Celebrity Wedding Style on a Budget

Get the look for less

Sara Doerrier

September 12, 2011

We admit it. Here, at Simply Bridal we are obsessed with weddings. And celebrity weddings are no different. But, really, who doesn’t love watching their favorite celebrity walk down the isle in a hundred of thousands dollar designer dress, marrying their dream partner, in such an ostentatious affair? These highly photographed, visual, lavish weddings are fun and exciting for us to follow, and a lot of times, many of us find inspiration from them too. We want to recreate their beautiful day on our beautiful day. But unless your budget is well into the triple digits, it’s not a feasible option. That is not to say that we can’t pull elements and inspiration that you adore from celebrity nuptials and then make it your own. Re-creating the whole event would take away from your individuality as a couple, but finding inspiration in our favorite celebrities is a past time that will never go out of style.

Here are some Celebrity-inspired wedding trends that you can get on a budget.

The Grace Kelly inspired bride

When Grace Kelly walked down the isle to marry the Prince of Monaco, she stopped time. It is no wonder that she still is considered a style icon. Many brides from all around the world (including Celebrities) are taking cues from this timeless Princess for a classic and elegant wedding day look. Kelly’s wedding dress created a subtle yet sexy illusion, covered with sheer overlay and handmade lace.

You too can get this look without having to spend a hefty chunk of money on intricate details. Keep the focus on the neckline, rather than the whole dress. Look for dresses that have details that frame the face, such as sheath fabrics, beading and/or lace features.

Ivanka Trump Elegance

When socialite Ivanka Trump married the dashing Jared Kushner in 2009, she cited our above icon, Grace Kelly as a huge influence on her big day. And her wedding was nothing short of pure sophistication, luxury and elegance. It was her dress that left many speechless, a Vera Wang hand made gown (inspired by Grace Kelly) that took a month to make. I guess it really pays to be a Trump! Although many are still talking about her dress, Ivanka’s wedding as a whole can be seen as a huge inspiration. Her clean, all-white décor wowed as she pioneered this wedding trend.

To capture this look yourself; pick out crisp, white linens to cover the table, cream colored silks, and pure white roses and ivory peonies as your bridal bouquet and table centerpieces. Add some tea lights at dusk and your socialite wedding is complete!

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s understated style

This late fashion icon blew everyone’s hair back with her simple style – from head to toe. She showed brides everywhere how simple can be sexy and that the need for a big poofy princess style dress is a thing of the past. Her Narciso Rodriguez gown had no embellishments and was a simple silhouette that clung to Bessette comfortably. Although, a bridesmaid Pippa Middleton wore a simarily simple dress, designed by Alexander McQueen, to her sister’s royal nuptials, leaving brides everywhere inspired and wanting more.

If you want this look but don’t have the funds to spend on designer duds, look anywhere for a dress, don’t just limit yourself to designated bridal shops. Any white dress will do and if you buy at other retailers that don’t advertise for weddings, you will find it at significantly cheaper prices.

Alyssa Milano’s family inspired

Alyssa Milano’s wedding to Hollywood agent David Bugliari featured something that we don’t normally see in Celebrity weddings. They created a warm intimate vibe by serving a family style dinner on farmhouse tables.

Serving dinner family style is a great way to save money, showcase old family recipes and keep everyone involved in the festivities.

Fergie’s Wedding Keepsakes

When singer Fergie wed actor Josh Duhamel they chose to send each of their guests home with a custom caricature of themselves in full wedding attire. Their guests were given a unique keepsake to remember their wedding by for years to come.

This fun and unique idea can be something that you incorporate in your big day on the cheap. Ask your photographer for some group shots, and check out websites like Etsy.com to find someone that can create these caricatures for a reasonable price. Or, for those burgeoning artists out there, tune into your inner Picasso and try it yourself.

Kendra Wilkinson’s Estate- Style Wedding

Hugh Hefner’s lavish Playboy mansion set the backdrop for Kendra and her NFL star Hank Baskett platinum wedding. Mansions, castles, and chateaus have long been favored by celebrities tying the knot. And rightfully so, these locales boast some of the most romantic vistas and destinations.

If you are looking to marry in one of these pricier locales, consider doing so in an off-peak wedding month. This will save you money on the location and the travelling.

Unique Celebrity touches

For many, a wedding is all about the unique personal style. When Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott married in a private ceremony in Fiji, they treated their guests to a 40-minute silent movie. Mariska Hargitay and Peter Herman used raw silk and crystal accents to create the seating cards.

A wedding is all about you and your partner to be. So don’t forget to add yourselves in it. This doesn’t have to break the bank either. Add a personal cake topper or hand out joke books as your wedding favors – anything that says your personal style is fair game.