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.

super deals on PAPER!!!!!!

Here are some super deals I have discovered for wedding stationary:

• Gartner Studios...The outlet online! super cool site to get invites and stationary. www.gartneroutlet.com
• Cards and Pockets! A great site for the DIY Brides out there. www.cardsandpockets.com
• Vista Print for save the date magnets. www.vistaprint.com
• Invitation Outlet- Make your own Invites! http://www.invitationoutlet.com/pageone.html

Here are some of my quick sites to avoid wedding paper debt madness!

Some many sites charge so much for stupid stuff like paper! Its so dumb. You can get the white paper for $56.99 for 100 or the fancy paper you know you will want for $208 for 100! BS! Its just a big hoax to get in your pockets and personally its a bit insulting. Its not like paper is a major part of the whole wedding thing:

"Wedding dress? Check! Wedding bands? Check! Reception Site? Check! Paper for Invites? Oh my God, there is no paper...Stop the wedding!"

Ummm, no. Its stupid to pay so much for something like that. Most invites get thrown away after the wedding. Only your immediate family and best friends keep that stuff which means a good 70% is going into the waste basket. Seriously, just give me the plain ole white paper.

Things I'm doing to save money!!

As my wedding date gets closer I have been on a wedding savings hunt. Trying to find the most cost efficient ways to save a buck. here are some of my ideas (the ones my FI has signed off on ):

1. Keeping it short n simple: Having a short ceremony at city hall: its only $25 plus the license and my location has a chapel and having a big reception party.
2. Sistahs are doing it for themselves: DIYing everything: centerpieces,invitations, even food ( making tons of salad for the buffets and buying main entrees ala carte!)
3. NOT showing them the money: Not paying a deposit till I have everything in writing!
4. Splitting hairs: Taking time out to write vendors emails and get prices B4 trying to book.
5. Lean on me: As a student, who has two jobs, and bills I am always looking for help, so I try not to be a control freak bridezilla. Sometimes I fail.
6. Putting coins in the piggy:Making "deposits' into the wedding account. In my case a good solid ING Direct account. I am always making transfers to and fro.

Overall I think its good to try to take money saving advice from every reputable source out there. However it is also good to know what's worth the money versus whats not worth it. A great photographer=worth the money but a great manicure=not worth it just DIY it yourself.

Still soaking up info...like a sponge babay!

I'm on my wedding stuff hunt...And I am loving my fellow bloggers sites...first I went to Broke-Ass Bride (cus I am a...you get it), Then I jetted to Wedding Chicks and I am so into DIY Brides....Need less to say, I'm not a Bridal Blog hater cus I am also a future bride as well so the more info to save a buck the better! I also LOVE wedding porn!

Here's some stuff that raised an eyebrow or two:

• Boudoir Pictures- Not nasty porn like pictures with butts and tatas but sweet pictures of you in your undies for vip eyes only. A nice gift for your partner especially before the day of your wedding. Tasteful yet sexy. I am loving this idea..i think i may do it! Check out this from KLK Photography : http://klkphotography.blogspot.com/2008/11/boudoir-not-just-for-brides.html and Woman Captured by Boucher: http://www.womancaptured.com/index2.php
• Unique Vintage- this page just makes me say yum. I am so in love with these dresses its sickening. They are so affordable and yet so posh.I think I may get my reception dress from here! Check this out: http://www.unique-vintage.com/
• Save yourself and your beloved from messy wedding vendor issues with Wed Safe. Wed Safe Insurance protects your wallet from wedding cancellations, liability issues etc.Take charge of your day invest in peace of mind. http://www.wedsafe.com/

So there you have it for now. lots of love to my fellow bloggers and my future brides and grooms.

sites i kind of noticed and love!

Its pretty hard to get my attention. i can go for months without seeing something in front of me (esp with no glasses). However when I do see it...I obsess over it. Today I was doing my regular vendor scouting cus I'm getting married. I found two amazing and USEFUL sites! Bravobrides and Preownedweddingdresses http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/ I really like BravoBride cus its like an exclusive market for brides. its like the chain of life or something. A bride buys tons of stuff, uses it and then sells the stuff on BravoBride then a Bride buys from BravoBride and uses the stuff and then sells to Bravo Bride which another bride then buys....you get the idea. Thus nothing is wasted...its affordable , green and oh so posh! http://www.bravobride.com/ Same idea with Preowned wedding dresses. You see a dress that you love but its $2,500. So you say forget about it and feel bummed out right? WRONG! Check it out on preownedweddingdresses.com! You may get the same dress for $200-400! Most times its been used once but sometimes not at all! SCORE! So there you have it posh divas till then...peace!

Storys of Saving Magazine Edition!

Extra! Extra! Brides are saving moola and lots of it!!!!

Everyday brides are no longer interested in spending ten paychecks for the perfect wedding!

Dont believe me check out the following link:

Today I'm writing about:

Essence Magazine- This lady had a fab wedding for only $6,000! Its so possible folks! Cheers and Congrats!!!!

http://www.essence.com/relationships/advice/articles/budgetbride

Fancy Shamacy: ALL WHITE POSH WEDDINGS!!

Photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service

Are you a winter bride? But also a budget bride? Great, today I'm writing about a cool trend: The All White Wedding! Sleek and chic, the all white wedding theme is great for any time of the year but especially winter. The all white wedding brings the nostalgia and beauty of the winter to your guest. The snow, the glitz of the holiday season, the silvery tones of Christmas can all go into your wedding! All white weddings are also affordable cus white is the basic norm. Hello, renting plain white linens? Got a venue with all white boring walls? Great you are on your way to success! Here are my tips:

I think its good to host a winter wedding before or after (especially after) Christmas because its not fun to compete with such a big holiday. Also there are alot sales after X-mas.

Flowers: A great all white rose is an awesome way to get on track. 200 white roses are simply glamorous! At fifty flowers, I have found a steal 200 White Ecuadorian Roses for only $199.99! Just enough to DIY centerpieces! Check out : http://www.fiftyflowers.com/product/White-Ecuadorian-Roses_318.htm

Another DIY Tip : Use Baby Breath filler as a main flower in your centerpieces. Its light like snow, pretty and cheap! Score!

Decor:

Ceremony: Keep it white hot. White aisle runner or white rose petals. An affordable option for decor is to line the aisle with silver vases filled with baby's breath, feathers and silvery twigs! Use all white folding chairs, and give white and silver programs!

Reception:

Think winter wonderland! Frost pine cones with silver glitter, Twigs with shimmering ice and snowflakes!

I love DIY snowflakes and they don't have to be your second grade snowflakes project. You can add sophistication by changing the paper used. Instead of regular printer paper try Bond Paper for snowflakes. Its much sturdier and can withstand folding.Get your scissors, some glue and glitter and go nuts! Dangle snowflakes from the ceiling!

I found these cool and affordable place cards from The Wedding Coach.com. The Snowflake Design Place Card Holders (WC5358) are beautiful and they are only $0.99! www.theweddingcoach.com/5358ind.htm

DIY TIP: Add feathers, ornaments, small white votive candles, and tons of silvery bling!

Here are some more finds that would be a great addition to a winter white wedding:

Sparkle Willow White Branches 24" (20 for $11.49) at Save On Crafts.com! Just put these into a vase and tada you have a great flower less centerpiece that looks expensive but isnt!

This is so pretty I gasp when I saw it! Also at Save On Crafts.com, the Elegant White Peacock with Feather tail is super cute. Only $4.49 ea when you order 6, this is a super cute detail that your guest will notice.

Got a boring long rectangle white reception hall table? Spice it up with diamonds! Add icy diamond glass gems to your tables and bedazzle em! The Glass Diamond Gems 20mm Luster Clear 12oz is super cool and only $2.29 for 24 pkgs. Also at Save On Crafts!

DIY TIP: Rent all white coffee tables and comfy chairs or benches to make plush setting.

Be creative and remember it doesn't have to be the perfect white- it could be off white, ivory, eggshell, whatever.

Cakes- White cakes are the budget norm! Check out your local wholesale club/ grocery store. Budget TIP: Keep it affordable by keeping it simple and then adding safe & edible treats onto your cake

Also a snowflake cake topper would be super cool!!

Dress- Keep the cool vibe going by asking everyone to wear white. your groom and his men wear white too and then you can also wear a white gown or totally be different and wear another color like red or pastel baby blue!

Also try a faux fur white stole or jacket! I found this one at YesStyle.com from 59 Seconds for only $62.50! Its the Tie Front Faux Front Cropped Jacket! http://www.yesstyle.com/Product.aspx?lang=en&pid=1013002133/

Accesoires: Emitation.com is known for the best in affordable jewelry. Here are some super cute looks I am loving right now!

The Sakouny's Classic Rhinestone Tiara is a cute way to be an ice princess. Its less than $100, its $65.00!

Also add something blue with this cute set for only $75! The Joey's Sapphire Blue CZ Necklace and Earrings Set is a sure way to glitz up any dress!

Food: Let your food be your splash of color with everything so posh and white, it will make food look better.DIY TIP: Give out white chocolate favors, white Jordan Almonds, white pretzels etc.

Travel: If you can find a white car....awesome!!!

So thats it for now till later...thanx and loveya!

What does it Mean? Putting You into Your wedding.

I am into weddings....a lot. I love bridal fashion, crazy flower wedding cakes and different color schemes so its easy to lose sight of the BIGGER picture:

You Are Getting Married To Your Partner Whom You Love! (I hope...)

There is nothing bigger then that fact. No matter how big or small your wedding is that is the one variable that will never change. You can take away the fancy dress, the nice cake, the cool shoes and your massage and still get married.You really don't NEED away of those things.

Yea as a bridal Diva, I am trying to get the most bang for my tiny buck but the worst advice ANYONE can give you is that if you don't have that one or a million special things your wedding wasn't or isn't elegant.

Its impossible to have everything and still have an elegant wedding. Imagine this: A nine tier cake with hundreds of sugar flowers, A dress with a 15 ft train, flowers imported from all around the world, firework displays, a red carpet aisle,a dog as a ring bearer, fifty man gospel choir...

You get the idea. Its not a wedding, its a circus. Its way too distracting the bride will get lost it its glory. I'm not saying that fancy weddings suck. What I'm saying is that there is a beauty in simplicity and carefree fun.

My Advice: If you are on a budget esp. an under $2000, two splurges are okay but your life wont end if you don't have the super pimp wedding. Pay for the basics first: Venue location, Food, Photography, Legal Stuff and then the less basic: Music, Transportation, Dress n tux, Decor and Finally the fun stuff: makeup hair, cool shoes etc.

DIY is your friend, ladies!!

Consider writing your own vows which is a popular way to personalize your ceremony. Have your family say special prayers or give their blessings publicly at the ceremony. Its ok to add your culture into your ceremony or to even combined traditions into one ceremony.

Before the ceremony send your partner a love poem or a letter with your traditional gift. Or send boudoir pics that are meant to be private.

Make your own invites and get save the dates from affordable sites like Pingg and Vista Print.

www.pingg.com

www.vistaprint.com

Favors don't have to be expensive. DIY edible favors are cool and donations to your favorite charities are awesome. I plan on giving some money to Breast Cancer charities. (I love the pink ribbon and my grandma died of breast cancer)

Avoid Saturday nights and try a Sunday instead or a Friday or whenever else!

Have a family member/ friend/helper cater your wedding. Have her pick up the food and put it on display. Or have a family style buffet. It will save you tons.

There are tons of ways to save money, add personal touches and still have an elegant wedding.

Sales! Sales! Sales!

"What do I have to do in order to get a deal on a wedding dress ?"

Nothing violent. You just have to be on the lookout for deals locally and online. I love online deals cus its easy to just have a dress sent to your house. No hassle or fuss and alot of deals are exclusive to online stores.

Check out some I have found recently:

1. Yup ladies get to your nearest Davids Bridal and get your dresses! The $99 bridal sale is in its final days! Also, Check out its online only section!www.davidsbridal.com 2. On Target online the Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Eyelet Sheath Gown - Igloo is only $129.99! Supplies are limited but cute! http://www.target.com/ 3. J.Crew.com has beautiful beautiful gowns at pretty good prices! For my under $2000 brides I'm really feeling the Silk tricotine Cecelia long dress. Its only $300 now and its a simple classic dress for the bride who doesnt like alot of fuss. Check it out : http://www.jcrew.com/ 4. At Dillard's online store, there are tons of dresses under $300. My favorite brands are the JS Collection, Betsey & Adams and Scala. http://www.dillards.com/ 5. Jcpenney's White Cuff Ballgown is clean, traditional and crisp. Its only $49.99! http://www.jcpenney.com/ 6. I am loving the One-Shoulder Dress Item # 2104-52016-1160 from Chadwick's online site. Its on sale for only $159.99! 7. Bridal Online Store is a great site to order affordable gowns.The sales reps are super friendly, some of the dresses come with sashes/purses and the designs are unique. Some of my favorites are the Leena ($199), Cleopatra ($299), Chloe($299), J809W ($249.99), Destiny ($279.99) and Diana($299). http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/

Pic Courtesy of Flicker.

Thats it. Thanks and happy hunting!!

Ways to save your money! Reasons too!

Like you really need one but seriously some people really think it isn't possible to have a wedding under $2000! I have seen people do it and yes you may not get a chariot of horses with a golden monogram but what you do get is the satisfaction that you have no surprise bills, no credit card debt and no secret fees that will suck you dry. Here are my tips which I will constantly go over in my blog. In fact you may see this exact article again like every three months cus its that important!!! so lets do it, shall we?!

• First Question is how much do people in your area spend on their weddings? Check out http://www.costofwedding.com/ to see whats going on your area. Its all ridiculous if you ask me.

• What should your wedding budget look like if you are to SAVE your money. (esp. if your wedding is going to be under $2000!) here's a look:

I generally think that a wedding of 50 or less people can be any where from $1,500 to $3,000 if done on a budget. From 50 or more people can be done from $5,000 to 10,000 if done on a budget. I plan on 50 or less. maybe 60.

Here's a basic chart: Your Wedding Budget Worksheet

My Total Budget ___________ Expenses % of total budget Ceremony Location fee, officiant fee, marriage license, musician's fees, ring pillows = 3% or less Reception Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors should be= 48% or less Attire Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders =10% or less Flowers Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket =8% or less Music Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental =8% or less Photography Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids =12% or less Transportation Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants =2% or less Stationery Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book =3% or less

Gifts Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests. 3% or less

I didnt include rings either. Now after seeing this you may be tempted to pull out your credit card. Dont you even dare. Credit card debt is a serious issue. If you do use credit cards make sure you can pay it back with in two weeks! Forget about a loan. A $5000 loan at only 14% interest will take 49 months to payoff with $500 a month payments. If you miss a payment you will get a higher interest rate (normally 27% which will take 55 months!)

• The next question is "how do you save money?"

So how do you do it? By living within or below your means. And adding to your income. Instead of buying lunch, bring it in a brown paper bag. Try taking the train instead of driving, pay less gas. There are many ways to save money, just look at your bank statement and ask yourself: "where is my money going?" I found out I eat too much. Also, do you bake? Bake cakes for the holidays and sell them! Can you knit? Well then, get the knitting girl! Can you get another job like a parttime job? During the holidays alot of retail stores need the extra help. Whatever you can do to add more to your savings pot, do it.

• Dealing with the C word: Cheap! (Which really means cost effective)

And dont feel bad about saving money when you see others doing whatever. You dont know what their financial commitments are. Also you are not alone, Check this out:

Watch more ClipSyndicate videos on AOL Video

Here's a link: http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=99982@wcbs.dayport.com

The crunch will be worth it when you are walking down the aisle to your beloved. You can have an elegant wedding with out the price tag if you can be realistic with your expectations. love ya thanks!

Ready Made weddings!

So much goes into planning a wedding. Flowers, the cake, the dress, the waiter staff, the venue etc as the list goes on. Its enough to drive anyone insane. So Today I want to make it easier. Why? Because not everyone is a DIY genius. Because your wedding should be the happiest day of your life. Because thats what I'm writing about...darn it!

so here we go!

1. Destination: NO HEADACHE!

As you know destination weddings are the biggest craze. Beautiful beaches, soothing water and everything already done is what to expect when you say "oui" to a destination wedding. The quest is not to go into debt and although most cruises are "affordable" it takes the internet savvy to find the best deals. My advice: BOOK EARLY! Its important, two ladies can be on the same boat and one could've spent thousands while the other booked early and spend a few hundreds. Same boat , two different ladies...it makes a difference. trust me.

Here are some good deals for the anti DIYers:

The Ships:

Carnival Fun Ships.

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/weddings/destination_weddings.aspx

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/weddings/shipboard_weddings.aspx

Have your wedding shipboard or pick a destination, either way is good with Carnival. With Packages starting $1,195 depending on the ship and ports, it meets the Under $2000 wedding requirement. Packages include pretty much everything: "ceremony preformed by a non denominational officiant, bridal bouquet with matching boutonniere for the groom, wedding cake with keepsake topper" and more! Call the "Fun Ship" Wedding Department at 1-800-933-4968 or email: weddings@carnival.com! Score!

Another cruise option is Royal Caribbean Cruises.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experience/html.do;jsessionid=00009WFjXR9BRv4RFT2vJkkXNDG:12hbiocak?exCode=547&shipCode=EX

Wanna try rock climbing on a Rock Climbing Wall or ice skating in the ice skating rink? How about getting married like a celebrity on an Alaskan glacier? With Royal Caribbean Cruise you can get do it at an affordable price. Most packages start at $1395.oo which again gets the seal of Under $2000 wedding approval.

There are tons more but you gotta look.

Resorts and Hotel Packages:

Sandals Resort

http://www.sandals.com/general/wedding-packages.cfm

There are so many packages here its crazy! Having a small event try a free wedding. For Real, when you stay six nights(your honeymoon,hello) ...your wedding is FREE with the WeddingMoon package. Want a luxury wedding? Try Preston Bailey's Floral Elegance Collection for $1700. Preston Bailey a well known legend in the wedding industry put his personal touches in each collection. Also you can try the Signature Wedding Package start $1,600(in Jamaica and $1700 in other island) which includes Personal Wedding Consultant, Beautiful Setting for a Reception, Professional Videography of Ceremony & Reception (Standard DVD), Chef's Selection of Caribbean Inspired Hors d' Oeuvres (For Bride, Groom and two guests) and more! Awesome!

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Aruba & Jamaica

http://www.caribbeanhi.com/weddings/

If you book a minimum of seven nights (again a typical honeymoon) your wedding is free at either locations! At Montego Bay the Island Wedding Package is only $450! It includes the minister, preparation of legal fees and documents, on site wedding coordinator's service, and more. At Aruba, the wedding packages start at $800! Score!

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

http://www.bolongobay.com/html/wedpkg.html

If you dont have time to get your passport together try Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas. All you need is an I.D. and proof of citizenship. Wedding packages start at $1000 here. A good venue with little hassle.

Viva Las Vegas!

Known for their quick and convenient weddings, Las Vegas is a great place to get married if you just don't have the time, money, or desire the hassle of planning your own wedding.

First Stop is the Artisan Hotel. The Artisan Hotel is asmall yet utterly beautiful boutique hotel. Despite the lack of a casino. Its Vegas' first all inclusive resort. Wine receptions for all guest daily and the building is fabulous. Here $1,100 (plus $60 minister fee and $40 photographer gratuity fee) will get you a beautiful wedding in a lush garden. Limo, 100 digital pictures on a cd, two bottles of champagne, wedding coordinator, photographer fee included, brides choice of flower bouquet and more. Awesome deal for under $2000.

http://www.theartisanhotel.com/

I WILL ADD MORE DEALS LATER TILL THEN LOVE YA !