Real Weddings: How a Bride Found Her Entire Look on the Site
Words by Jody Hume |
2.23.18
What if we told you that you could find the wedding look of your dreams without the insane markups and in a way that’s much more sustainable than contributing to the wedding industrial complex? Maybe when you think of shopping The RealReal it’s investment handbags, or your new work wardrobe, or scoring something super on-trend that comes to mind, but if you’re planning your nuptials it’s the go-to place to find everything from your engagement ring to your dream dress. Our own Sales Development Representative Lead, Fatima Alcala, is proof. She found her entire wedding look on the site — including some pieces not available anywhere else — and that’s not to mention what she wore to her bachelorette party and honeymoon. Read on to get inspired by the beautiful pics from her day, plus get her tips for scoring your own bridal must-haves.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding look?
Solange! She’s my everything icon.
The bachelorette party. Where did you go and what was the vibe?
We went wine tasting in Napa and had a picnic at Artesa. My bachelorette theme was Solange/Beyonce so I wanted to wear something fun and not necessarily bridal-ish. I loved the color and style of this MSGM dress and it was super comfortable.
The ring. Did you know what you were looking for?
I love, love my ring! It’s so simple yet classy. I definitely gave my husband some subtle hints (maybe not so subtle). I think that even without any hints my husband would have chosen a ring I like. He knows me better than I know myself and I think he has pretty good taste. I didn’t care about having a brand new ring — I like the idea of a pre-owned diamond because I know I’m not contributing to more production. Instead, use what’s available. Also, you really can’t beat fine jewelry prices on the site!
The shoes. You wore Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels, which are so many people’s dream shoes. Did you always have them in mind?
They were not something that I absolutely thought I must have, but because we were having a very, very small wedding I figured why not splurge on my shoes? I just happened to see them on the site in my size and in the new blue color, and at that point I knew I had to get them.
The dress. How did you choose your dress and how did you find it on the site?
I love my Ellery dress! I found it a couple of weeks after we got engaged with the help of a colleague. I knew we were going to have a City Hall wedding so I wanted something simple and chic.
The earrings. Your earrings were a really special score. How did you get them?
I saw them on a colleague and they were the perfect color that matched my shoes! I had actually called multiple stores and emailed Rebecca de Ravenel to see if they had them but because they were from an old collection they were sold out everywhere. I literally looked for months and my colleague Sarah pinged me when she saw them on the site but they were in someone’s basket, so I crossed my fingers and kept refreshing until they were in my basket! I couldn’t believe I was able to get them.
Did your husband wear anything from the site too?
Unfortunately, he didn’t score at The RealReal like I did. He rented his suit from The Black Tux, which was so easy! We really recommend it for any grooms or groomsmen because they are so helpful, affordable and will make your man look fly.
What were the ceremony and reception like?
It was a very intimate wedding. Only immediate family and my five best girlfriends attended the ceremony. We got married at San Francisco City Hall followed by lunch at The Cavalier and drinks with friends at Tradition. I wouldn’t change anything. It was exactly what my husband and I wanted.
Will you wear your dress again (we’re assuming it’s a definite yes on the shoes)?
For sure! For the right event, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear it again.
What was your honeymoon destination and was your suitcase filled with more RealReal scores?
We went to Mexico City for the first half of the trip and for the second half we went to Cancun. I found a few small things that I brought with me like sunglasses, a crossbody bag and shoes.
You’re obviously a talented The RealReal shopper. Do you have any insider tips for scoring your favorite pieces on the site?
Check religiously on the site and if you’re serious you better download the app. Use keywords and also search by designer if you have favorite designers. On the app you can create Feeds to get updates on the designers and items you’re looking for. Also, we add new designers to the list every single month so I usually check out the new designers we add at the beginning of the month and keep an eye on those.
