Looking Great at a Wedding for Cheap

Wedding guests standing with champagne

Whether you’re one of the betrothed, a member of the wedding party, or simply a guest, you want to look your best on the big day. A high-end ensemble could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That’s not to mention the often high price of other primping preparations like hair styling or a manicure. But if your bank account can’t quite bear the blow of a designer suit or dress, or an expensive beauty regimen, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of options for looking stunning on a budget. Using Ebates’ Cash Back offers and promo codes, it’s easy to look like a million bucks without spending it.

Mega Savings on Mani-Pedis

Manicures and pedicures are a common beauty precursor to any formal event. Especially at bigger chain salons, getting the full treatment can rack up quite a bill. To save a few bucks, opt for local independently owned salons, which are typically cheaper than their bigger counterparts. You can also request polish only as opposed to a complete mani-pedi. Beauty is at your fingertips, and to save even bigger, you can do it yourself. There are plenty of awesome, high-quality shades to choose from at retailers like Sally Beauty Supply.

View Tutorials and DIY Makeup and Hair

You can also go the DIY route with hair and makeup. Not everyone can wield an eyeliner pencil and create a flawless masterpiece in a single stroke with the skillful prowess of a professional. But if you have Internet access, a little time, decent lighting, and some quality supplies (available at retailers like Sephora), you’ve got all you need for a fresh-faced makeover. Practice makes perfect. If you usually opt for bare-faced beauty and this is your first time applying a full face, or if you’re feeling a little adventurous and trying something new, give it a trial run the day before the wedding so you won’t have to stress at the last minute. If you’re attending with friends, you can even set up a pop-up beauty parlor the day of the wedding and make it a party. Chances are someone in the group is ace at updos while someone else is probably the champion of contouring.

Find Some Second-Hand Treasures

Whether you’re a bridesmaid whose soon-to-be-betrothed bestie has asked you to select and buy your own dress, or a simply a guest with a keen taste for sharp dressing, finding the perfect outfit is essential. Formalwear is often pretty expensive, especially if you’re buying. If you’re certain that this is an item you’ll only wear once — like that bejeweled, puff-sleeved hot pink prom dress you’ve buried deep within your closet — renting can be a great way to go. For guys, check out Men’s Wearhouse for deals on suit rentals. However, if you’re looking to buy, it’s equally simple to purchase a knockout outfit without maxing out your credit card. Just head down to your local second-hand shop for some recycled fine fashions. Many thrift stores, thrift boutiques, and consignment shops have specific formalwear sections. You’ll find that these are treasure troves of gently used, high-quality items. You may even score some second-hand designer items, tossed off after a single use by a well-off fashion connoisseur with a more generous bank account balance.

Give a Lesser-Known Tailor or Seamstress a Shot

Especially in the Internet age, it’s common to look into reviews of products and services before making a decision. Established businesses with a heavier stream of clientele are more likely to boast a bevy of reviews than those just starting out. It’s easy, and reasonable, to settle the decision between two prospective places of purchase by the number of quality reviews alone. However, it’s often worthwhile to give the little guys a shot, especially if you’re working with a tighter budget. Smaller establishments are typically less expensive and are often eager to earn the loyalty of a new customer, who could well bolster their business with valuable word of mouth. Check out some of the lesser-known shops for your tailoring or seamstressing needs. Shop around, and choose a professional who provides good customer service and can offer you some samples of high-quality work. Similarly, both budding and established shops are often willing to haggle a bit on the price to make a sale. After all, ‘tis better to sell a discounted service than none at all.

5 Trends to Spice up Your Holiday Fashion

sequin dressWhether you’re trying to figure out what to wear to a holiday party, family dinner or even New Years Eve, knowing the latest trends always helps. Holiday fashion is about pulling out all the stops and going bold. These holiday staples in women’s clothing, including dresses, separates and accessories (all with Cash Back at Ebates), incorporate some must-try trends that will give your special-occasion looks a chic upgrade.

Frills and Flare

Flounce Sleeve Dress

We’ve been noticing a healthy dose of flounce, ruffles and flare in Christmas fashion silhouettes this year. However, it’s important not to overdo it. This Eloquii dress in lively emerald has just the slightest nod to this trend with a flared sleeve.

A.L.C.

A single ruffle across the front of this A.L.C. dress goes a long way in making a chic statement. Plus, the color is perfect for those who crave a little brightness, even in the winter.

Grace Elements Ribbed Sweater Skirt

This flared sweater skirt not only boasts a flirty shape, but goes the extra mile with some subtle sparkle and shimmer.

Statement Shoes

Chinese Laundry Stilo

Sometimes we need to leave it all up to the shoes to make a splash with our holiday look. These gold metallic pumps are neural enough to go with almost anything with and will easily pump up your favorite LBD.

 

Carlos by Carlos Santana Posy Pump

Gold and silver are go-to holiday colors but pewter will always let you stand apart from the pack. This bold glitter heel is perfect for any glamour girl.

Mojo Moxy Mosaic

An embellished heel like this one really is a show-stopper. Pair pumps like this with a simple sheath dress to really let them make a splash.

Pops of Red

NARS SEMI-MATTE

Dressing in red may seem like a great idea, but you run the risk of looking like a giant Christmas present. Instead, opt for bold pops of red, the most classic of which is a sultry red lipstick like this NARS semi-matte shade.

Red metal frame clutch bag

A simple yet structured red clutch is so completely fierce and breaks through the noise of sparkle and shine to make a bold fashion statement.

Geometric Collar Necklace

This red geometrical collar necklace also has the same effect. Since the color is so eye-catching, go with a more muted makeup palette like a smokey eye and nude lip.

Winter Whites

BLACK LABEL Zipper Blazer

Not wearing white after labor day is a dated fashion rule that must be buried and forgotten. White on white looks are crisp, clean and downright fierce. You can easily pull them off for holiday events with a few staples, one of which is a sassy little white blazer.

Elie Tahari

Pressed white slacks with a slim fit and a full length are also totally winter-friendly, especially when paired with a pointed pump or bootie. Jennifer Lopez Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

And the Pièce De Résistance of winter white looks has to be the white jumpsuit. A flared leg jumpsuit like this is a nod to vintage fashion while still keeping it totally relevant.

Shimmering Sequins

Studio Sequin Jumpsuit

Sequin is of course a holiday fashion staple and we know it may seem intimidating. But fear not! Even all-over sequin looks, like this sequin jumpsuit, are completely acceptable for holiday functions. What fun would they be without a little pageantry?

Midi Pencil Skirt in Sequin

Sequin pieces don’t have to be the standard gold, silver and black either. This sequin midi skirt is stunningly iridescent and would look fabulous with a shell top or sweater. 
Sequin Clutch

If you are still not totally sold on sequin, try some accessories like this silver sequin clutch. A little glitz and glam does do a long way for your holiday look.

Don’t be afraid to turn heads this holiday season while racking up Cash Back at Ebates and cutting the price tag with coupons and promo codes!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.