Budget Wedding Planning – Choose a Different Route

Did you know that the average wedding in the United States is slightly over 20k? That means that a whole bunch of weddings are much more expensive than that! Ouch. One thing I learned growing up is this – if you follow the same path as everybody else, then you should expect the same results. Profound isn’t it? But this concept can really help with budget wedding planning. Just because you know that all brides use this certain professional wedding photographer, or this popular wedding florist doesn’t mean that they’re the best that’s out there. In fact, it could mean that’s the last person you want to use because they’re going to charge you a premium for that tag of “professional” or “popular”. Not that I’m telling you to hire a hobo off the street to do your wedding photography. No way, but take a different route. Instead of choosing the professional wedding photographer, look for a photography student at a local college or even a photographer for your local newspaper instead. Great quality pictures from a “professional” without those staggering prices.

Beautiful Weddings with Budget Wedding Planning Prices

Some of my favorite weddings are weddings where I know the bride used  strategical budget wedding planning to create a beautiful wedding on a dime. There are dozens of great places in your wedding to shave a couple bucks, several hundred dollars and even thousands off of your wedding planning costs with some of the killer information that I’ve learned. I’ve said time and time again that if I had to plan my wedding all over again, how much fun it would be with all the new budget wedding planning stuff that I’ve learned. If you want to get some of that information for your own budget wedding planning to keep from kicking yourself later like I am right now, then click here to get in on the action.

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Budget Wedding Planning

Advantages When You Plan Your Wedding

Like I mentioned before, when you plan your wedding you get to have your hands in it, and have fun doing all those little wedding tasks that really make you feel like you’re a part of everything.I have friends who have hired wedding planners, made a couple of the larger decisions and then left everything else to a wedding planner – and she didn’t have nearly as much fun as I did because her wedding was much less personal to her than mine! But not only that, you can save a lot of money when you plan your wedding instead of hiring a wedding planner. Many wedding planners are pretty expensive – and if you’re on a tight budget it just doesn’t make sense. The savings that they’ll provide may not be anywhere near what you can do when you plan your own wedding.

How to Plan Your Wedding

Anybody who has been reading my blog for any amount of time knows that I think every bride should plan your wedding. But many times the task of planning a wedding can be overwhelming. So once you decide to take the plunge and plan your wedding, how do you even get started? It’s easy. First of all, sit down and decide how much money you have to spend on the event. Talk to family members on both sides of your family to see who wants to contribute what, or if you want to pay for the whole thing yourself. Then, create a budget of what you have and be sure to track every penny. Do your research and get the best prices for what you want in your wedding. But how can you get the best prices if you don’t know what the best prices are? Here’s a hint – they’re never the first price that your vendors toss out at you – and most of your vendors will be in the same ballpark if you try and get lots of quotes. So what’s a girl to do?

I’m here to help brides save money. I’ve planned my own wedding, I’ve been there. I didn’t know nearly as much about weddings and getting the best prices then as I do now, and quite honestly – there are things about my wedding that I would go back and change if I had the chance. But here is where you can learn from my own experience and wedding knowledge to plan your wedding for less – on any budget.

So don’t spend more than you have to – check this out for more information.

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Plan Your Wedding

How to Plan a Wedding – The First Place to Start

When you’re looking at how to plan a wedding, the first step that you want to take isn’t anything close to what most brides assume that it is supposed to be. One of the first things I did when first getting engaged (after calling everybody to tell them the news of course!), was to pick out a date and see what reception halls were available for those dates in my area. But if you really want to know how to plan a wedding – that isn’t anywhere near the place where you should be starting. The first place to start when planning a wedding is to talk to each of the families or with your sweetie to determine just what kind of wedding budget you’re going to have. Talk to your family and his family to see if they want to contribute anything, and what you have saved up to use. Then, designate a dollar amount for each part of your wedding, such as the ceremony, the flowers, a wedding photographer, wedding invitations, wedding dress, catering, wedding music, reception hall and much much more!

How to Plan a Wedding – Stay Organized and Get Help!

Once you have your wedding budget in order, then you can start calling around to see what locations are available, and start haggling on prices. Make sure that you stay ultra organized to know what you purchased, how much you’ve paid, and other important information you’ll need to know later. I’d advise getting a folder to hold all of your documents separated by item. Also, get as much help as possible so that you don’t get yourself stressed out. This is one place where I failed miserably. I tried to do everything myself, got exhausted and frustrated when I could have enjoyed the time a little more. Your parents are a great place to start, or your bridesmaids and maid of honor. Just make sure to thank them properly and be respective of their time.

How to Plan a Wedding – SAVING MONEY!

Did you know that the cost of an average wedding is over 20k? I was shocked when I heard that number. One of the most important aspects about how to plan a wedding is how to plan a wedding on any budget! Trust me, it can be done. I got my wedding completely done for about half the cost of an average wedding (and we had a nice sit down dinner!), and still see some places where I was taken because I just didn’t know any better. But now that I’ve been there and found a better way, I really want to share what I’ve learned.  There is so much information about how to plan a wedding on any budget that I just couldn’t fit it all in here. So be sure to click here for more information – you don’t want to miss these savings!

What I would have done for this stuff just a few years ago!

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How to Plan a Wedding

Rent Your Cupcake Stands

When I first heard this idea, my first thought was that cupcake stands are pretty inexpensive, so why not just buy your own? But then I started looking at prices, and since this blog is here to save you money, I’ve since changed my mind about buying your own cupcake stands in favor of renting them instead. Talk to your caterer or other local party supply store about their prices for renting cupcake stands for this spectacular wedding centerpiece. If they have an assortment to choose from, then make sure that the cupcake stand isn’t so high that it will block all your guests from being able to see each other across the table. Luckily, you’ll only need about 8 cupcakes per stand, so they can be short.

Make Your Own Cupcake Stands

Probably the most cost effective way to pull off cupcake centerpieces for your wedding is to make your own cupcake stands, though I realize that not all brides will have a ton of time to make everything on their own. Thus, this is a really simple way to make your own cupcake stand for only about three dollars a piece. Purchase some thick pieces of styrofoam in a cylindrical shape (cake dummies may work best) and glue two of them together to your desired height. Then, get some cake boards (they come in 1×8, 1×10 and 1×12 sizes) from your local bakery and cover them with a heavy decorative paper or fabric and glue that to the top of your stand. Wrap ribbon or material around the base, and you’re set.

One of the tips that I give brides trying to save money on their weddings is to make as many items in their wedding do double duty. So if you are already using cupcake wedding cakes for your wedding, why not place several in the center of each table so that you don’t have to buy huge wedding centerpieces as well? You can always put some small decorations around the cupcake stands on your wedding tables to add to the overall finished look of the cupcake centerpieces for your wedding. But rest assured, having cupcake centerpieces for a wedding is a great place to save money on your wedding without sacrificing style at your wedding.

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Cupcake Centerpieces for a Wedding

Homemade Wedding Cakes You Make

It could be just from my own limited observation, but it seems like women have one thing they really like to do in the kitchen, and that is either baking or cooking meals. Personally, I’m no good at making desserts and outside a bowl of store bought ice cream, I really don’t make dessert. But if you are one of those ladies who love baking cakes, pies and cookies, then you might want to consider homemade wedding cakes. If you’re not comfortable with homemade wedding cakes, one idea is to take a class on cake decorating at a nearby community college. A professional wedding cake can easily cost you a minimum $500, and many times cost over a grand, but homemade wedding cakes can cost you under $100 in most cases. Taking the time to take a cake decorating class is totally worth the savings. But, if the thought of making your own homemade wedding cakes kind of makes you sick, then you might want to ask a friend or family member to do it for you.

Homemade Wedding Cakes – Practice!!

If you are uncomfortable making homemade wedding cakes, and want some practice, then do a few trial runs on wedding cakes before your big day. Then, donate your first attempts at homemade wedding cakes to your bridal shower, a friend’s baby shower, or even a church bake sale. Practicing making homemade wedding cakes will help you be prepared for when you do it for real. Be sure to start early and take your time.

A homemade wedding cake can be an incredibly meaningful addition to any wedding for everyone involved. Remember that just because you are not having a wedding cake from a professional bakery does not mean that your homemade wedding cake will come out tasting like a brick and look like the leaning tower of Pisa.  If you are really nervous about homemade wedding cakes, then just don’t worry about it. When it comes down to it, you have to choose the best ways for you to save money on your wedding. While homemade wedding cakes may add a special touch to your wedding, bakery cakes are less troublesome, and you just need to weigh out whats more important to you. Make sure that you can find a balance between doing everything yourself and working your fingers to the bone and being over stressed for your big day! Personally though, I think homemade wedding cakes are one of the best ways to go for your wedding! What do you think? Write in and let me know!

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Homemade Wedding Cakes

Ingredients to  Make Chocolate Dipped Tuxedo Strawberries

First of all, of course, you’re going to need some large strawberries that are in good shape that still have the leaves and stems attached.

You can get these at the grocery store, but they will cost a little more than the strawberries with just the leaves on them. But, pick whatever kind you want. Then, you’re going to need about 8 ounces of white chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips for dipping your strawberries, about a tablespoon of shortening for each, a toothpick and a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, then a ziplock with one corner cut out will work just fine!

How to Make Chocolate Dipped Tuxedo Strawberries

Heat the white chocolate chips in a double boiler over hot water, and add in 1 tbl of shortening, stirring it until it’s nice and smooth. Then, dip each strawberry into the white chocolate and cover about 3/4 to the stem of the strawberry. Put the strawberries on a tray with wax paper and refrigerate. While they’re cooling, heat the semisweet chocolate chips with 1 tbl of shortening in a double boiler over hot water until it’s smooth. Then, dip one side of the already white strawberry into the semisweet chocolate, and once all strawberries have been done, chill for about 10 minutes, pull the tray back out and dip the other side into the semisweet chocolate until you have V shaped look on the front of the strawberry to look like  a shirt and jacket, and stick them back in the refrigerator. Once they’re chilled again, take your toothpick and dip it into the semisweet chocolate, and make three dots for buttons on the white part. Once you’ve done all the strawberries, empty the rest of the semisweet chocolate into your piping bag or ziploc bag, and make little bow ties a the top of each “white shirt”. Ta da!! Your strawberries are all dressed up and ready for the occasion!

Dipping Techniques

If you’ve never made chocolate dipped tuxedo strawberries before, it can be easy to get overwhelmed if the chocolate isn’t working with you, or if you don’t know these helpful techniques. First of all, don’t use wet strawberries. If you need to wash them, then dry them off very well because any water droplets will keep the chocolate from sticking to the berries.  When you’re dipping the strawberry, it’s important to remember that once the berry is completely out of the chocolate, give it a little spin/twist to swirl the excess chocolate off of the berry. This will fill in any places you missed and give you a nice even line of chocolate at the base.

Chocolate dipped tuxedo strawberries are really simple to make, but they leave such a fantastic impression on anyone that sees them. If you’re planning a DIY wedding, then this can be a great addition to any party, reception or even wedding cake.

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Chocolate Dipped Tuxedo Strawberries

Sturdy Beach Wedding Centerpieces

Probably the best place to start when thinking of ideas for beach wedding centerpieces is to highlight something that the beach is known and celebrated for.

So, for example, if you have round tables at your wedding reception, then a nice arrangement of seashells and starfish or even coconuts is a very attractive choice. For more color and depth, spray paint some small branches to have sticking out of your arrangement. If your tables are long and rectangular, then find some longer pieces of driftwood, clean them up and place them in the center of your tables. Then, to liven up, place some small tea lights around either on top or at the base of the branch. If you’re concerned about flames, then decorate the branches with colorful blooms.

Elegant Beach Wedding Centerpieces

If the beach wedding that you’replanning is an indoor event with a  beach theme, and isn’t quite as informal as an outdoor affair, there are some great elegant options for beach wedding centerpieces as well. Fill a giant hurricane vase with sand and small shells, along with a large white candle. Another elegant idea for beach wedding centerpieces is to submerge some sand and sea shells about a third of the way deep in a tall vase with water. Then, add some floating candles for a turly “floating” look. Have vases of varying height at each table for a really cool effect.

Fun Beach Wedding Centerpieces

Not all beach wedding centerpieces need to be elegant and fancy. If you’re having a more informal beach wedding, there are some fun ideas you can use for beach wedding centerpieces to help everyone enjoy their time. Buy some packs of paper umbrellas, and place them in decorative cups in the center of each table, or use buckets filled with shells, flowers or peices of fruit for a great visual. Glue some shells along the outside to pump up these great beach wedding centerpieces.

There are lots of great ideas for beach wedding centerpeices that you can use to make a statement at your wedding. Do your research, get some samples and play around with the perfect look on your wedding tables. If you have any fun ideas for beach wedding centerpieces that aren’t mentioned above, be sure to write in and let me know!

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Beach Wedding Centerpieces

Pew Decorations with Bows

Probably the most traditonal and recognized kind of pew decorations that brides use are pew bows.

Pew bows can be purchased from a florist or craft store for a several dollars each, or you can make them yourself from stiff ribbon, wire and a glue gun. Wrap them around the end of each pew you want to reserve for family, every other pew for a more elegant look, or even every single pew (if your church isn’t too big), for a truly elegant and romantic feel to your wedding.

Pew Decorations with Pomander Balls

Pomander balls are perhaps one of my favorite pew decorations, and I had to do a lot of research to figure out the official names for these guys..told you I was style illiterate! I used to just call them flower balls. Pomander balls are basically balls of flowers which hang from a ribbon or rope around your pews. You can easily make pomander balls yourself with styrofoam balls, ribbon, and some fake blooms. Simply pin the blooms onto the styrofoam ball, being sure to cover every area, and secure the ribbon. These elegant pew decorations are ultra popular, and can be done for only a few dollars each. Also, if fake flowers aren’t really your think, you can also use fabric, buttons, feathers or other decorative items instead. Don’t think that you are limited to balls either when it comes to these pew decorations, you can also use heart shapes, cone shapes, or anything else that goes along with your theme.

Pew decorations are so easy to do, and they make such a huge difference in how your wedding ceremony looks.  Your guests will enjoy their beauty and elegance as they first enter your wedding ceremony. While you may have been planning and decorating your ceremony location for days, a majority of your wedding guests don’t know what to expect coming into your wedding. The pews and your pew decorations will be their main focus as they enter your wedding ceremony and are seated, so be sure not to overlook the importance of pew decorations because they can help you make a good first impression.

There are lots of great ideas for pew decorations that can be simple and creative or modern and elegant, you’re really only hindered by the level of your creativity. If you’re like me and have a low creativity level, then spend as much time as you can looking at ideas and trying out small projects yourself. Just be sure to talk with the leaders that be to make sure you can use pew decorations, and any stipulations or guidelines that they want you to follow.

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Pew Decorations for a Wedding

Great Styles for Wedding Dresses for the Beach

One of the best ways to find wedding dresses for the beach is to find a particular style or type of wedding dress you want to wear for your wedding.

One of the most popular wedding dresses for the beach is a wedding sundress. A wedding sundress isn’t necessarily a very expensive number, but adds glamor and elegance without the huge white wedding dress which  may not fit in perfectly with a beach wedding. Other favorite styles for wedding dresses for the beach can include tea length wedding dresses and of course, ankle length wedding dresses as well. Of course, choose a neckline that goes with your beach theme. For example, a strapless or halter type wedding dress are great choices for wedding dresses for the beach. So be sure to really consider what it is that you’re looking for, and pick out your perfect style for a wedding dress.

Fabrics in Wedding Dresses for the Beach

It should sort of go without saying that beach wedding dresses should be made of a lighter, flowing fabric instead of a traditional heavy satin. Not only do lighter wedding dresses keep your theme of a more casual wedding theme, but it can also keep you from getting hot and sweating throughout your whole wedding day, which can feel really miserable! Look for wedding dresses for the beach that are made from chiffon,tulle, linen, crepe and cotton are excellent choices for beach wedding dresses so stay on the lookout for wedding dresses made from these materials. Remember that beach wedding dresses are meant to be much more casual and comfortable than the traditional long white wedding dresses, so you may need to change you thinking a little bit when looking for wedding dresses for the beach. When you find a dress that you like, try it on and see if you can picture yourself walking down the aisle on a beach wearing that wedding dress.

When you consider some of the reasons why couples are planning beach weddings, it’s easy to see why they have gotten so popular in recent years. Beach weddings can be less expensive, less stressful, and more memorable for you and all of your wedding guests. So if getting married on a beach has always been a dream for you, don’t cancel it just because it’s hard to find wedding dresses for the beach. There are some beautiful beach wedding dresses out there, if you just know where to look!

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Wedding Dresses for the Beach

Fall Wedding Centerpieces with Pumpkins

Pumpkins and ghourds come in so many different colors, and they are very versatile for your wedding. A few great ideas for fall wedding centerpieces with pumpkins are easy to find. Here are some of my favorites. First, a great fall wedding centerpiece is to hollow out a large pumpkin and use that as a vase to hold your flowers. Or, you can use some smaller pumpkins, pressed leaves, nuts and fruits in a small arrangement at the center of each table. I did just see one great idea for fall wedding centerpieces with pumpkins that uses mini pumpkins as candle holders. Take a miniature pumpkin and a small cookie cutter, and using a mallet pound it into the top of the pumpkin. Using a paring knife, cut out the circle from the top of the pumpkin and insert a tall tapered candle into the top.

Fall Wedding Centerpieces with Fruit

Another great way to celebrate fall with your fall wedding centerpieces is by using fruit. Highlight some of our favorite fall fruits with displays using apples, pears, cranberries and other seasonal favorites. Grab a couple of long shallow dishes and fill them with the fruit of your choice for a truly unique wedding centerpiece. Another great benefit of using fruit in fall wedding centerpieces? Your guests can eat them at the end of the night. Or, put a tag around the stem of each one and let them be your wedding favors when your guests leave. Talk about making your fall wedding centerpieces do double duty!

Fall Wedding Centerpieces with Flowers

You can’t forget about flowers when it comes to listing ideas for fall wedding centerpieces. Flowers are perhaps the most popular kind of wedding centerpieces available. Darker colored flowers, ivy, sunflowers and even pressed leaves in the bright and beautiful shades of green, brown orange and red can create some beautiful centerpieces. Be sure and talk to your florist to determine which flowers would work best for your fall wedding centerpieces, including which flowers are in season, and options that you have.

Fall is a wonderful time of the year for a wedding. The fall season can provide a wedding day just as romantic as a beautiful day in spring. The different fall wedding centerpieces that you choose should highlight your favorite aspects about the fall season. There are many different ideas for fall wedding centerpieces, and with a little creativity and fun, you will find one that suits your needs perfectly.

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Fall Wedding Centerpieces