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February 2, 2018

Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses on a Budget

Being part of a wedding party is an exciting honor, but it’s also an expensive one. With shower gifts, bachelorette festivities and everything in between, accepting a role as a bridesmaid is also accepting a big hit to your wallet. One thing that doesn’t have to be pricey: the bridesmaid dresses. There are so many options that are simple, stylish and, yes, affordable. Whether you’re the bride picking out matching frocks for your besties or a maid of honor gently advocating for more affordable bridesmaid dresses, check out these fabulous and frugal finds.

Scarlett Sleeveless Empire-Waist Dress

Lace cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and an empire waist make this dreamy little dress a classic and super-flattering choice. And at $90, bridesmaids can wear it once and then ditch or donate without guilt.

Scarlett Sleeveless Empire-Waist Dress

from JCPenney

Melrose Sleeveless Embellished Fit-and-Flare Dress

Since this dress is available in multiple soft hues, bridesmaids can mix or match down the aisle for just $65 a person. The crisscross embellished top slims, while the mid-length flare skirt flows beautifully on all body types.

Melrose Sleeveless Embellished Fit-and-Flare Dress
from JCPenney

Tricks of the Trade Maxi Dress

Look like a Grecian goddess walking down the aisle in this versatile and stunning number. At only $80, it’s like getting four dresses for the price of one, since it can be wrapped and worn multiple ways (as a one-shoulder, cross-front, strapless or halter style). The jersey knit hugs and flatters curves, and, better yet, each bridesmaid can choose which configuration suits her body best.

Tricks of the Trade Maxi Dress

from Lulu’s

Falling for You Maxi Dress

A stunning rusty-rose color and sheer straps that overlay a strapless sweetheart bodice make this cascading gown a dress to remember — at a bargain price of $91.

Falling for You Maxi Dress

from Lulu’s

Flare Dress With Pockets

Navy is a classic choice for bridesmaid dresses, and this retro-inspired number is a reserved but playful (can you say “pockets”?) choice. The bateau neckline and gathered high waist exude ceremony-worthy sophistication, while the flare bottom screams party time! Best of all, you can justify the sensible $119 price tag, since this re-wearable frock will never go out of style.

Flare Dress With Pockets

from ModCloth
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Faux-Wrap Midi Dress

Easily dressed up for the big day or toned down for work, this bright midi dress is equal parts fun and practical — and for $58, it’s a steal you can wear again and again. Plus, the faux-wrap style cinches waistlines for a more flattering fit.

Faux-Wrap Midi Dress

from Kohl’s

Sequin Lace Gown

This elegant gown features an intricately embroidered lace bodice with sequin accents and a sheer illusion neckline and back. The vibrantly deep eggplant purple is not for the wallflower bridesmaid, but at just over $100 it’s a lot of dress for not a lot of money.

Sequin Lace Gown

from Bluefly

Sweetheart Lace Skater Dress

Discount bridesmaid dresses don’t have to be frumpy or unflattering. Available in blush, navy and burgundy hues, this adorable crochet skater dress is simultaneously sweet and sexy, flirty and fun — all for less than $50.

Sweetheart Lace Skater Dress

from Charlotte Russe

March 6, 2017

10 Wow-Worthy Wedding Makeup Tips for the DIY Bride

You want your big day to be flawless, and that includes your wedding makeup. Get the lovely looks you and your bridesmaids crave with the best wedding makeup ideas around. No matter your stunning style, you’ll save a pretty penny with Cash Back at Ebates and some simple DIY wedding makeup tips. Here are our top 10 tips for flawless wedding makeup!

1. Prime Time

The best bridal makeup begins with the perfect surface. No matter the season or location of your wedding, the ideal primer will ensure your makeup stays put from your walk down the aisle to photos and every dance move in between. Apply a water-based primer from a makeup maven like Kat Von D Beauty and get ready for the smoothest skin possible. You’ll notice your makeup has more staying power than ever before. If you’re going for any shadow, be sure to keep your lids lovely with an eye shadow primer to prevent creases too!

2. Matte Is a Must

Overly oily skin can get in the way of even the best makeup looks. Combat that greasy glow in an instant with top-rated oil-blotting papers from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. A must-have for summer weddings and warmer climates, these ultra-thin papers are perfect for an on-the-go touch-up without smudging your bridal makeup. They’ll soak up sweat and oil and leave your skin feeling flawless.

3. Hands Off

Using a clean brush or soft makeup sponge is one of the best wedding makeup tips around. Skip breakouts on your big day by always applying foundations, BB creams, concealers and anything else that touches your face with a clean makeup brush or damp blender.You’ll prevent any dirt and bacteria from transferring from fingers to face. Plus, great makeup tools will give you that flawless finish you want, without leaving behind smudges and fingerprints. Be sure to blend well to stop those pesky makeup lines from infiltrating your wedding photos.

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4. All About the Arch

The right makeup for wedding day photos is crucial. Don’t let your bare brows steal the spotlight! Instead, if your eyebrows are slightly sparse, give them some shape with an eyebrow pencil or defining cream from NARS Cosmetics. You’ll frame your face and really make your snapshots pop. Be sure to watch a wedding makeup tutorial to get your look just right, and practice perfecting your arches with the right shade before the big day.

5. Get Glowing

Ditch the dull and get a stunning sheen in seconds with a radiant highlighter. When properly placed, a highlighter can give you a subtle glow without making your face look like a strobe light. Pop some in the corners of your eyes for a fresh-faced, awake look in an instant. Use it under your brow arch for a little lift, and sweep some on your cheekbones for a great glow if you’re looking for some easy glam. Check out e.l.f. Cosmetics for lots of illuminating essentials while saving with a makeup promo code.

6. Waterproof for the Win

Let happy tears flow freely and never mess up your makeup, thanks to waterproof wedding makeup. Your lashes will love a coat or two of waterproof mascara to keep them in perfect shape all day long. Check out some great, long-wear waterproof mascara options at Tarte Cosmetics and lengthen and strengthen your lashes with the best.

7. Stay Put

Once you’ve achieved your perfect bridal makeup look, be sure to set it with a great makeup setting spray, like Urban Decay’s All Nighter. Give your face a generous mist and let it dry to give your look staying power from morning to night.

8. Get Cheeky

The last thing you want is for your face to appear washed out in your wedding photos. Avoid a dull look by adding a pop of color to your cheeks with a natural-looking cream blush. It’ll give you instant lift and a healthy glow. Smile, pop some color on the apples of your cheeks and blend out toward the temples for the perfect look.

9. Bright Eyes

Skip red, tired eyes with your favorite anti-red eye drops. We recommend the tried-and-true Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief. A must if you’re anticipating a late night the day before your vows, eye drops will get the red out and brighten up your look instantly.

10. Bye-Bye, Bags

Pesky under-eye bags and dark circles have no place in your wedding photos. Prep your delicate under-eye area with a moisturizing eye cream and let it sink into your skin. After your primer layer, dot on a color-correcting concealer in a triangle shape under your eyes and blend out toward your cheekbones. This technique will give you a great, natural-looking highlight and cover up any drab darkness under your eyes. Be sure to set it with a light powder before your grand appearance.

June 30, 2016

Bridal Shower Gift Ideas For Every Type of Bride

Wedding season is in full swing and the odds are good that you are going to be invited to at least one bridal shower this summer. Every relationship is unique, as is every bride, and this can make finding the perfect bridal shower gifts for her a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this guide to shopping for unique bridal shower gifts that covers the spread by focusing on five essential types of bride. So, prepare yourself with a bridal gifts promo code from Ebates and follow our guide to where to shop for gifts for the bride. We will help you find the perfect bridal shower gift ideas for her, and when you shop with Ebates you can earn Cash Back to spend on a little something for yourself, too!

Spafinder Wellness 365

Why She Will Love It:

She’s the one everyone’s always trying to keep up with. Her wedding binder has no post-its, no bent corners, no hasty scribbles and no tear stains. She’s never frantic, never unreasonable, never irrational and she never yells. Mrs. Jones is the bride every bride secretly thinks she could be if she could only relax and recharge. So if there is a little bit of Mrs. Jones in a stressed-out bride that is just yearning to come out, we recommend Spafinder Wellness 365, the most comprehensive resource for wellness-related products, services and insight. A Spafinder Wellness 365 Gift Card can be redeemed at participating spa and wellness locations all over the country as well as stores online. She can have access to facials, yoga, massages and more, anywhere she likes.

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Cameta Camera

Why She Will Love It:

She’s perfect. He’s perfect. In fact, everything is perfect. Her groom may not ride a white horse, wear silver armor or be set to inherit a kingdom, but he’s her prince. Just as long as at the end of the day they get hitched, this bride welcomes any adventure her wedding might bring. Neither rain nor cancelled caterer will upset Mrs. Charming’s happy ending and she will take it all in stride. For her, we recommend shopping at Cameta Camera for the best cameras, accessories, cases and more for bridal shower gift ideas that won’t break the bank. With a digital camera she can capture every moment and every smile on her big day in high quality and save it forever. Browse their wide selection with a photography promo code from Ebates for amazing savings.

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Etsy

Why She Will Love It:

She has a lot of feelings and it’s a guarantee that she will cry during her vows. She has a heart as big as the neighborhood and can’t wait to put on a cardigan and change into flats after the first dance. Mrs. Rogers will have craft activities at her bridal shower and she’ll make cookies shaped like little wedding cakes. For this bride, we recommend shopping at Etsy, the largest collection of unique, vintage and handmade goods online. Etsy has it all, from keepsake jewelry and handmade bridal accessories to personalized gifts like handkerchiefs and stationary, direct from the maker. Plus when you shop for unique bridal shower gifts with an Etsy promo code from Ebates, you can save with every purchase.

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Rent the Runway

Why She Will Love It:

She may not have a license to kill, but Mrs. Bond is fearless, fierce, fashionable and never too far from a martini. This bride loves a good challenge and she’s always ready for anything. For her, we recommend shopping for a membership at Rent the Runway, the “Netflix model for Haute Couture,” that will bring her the latest and greatest clothing and accessories. With flexible delivery and return dates, pre-paid return envelopes and no-cost dry cleaning, Rent the Runway will allow her access to a never-ending closet of designer and couture fashions at a fraction of the cost. She can rent evening gowns, cocktail dresses, even sunglasses, bags and jewelry at Rent the Runway. In fact, there’s even a huge bridal and wedding apparel collection!

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The Grommet

Why She Will Love It:

She’s a rebel, she’s tough and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She likes to make a statement, and she just might even have her own catchphrase. This free-spirited bride deserves a gift as uncommon as she is. For her, we recommend shopping at The Grommet, a collection of products with purpose, invented by people with stories. The Grommet features incredible gifts for her, created by individual makers and selected because each item is something thoughtful, inspiring, innovative or useful. You can earn Cash Back at Ebates when you buy at The Grommet on top of already deep discounts on travel gear, garden tools, bath products, home décor and kitchenware. The Grommet is a great source for innovative and unique gifts for your one-of-a-kind bride.

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May 20, 2016

9 Summer Wedding Tips to Help You Keep Your Cool

Summer is one of the most popular wedding seasons of the year. However, summer weddings can be a tad uncomfortable for guests as well as the bride and groom. Here are some tips on what you need to beat the heat and say “I do” to some Cash Back at Ebates while you’re at it. Preparing for your dream summer wedding will be easier than you think.

1. Play it Cool

Having an outdoor summer wedding? Skip the sweltering heat and keep guests comfortable with gear to cool them off. Place handheld fans on their seats or in baskets at the entrance to your venue for guests to grab. Umbrellas and tents are a great option to create shade and stay protected from the harsh sunlight. Large portable fans make keeping your outdoor tent space cool as a breeze. Fabric seat covers or cushions will keep guests from burning themselves on hot rental chairs. If possible, opt for a location that offers both and indoor and outdoor space in order to provide guests an air-conditioned sanctuary when they want to beat the heat.

2. Warm-Weather Worthy Food & Drinks

Hot, greasy food and scorching weather just don’t pair well together. Choose light entrees, cool salads and sweet seasonal fruits to keep guests feeling festive and ready to celebrate. Visit FruitBouquets.com for Cash Back at Ebates on fruit baskets and bouquets sure to make a scrumptious statement on your buffet or snack table. Be sure to keep appetizers and food over ice or on chilled platters so they don’t spoil. Add ice water pitchers to guests’ tables to keep them hydrated and cool, too. Dress up your drinks with fresh slices of fruit or berries for a stylish way to sip and serve frozen adult beverages for the perfect refreshments. Don’t forget to keep the little ones hydrated by keeping ice buckets full of water bottles and no sugar-added juices within their reach. Check Overstock.com or Crate and Barrel for great beverage dispensers, drinkware and more. When it comes to dessert, traditional wedding cakes are great, but unique ice creams, gelato or shaved ice will keep guests cooled down and delighted.

3. Summery Styles

Don’t get weighed down by a bulky dress or tux. Opt for light and breathable fabrics for summer-appropriate style, especially for outdoor ceremonies. Encourage guests to sport flowy summer wedding dresses or airy shirts, shorts or pants for maximum comfort. Open-toed shoes or comfortable sandals will keep you from overheating, too. Visit Shoes.com and save on tons of summer-friendly styles with Cash Back at Ebates and a money-saving promo code.

4. Hot Weather Hair & Makeup

Hair and humidity are mortal enemies. Prep your locks with a smoothing serum or humidity protector before walking down the aisle on a sticky day. If you have medium to long hair, think about skipping the flowing ‘do for a more summer-friendly style off your neck and shoulders. Stay cool with a chic bun, pony or chignon and don’t forget to set your look with a humidity-fighting spray. When it comes to makeup, the drippy, sweaty style that comes with summer just isn’t flattering. Be sure to visit ULTA Beauty to find your perfect primers, powders and matte setting sprays to make your look last all day, shine-free. Score amazing wedding makeup deals and save with an ULTA Beauty promo code!

5. Flower Power

Wilting, brown flowers aren’t what you signed up for on your wedding day. If you want to add pretty petals to match your summer wedding colors, be sure to choose heat-resistant blooms that thrive in that sizzling summer weather. Succulents and vines are beautiful options that won’t wither in the great outdoors. Talk to your florist or check out FTD Flowers and save with a promo code while earning Cash Back at Ebates on beautiful blooms. Don’t forget to keep summer wedding corsages and boutonnieres in a cool place until you’re ready to go.

6. Don’t Bug Out

The hot summer sun means bugs come out to play. Skip the mosquito bites and gnats by providing plenty of bug spray to combat those annoying insects. Set up a warm-weather refueling station complete with bug spray, cold water bottles, sunscreen and ice water spray bottles to keep guests comfortable. Light citronella candles around your ceremony for a little glow that’ll keep you protected, too. Toss them in a stylish lantern and you’re golden!

7. Favor Faves

Skip the melty chocolates and other ooey-gooey sweets and opt for mini summer wedding care packages to keep your guests comfortable. Parasols, personalized fans and sunglasses make great additions to your summer wedding favors. Mini bubble bottles are the perfect outdoor wedding favors for kids, just make sure they’ve got their UV protection on first, of course.

8. It’s All Fun & Games

Perfect summer days are ideal for outdoor play! If the temps don’t skyrocket, keep guests having fun outside with entertaining summer wedding ideas like bocce ball, horseshoe and other fun lawn games.

Did you tie the knot during the summer season? Comment below and share your favorite wedding ideas for summer!

March 29, 2016

DIY Bride Guide for a Budget Wedding

Congratulations! Getting married is cause for major celebration! If you’ve already begun planning your big day, or even if you are just helping out, you probably know that wedding planning can be an expensive endeavor. But with these DIY wedding ideas and tips, you’ll be on the path to your happily-ever-after with some awesome savings along the way, thanks in part to Cash Back at Ebates.

Be Your Own Wedding Planner

Hiring a professional wedding planner generally comes with a jaw-dropping price tag. Spend that money elsewhere and rely on your own planning skills to make your budget wedding a reality. With some proper planning, the right online resources and some DIY wedding moxie, you can easily plan the gorgeous wedding of your dreams without compromising your bank account. Have a dedicated notebook, like The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner, or digital document to keep yourself organized. Make a timeline of the tasks that need to get done early, like picking a venue and sending out save-the-dates to your friends and family. Try to tackle your to-do list consistently to keep the ball rolling and to make your wedding planning workload manageable. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your friends and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed and make sure to allow ample time in anticipation of the inevitable challenges and hiccups along the way.

Print Your Own Paper Products

While many folks go straight to a calligrapher or a fancy print shop for their wedding invites and place cards, this is one of the easiest ways to save money with some well-planned DIY. Rather than shelling out an arm and a leg for paper goods subject to the dreaded wedding markup, shop cardstock in pre-cut sizes and print it yourself. If you have any inclination to buy a new printer, this is a great time to do it. You’ll be able to print professional looking invites, place cards, DIY save the date cards and DIY wedding invitations. Plus you’ll have a new printer when it’s all over! Staples has a fantastic selection of high quality printers and wedding paper products that won’t compromise style and will keep your budget wedding on track. Start early and keep an eye out for a printer or wedding invite promo code online at Staples and earn Cash Back from Ebates while you shop!

Save Big With DIY Centerpieces and Wedding Décor

Building your own centerpieces and other wedding decorations may seem like a daunting task but you can do it! How-to blogs on design and Pinterest are going to be your best source of inspiration and information to help you determine what you like and how to make it happen. Considering creating your own flower arrangements? You can save a bundle by shopping for vases or other unique containers at thrift stores. Head online to craft stores like Michaels to check out the selection of wedding decorations and DIY wedding centerpieces, plus get Cash Back from Ebates on your purchase! Michaels is also a great resource to get supplies for a DIY bride hanger and other wedding essentials. Save on your wedding décor by starting to plan it out as early as possible and cashing in on deals like a wedding centerpiece promo code or seasonal sales as they pop up.

Fashion Your Own Wedding Favors

Wedding favors help show your gratitude to each of your wedding guests for being there to help celebrate your special day. DIY wedding favors are an awesome way to say thanks and to help keep your budget wedding on target. Making something special for your guests is a big task so this is a great place to enlist the help of friends, family and the wedding party. Check out go-to DIY wedding favorites like Jo-Ann Fabrics for photo favor supplies and save a bundle with a frames promo code to give each guest a classic keepsake. Whatever wedding favors you pick, be sure to get Cash Back at Ebates to save even more on your DIY wedding. Over the course of the next few months, you and your helpers can easily make all the favors during just a few crafternoons. Enjoy the wedding prep process, it will be over before you know it!