Hey brides and brides to be, I'm back and ready for action!
OK, let's talk savings! First I found a couple of sites that are just amazing:
1. Scent design aka www.scentdesign.net its a super cool website where for only $10 you can make your own custom bridal smell. Roses , musks and fruits are just a click away! Give them to your bridesmaids as favors.
2. Addicted to Rubber Stamps aka www.addictedtorubberstamps.com/ Instead of paying some one to address your envelops or put a monogram of you and your beau's name why dont you just buy a stamp and get the job done your self. A.R.S. will make a stamp for any design you can think of.
3.Papermart aka www.papermart.com
oh how i love thee papermart! ladies check this out, lets say you need a 100 pretty takeout boxes for you guest favors this site has you covered with an awesome selection at great prices!
It makes me sick when people try to push their bigoted and racist views on normal regular people who are just trying to live their lives...its just wrong. A couple who are madly in love went into the Justice of the Peace and couldn't get married...because they were a biracial couple! The "concerned" judge thought their children would face ridicule.
That's some bull! I think that if two adults want to get married , or date or do whatever they should be allowed, period! Sometimes I wish that some folks just learned to mind their own business...like my Grannie says "If you cant say anything nice, then just don't say anything" Check this out:
Mossimo Black Plus Crossover V Neck Empire Dress in Red. $33.99
I decided to go with a few bridesmaids cus a party isn't a party without your girlfriends. They are by your side in your hour of need and make you laugh. Unless, you are having a super intimate ultra romantic just us two elope style event...having your friends there can turn ur party into a blast! however, its just not fair to be a budget bride and make other people dish out major dough.
So i was doing my online surf and i noticed Target as a low budget way to get cute bridesmaid dresses? First, there are tons of simple styles in an assortment of colors so your ladies in waiting can wear their dresses to other events after your wedding. Second Target has pretty good sizing options for curvy gals.Last but not least, with prices under $50 its a steal that will keep ur gals smiling. SCORE!
This dress is from the Merona Collection and its too cute!$29.99 on sale right now.
I found something pretty cool for brides who don't have enough money to get a video and picture package. I am seriously considering this for my own wedding. Put your pictures on Animoto.com and tada, you have super nice video to view! Or if you do have clips like if a family member taped the ceremony you can add it too!
Create dvds of your wedding for next to nothing so even though you couldn't have a professional video person u can still remember that special day for years to come!
Well Khloe Kardashian (sister of Kim Kardashian and star of Keepin up with the Kardashians) just got married to Lamar Odom (he plays for the Lakers) and she totally rocked her Vera Wang dress. Everyone looked amazing. Check it out:
wanna see more? Check out the latest issue of OK magazine.
wow, I heard of a budget but this is too cute/ interesting /beautiful!
Nine couples got married yesterday (9-9-9) at the 99 Cent Only store! It was part of a promotional wedding sweepstakes where the couples get a 5 min ceremony and then go on a honeymoon on the 99 cent store's dime. I think thats super cool! I kind of warms my heart to see that people are still doing nice things for other people. Viva la 99 Cents Only Store and congrats to the nine couples!
check out this clip:
I found this on My DIY Wedding Day and I thought whoa this is a super easy way to package favors, great for a spring or summer time wedding.
My DIY Wedding Day
Shared via AddThis
I thought about some of the stuff I was buying and it made me wonder "Am I being frugal enough?"
Now some of these articles are a bit general. Most of the local jeweler stores have warranties on their jewelery that last longer than 6 months. Plus, there are tons of sales. Not all newly beginner wedding planners will be complete goofs cus that will destroy their business cus they need great referrals. Plus most vendors are willing to work with people on a budget.
BUT it is a well written article and has alot of sense to it. It doesn't make sense to not read the fine print on your contracts or to not get pics of events from new even planners.Or to buy that $3000 dress when your whole budget is $4000!
I think its all about using common sense, thats all. Knowing a good deal when you see it and knowing when some thing is too good to be true. As a bride to be myself I can only go by my experiences and what other people around are doing or have done.
Here are some of my plans to save some serious cash:
*Making very simple favors: getting cookies from Costco, Bjs, Sam's Club, Etsy or my local grocery store-
Reason? cus its just cheaper than going to a fancy bakery but its quicker then baking them myself.
* Getting a calligrapher to do one or two invites then going to Kinkos or Staples and copying them. Reason? Cus I love the look but I just can't pay someone to do the tedious job of writing out all of my invites.
* Doing my own make up. Reason? I dont wear alot of make up but I know how to really apply it if I want to. Plus, I wont put to much on.
* Buying my bridal shoes from Payless.
* Using two types of flower and going to a local wholesaler or discount warehouse. Hydrangeas and roses. Reason? The hydrangea takes up alot of space so it will look lush without the hefty price tag.
*Micheals, Walmart...enuff said.
more tips to come.
This is too pimp.Dashing Diva style,Three Faces of Pink
I rarely have time to do my nails...I am just too busy. However, i love the look of fresh out of the nail salon manicures and pedicures. So whats a gal to do? well here are some options for my busy brides and brides to be.
1. E.L.F. nail polish:
why? Cus its only one dollar! yup $1! So its safe to say you can afford this plus the colors can go from extreme (Fire Coral) to classic bridal (Pearl Pink). Great for the DIYer.www.eyeslipsface.com/
2. Dashing Diva:
I saw them in another blog (Brides Magazine) and I agree, Dashing Diva is supa fierce! The full cover nails are amazing. Unlike the fake looking nail press on of the past, Dashing Diva's Tailor fit nails are real looking and have tons of versatility. You can be a very natural bride and go for a simple French manicure (Natural or French) or surprise everyone with a full on bling fest on your digits (Glamour or Charmed)! Plus the price for this miracle starts at $13-$17.www.dashingdiva.com
3. If you tend to be more exotic or just want to try something unexpected, try Henna or Mehendi. This Bollywood trend is temporary (only lasting 1-4 weeks), painless (no needles just a paste) and very beautiful. Usually done during the bridal preparation, this is an amazing way to get ur hands noticed.
4. Not a DIYer or just dont have time to sit and wait in a salon across town? Cool, call a nail taxi! In fact, Nail Taxi is the best way to handle quick day of beauty needs or just an alternative to the typical stripper bachelorette party. Nail taxi will come to your home or hotel or where and do the work for you. Based in the DMV with some locations in Los Angeles and Chicago , Nail Taxi will take you where you need to go in style. http://nailtaxi.com/
Finally at last, I am so excited we have a reception locale! I am so excited after all of our drama and almost calling it off, here it is: The Spirit Of Baltimore! Ta Da! Why the spirit? Cus its a one stop shop. We went to many places but the idea of getting tons of separate vendors and talking to everyone was just to overwhelming plus we have real bills to pay. The Spirit of Baltimore has a dj, food and great views. I knew I wanted something different and I knew I wanted something affordable now and later so I decided to go with a low stress option and keep it very simple and fun sort of like a family gathering. Here are some pixs from our experience on the boat:
Okay the first two pics are pics of the amazing view. And then the love of my life and finally me looking stupid.
Martha to the rescue! Martha to the rescue! Excellent! I love Martha Stewart she always is looking out for brides and her own pocket. OK just joking but she and that D'Arcy lady are such gems. I really like the magazine all of the DIY, cakes and colors its really cool magazine. Plus its very basic reading. I like the tips they offer on this video:
This the first time I have ever heard of a vendor NOT have pictures for their work. I mean really even vendors who were great but not what we needed, had pics. Now we are just begging this one person to send us pics and its like clawing tooth and nail just to get them. I don't understand how some people can feel that its ok to Not have a portfolio and really expect money.
Now don't get me wrong, I love everyone I have ever talked to about our wedding. My FI says that I let people win my heart too easily. "People have to earn your trust" I have gotten burned pretty bad before but I'm a bit worried because I really really like this vendor... I understand lemons happen but I'm waiting for lemonade here, folks. It sucks cus my FI is pissed and I can tell that I'm getting on the ladies nerves. I really hate to feel like I'm a burden but damn it, I'm paying.
Kind of peeved but I'm still in good spirits.
Will I give a deposit without seeing the pics or will I just find another place or will I see the picks and finally pay this nice lady?
Christina Milan and The Dream are engaged to be married. Yup its true and I'm happy for her. According to US Weekly, Christina says that she wants a small event. We just want to have our closest friends and family there; it’s not going to be too big,”
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Also Miss Trump will soon be Mrs. Kushner. Yup that smart business savvy gal will soon be off the market. According to New York Magazine, Trump and Kushner are very similar. "Jared and I are very similar in that we're very ambitious. That's what makes it so amazing to be in a relationship with someone who is supportive of that."After Ivana's fab wedding I can't wait to see Ivanka's. The gal is known for her good taste.
Kevin Jonas and Danielle Deleasa. The oldest brother of the musical group the Jonas Brothers has just proposed to his girl of two years, Danielle Deleasa. I wish them a lot of luck and blessings. Cheers!
I am so happy! I just got my custom bracelet. KalliART designed it for me and its beautiful. I wanted something very simple and affordable. My dress has a lot of details so I can't have jewelry that will compete with my dress. It was only $32 and it has an iridescent sheen to it. I wanted a charm bracelet with butterflies. Here it is:
My FI took the pics and they came out pretty good. I really recommend KalliART to any bride who wants something a bit different but not too elaborate. Check her out on KalliART at Etsy.com
Hey you guys I'm back after a really bad cold. Almost knocked me out of the blogging scene but I come back with tons of gifts...deals. Here's the 411:
Here are some sites I found that are really cute:
Retail Me Not.com- a site withcoupons and discounts to tons of stores, like 30,00 online stores! Every thing from Victoria's Secrets to Payless shoes.
Bride to Bride boutique- A site that lets brides sell to each other. http://www.bridetobrideboutique.com/
I-Do-it-yourself.com- A really cool site that has great DIY. http://www.i-do-it-yourself.com/
ArtFire.com- When I first saw this I thought" OMIGOD, its another Etsy" but seriously its a super cool site that has vendors who make things for cheap. www.artfire.com
Here's a pic of me and my ring. I am on my bed at home and my eyes do look red-ish but that's from my digital camera. Its a very bad pic but Its the first one I have of my beautiful ring. I promise I will put up more pics:
Below this is a pic of my FI. He took it himself. Yup Very Proud!
Sorry for the wait but here's the scope:
We have been searching for the perfect reception site and we are finalizing on the perfect site.
this week we are going to physically check out the sites. I have looked at tons of great options. Spoke to tons of amazing people and overall, after looking at our needs , I think I found a couple of sites that may be it. I'm not super excited. I guess I am starting to calm down. I have tons of questions and hope they get answered. Hey, if you are spending your hard earned money then you should at least be ok with the place.
More Dr.Phil saving marriages. I agree with Dr.Phil. You Must Really Know Each other Before The Marriage,I have been living with my boyfriend off and on for three years and I am still learning stuff. Dating isn't enough:
Here are some of Dr. Phil's tips to maintaining a successful relationship: Five and a half years into their marriage, Stacy and Chris, a Dr. Phil Family, ask for help rebuilding their union. Dr. Phil offers this advice.
Have a solid friendship.
"Ask yourself what kind of friend you are being to your mate," Dr. Phil says. He asks Chris and Stacy what they enjoy doing with their friends, whether it be talking about silly things or sharing a good joke together. He then advises them to apply that same openness to their own relationship. "If you want a good friend, be a good friend," he suggests.
Meet each others' needs.
"The success of a relationship is a function of the extent to which it meets the needs of two people," Dr. Phil explains. He tells Chris that he needs to discover what Stacy's needs are. "Maybe she needs a soft place to fall that day or she needs a shoulder to cry on," he says. He tells Stacy that she doesn't always need to agree with her husband, but she should figure out his needs, whether it's saying that she's proud of him, or that he looks nice that day.
Set specific goals.
"Wake up each morning and say, 'What can I do today to advance the ball?'" Dr. Phil advises. Even small things will accumulate over time and make a difference. Find a quiet moment each day and come up with a specific goal to improve your relationship, whether it's calling your spouse during the day just to say hi, or telling your mate that you love him or her more often. Make a conscious effort.
Get back to basics.
"The idea is to have some concept of what a marriage and a partnership is supposed to be and start doing those things," Dr. Phil urges. Write down your definitions of a successful relationship and live up to those definitions. Focus on the fundamental things that are going to make a difference in the long run.
Take responsibility.
You can't control the way your spouse acts in your relationship, but you can control how you react in negative situations. "You have to take 100 percent responsibility for what you're doing in a relationship," Dr. Phil says. "Decide what you believe and hold to be true, and conduct yourself 100 percent consistent with that."
Turn the negatives into a to-do list.
After getting failing grades on Dr. Phil's Relationship Health Profile Test, Stacy and Chris are instructed to turn their negative answers into positive actions. For example, if you don't have fun with your partner, you need to make a list of enjoyable activities you can do together. Ask yourself, what would make your answer on the quiz change?
I think its important to have some kind of rehab from the wedding planning. I have been trying to plan my wedding for months now and I know I am driving everyone crazy. However, its important to take time away from wedding planning and do regular stuff...like play xbox or watch movies cus after all, the wedding is only one day.
I also think its important to do some soul searching whether it be Pre-marital counseling, going to your spiritual leader or just having a heart to heart with your mother in law to be, its important you realize why you and your mate are taking this step.I found these funny clips on Better Tv. Yes, some are a bit biased. Plus Dr.Phil who gives the skinny.
I think its not ok to be clingy. Its good to have time by yourself away from the couple unit. Check out some clips:
I have found my wedding shoes! I, finally found them after looking everywhere! They are from Payless which is fine with me and they were only $19.99!! I am saving the moola! Here they are:
Yup they are wedges and have a cool lace like detail on them. I love them. They are a great buy for only one day. I wanted shoes that have height but have a solid base. I have always hated stilettos (I can wear them but I hate them) so it was either kitten heels, flip flops, or wedges.
Plus I have an inner hippie. I am finding myself getting knee deep in the whole bohemian fashion look. I like wearing my flip flops everywhere and I try to push my style as far as I can go before my hubby starts asking "What are you wearing?" I can live in a long dress and flip flops or torn jeans and a Yoda shirt. So wearing wedges just feels right.
I am still trying to decide if I am going to Sasha Fierce my shoes and glue Swarovski crystals all over them. I may get some Dereon flip flops is they are light and sparkly. I'm taking it one step at a time.
They are from Christian Louboutin and they are $995. They are beautiful and probarely well made but I can't pay that much for some shoes.
So I found this DIY on Love Maegan.com:
this is another really basic DIY using Gerber Daisies. I hate daisies but this centerpiece looks pretty cool and simple. Check it out:
This is a cool DIY wedding updo that anyone can do if you have medium to long hair. Its a good idea to do a trial run with your bridesmaids or by yourself to make sure you get this look perfect.
This one is from the same people Videohairstyles and its a great look for the beach. Very easy, sexy, natural looking and breezy. Its a very sexy look for brides who want more of a relaxed look and its fairly easy to do.
This is very cute. Its inspired by Gwen Stefani. I wish I could do this with my hair.
Finally I love this look for myself. I would braid my roots and then do just this. Its called Afro curls. Its very good for ladies with very thick hair.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, Y'ALL! I WISH EVERYONE TO HAVE A GREAT AND SUPER FUN FOURTH OF JULY!
I WISH ALL OF THE COUPLES WHO ARE GETTING MARRIED TODAY, THE BEST! CHEERS!
I LEAVE YOU WITH PICS OF KDUB'S WEDDING IN US WEEKLY, SHE LOOKED AMAZING AND I HOPE I LOOK JUST AS HOT:
These rings are all under $2000 and they are from Topazery.com
I am noticing alot of folks who are trying to get engaged but are worried about the moola that it takes to get their bands. Well you have tons of choices:
Go with a man made or synthetic stone: Diamond Nexxus, Cubic Zirconium like QVC or HSN, Mossanite etc.
Go with a Gemstone: Sapphire, Aquamarine, Ruby like at Topazery. Check the Moh's scale of hardness.
A real Diamond like Kay's Jewelers, Jareds, which is the hardest stone on the Moh's scale.
My top picks to find something at an affordable price are
1. A well known jewelry store. Why? Because the more fancier places are known to charge an arm and a leg for the same kind of diamond (sometimes even the same cut, clarity, color) that are at the well known stores. Plus your local jewelry store probably has great sales especially during holidays, you can get warranties of your jewelry and they will teach you all about the four Cs.
2. Online retailers and crafty online stores.: Etsy, you can have your jewelry made customized for no extra fees and haggle prices. Sites like Topazery which have antique jewelry and rings for UNDER $2000! Another awesome one is Carat.cc which is for CZ but its amazing stuff it was feature in Instyle Magazine.
3. Wholesalers- BJS, Costco, Sam's Club are great places to find a bridal set or a gents ring for a fair price.
Honestly to me a ring is a symbol of the commitment between two people. That's all. Back in the day folks used to tie ribbons around their fingers, make rings out of hair of their beloved, make cowrie shell thumb rings, skip the rings and make necklaces or just have dowries to show righteous intent towards their significant others.
Nowadays, its all about the bling it just makes me a little sick when folks forget why they are getting married and get wrapped into the stuff. I have my days to but I am starting to understand my hubby a little better now.
"You will always be trying to keep up with the Jeffersons until you realize that you are not the Jeffersons. You are you and thats ok. Really it is."
I can't stop tell folks about my wedding day, I'm too excited about this!!!!! I am so excited, I can't wait to see our reception site, talk to vendors and do this. I can't help but not be bitchy, I'm hugging people and talking to folks saying hi to old friends, I'm just supa happy. I guess this is the initial excitement Brides get before all of the hard choices. I don't know who to invite because I want to now invite everyone. How twisted is that?
So here's what is happening my Calendar so far since May:
We picked a date.
We picked sort of a time.
We picked a place.
I paid 80% for his band...it took a lot of bus trips, penny counting and bag lunches.
We had an idea of a guest list but that's undone since we are inviting more people.
Got my dresses.
rocking my engagement ring.
Here's what needs to be done:
Down payment on reception site.
Down payment on our caterer
Finding the perfect photographer
etc etc etc.
I hope to have things done by the next three months but we'll see.
I just loved this stuff so I had to write. I think this stuff would make amazing gifts for a bridal shower or a baby shower or birthday or whatever plus they are super pretty at a cheap price:
These are amazing! They are Chardonnay glasses with golden peacock feathers only $50 at Etsy. Check out Mary Elizabeth Hining's shop there :
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5458664
I thought this was super cute. Its only $2.50 and its just super cute to give to a bride. Put a couple of pins just like this inside a gift basket. Check it out Button Empire :
This is super funky cool. I love this idea. You take your picture send it to these folks and they make a cartoon of you for $50 bucks. Amy Jo's Handmade also on etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5513817
This is a classic gift but its still super cute and keeps the excitement going! Its the funny quote bridal tees at Bridal Party Tees, of course. Get one for the whole crew! Plus they are having a sale.
http://www.bridalpartytees.com/index.htm
I love the idea of giving your gal pal something really girlie and cute just to say "honey, we love ya" This is the Beauty Encyclopedia from Eyes Lips Face. It has the works. It has the eyes, lips and cheeks palette, mirror and it has a How To book on getting the perfect look. At $25 its more affordable than a fancy tube of lipstick at the fancy mall department stores.
So like after work I'm doing my wander around the mall thing. So I waddle my butt into my local Borders, folks I'm in here at least once everyday. I have a problem, I know but they haven't found a rehab program for Borders/Barnes and Noble addicts so I guess I will continue to go in there.
Anywho, so I waddled over there and I was like going into the mags and I saw this:
Its beautiful, isn't it? I am in love. I saw it in the most recent issue of Martha Stewart. Aah Martha, you never fail me. I want this, period. The fat lady has sung...I'm making one. Call it Mariah Carey Butterfly fever but I am enamored by all things butterfly. This is a cool DIY project.
So it got me thinking, what are other things people can use for their bouquets?
Feathers: This isn't my thing but its super cute.
Pinwheels- this is for the fun at heart bride. I found this on www.mydiyweddingday.com
I thought this was cool.
Buttons- This to me is just weird but some think my butterfly thing is weird so its all relative. cute but weird.
My Wedding Gown- $182 My Reception Dress (without alterations)- $44.51 His Ring-$450 Invites (non-printed)- $20 for 100 My Earrings-$70.14 My Wedding shoes-$19.99 My Bracelet-$32 Our Recption and Ceremony site : $1500 (we decided to invite less people)
Hey brides and brides to be, I'm back and ready for action!
OK, let's talk savings! First I found a couple of sites that are just amazing:
Posts
