My DIY Wedding Day

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

Ways I'm saving on my wedding.

After reading these articles about how to save wedding cost via Smart Money: 1. 10 things Wedding Planners Won't Tell You. 2. They'll Never Know: 8 hidden ways to cut wedding costs. 3. Costco Brides: Battle of Warehouse Weddings 4. And finally, Your Own Celebrity-Style Wedding

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.

Fancy Shamacy: Tips on Quick Cute Nails

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/

We nailed our reception space!!!

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.

Wedding Savings - Better.tv

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:

Wedding Savings - Better.tv Shared via AddThis

I hate being a bridezilla but sometimes...

You got to do what you got to do!

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?

I really don't know.

Celeb Engagements!

Here is the hottest 411 with the fab and famous:

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 got my bracelet!

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