Fun Homemade Wedding Favors!

You don't have to do wedding favors. But many brides like to. Here are some ideas for fun and homemade wedding favors that won't break your wedding budget.

Soap is easy and affordable to make. Put it in a cute mold, like a heart, wrap in netting or cellophane.

Make homemade scented bath salts tied up with a tag and ribbon.

Purchase little boxes in the wedding section at Michaels and put homemade fudge in them.  

Have a get together with your bridal party and bake, decorate cookies. Place in cello bag with cute bow and note to your guest. Sugar cookies are adorable, sweet, and perfect for any party favor.  They’re easy to personalize to the event.

  

Hey, it's Okay....

Glamour magazine does this every month and I decided to borrow the idea, but put a wedding spin on it.

So, hey, it's okay...

To see the bride before the wedding. This is a personal choice. It can even be a special moment between just the couple.

To only serve beer and wine. It is a huge money saver and a great choice when budgeting for your wedding.

To find amateurs. Have a friend who loves photography? your aunt loves making cakes? You have a beautiful garden? Use these talents to save you money and have a very personalized wedding.

To not have a wedding party. You don't have to have your great cousin's husband on your dad's side just fill a spot. There are not rules to who is part of your wedding party.

To keep things simple. Your wedding doesn't need to kill you financially or to stress you to the point that your health is in danger. Remember, this is supposed to be fun.

Save the Date!

Save the date cards are a great way to let your guest know when you are getting married. But they can also be very useful tool. They are a must have if you are having a destination wedding. Giving your guests time to save a little money and make travel arrangements to join you.

There are many options when choosing a save the date card. They have actual cards, post cards and even an email option.

There are a few rules to follow when sending out save the date cards. Be sure to put all of the important wedding information: names, date and location. The cards can be simple and straight to the point.

 Also, when sending out save the dates, don't include RSVP information. This can get confusing for the guest when your actual invitations are sent out. This is just informational, so your guest can mark it on there calendar. And Please don't put registry info on them, that is just tacky.

Wedding Money Savers!

Money saving tips for your wedding day! 

Use regular card size invitations and don't stuff them with tissue and tons of paper. This will help your postage costs!

Order a smaller decorated wedding cake for display while using frosted sheet cakes for wedding guests.

Financing your wedding is an option so you still have a nest egg and the wedding of your dreams. 

Consider having an afternoon wedding.  Alcoholic beverage consumption will be significantly less during an afternoon event versus an evening wedding reception.

Avoid high demand flower seasons and holidays like Mother's Day, Valentines Day, etc.

Select "in season" floral items rather than exotics flowers.

Need Bridesmaid Help?

Here is a really cool site for bridesmaids.

http://www.bridesmaiding.com/wp/

Tons of pictures and tools to help the bride and her attendants on this journey together. There are pics, help picking dresses, shower and bachelorette party ideas and all things bridesmaid. Check it out!

Oh and I love the name of the blog: Bridesmaiding - Help for damsels in this dress

Suprise? Suprise!

This is the sweetest picture of a bride and groom before the wedding. They didn't want to see each other before the ceremony, but still managed to get a picture together. So what is your preference? Do you want to see each other before the ceremony or wait?

Some couples like to take photos before the ceremony, so they will see each other. Some say that it takes the pressure off and they get to have a very special moment to themselves. Others like the tradition of not seeing the bride until she reaches the alter.

Which ever way you choose, know that you can get a fabulous picture without even seeing each other.

Bridal Shows

We've all seen the advertisements for the biggest and best bridal show of the century. But, are these shows really worth going to? and here are a few tips to get you through one.


Do:

• This is a great chance to see it, touch it, feel it. Sometimes it is hard to know what you are getting into when you shop online.
• Take pre-printed address labels. Most of the vendors will have drawings.
• Take a friend or family member, you will need the moral support. Think of that many bridezillas in one room.
• Chat with vendors and get information. It can save you tons of time later when ordering and budgeting. Chatting with the vendor could save you from having to deal with someone who you just get a bad vibe from.
• Check out the latest trends and color choices.

Don't: 

• Think you will just run in and out. You won't, these things are always super busy and crowded.
• Forget that these are sales people. Their paycheck is based on how much business they can get. They will be calling you after you put your information into the drawing. 
• Think you have to stop at every booth. If you already have a florist... then for sure skip those. 
• Forget that the fashion show is put on by a vendor... this is only one persons choices. There are tons more dresses out there.