2011 must have been “the” year to get married for royals. Like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, we tied the knot that year, around 2 months after they said I DO. Like other brides, I got intrigued on what Princess Catherine wore and WHY it costs almost half a million dollars. Surprisingly, it was only in 2017, after 6 years, that I found an article that answered my curiosity. As a result, I thought of creating WHY mine ONLY costs less than $1000. Obvious Reason # 1: We’re not the real royal couple!
1. Ruffles and Tons of Tulle Petticoat
Ruffles were a trend then that I never imagined I’d fall in love with. And to give my dress shape and extra oomph, I wore layers and layers of tulle underneath.
2. I didn’t wear the traditional veil
I didn’t wear a flowy veil and a tiara which probably were obvious options for royalties. Instead, trying to be an “off-beat” bride, I wore a birdcage veil. It’s small, easy to carry, and still screams royalty. Makeup by Gold Magtoto
3. Pure White Fabric
Our theme was chess and it was only fitting to wear white. No explanation needed. 😛
4. Train stretched 9 feet long
Like Princess Catherine, my “9-feet cathedral train was crucial to the entire look—it basically elevated the gown to a royal level.” – instyle.com #EhDiWow
5. Earrings from SM
I forgot to put this in our wedding budget (oops). Gladly, I discovered WWW (What Women Wear) by SM. It looked Queenly but a steal at a peasant rate.
6. Included Custom-made Heels
I wanted a statement pair, but yellow (Yeah, Coldplay for lifeeee) wasn’t really on trend that time. So, I decided to spend a bit on customized shoes. I mean I’ll only walk down the aisle once, right? Ms. Mari of Perfect Match Shoes and Ties exceeded my expectations. I was the first bride to wear her 5-inch heels (yes, FIVE lol), and probably the first to walk in yellow.
7. Flowers are a mix of Tulips and Mini Button Pom Flowers
We may not have an English country garden, but we had the best florist in the world. Ate Ces of AkCESoryas Atbp. went her way to curate a bouquet that is regally supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Now, sing with me.
8. Crystal rhinestones
Swarovski or not, I really had no idea. The keyword here is TRUST. I didn’t see my final gown design before the wedding. I know most brides would surely panic if that happened to them. But, I was so secure and fully confident that our gown maker will surprise me. And he sure did.
9. The Maker
Willie So made my prom gown. He also happened to be King’s Baptismal Ninong (godfather). Then, he became our wedding Ninong. Really meant to make our wedding ensembles.
10. Favored
Everything was perfect. I can say that I owned that moment. I walked down the aisle in my dream gown, shoes, flowers, colors… and we only spent a total of $800. And BELIEVE ME, the gown was just a tiny portion of our wedding, just one of the stories on how God provided and has been providing for our family since our big day.
Forever grateful,
“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10