A Budget is A Bargain

Planning your dream wedding but worried about your wedding budget?  The wedding bill can add up pretty quickly if you are not careful.  Good news, there are little ways to help save you money here and there.

1. If your wedding is during the summer months, use programs that can work as a fan as well to cool down your guests.

2. Use treats as your centerpieces.  Instead of floral arrangements use candies, small tarts, or cookies so guests can have these as a favor as well.

3. Place a disposable camera on each table for the guests to take pictures during the reception.  If you can't afford a photographer, why not have the guests do it themselves?

4. Celebrate in one place.  Have your reception right where you had your wedding.  Guests do not have to worry about finding a new spot or wasting gas.

5.  Use your flowers from the ceremony for the reception as well.  Place them on the backs of chairs or in the center of tables.

6. By choosing an ethnic menu (chinese, greek, etc.) you can bring down the price on food.

7. Choose a different toast than champagne.  Champagne can be VERY pricey.  Maybe choose a fun, fruity drink that can be made cheaply.

Must importantly, do not forget to negotiate.  You would be surprised how many people are willing to reason with your price. 

http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2011/04/vera-wang-wedding-advice.html

Vera Wang's very own wedding advice for your special day. 

"i was really thinking up ideas"

my title couldn't possibly be more true.  this week has been crazy with loads of work and a new addition to my small little family. however, in the mean time the lovely, heather youngs, and i have come up with a fantabulous idea.  we are going to shoot a "pretend" wedding. 

SO PICTURE THIS

its fall. mid october, early november. leaves falling. red, yellow, orange, and mixes in between.  a picnic table. an open park. a tuxedo wearing groom gazing into the eyes of his wife-to-be dressed in a head-to-toe lace gown. he can't help but notice her body iced with touches of sparkle here and there. an over-hanging tree drizzled with orange lights that warms their faces as they smile at one another. candles everywhere. the crisp air between late afternoon and early evening.

can you picture this on your wedding day?

2012 Inspired Hairstyles

 

 

These hairstyles are 2012 inspired.  As you can see they are all up do's.  I strongly recommend an up do on your wedding day because it 1) does not take away from the dress and 2) your hair is not in your face.  However, if you do prefer you hair to be down, I would recommend that you do either 1) a side ponytail or 2) half-up, half-down.  Finding the right hairstyle is important because you want it to match your entire look.  If you have a dress with hints of lace add a lace ribbon like in picture 3.  If your dress if covered with sparkles or diamonds add a little bling to your hair.  If your dress has flowers and is simple maybe you could add a matching flower to your hair.  I have see headbands used in bride's hair recently and I love it!  However, do not go overboard with hair accessories because you want your dress to be the main attraction.  Also ladies I would strongly recommend that you have your hair done prior to your wedding day to make sure you are a 100% in love with it.  Contact a hair stylist you feel comfortable with, and have them try your hair in styles that you like until you find the right one! 

Like it or KNOT, it's all about the accessories

A simple wedding gown can be turned extravagant with the touch of a few jewels here and there.  Perhaps the bride wants some fancy colored shoes, or a veil with sparkle from head-to-toe.  Some like simple, some like it fancy, but whatever the case, accessories are the icing on the cake.

Thanks to one of my favorite websites, the Knot, I have collected a few pictures of their lovely accessories.


I mean really, blue shoes, HOW CUTE IS THAT???

Be spontaneous

My Top Picks for Wedding Invitations

I love wedding invitations because they say so much about the bride and groom's personalities.  During my time at Moliere, I saw some of the CUTEST wedding invitations and save-the-dates.  People are so creative and I believe it should be encouraged.  Make your wedding to fit YOU, even when it comes down to the wedding invites.  Here are a few of my favorite picks for the 2011 season.

personalization
This is all about your taste and style from the colors to the font. Pay attention to details as well as the unique aspect of your invites. Correlate your wedding atmosphere, whether it be in a church or at the beach, to fit your invitations.

pretty pockets

How cute are these invitations, and not to mention super unique!  You can allow room for RSVPs and enclosures while at the same time keeping it organized.

colors that make a statement

Colors that catch the eye are always a hit!  Choose your favorite shades of hot pink or a simple baby blue to dress your invitations!  Either way a bold color is always a fun choice!

modern monogram

No matter what this will always be a great choice for your wedding invitations.  The monogram is simple yet fancy and bold.  You can never go wrong with this type of invite.

picture this

I always love when couples use pictures in their wedding invitations.  It is so cute, and it is a great memoir. 

The Complete Wedding Guide Checklist

As a hopeful wedding planner I believe it is crucial that we have your wedding experience all mapped out from when we first meet to the initial wedding day.  When I begin working as a wedding planner this is the checklist I will follow to ensure a stress-free wedding experience.

Sixteen to Nine Months Before the Wedding:

1. start a wedding folder or binder
2. figure out your wedding budget
3. pick your wedding party
4. start a general guest list
5. HIRE ME!!!!!!!!!!!
6. reserve your venue
7. begin research on photographers, bands, DJ's, florists, caterers, etc.
8. if you wish to have an engagement party, now is the time

Eight Months Before
1. hire a photographer
2. book your entertainment
3. meet with potential caterers
4. find and purchase your dress
5. if you have out of town guests, reserve hotels
6. start your registry

Seven to Six Months Before
1. select your invites
2. start focusing in on your honeymoon
3. shop for bridesmaids dresses
4. meet with officiant
5. if you want, send save the date cards
6. book your florist
7. start planning a timeline for events of the wedding

Five to Four Months Before
1. book the rehearsal dinner venue
2. order cake
3. purchase wedding shoes and schedule fittings
4. schedule hair and makeup artist
5. choose your music

Three Months Before
1. order favors, if you wish
2. finalize the order of the ceremony
3. print menu cards if you are doing a meal versus buffet
4. purchase the rings

Two Months Before
1. touch base with all vendors
2. meet with your photographer
3. review your playlist
4. send out invites
5. bachelorette party

One Month Before
1. get your marriage license
2. mail the rehearsal dinner invites
3. complete your last fitting
4. confirm hair/nail appointments
5. assign seating
6. purchase bridesmaids gifts
7. write your vows
8. get your hair cut/colored

Week of the Wedding
1. reconfirm arrival times with vendors
2. send a timeline to the bridal party
3. pick up your dress
4. send the final guest lists to vendors (72 hours in advance)
5. pack for your honeymoon

Thanks to a few wedding websites, I have put together a completed timeline from start to finish. 

Now all you need to do is get engaged!