Weddings That Combine Value With Style

My new blog site

2011-12-02T11:48:00.001-08:00

Embracing change is not always easy but it really can be worth it! Check out my new blog at:

http://wnyweddingplanner.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/welcome-to-my-new-blog-2/

DIY Wedding Garland

2011-11-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Lately I really love seeing what kind of DIY projects I can find for weddings. At the same time I look for things that I think I could actually do easily, and that are not too expensive. Here is my latest find.

http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2011/07/18/diy-doily-cupcake-liner-garland/

Wedding Brooch Bouquets

2011-11-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

At first I was not sure what I thought of wedding brooch bouquets. I thought they were pretty, but I still really like flowers as a bouquet. Then I saw a picture of a combination of both. How could you go wrong with flowers and bling. Here is a great tutorial if you want to make one yourself.

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-brooch-bouquet-tutorial

Pumpkin Wedding Centerpiece Part 2

2011-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Once the pumpkin dried, I took my materials and lined them up on the pumpkin to see where I wanted to place them. That way I could move them around without having them glued on. The top of the pumpkin was a little off so I placed some of the decor under the candle so it would sit evenly.

Then after I hot glued and rearranged some of the pieces, it was done! I only took me about 5 minutes to get everything hot glued on. I think it is a great money saving and easy project that makes an elegant centerpiece.

Pumpkin Wedding Centerpiece

2011-10-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing all these great DIY projects for weddings that I would love to do. I thought that this one would be perfect for a Fall wedding and would be a great combination of elegance and value. You could use it as accents, or for your actual table centerpiece. So here it is, part I.

Here are the materials you will need:
Pumpkin ( I tried to get one with a good shape on all sides)
Spray Paint
Glue Gun
Decorative Branches
Silk Leaves
Small pillar candle
Dried or silk flowers

I decided to put my own touch into the project by painting the pumpkin white. I have seen others where the pumpkin is left orange. It depends on what look you are going for. I like the look of the gloss because it think it would look great combined with candles. When painting you want to be sure you use go from the top to the bottom to avoid streaking. Depending on the look you want, some parts may need a second coat. Before or after you paint, carefully remove the stem. After the paint dries you are ready for Part II.

Out of Town Guest Accomodations

2011-10-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

I found these great tips from the Bronze Budget Bride blog.
Accommodating your guests that are coming in town for your wedding may seem like it will be a hassle if you are just beginning your wedding planning but one of the most important thing to do is to block some hotel rooms for the out-of-towners. You want to make sure they will have somewhere to stay when they get to town and you can easily arrange this for them with these tips:

1. Make sure you block hotel rooms at least 6 - 8 weeks in advance.

2. Book less rooms than you think would be needed because it would be easier for you to add another room if necessary but you may be required to pay for rooms that weren't filled.

3. Choose a hotel that is near to both your ceremony and reception site to make it easier for guests to get around.

4. Make sure the hotel you choose is somewhere you would want to stay, so it should be affordable yet nice and clean.

5. The hotel should have or be near to a restaurant. Guests have to eat!

6. Put together a little "hospitality" bag or basket for each room to help guests to them feel welcome. Include items such as bottled water, snacks, tourist info, sunscreen, soft slippers, local treats etc.

http://www.bronzebudgetbride.com/group/new

The next big wedding trend! Wedding planning with coupons.

2011-10-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have never watched the show before, but last night on TLC I watched Extreme Couponing. The episode I was interested in, was the one where the sister of the bride helped coupon for just about everthing for the wedding. The first part showed how she got a bridemaids dress for $19.00. That would be easy to find if you go to a consignment shop to find a gown. I don't think she used a coupon for that though. Though maybe I should start a coupon program, hmmm....
It was really fascinating to see how many groceries they got and how little they spent. It does take a lot of organization and time though. I would love to hear if anyone else has taken on this kind of a challenge to save money for their wedding and if they have any advice to other brides. Who knows this could be the next big wedding trend.

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/5-extreme-coupon-tips-for-normal-people.htm

Ways to add candles in your wedding.

2011-09-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

I really truly love reading articles about weddings, especially if they teach me new ways to do things. I always knew candlelight can be a really inexpensive and elegant addition to your wedding. But this article gave me ideas that I already want to go out and try. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!:)

http://www.weddingstar.com/wedding-blog/tips-top-7-ways-to-use-candles-at-your-wedding/

Wedding Inspiration

2011-09-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am constantly amazed at things that I think I would never like, then I see them in wedding form and I love them. Here is another example. Who would have thought steel and teal would be a great choice for wedding inspiration.

http://glamourandgraceblog.com/2011/inspiration-board-steel-and-teal/

Decorating for value and style

2011-09-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am all about decorating to make it look like you spent more than you did. Of course that is always relative to how much you actually have in your budget. It is all about working with what you have or can have. Sometimes less really is more. There will always be those people who can spend more than you can but if you take a realistic look at your budget, plan ahead and accordingly, you too can have a beautiful wedding.

Shop at store sales- This may seem obvious, but if you can shop for seasonal decorations the season before when they go on sale, you can save money. This does involve a lot of planning ahead though. You definitely have to have a plan in mind before you go shopping or you may end up with a lot of things that are nice but do not fit in with the look you are going for.
Shop at yard sales- I never knew how many things you could find at garage sales until my mom, the professional yard saler, started buying things for me. Believe it or not she and I have even found bridal gowns that after they were cleaned up, look like brand new. The other day she called to say she found 12 matching vases for a great price. If you have 12 guest tables that can be a great start to making your centerpieces.
Shop at consignment stores- I have been a consignment store shopper for clothes for years. That is why I decided to open the consignment bridal shop. Now, more and more I look to consignment stores for decor ideas as well. These go beyond the Salvation Army and thrift store merchandise. You can find really great pieces that people just may not use anymore because they have changed their decor. Not that you cannot find some great pieces at the other thrift stores, but I have just found that the quality is usually better.
Make things on your own- The biggest thing to take into consideration when you are making things on your own, is the cost of supplies, and the time you have to spend making them. Sometimes you may not actually be saving money if you make it.
Hire a designer- In some cases this can get expensive. You just have to shop around to see what is out there are what they offer. I decided to offer a design service that is affordable as possible. My friend Tami is always saying how impressed she is with my vision. I love to help brides make their vision for the wedding come to life.

Your Reception Timeline

2011-08-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Pulling together the details of your day includes things such as a floor plan, timeline and whether or not you want to do a garter toss. Here are some things you may want include in your reception timeline:
- Cocktail Hour
- Couple/wedding party announcements
- First Dance
- Dinner
- Toasts/speeches
- Cake Cutting
- Bouquet/Garter Toss
- Exit
- After Party

Wedding Wire Rated

2011-08-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce that thanks to my past bride reviews, I am now Wedding Wire Rated for 2011!!

Inspiration- "The Knot, Ultimate Wedding Lookbook"

2011-08-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am totally in love with the book "The Knot, Ultimate Planning Lookbook". I first got it from the library and loved it so much I had to purchase my own for the shop. I love that it shows different combinations of colors, seasons and options while giving practical tips. I know that Borders is going out of business and I saw a few there when I went last time. If you don't feel like buying one for yourself come on into the shop and take a look at mine.

http://www.amazon.com/Knot-Ultimate-Wedding-Lookbook-Centerpieces/dp/0307462900/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312999156&sr=1-1#_

DIY- Bathroom Baskets

2011-08-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of those things that are not necessary, but really do add a nice touch for your guests.

A wedding bathroom basket contains toiletries and other handy items for the use of the wedding guests in the restroom. While bathroom baskets are optional at weddings, they are a detail not often forgotten and enormously convenient for guests.

Here is a list of items that may be included in both men’s and women’s bathroom baskets:
■First aid kit(Photo source: It Weddings Florida)
■Pain relievers/ antacids
■Band-Aids
■Neosporin
■Cough drops
■Eye drops
■Vaseline
■Hand lotion
■Sanitizer
■Floss
■Mouthwash
■Toothpicks
■Sunblock
■Safety pins
■Q-Tips
■Mints/gum
■Lint brush

Additional items for the women’s basket:
■Feminine hygiene products
■Small sewing kit
■Hair spray
■Hair pins

http://www.itweddingsflorida.com/?tag=bathroom-basket

What season should I get married in?

2011-08-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

I am not sure that I could choose a season if I were getting married again. I think it would have to be between winter and fall. There are so many beautiful options for both. I think my husband and I should just renew our vows every year for 4 years just to include all the things I like. Though somehow I do not see him going along with that for some reason. This is a great article to read before you decide on what season you would like.

http://www.weddingstar.com/wedding-blog/tips-choosing-the-right-season-for-your-wedding/

Save the Date Scratch Off

2011-07-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am not one of those people who buys the lottery scratch off cards, but these Save the Dates are really cute. Who knew you could make them yourself!

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/goodthings/scratch-off-save-the-date-how-to?czone=planning%2Fengagement-cnt%2Fget-inspired

2011-07-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

I think I am a DIY dreamer. I see all these projects and I think of how great they look and how the directions look so easy. I think to myself that I could do that. But when it comes to actually making them, I am in awe of how great other people make them look. My projects sometimes result in frustation instead of enjoyment. So here is another great project that leaves me in awe.

http://www.jesihaackweddingsblog.com/2010/07/homemade-paper-flowers/

Mason Jar Centerpieces

2011-07-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

This past month I have been on the search looking for Mason Jars to use for centerpieces. Every time I go shopping with my husband I look to see who has the best price. I love the beautiful simplicity of the centerpieces you can make with them. There are so many option, plus it should not compromise your wedding budget. Here is an example of a favorite of mine. You can use any color stones in the bottom as well as a ribbon instead of the raffia. The most important thing is that it reflects your vision.

http://emmalinebride.com/handmade-wedding/mason-jar-centerpieces-floating-candles/

Winter Wedding

2011-07-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

Purple is my favorite color and I love how it is a focal point against the white and crystals and gold. There are some great touches to use like the pinecone on the place setting. If I were to have a wedding again I am not sure if I could decide between winter and fall. Where I live either season could have snow.

http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2011/01/romance-lace-winter-wedding-shoot/

Easy DIY Wedding Programs

2011-06-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

I love how these can be personalized to match your wedding decor, and also can double as a fan when it gets hot. Being a word search lover, having one is just the icing on the cake. Of course I have to make sure that my kids and I don't fight over it.

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/easy-diy-wedding-programs-tutorial/

Paper Bag Favors

2011-06-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

I know I am always looking for ways to make things look more expensive, but I really had no idea that paper bags could really look so good. You could even add a bow or flower to dress it up even more. This look is so flexible because you could use any type of paper bag. Colored ones, ones with handles ect. You could even use the labels for welcome bags for out of town guests.
http://www.diyweddingsmag.com/

Five Easy Reception Centerpieces.

2011-06-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest. When I think of weddings I think of the dress and decor. Those are the 2 things I would not be willing to sacrifice. If decor is not one of your top priorities, here are some great ways to save on your reception centerpieces, without having to compromise your style.

http://www.buffalobrides.com/articles/5-easy-centerpieces

Ice Cream Save the Date- video

2011-06-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well I certianly don't think you can go wrong with ice cream. There really are not many people who don't like it. My big thing is how well is something like that going to make it through the mail. I hope their guests are local. :)

http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2011/06/wedding-video-of-the-week-a-save-the-date-sundae.html

Wedding Expenses

2011-06-11T09:26:00.001-07:00

It happens to me all the time. I go shopping to look at something and I usually look at what I like before I look at the price. My husband laughs because it is usually the most expensive choice. It just happened last night while we were looking for fence for our garden. Of course the one I liked was the most expensive one. Needless to say that was not the one we bought. The fence that goes around the garden is not a top priority to me. The rocks around the flower bed are. That is why I spent so much time looking for the right ones and getting them in the order I finally liked. The same can be said for wedding planning. Before you purchase anything sit down as a couple and decide what is most important to you. What things are most important to spend money on and what things are not. I love decor so that would be a big priority for me. Even though it is, I still feel I can save money by looking for things that look like I spent more.

DIY Cupcake Favors

2011-06-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

I love cute ideas and I love cupcakes. So what better combination than this!

http://with--this--ring.blogspot.com/2010/04/diy-project-cupcake-in-jar.html