DIY Bride™

I goofed. Reader Ashley pointed out that I didn’t follow my own rules for announcing the winner of the Under $500 Bridal Ensemble contest. Instead of picking a single random winner, I personally chose 3 winners. D’oh! Sorry, friends!

To make good on my original contest rules, I’ve used Random.Org to select a random winner in addition to my picks from the other day. Using the integer generator, it chose #12. #12 corresponds to the 12th entry I posted and it was from Andrea.

Congrats, Andrea! Your entry is beautiful – very retro Hollywood glam.

You make my life difficult, you crafty vixens! Honestly, I had the worst time trying to pick a single winner for this contest. So I didn’t. I picked 3 winners and even that was a challenge. All of the entries for this contest were so wonderfully creative, beautiful, and fun!

Each of the winners will receive a copy of The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects For Your Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Wedding. (Email notification is on its way.)

Winner #1: Samantha G.

I loved this one because I thought the colors were fresh, the dress was gorgeous, and the total cost was under $400. For the sleek, modern bride who loves adding unexpected details, this is a great choice.

Samantha's Entry

Winner #2: Samantha W.

This one caught my eye because it’s frilly and romantic … and about $326 for all 6 elements. For more traditional brides, this is a lovely option.

Samantha W.'s Entry

Winner #3: Emilia

For something fun, funky, and fresh Emilia’s entry is aces in my book. I love how daring and playful this ensemble is. Great dress, unique accessories. It makes a great statement.

Emilia's Entry

Thank you to everyone who entered this contest!

With all sincerity – I am amazed at how talented and resourceful you are! I admit to buying a pair of shoes that was showcased and found some nifty ideas for Xmas gifts.

I’ll be announcing the winner on Monday. Hopefully everyone will have had a chance to view all of the awesomeness that was turned in.

Notes:

• If you missed the contest and want to share your Under $500 boards anyway, please send ‘em in anytime! There’s no prize involved except the utter adoration of all of us DIYers on a budget. Wedding pros, readers, past-brides, etc. are all invited to participate. (Please, please, please do NOT put the links/sources in the .jpg/image file! Include them in the body of the email.)
• Etsy was, by far, the #1 resource for our readers’ boards. Nordstrom and Macys followed as go-to spots for wedding attire on a budget.
• If you entered and your entry is not displayed: it’s probably due to it not being in the format specified in the contest rules.

If you didn’t get enough budget-friendly ideas, my friend Liene of Blue Orchid Designs, will be announcing the winner of her Recessionista challenge – the under $1000 ensemble challenge. Check out the details: http://www.blueorchidblog.com/2008/11/recessionista-giveaway.html

From Marissa

Total: $306.93

See full image for sources (click above to make larger).

From Aleda & Anna

Total: $492

From Samantha

Total: $396.95

Sources

BRIDAL GOWN
Nordstrom
$228.00
Mary L Couture Notch Bodice Halter Gown

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

VEIL/HEADPIECE/HAIR ACCESSORIES
Rose Hair Clip
$34.00

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

SHOES
Nordstrom
$89.95
Orange Glint ‘Devon’ Slingback Pump

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

JEWELRY/OTHER ACCESSORIES
Clutch
ALDO
$30.00

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

EARINGS
Kohls Jewelry
sale $15.00  (regular $20.00)

From Lena

Total: $488.13

Sources

Dress: 128.00
Nordstrom

Shoes: 32.99
Overstock.com

Headpiece: 24.00
Urban Outfitters

Ring: 19.00
Etsy

Bracelet: 115.20
The Jewish Museum

Earrings: 69.99
Smart Bargains

Flowers: 60.00
FTD

Veil: 38.95
Something Bold

From Katarina

Total: $492.00

Sources

Shoes: Love Peep-toe Pump
Payless Shoe Source $20

Hair Flower: Red silk flower hair clip with chenille dots
Etsy $45

Purse: Peacock Zipper Pouch
Etsy $18

Bracelet: Red Wire Bracelet
Etsy $40

Butter Satin Ball Gown – Butter by Nadia
BennyandShaw $349

Oval Glass Necklace - Echo Jibe Jewellry
$20

From Ashley

Total: $274.00

Sources

Dress: “Quinceanera Dress Style 5713″ by Peridress, $143.99

Earrings: Coiled Silver Earrings from the etsy shop DianaKirkpatrickArt, $40.00

Tiara: “Swarkovski Crystal and Peal Mini Tiara-Custom Made-Bespoke” from the etsy shop PinkTigersDen, $42.00

Necklace: “Melancholy Lashes” from the etsy shop Untamed Menagerie, $25.00

Shoes: Payless Shoe Source, “Halden Hidden Platform Pump,” $22.99

From Amy

Total: $482.00

Sources

Dress:
Betsy & Adam Pleated Halter Gown from Dillards
$160.00

Earrings:
Powdered Almond Pearl Earrings from Etsy Seller MiaBeads
$13.50

Bracelet:
Powdered Almond Pearl Bracelet From Etsy Seller MiaBeads
$28.50

Veil:
Fingertip Diamond White Veil from Etsy Seller BellaBridal Veils
$24.00

Shoes:
Low heel Cherry Wedge Sandel from Mohop
$256 (half the budget, yes, but they are from recycled material and the ribbons are changeable and worn for many more occassions)