Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day


Friday, February 13, 2009


Grow your own.

If you have a green thumb, or if you have a friend or family member that does, consider using your own hydrangeas, roses, or gerberas to create wedding bouquets and centerpieces. Bouquets look great with cut stems wrapped with pretty ribbon. It's easy to make centerpieces the same way--use fish bowls to hold cut flowers wrapped with ribbon.

Remember that simple is sometimes better. For a sit down dinner, you're going to have a lot of items on the table with the flatware, plates, glasses, etc. A simple centerpiece may be all you need to add a little decor to your wedding tables.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Wedding Flowers Tip #2


Flowers typically play a pretty big role in a wedding ceremony and reception. From the bride and groom to the parents and bridal party and all the way through to the reception tables, there are flowers--usually.

But who says there has to be?

Many brides are turning to less expensive alternatives to flowers to decorate their wedding tables. Candles are probably the most popular of these alternatives. Different size (and even different color) candles can be arranged on a mirror (or a pretty plate) in the middle of the table. This alone creates a nice, simple centerpiece--and once lit, it creates ambiance as well.

Pick up candles on the cheap at wholesale discount stores like Big Lots, or use your 50% off coupons from craft stores such as Joann's or Michael's to get the candles you want and save money while doing it. Garage sales and flea markets are other great places to find a variety of inexpensive candles.

Remember, they all don't have to match. It's shabby chic to have different candles on each table.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Wedding Flowers Tip #1


Flowers typically play a pretty big role in a wedding ceremony and reception. From the bride and groom to the parents and bridal party and all the way through to the reception tables, there are flowers--usually.

Since flowers can be expensive (and end up dead), many brides look to cheaper alternatives to decorate their wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Pick flowers that are in season.

One way to save on wedding flowers is to choose flowers that are in season. This cuts back on the cost of the florist having to fly Callas in from New Zealand because the growing season is over locally.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Wedding Gown Savings Option #3


Turn a dress into a wedding dress.

If you walk into any department store in the country, you'll usually find a formal dress section for proms, Quinces, and formal occasions. These dresses are gorgeous, formal, informal, elegant, and more. Some are even the colors of typical wedding gowns--whites, ivories, etc.--and they are usually in the neighborhood of a couple dollars or less. Many of these dresses can easily be used as a wedding gown. Just by removing the word bridal, wedding, bride, etc., from the title of the dress, you cut your costs by at least 30% without having to give up any of the beauty or elegance a wedding dress possesses.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Wedding Gown Savings Option #2


Hit upscale consignment shops.

Think about it. When people are done with their high-end designer wedding gowns, where do these gowns end up? Many brides try to recoup their wedding gown costs by selling them at consignment shops. This is great news for you because you'll get a designer gown that's only been worn once at a major discount!

The downside is that it's either your size or it isn't. If it's too big, you can have it altered, but if it's too small then you're out of luck.