budget RM1,500 and below for about 2-4 gowns (if I need so many). Sounds insane right? and somewhat impossible... but it isn't.

As I've blogged previously about ebay shopping, I actually found one that I like for roughly AUD150 (can be less depending which vendor you go with). So far, that's the only one that has captured my attention. My main concern is whether the quality of the actual dress will look as good as the picture or if it will suit my body type and shape which reminds me, I've got to make a decision by this week!

Yesterday, I stumbled upon this other online site that sells really affordable and PRETTY wedding gowns - Dino Direct. Some of the dresses are awesomely chic and elegant. Taking a look at the prices and positive feedback makes me giddy with excitement.

Now, I can consider buying maybe, two white gowns, though what would I do with the other is anyone else's guess. Check out the prices that I've mentioned below, taken from the site, and you won't believe it yourself! Sounds insanely good to be true.

I am wondering which one I should order and try out. Sometimes, it looks gorgeous on the anorexic skinny models and blinds you to think that you will look as good in it but it might look totally opposite on the actual person wearing it for the wedding especially if one isn't tall and slim like the model!

I seem to fancy tube top styles with sashes...

For those who know me, or might not, what do you reckon I should get?

#1 - Fashionable Long Ruffle Cathedral Empire Bridal Gowns Wedding Dress

AUD83.07

NOTE: One thing about this one, it feels so not me, hence, the attraction. Sometimes, for a special occasion like this, you'd want to experiment with something different and dress up a little bit more with some dramatic flair for the pre-wedding shoots. However, I have a feeling that it won't suit me well.

#2 - Taffeta Ruffle Sweep Empire Bridal Gowns Wedding Dress

AUD151.44

NOTE: This one reeks elegance and oozes with gorgeousness. The bow at the back adds a cutesie touch though on hindsight, looks a tad out of place in the elegant dress.

#3 - Lace Flowers Sash Court Empire Bridal Gown Wedding Dress

AUD136.22

#4 - Ruffle Jarket Court A-Line Bridal Gown Wedding Dress

AUD89.39

#5 - Flowers Lace Beading Court A-Line Bridal Gown Wedding Dress AUD138.15

#6 - Ruffle Applique Court A-Line Bridal Gown Wedding Dress

AUD95.97

#7 - Belted Ruffle Sweetheart Court Bridal Ball Gown Wedding Dress

AUD68.36

#8 - Waist Ribbon Court Bridal Ball Gown Wedding Dress

AUD68.30

#9 - Ruffle Layer Waist Bow Sweetheart Bridal Ball Gown Wedding Dress

AUD83.48

#10 - Beaded Sweetheart Ruffle Court Bridal Ball Gown Wedding Dress

AUD 98.66

#11 - Elegant Rose Applique Round Neck Mini Bridal Gown Wedding Dress

AUD55.78

#12 - Popular Ruffle One Shoulder Court Bridal Ball Gown Wedding Dress

AUD68.30

#13 - High Neck Lace Beading Chapel A-Line Bridal Gown Wedding Dress

AUD175.13

#14 - Lace High Neck Court Mermaid Bridal Gown Wedding Dress

AUD159.71

#15 - Sash Applique Bateau Neckline Chapel A-Line Bridal Gown Wedding Dress

AUD130.02

#16 - Chiffon Backless V Neck Wedding Dresses Gown

AUD73.30

#17 - Cool Beaded Bracelet Satin Evening Dresses

AUD67.83

Arrrghhh.. I made notes for every dress but it wasn't saved when I clicked 'post'... and I am too lazy to retype them.. urghh..

Basically, I am thinking of dress #6, #8 and #10. What do you think?

Last Friday : Part 1

So last Friday, I mentioned that I was going for my first AFL match at Etihad Stadium. It was a really interesting and educational match despite it not being a big match with bigger, more famous teams playing ie Collingwood or Essendon.

Before the match, we - Mr. C, his two colleagues, JC and JS - went to yet another Malaysian eatery at Clayton, Kota Roya. It was the first time for Mr. C and I, so definitely we (more of me) were curious how our meal will turn out.

I love the fact that they serve FREE crackers!

Pretty simple and cosy interior but the funny plastic thing draped over the table clothe was a little tacky and annoying.

JC's hokkien mee

JS and my (each had our own, in case you were wondering) yum Sau Hor Fan... otherwise known as Wah Tan Hor.

Looked simple and small portion but at the end of the meal, I felt rather filled up!

Mr. C's curry laksa... I didn't fancy it as opposed to Old Town's and Laksa King's

The food was only so-so for me. I wouldn't scramble to come back here anytime soon. If I crave Asian food, I'll still head to Glen Waverly instead.

And finally, we reached Etihad Stadium, at the edge of city in Docklands. Because the free tickets we had were corporate ones, we didn't had to go to the 'normal' people entrance, instead, we could go straight through to the 'VIP' entrance, with no queue etc.

Us, trying to contain our excitement. Watching the match on tivo and watching it live in the flesh is EXTREMELY different! Take me to the match anyday, anytime, and I'll go. Where else watching at home is rather yawn-ishly B-O-R-I-N-G!

People were pretty into the match. Western Bulldog fans came adorned with the colours of the team - blue, white and red. You can opt to have dinner before coming or just check out the food kiosk around the stadium that served hot food like pies and drinks.

Flags of the different AFL teams...

Super tall Western Bulldog fan...

Western Bulldog

Melbourne Demons

There were fireworks going off outside, opposite the stadium...

To be continued...

Cookie monster me

Wedding planning tips DETAILS

Wedding Planning Tip #1 Decide the date

It is essential to pick a date. Once you've sorted a date, it is easier to proceed with everything else. Besides, for some families that are more traditional and religious, your parents and in-laws might need hoards of time to complicate your life (ok.. kidding about that) by consulting someone on an auspicious day for that special day of yours.

For me, at least I didn't have to go through that hassle. However, I had to factor in that Mr. C and I are now in Australia and it wouldn't be easy to take such a long break especially since he just started his job early in the year. And besides, my mother (henceforth known as The Mothership) decreed, "no putting it on Christmas eve" and New Year's eve was out of the question as my sister, who's working in church would not be able to attend due to work obligations.

Hence, I had to pick a date somewhere in December as Mr. C will be on forced leave for Christmas and New Year's and given The Mothership's decree it really didn't leave much other dates for me to choose from! Leading to a headache in Wedding Planning Tip #2 - the venue.

NOTE: December and January seem to be hot favourite months to marry in. If there is no restrictions or limitations, try to choose other dates that are not as in demand, allowing you more flexibility and demand power.

Wedding Planning Tip #2 Get your wedding venue

This is SO important- key note is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Scout fort eh few places you have in mind, decide fast and then, grab the venue of your choice! Don't forget to factor in location, how many guests can you fit in and your budget!

Learn from my mistake, I dragged my heels in deciding a date and inadvertently, my venue. I was late in deciding mine and had to settle for luncheon instead!

No... this isn't where my wedding luncheon will be though I wish it will look this spectacularly fairytale like!

Picture taken from HERE.

NOTE: Many are favouring restaurants these days due to it's affordability. Tai Thong restaurants and the Oriental Groups are pretty much value for their money (RM700-RM1000/table). It's reasonable and the food is good as opposed to hotels where it may be grand but the food is just average and you pay quite a fair bit (RM1000-RM2000/table).

Saujana hotel, Equitorial hotel, Cyberview lodge and Bankers Club, Passion Road to name a few are the popular ones off late.

Wedding Planning Tip #3 Set your budget

This is really important especially if you have NO money or not much of it. People always ask me what is my budget and I tell them that I have NO budget. No budget not in the sense where it is unlimited and the sky is the limit kind of budget but more so a zero budget with no money!

And to plan your budget, you also need to decide on a guest list. Will it be a guest list of 200 people? 300? or more? How about your parents and relatives? Once you know roughly how many people you want to invite, the rest is pretty much easy to roughly estimate.

It is said that 30% of your guest list won't be able to make it and 10% of those that says 'yes' won't turn up at the last minute.

Don't forget to budget for wedding gowns, dinner gowns, flowers, groom's suits, rings, photography and the list goes on. In all things, it is always good to be prepared. Hence, do your homework. In everything, research, research, research!

And once you set a budget, try not to deviate from it though the urge to do so is always there! Like for me, I had to change my budget for photographers as my initial budget was a little impractical.

NOTE: Make sure you do a budget factoring a 10% - 20% increase. Different brides will have different budget. Some can afford custom made dresses of RM3K and some, RM500. Some are willing to forgo flowers and pay for photographer and some might opt for actual wedding shoot without the pre-wedding shoots.

Wedding Planning Tip #4 Choose your Photographers and Videographers

These days, there are so many professional photographers out there for one to choose from. The problem is, with one spoilt for choices, it can be maddening to narrow down.

Lightedpixels Photography from Singapore

Lightedpixels

Lightedpixels

And that is why, it is important to gauge how much you're willing to pay for one and then, visit a few, check out their portfolios, interact with the assigned photographer to see if you can get along or if he/she can understand what you have in mind!

Axioo

If you feel uncomfortably with your photographer and there's communication barrier, it will translate into your pictures. For the more experience professionals, it can easily range from RM5K- RM10K and above just for a whole day's work. But if that is out of your budget, there are many that charges below RM3k - RM4K. There are also many noobs who charge less but as they are not as well known, it'll be harder to find them.

Jenny Sun Photography

NOTE: I really love Jenny Sun's natural and yet stunning shots but she is one of the signature photographers that charge a hefty price for her awesome work! You'll also have other famous ones like Lightedpixels, Jon Low (coincidentally a friend's brother) and Axioo. I won a free pre-wedding shoot by a friend, Joshua Chong's Photography that is starting out

Wedding Planning Tip #5 Join competitions

Lastly, join competitions online or from magazines related to wedding. Who knows, you may get a or many free pre-wedding or actual day shoots. If not, even better, you might win your dream honeymoon!

Picture taken from HERE.