Wing It OR Get A Wedding Planner??

You may be thinking we are a little biased in regards to this topic, but the truth is, some people can do it on their own and need very little assistance and some people think they can do it on their own and save money but they very quickly learn that the amount of stress, research, and hard work needed to plan a beautiful wedding on a budget is not as easy as they once thought it was. It comes down to one question that should be easy to answer..... Do I want to feel stressed out for a whole year and on my actual wedding day about every minor detail or feel so overwhelmed on my wedding day that I don't enjoy the day (and what it's really about) OR do I want to give all of that stress to someone else?

Fabulous Reception Food Trends

Spending time with our vendors, we started to notice a reoccurring theme - brides everywhere are asking for newer and trendier ways to serve food to their guests! So what is on trend for 2012 and 2013 brides?

Cutting The Cake

Depending on if you are a traditional bride or a more modern bride, a great way to save a buck is to consider your dessert options. Brides are generally shocked to find out the continuously climbing cake costs and often times haven't budgeted appropriately for this. The cost of your cake could potentially add up to $8 per person, which may not be a price you're willing to pay!

10 Ways to Save on Invitations

1.  Forgo upgrades.  Envelope liners, custom ink colors, & hand-painted details add up!

2.  Take advantage of technology.  Offset and digital printing run less than half the cost of labor-intensive techniques like engraving and letterpress.

3.  Order extras.  Spend now, save later... If you end up needing to print additional invites at the last minute, your stationer might charge you big bucks in rush fees.  You will want extras for yourself and family members may ask for an extra copy to frame so you won't be wasting money!

Don't Let The Bar Bill Break The Bank

The cost of an open bar can be somewhat shocking and it is very important to keep open communication with your caterer and explore possible options, since it can take up a big portion of that wedding budget!  You want to be able to provide your guests with a good time and good drinks, but having a lavish open bar may not be feasible for your budget.When it comes down to it, providing an open bar can definitely break the bank if you do not consider some of these savvy ideas to save!

10 Ways to Save on Flowers

1.  Research budget blooms.  Consider an affordable, year-round flower such as roses, stock flowers, chrysanthemums, and carnations.

2.  Let them do double duty.  Reuse your ceremony flowers at the reception in the entrance and on the cake table.

3.  Go "monobotanical."  Use just one type of flower for the centerpieces and bouquets, the look is stunning and cost-effective.  You will get a better deal if your florist can purchase flowers in bulk.

Cutting The List Means Cutting The Cost

Creating and editing your wedding guest list may be your most difficult task throughout this whole process. It is a daunting duty that raises a lot of questions and often times can lead to arguments if it is not handled properly. By setting guidelines from the get go and by being open and honest you can avoid this and be ten steps ahead of the average bride. 

Wedding Myths: Busted!

Guests should spend on the wedding gift the same amount as the per-person cost of the reception

Guests should spend according to their personal relationship with the bride and/or groom and their financial situation.  The closer you are the more you may wish to spend; (hopefully) the couple is inviting you because they want to spend this special day with you, not because they want a present from you.

Extreme Couponing Goes Bridal

When we think of couponing, we generally begin to think about the grocery store and the local Sunday ads that are displaying all the two for one specials in aisle six.  Even TLC  has a new show called Extreme Couponing, which has what we would consider professional couponers saving some serious cash. If you go check out the shows website, they have a Dollars and Sense guide, Coupon Chatter, and even an extreme coupon offer right there on the site. There are some really great budgeting ideas on the site and throughout the show that we could all learn from and begin incorporating into our daily lives.What does this have to do with being a bride and planning a wedding?

Creativity Trumps Luxury

Infuse your celebration with sentiment rather than a lavish display of stuff that won't last longer than the night.  Focus on your budget and remember that a handwritten note, a personal quote for your guests, a well-crafted toast, even a single flower in a well-placed vase will always be elegant, stylish, and meaningful.