Now that summer is here, it means wedding season is in full swing and that means your calendar is most likely already jam-packed with upcoming nuptials. As exciting as weddings are, it can be stressful trying to decide what to wear, especially when you’re a guest at multiple weddings in one season. Not only do you have to find something that adheres to the dress code, but you also don’t want to break the bank by shelling out hundreds of dollars on a dress you won’t be able to (or want to) wear again. Luckily there are a few stores in Toronto that always come through when it comes to both chic styles and more formal options, so whether you’re going black tie or for more of a bohemian vibe, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need right here in the city.
Below are the 5 best shops and boutiques for wedding guest dresses you’ll actually wear again (and again!)
The Store on Queen
Instagram/@thestoreonqueen
Known for its bold and sexy styles, The Store on Queen is the perfect place to go if you’re a gal who isn’t afraid to make a statement. Here you’ll find everything from more formal black tie-style dresses to flirty printed numbers, and literally, every other style in between. A major plus of this Queen Street gem is the knowledgable and friendly staff who are always eager to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
LoversLand
Instagram/@loversland
While this Ossington gem has a strong focus on bride and bridesmaid dresses, the shop still carries an impressive selection of dresses for wedding guests to choose from that range from floral bohemian-style dresses, to sleek and formal ‘fishtail gowns’. You can also grab the perfect pair of heels, jewellery, and accessories at Loversland to complete your look.
Narwhal Boutique
Instagram/@narwhalboutique
Narwhal is one of those boutiques that always ‘wows’ us with their feminine yet slightly edgy pieces, and its dresses are no exception. Here you’ll find plenty of wrap-dresses and floral numbers that are the perfect option for an outdoor, summer wedding. Plus, the versatile, flirty silhouettes can also work for future dinner dates.
Poor Little Rich Girl
Instagram/@plrgboutique
After a visit to the uptown boutique, you’ll quickly realize why women come back here for its wedding guest dresses time and time again. Not only are the staff incredibly helpful, but the dress selection is impressive, ranging from plunging necklines, cut-outs, feminine floral prints, and mesh details. And while most dresses are fashion-forward, this boutique’s options are still classic enough to be re-worn on several occasions.
Anthropologie
Instagram/@anthropologie
Nothing screams summer wedding more than dreamy floral prints, and Anthropologie just so happens to be a safe haven for those looking for more bohemian, floral numbers. Here you’ll find dresses ranging from mini and maxi cuts, to wrap and off-the-shoulder styles that are perfect for summer, yet can also be brought back the following spring as a day number with a leather jacket and sneakers.
Main Image: Instagram/@loversland
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When it comes to engagement rings, a growing number of millennials are opting to shine bright like a diamond without going the “girl’s best friend” route, choosing more affordable and sustainable alternatives like moissanite.
In a culture that increasingly values experiences over material things, young people no longer want to drop all of their dollars on hardware for the engagement finger.
There are too many places to check off the travel bucket list – and, to aptly document on Instagram in the process.
Toronto’s Ring Come True sees countless young couples in search of their moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. Moissanite is becoming the number one diamond alternative because it happens to look extremely like a diamond, sparkling even a bit more than one. It’s also a lot more affordable.
So, why exactly are we kissing traditional engagement rings goodbye?
A Desire to Spend Our Precious Dollars Elsewhere
“Considering that diamonds are really expensive, people are finding less reason to buy them in favour of other experiences,” says Shir Andrews, owner of Ring Come True. Especially in a city like Toronto with brutally high housing costs, many would rather allocate a large chunk of change as a down payment on a house, rather than a ring.
A study conducted by insurance group Allianz found that many of today’s brides value honeymoons and homes over pricy diamond rings. This is consistent with a recent survey from Contiki Tours, which revealed that Canadian millennials were willing to give up a variety of material things – from shopping to Tim Hortons – for travel. And who better to travel with than your new husband or wife?
An Informed Culture that Craves Individuality
We live in a culture of options and information available at our fingertips. “With more access to information from things like Pinterest and Instagram and people learning about the industry – and especially the price point – and realizing that they don’t have to go one route; there are a lot more options,” says Andrews.
While she says that the classics are still popular in terms of shape, in general, we have also seen an embrace of unique gemstones, cuts, and colours that suit personalities as opposed to the expected when it comes to today’s engagement rings.
“The greatest thing about moissanite aside from its appearance is that it’s a high-quality durable stone that will last forever,” says Andrews. “Sapphire or morganite, for example, will eventually have to be replaced because they get scratched.”
Instagram/ @ringcometrue
Ethics Come into Play
For all the glittery glory of a sparkly diamond, diamond mining can take a serious toll on the environment – something that is now common knowledge and something that’s often brought up with Andrews’ concerned clients.
Human rights violations that have characterized the industry also leave a bad taste in many mouths. “For ethical purposes, they are looking for something that’s a little more environmentally friendly than a diamond,” says Andrews. “It really just comes down to priorities.”
Ring Come True’s lab-made diamonds are a popular choice for this reason. Lab-made diamonds are increasingly popular and can look remarkably similar to the real deal, but typically cost around 30 to 40 per cent less. According to a Morgan Stanley report, lab-grown diamonds could take 7.5 per cent of the total market share by 2020.
Instagram/ @ringcometrue
A Change in the Way We Shop for Rings
Not only are the materials and designs changing, the way people shop for engagement rings has also shifted drastically since the days the men surprised their future brides-to-be with something they had chosen or a family heirloom. Now, Andrews says that about 80 per cent of couples are coming into the store together in search of that perfect engagement ring.
“I would say another 15 per cent would be already well-researched women coming in by themselves to find out what they like and figure it out to either essentially leave the notes with me or translate that to their future fiancés to come to place the order,” she says. This leaves just 5 per cent of men taking matter in to their own hands.
“The more we embrace diamond alternatives, the more common they will become, and the more they will become normal,” says Andrews. “A lot of people still feel shame and judgment about not having a diamond, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I honestly believe in the next two to three years, moissanite will be just as common as diamond. The key is to embrace it and not try to pass it off as a diamond.”
Featured Image: Pexels
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Even though it’s (still) January, wedding season always seems to sneak right up on us so why not get your ducks in a row a little earlier this year? Finding the right bridesmaids dress often seems like an impossible feat but these 10 retailers have so many options and styles available, which means you’re bound to find something the whole squad is into. Bonus points too because so many dresses from these retailers are available for under $250 so you don’t need to worry about spending your life savings on a dress.
So if you just can’t wait to shop for your bridesmaid dresses, then why not get started by checking out these 10 spots.
ASOS
Instagram/ @smashleybell
If you ever thought that there isn’t a bridesmaid dress out there for you, then you need to hit up ASOS. This super popular British online retailer has over 300 dresses just waiting for you to fawn over. What’s really wonderful too is that there’s something for everyone regardless if you’re tall, petite, plus or preggers.
Lulus
Instagram/ @lulus
Want to look like a million buck but not actually spend a million bucks? Yeah, we feel you and have you covered. The dresses over at Lulus look like legit red carpet gowns but will cost you a fraction of the price. With styles ranging from pretty pastels to dark romantic vibes, we guarantee you’ll find a bridesmaids dress you’ll want to wear over and over again!
Fame & Partners
Instagram/ @fameandpartners
Have you ever found the perfect dress but wish you could make a few personal tweaks? Well you’re not alone because Fame & Partners is all about customization so you can take one of their dresses and add panels in certain places or change the colour entirely to make a truly one of a kind creation.
Free People
Instagram/ @freepeople
Attention all boho brides – Free People is a bohemian’s dream with their selection of flowy and free spirited dresses. We know some of their pieces fall over $250 but there are so many fab options that come in under budget. Any one of their unique and stylish dresses can be dressed up or down so it’ll seamlessly fit into your wardrobe, no matter what your everyday personal style is.
Boohoo
Instagram/ @boohoo
Known for being ultra cheap and ultra chic, Boohoo of course has you covered when it comes to all things bridesmaid dresses. With endless options in pretty much any colour you could want, even the pickiest bride will find something the whole bridesmaid squad will love, love, love!
Revolve
Instagram/ @revolve
A fave among fashion bloggers worldwide for a reason, Revolve stocks only the most fashionable and fabulous pieces so you know that anything you choose is going to be perfect! Their options in the bridesmaid department are super trendy but still classic and with many currently on sale, there’s never been a better time to shop.
Nordstrom
Instagram/ @liveloveblank
Looking for a one-stop shop? Nordstrom is the place for you! They stock almost any brand you can think of so the selection is endless and they have a wonderful size range so it’s inclusive to all. Plus their shoe and accessories game is always on point so you can build the whole lewk right in one store – brilliant, right?
Modcloth
Instagram/ @flashesofstyle
Serving modern vintage realness is Modcloth with their retro yet classic vibes. With so many timeless options from A-line to fit and flare in as many colours you could ever imagine all for a bargain!
Topshop
The trendsetter’s go to is Topshop so why not make it your go to for all things bridesmaid dresses? Shop their insanely gorgeous selection of dresses that aren’t going to blow your finances out of the water but are perfect for any type of special occasion!
Missguided
Instagram/ @missguided
Another online retailer that’s a fave among the fashion crowd is Missguided and their dresses are so classy but won’t set you back in the dollar department. No matter what type of wedding you’re bridesmaid-ing at, there is a dress for you and trust us, it’ll be a knockout!
Featured image: Instagram/ @flashesofstyle
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It’s that time of year again: wedding season! If you’re like me, every other weekend in your calendar is booked with an engagement party, bridal shower or wedding. While I couldn’t be happier to celebrate the nuptials of my nearest and dearest, wedding season sure can get expensive for a guest (not to mention the happy couple).
Follow these simple steps for how to tackle wedding season on a budget:
Outfits
There’s no need to splurge on a new outfit for every occasion. Take one quality basic from your wardrobe and dress it up differently for multiple occasions (this is where a LBD comes in handy!). Play around with different jackets, shoes and accessories to change up your outfit for each event. When in doubt, go with black – it’s classic, flattering and doesn’t stand out in photos as looking like the same outfit twice. If you insist on a new outfit, try renting a dress from companies like Fitzroy Boutique or Rent, Frock, Repeat instead.
Tip: Skip the expensive salon bill by asking a friend to do your hair and make-up. Tag them in a photo of your look on social media to give them a shout-out for a job well done!
Transportation
When attending a wedding out of town, there’s always travel and accommodations to coordinate in advance. Whenever possible, plan as a group; the more people you can travel with, the more wiggle room you’ll have for splitting larger expenses (like a car service or Airbnb booking).
Tip: Traveling by plane? When booking your flight online, clear your computer’s cache before searching. If a website detects that you’ve been searching for a specific flight frequently, they may raise the prices on your search.
Gifting
Whenever possible, I always recommend purchasing a gift off of the couple’s registry. Always buy the item online when the retailer is having a sale. You can often double your discount by signing up for the retailer’s e-newsletter (this will typically get you an instant 10-15% off coupon code towards your first online order). Many online retailers like Hudson’s Bay will ease the gift giving process even further by gift wrapping the item, adding a greeting card and shipping it directly to the couple’s home. Talk about efficient.
Tip: Redeem your credit card points or AIR MILES rewards for kitchen appliances, electronics, gift cards or travel vouchers to give as gifts.
As a guest, I like to approach wedding season worry-free and ready to party. This means not stressing over the expenses that can pile up from fussing over new outfits, accommodations, and gifts. I recommend setting a budget at the start of wedding season to support all of the events you plan to attend. Remember: It’s perfectly acceptable to decline an invite, especially if you can’t afford it.
How do you tackle wedding season on a budget?
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Featured image via Pexels
This year Santa brought you everything on your list and then some – you’re engaged! As many as 40% of all engagements happen between November and February. First of all, congratulations! Celebrating your relationship with your friends and family can be the greatest party of your life, but planning a wedding typically comes with an expensive price tag.
Whether you’re planning intimate summer nuptials or a grand affair, how you’re going to pay for it is the first thing you need to figure out.
Create your wedding budget
Websites like WeddingWire provide awesome wedding planning tools, including a budget template. Not only will this help you identify what costs you need to think about, these online resources also show you the average spending in each category so you can compare your spending to see if its within reason.
One of the most important things to consider when making your wedding budget is who’s paying for what. Gone are the days when the bride’s family footed the entire wedding bill. Now it’s not uncommon for both sets of parents to contribute, or for the bride and groom to manage the costs alone. Never assume anyone is paying for your wedding but you. You don’t want to plan a $50,000 event under the guise that someone else will pick up the tab, only to end up with the final bill yourself! Knowing who’s paying for what right from the start determines how much your budget is and will save you many headaches down the road.
Start saving now
The best thing my husband and I decided to do for our wedding (besides commit to spend the rest of our lives together, obviously) was begin saving as soon as we were engaged. We calculated our wedding budget, and then worked backwards to determine how much we would each have to save every month in order to afford it. We opened a joint savings account, and automatically transferred a few hundred dollars from each of our paycheques into the account every month up until our wedding. After a year of saving, we had more than enough to pay for our big day!
If your wedding is six months or more away, you might choose to stash your cash in a GIC. GICs typically provide higher interest rates than high-interest savings accounts, and locking your money up for a fixed term will discourage you from dipping into it before your wedding day.
Pay as you go
While the bulk of your wedding spending will be due on your big day, a lot of little costs and deposits can be taken care of beforehand. Try to absorb low-cost items, like your hair and makeup or your wedding stationery in your regular spending rather than taking these small amounts from your wedding savings. This will allow your savings account to grow so you can better afford higher-cost items, such as event rentals or dinner.
No matter what, remember that spending more on your wedding doesn’t make you more married! Your goal with setting a budget and saving for your big day is to have the wedding of your dreams without a bill from your nightmares.
By Bridget Eastgaard for Ratehub.ca
RateHub.ca is a website that compares mortgage rates, credit cards and deposit rates with the goal to empower Canadians to search smarter and save money.