5 Ways to Slash Your Wedding Budget

Want to create your dream wedding without breaking the bank? We asked 50 brides to share their best cost-cutting secrets—from crafty cocktail parties to a totally genius use for pashminas. Ready, set, save!

Buy, Don't Rent

"When I got a quote for more than $500 to rent linens, I went on Ebay and purchased what I needed for less than $250. And we're going to resell them after the honeymoon!" —Brittani P., Jacksonville, Fla.

Get Intimate

"For the rehearsal dinner, we threw a casual outdoor barbecue for just our families, the officiant, and the bridal party. Keeping it low-key and super-small meant we had more to spend on the wedding itself." —Shannon M., New York City

Shop at Home

"We're having a nautical wedding, so we're using a bunch of dé cor that we already own, like lanterns, seashells, driftwood, and model ships." —Mandy C., West Palm Beach, Fla.

Choose an Off-Day

"Having your wedding on a Friday night is so much cheaper than doing it on a Saturday." —Rachel P., New York City

Hire a Wedding Planner

"Yes, we paid extra at the outset, but our planner more than made up for it by helping us negotiate better deals. Plus, nothing curbs the urge to spend like running all your purchases by a professional." —Morgan M., Richmond, Va.

Wedding-Worthy One-Tier Cakes

A wedding cake doesn't have to be sky-high! A single-tier confection is ideal for couples having a small celebration or those who want a designer cake for a fraction of the cost. Which is a wonderful alternative if you are planning a dessert bar!

A Pink Flower-Adorned Wedding Cake with Wooden Figurines

The gorgeous pink rose on this sweet one-tier cake is festive, but it's the adorable wooden figurines on top that really make this a cake worth saying "I do" to.

A One-Tier Wedding Cake with A Tall Flower Topper

The tall flower topper on this Maggie Austin Cake cake adds height and drama to the one-tier design. It's ideal for a small-scale, yet formal wedding.

A Square Wedding Cake With Sugar Pearls

The white sugar pearls on this Maggie Austin Cake creation add a certain ladylike glamour to its unique square shape. A delicate flower topper makes it a true confectionery standout worthy of a formal wedding.

A Ruffled Wedding Cake with Flowers

Structured white ruffles take a simple one-tier design and elevate it to something befitting a luxurious event. This Maggie Austin Cake concoction is delightfully ethereal and ready to display at a glamorous wedding.

 A Quilted White Wedding Cake with Flowers

A petite wedding cake decorated with ivory ribbon and tiny pearls and topped by delicate sugar flowers is a gorgeous, fool-proof option for any size wedding.

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Blue and Silver Glitter Ornaments Wedding

This pretty design is perfect for your winter wedding. The background is a bright white with a light grey diagonal pinstripe. In the center is a large faded blue snowflake. Hanging down from the top on light blue ribbons are alternating blue with silver accents and silver with blue accents ornaments. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Blue and Silver Glitter Ornaments Personalized Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details
Size: 5" x 7" Invitation

Make custom invitations and announcements for every special occasion! Add photos and text to both sides of this flat card for free.

    5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape). Additional sizes available.
    High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
    20 unique paper types and colors.
    Standard white envelope included.
    Premium Envelopments pocket folds, colored envelopes, and envelope liners available.
    Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.49.

Paper Type: Basic
A crisp professional paper with a smooth semi-glossy finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).

Elegant Gothic Spider Halloween Party Invitation

Are you ready to start planning your outrageous Halloween party yet? This cool and fun elegant Halloween design called, Elegant Gothic Spider Halloween, has a lightly grunged grey background. At the top there is a spider web with Gothic scroll designs on either side and a large spider in the center. Your text goes in the center. This would be great for any Halloween or masquerade party! Great for kids or teens.

Elegant Gothic Spider Halloween Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details
Size: 5" x 7" Invitation

Make custom invitations and announcements for every special occasion! Add photos and text to both sides of this flat card for free.

    5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape). Additional sizes available.
    High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
    20 unique paper types and colors.
    Standard white envelope included.
    Premium Envelopments pocket folds, colored envelopes, and envelope liners available.
    Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.49.

Paper Type: Basic
A crisp professional paper with a smooth semi-glossy finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).

5 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Day

Want your I do's to be totally you? From prewedding cocktails to Mad Lib vows, here are 5 ways to make your ceremony as unforgettable as your reception.

Have a Drink

Start the celebration as soon as guests arrive by throwing a short (no more than an hour) preceremony cocktail party. It will give everyone a chance to mingle and ensure that even your chronically late college roommate will get there in time for the main event. Keep it simple by serving a festive cocktail or two and a small treat like artisanal popcorn in paper cones. As for whether you choose to make a special guest appearance yourself—possibly in another cute white outfit—that's up to you.

Plan a Group Activity

If you're marrying at a location like a museum, zoo, or aquarium, give your guests the option of taking a fun behind-the-scenes tour before your I do's.

Pick an Alternative Bridesmaid Bouquet

Skip the bouquets and have your besties carry a chic clutch instead. (It doubles as a bridesmaids' gift!) Other creative options: silk fans, parasols in your colors, or candlelit lanterns (great for an evening ceremony).

Get Creative With the Ring Bearer

Have your ring bearer carry your bands on something unique: a felt flower, a mini fishing rod, or a slice of wood that says "Here Comes the Bride."

Make a Time Capsule

Before the wedding, write a letter to your groom. (He should do the same for you.) During the ceremony, put the notes and a bottle of wine in a box and take turns hammering it shut. Open it on your 10th anniversary!

Vintage Floral Chevron Posh Wedding

Vintage Floral Chevron Posh Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

6 Items to Save Your Wedding Day Emergency

It's unfortunate, but true: Accidents are bound to happen even on your wedding day — especially when it comes to your pristine, gorgeous white dress. Luckily, most brides say that the little mishaps didn't even make a dent on their big day, but it's always better to be prepared. So, if a tiny drop of red wine somehow lands right onto the front of your dress before you take pictures or if you suffer a wardrobe malfunction, you'll be able to take care of the situation ASAP!

1. Emergency sewing kit with needle, thread, and scissors: "In case you have any tears or rips in your dress — let's say the hem got caught in your heel or your bustle breaks — having thread and a needle can quickly fix the problem. Also make sure to keep a miniature pair of scissors in your kit, which will make any sewing jobs that much easier.

2. Safety Pins: Safety pins are essential in case a detail on a dress falls off and it needs to be secured back on or you have a sudden zipper malfunction.

3. Double-Sided Tape: I've seen one too many brides and bridesmaids who were having too much fun (as they should have been!), and the potential for a 'slip' was very high. Double-sided tape keeps your dresses in intact in places that should never be exposed and gives you confidence to bust out your boldest dance moves.

4. Make Up For Ever Micro Finish Powder: This is one of my favorite products out on the beauty market. Naturally you would use it to blot lightly on your face to combat shine and mattify skin. What a lot of people don't know, however, is that this particular powder also removes oil or grease stains on fabric. It works like magic. Just dust it onto the stain and then blot it out with a tissue or cloth.

5. Tide-to-Go Instant Stain Remover: This is one of the best inventions ever and I always have it on hand. Simply swipe the marker on the stain and it disappears almost instantly.

6. Band-Aid: Last, but not least, don't forget to throw a few Band-Aids into your kit, especially if you're still breaking in new shoes. Stick one on as soon as you feel a pinch to prevent blisters from forming later in the night.

3 Ceremony Timing Essentials

While everyone loves to get the party started, the ceremony is the bread and butter of a wedding. After all, you need a ceremony to actually get married! Once you've figured out where and how you'd like the tie the knot, you'll have to figure out when. From timing your "I dos" with the sunset, to preventing your perpetually late friends and family and even dealing with family members who want to skip the ceremony, our etiquette experts answer all of your ceremony scheduling woes.

Some of my relatives say they are not coming to my 3:30 pm wedding ceremony because they have weekly errands to run. They are planning only to attend the wedding reception, which is at 5 pm. I'm offended! Should I tell them?
We don't blame you for being upset that they would rather hit the dry cleaner than watch you recite your vows, but think carefully before confronting them. Even if you were able to guilt them into attending, would you really feel better knowing they had come only because you forced the issue? Take the high road, and do not mention their absence when you greet them at the reception.

I'm worried about guests arriving late to the ceremony and distracting the others. What can I do to prevent this?
Latecomers to a wedding ceremony are inevitable but there are a few things you can do to minimize the distraction — things that don't involve lying to guests on your invite. Don't be too rigid about beginning the ceremony at the exact minute listed on the invitation; if guests are still trickling in at that moment, give them a few extra minutes to get settled and take their seats. But if it's getting really late, don't feel trapped waiting for people who may never show. (Very late guests may give up trying to get to the ceremony and catch up with you at the reception.) After the ceremony begins, station an usher just outside the ceremony entrance to direct guests in at an appropriate moment. But in the end, don't be too concerned with latecomers. Once the ceremony begins, everyone will be so enthralled with the ceremony that they won't notice any latecomers, especially ones that quietly slink into a seat in the back.

We're having an outdoor wedding and want to get married at sunset. What time should we start the ceremony?
Timing your outdoor ceremony to coincide with the sunset is a wonderful idea -- you and your groom will remember the moment forever and your wedding guests can experience the magic as the light wanes and the candles at the reception begin to glow. But timing the ceremony start time perfectly can be a bit tricky. If you wait until the sun has begun to set to start your walk down the aisle, then the light will be gone by the time you say your vows and you may be left exchanging rings in the dark. Instead, if you're having a 15- to 20-minute ceremony, begin the ceremony one- to one-and-a-half hours before the actual sunset time. (The Weather Channel has a handy wedding-sunset calculator.) Then, the setting sun will cast a soft glow during your vow exchange but it will still be well-lit enough so your photographer can get all the important shots. And as the sun sets and turns to dusk, you'll still have enough light for fabulous post-ceremony group photos, newlywed portraits, and cocktail-hour candids.

Taupe and Blue Iris Posh Wedding

Taupe and Blue Iris Posh Wedding by noteableexpressions featuring damask home decor

The 10 Biggest Wedding Etiquette Don'ts

We're counting down the all-too-common mistakes brides-to-be make, so you can avoid as many of them as possible!

1. Don't announce your engagement on Facebook before calling Grandma.

Remember to share the big news with your inner circle before updating your status on social media. Tell your family and closest friends first, preferably in person, or if they're long-distance, by phone or Skype (so they see the ring!). Only then is it appropriate to change your Facebook status. And after the outpouring of congrats, be sure to post a quick thank-you to the well-wishers.

2. Don't include registry information on your invites.
Your wedding invitation lets guests know how much you love them and want them to be by your side on your wedding day. There should not be any mention of an expectation for a gift, even though, yes, that would be the easiest and most obvious place. It may sound old fashioned, but word of mouth is still the best way to loop everyone in on your registry. Make sure that those closest to you (your parents, his parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen) have your registry details handy because they will likely receive phone calls and emails from guests with questions about what to get you. Another way to easily share registry details to your guest list is via a wedding website — which is totally okay to include on your invites. Be sure to list the URL so guests can head there to get all sorts of additional wedding info — location details, directions, attire suggestions, and, of course, your registry.

3. Don't make guests wait too long between the ceremony and reception.

If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, do your best to minimize the in-between time. When guests have too much free time on their hands between the ceremony and reception, they'll either starve (and get cranky) or find a nearby cafe and stuff themselves. Ideally you want your guests to eat and drink and be merry at your reception, not at a bar they found along the way. If a large time gap is inevitable, make sure your guests are entertained or have the option of being entertained. You may want to plan an outing — a sightseeing bus tour, maybe? — or set up a hospitality lounge, with drinks and snacks, at the hotel where your guests will be staying (you can include information and directions in the ceremony program). Your main goal is to make sure nobody's left in the lurch with nowhere to go and nothing to do.

4. Don't invite someone to the bridal shower if they aren't invited to the wedding.

You can't invite someone to your shower and expect them to give you a gift if you are not planning to invite them to the wedding. It would seem like they were good enough to give you a shower gift, but not good enough to celebrate with you on your big day. The bridal shower is intended to be a celebration with the bride's nearest and dearest, so every shower guest must already be on the wedding guest list. The only exception is a workplace bridal shower, in which a large number of coworkers pitch in and contribute to an office celebration. (If an office shower involves only a few coworkers, thoughtful couples will probably include these colleagues in the wedding guest list.)

5. Don't skimp on wedding-party gifts.

Truthfully, the best gift you can give your wedding party is a pleasant, drama-free experience as they help you prep for the big day. However, it's also important to thank your attendants with a tangible gift to show your appreciation. While every couple's situation (i.e., wedding budget, number of bridesmaids and groomsmen) is different, you'll want to sit down with your fiancé and have a discussion about thank-you presents. One idea is to jointly decide on an appropriate price range per gift, then choose presents accordingly. But if, for example, you decide to give your attendants $80 necklaces while your fiancé gifts his groomsmen with $150 custom Nike sneakers, that's totally fine, as long as you've communicated about this. Whatever you decide to buy, consider what you've been asking financially of your bridesmaids and groomsmen. If they're dropping a ton of cash on wedding-related things like an airplane ticket, hotel room, and $500 bridesmaid dress (not to mention the bridal shower, bridal-shower gift, and wedding present), then a $20 necklace from Etsy might seem a little ungracious. You're certainly not required to buy something that equals how much they've spent, but the amount should convey a sincere gratitude for how much time, effort, and money they have put into your wedding. As a rule of thumb, something between $75 and $150 should suffice.

6. Don't clump all your single friends together at one table.

Sure, weddings are a great place to meet people, but don't throw all your single friends haphazardly at one table. Instead, seat people based on their shared interests, not marital status. Go through your guest list and draw parallels — join up guests with similar hobbies, jobs, or interests. And try to make everyone feel comfortable by offering a mix of familiar and new faces at each table. If your single cousin Kristen just got back from a trip to Copenhagen and your married friends Matt and Valerie are headed there next month, seat them at the same table.

7. Don't make guests pay for their own drinks.

The bar bill amounts to one of the reception's biggest expenses, so it's understandable that not every couple can afford hours and hours of open-bar boozing. But there are many ways to save big without having to resort to a cash bar, which is never a good idea! We repeat, a cash bar is never a good idea! Instead, try one of these ideas:

1. Serve two creative signature cocktails. Give your guests a taste of your personality as a couple by serving a signature drink or two. You'll limit the amount of alcohol imbibed since you can incorporate inexpensive mixers, and you can choose a less expensive brand of alcohol. Not only will this selection help you stick to your budget, but also, your guests will enjoy learning more about you through your drink choices.
2. Stick to wine and beer. Mixed drinks with expensive liquor can quickly add up, so give your guests a choice of wine or beer to sip throughout the night.
3. BYOB. Ask if your site allows you to bring in your own liquor. Buy it by the case to save 10 to 15 percent off the cost of single bottles. Return unopened bottles, if that's allowed in your state.
4. Have a limited open bar. You can opt for an open bar just during cocktail hour, then switch to beer and wine during dinner and the rest of the reception.
5. Go ethnic. Plan a themed reception, then limit beverages to a few appropriate options: red wine with an Italian celebration, or Coronas and margaritas for a Mexican fiesta, for example.

8. Don't forget to feed your wedding vendors.
The last thing you want on your wedding day is a low-energy DJ or an exhausted photographer. Your vendors are putting on your affair so that you don't have to, so plan on feeding any wedding professionals who will be there with you at the reception. This includes your wedding planner, photographer, videographer, and DJ or band, plus their assistants (but not your florist or the ceremony musicians). Work their meals into your budget and consider it part of their fee. (And actually, for many vendors, it is actually stipulated in the contract that the couple is to provide a meal.) As for pricing, ask your caterer — everyone has different policies. Some won't charge extra while others will charge you around 50 percent of the guest meal cost. Others will have you pay full price. Once that's settled, you are responsible for letting your caterer know how many extra meals they need to prepare for your vendors. Also talk to your caterers and the venue manager to designate a quiet spot for them to eat during a break (though you may want to seat your photographer in the main room so they're near the action, in case they need to jump out of their seat to take a shot). Just remember, your vendors are going to be working five to eight hours (or more!) that day and you don't want their energy to flag just as the party gets going.

9. Don't skip out on greeting each guest personally.

These days, most couples forgo the formal post-ceremony receiving line. Instead, make it a point to circulate among the reception tables after dinner. Work with your wedding planner to schedule the table greetings into the day-of timeline and make an effort to find something sincere and personal to say to each guest. Another idea is to hand-deliver your wedding favors as you make your table rounds — it's the perfect way to catch everyone. Just make sure to keep moving and don't get held up at one table for too long.

10. Don't wait a year to send your thank-you notes.
Let's set the record straight: No, you do not have a year to mail your thank-you cards. We're not sure where this wedding myth originated, but you should send thank-you notes to everyone who has given you a gift at any of the wedding festivities (the engagement party, bridal shower, wedding) in a much more timely fashion. For gifts received during the engagement party and shower, send a thank you within two to three weeks of the festivities; for gifts sent before the wedding date, send a card as soon as possible but definitely before the wedding; for gifts given on the wedding day itself, mail a thank-you note within three months; and for gifts received after your wedding, send one within two to three weeks.

What is your favorite "Don't" that we didn't list?

Rustic Wildflower Wedding

Rustic Wildflower Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

Black and White Snowflake Wedding

This beautiful and elegant design, called Black and White Snowflake Wedding, has a black and white reflected background. At the top and bottom is beautiful border of white snowflakes to set off your text. A unique theme for your winter wedding or event. Incredibly elegant and fit for a royal. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes! For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Black and White Snowflake Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details
Size: 5" x 7" Invitation

Make custom invitations and announcements for every special occasion! Add photos and text to both sides of this flat card for free.

    5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape). Additional sizes available.
    High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
    20 unique paper types and colors.
    Standard white envelope included.
    Premium Envelopments pocket folds, colored envelopes, and envelope liners available.
    Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.49.

Paper Type: Linen
An elegant paper made with beautiful linen texture of embossed lines and a matte finish. 90lb cover-weight. Perfect for wedding invitations and most formal occasions.

Creepy Clown Family Halloween Party

It's time to start thinking about one of my favorite times of the year - Halloween! This cool Halloween design called, Creepy Clown Family Halloween, is a creepy illustration. This cool photo started out it's 'very old' life as a vintage photo of a family of four. Thanks to the magic of Photoshop, it is now a creepy Halloween portrait of a scary Clown family. Your text goes on the back. This would be great for any Halloween or masquerade party! Perfect for adults or teens.

Creepy Clown Family Halloween Party Custom Announcement by NoteableExpressions

Product Details
Size: 5" x 7" Invitation

Make custom invitations and announcements for every special occasion! Add photos and text to both sides of this flat card for free.

    5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape). Additional sizes available.
    High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
    20 unique paper types and colors.
    Standard white envelope included.
    Premium Envelopments pocket folds, colored envelopes, and envelope liners available.
    Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.49.

Paper Type: Basic
A crisp professional paper with a smooth semi-glossy finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).
 

Robin Egg Blue Initials Posh Wedding

Robin Egg Blue Initials Posh Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

Plan a Perfect Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal dinners has evolved into full-blown events but there's no need to stress out about planning your own. Here's how to organize a flawless one — effortlessly.

1. Decide Who's Hosting
Traditionally, the bride's parents paid for the wedding and the groom's parents took care of the rehearsal dinner. These days, anything goes. If both sets of parents are sharing the costs of the wedding, then perhaps you and your fiancé may want to pay for the rehearsal dinner.

2. Consider Casual
More and more couples are opting to keep the rehearsal dinner relaxed and low-key. Aside from ensuring that it won't upstage the more formal wedding, a casual rehearsal dinner will loosen up guests who are meeting for the first time. The dress code can come down a notch or more from the wedding attire. To encourage conversation among guests, you might consider open seating rather than assigned tables, and buffet or family-style food service.

3. Choose a Fun Theme
A fun way kick of the wedding weekend is to incorporate a theme into your rehearsal dinner. You can build the party around your cultural background, for example (as in a colorful tapas-and-paella fiesta to reflect a bride's Spanish heritage), or play up the wedding's location (say, a wine- and cheese-tasting party if there are some vineyards in the area). Here are a few more rehearsal-dinner themes:

Outdoor Barbecue: A grilled feast and a game of softball is an inexpensive, relaxed and easy-to-prepare party for groups both large and small.

Seaside Clambake: Lobster and clams on the sand at sunset is a deliciously low-key and informal treat. Add a bonfire and s'mores for a sweet ending.

Sports Night: Baseball-stadium boxes are a fun party spot for all ages. Serve ballpark faves such as hot dogs and beer.

First-Date Celebration: Chances are, the place was romantic enough to inspire the two of you; let that same spirit infuse your dinner. Hold the party at the site of your first date and name tables after other spots that are meaningful to you.

Hoedown: A country-themed bash, complete with a square-dance caller, will keep guests entertained. Serve Southern favorites like fried chicken and cornbread so guests can do-si-do the night away.

4. Pick a Perfect Spot
Hosting the party in a unique location can also give the celebration a different feel. Venues to consider: a bowling alley, a beer garden, or even a local park for a casual barbecue. Restaurants are a popular choice for good reason: The staff can handle every aspect of the evening, from cocktails to menu to music to flowers.

5. Create the Guest List
The rehearsal-dinner guest list typically includes close family members and anyone participating in the wedding ceremony (including the officiant), plus their spouses or dates. It's also considerate to invite your out-of-town guests to the festivities. However, if you end up with a long list of people to include, you can keep costs down by serving only cocktails and hors d'oeuvres or desserts, as opposed to a full meal.

6. Time It Right
The rehearsal dinner is traditionally held the night before the wedding, most often a Friday. Usually, the ceremony rehearsal begins around 5:30 p.m. (which gives wedding-party members enough time to get out of work and head to the venue) and typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The dinner takes place immediately after the rehearsal, usually around 7 p.m. For a Sunday or holiday wedding, you have more options, while some couples decide to hold the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding so that everyone has more time to relax and recuperate before the big day. If most attendants won't be arriving until late on the eve of your wedding, a breakfast celebration the morning of the wedding is also acceptable.

7. Pass the Mic
It's customary for the host to welcome guests at the beginning of the party. But because the atmosphere at a rehearsal dinner tends to be relaxed, some guests may also want to get up and say a few words about you, so consider opening the floor. Don't be surprised if there's as much roasting as there is toasting — and take it all in good humor. You and your groom should also plan on making short speeches yourselves (either after the host does or just before the evening ends).

8. Give Gifts
The rehearsal dinner is also the traditional time to present gifts to members of the wedding party (especially if the gifts are items you'd like them to wear during the wedding), as well as to the parents, to thank them for their love, guidance, and support.

9. Friendly Reminders
Before the dinner comes to an end, take a moment to slip in any announcements about the wedding day. Double-check that everyone in the wedding party knows what items they're supposed to bring and when and where they're expected to arrive to get ready. If you have a larger audience, remind guests about any activities for them the next day, as well as pickup times and locations for transportation you've arranged to get them to and from the ceremony.








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Radiant Orchid and Grey Floral Posh Wedding

Radiant Orchid and Grey Floral Posh Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

A lush and sophisticated Radiant Orchid Wedding

A lush and sophisticated Radiant Orchid Wedding (clipped to polyvore.com)

Radiant Orchid Grey Floral Posh Wedding Journal Notebook from...

Radiant Orchid Grey Floral Posh Wedding Journal Notebook from... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Radiant Orchid and Grey Posh Wedding Invitation from Zazzle.com

Radiant Orchid and Grey Posh Wedding Invitation from Zazzle.com (clipped to polyvore.com)

Ask Anything...Wedding Advice for Real People

I love the look of crystal for a black tie wedding, but it's beyond our budget. Is there a good alternative?

Modern colored stemware! It brightens up a formal, neutral palette in an instant, and it's way less expensive to rent.

I'm obsessed with wedding cakes with edible flowers. Any ideas on where I can get them?

What's sweeter than blossoms good enough to eat? You can get them from Edible Flowers or Terrain.

I want to incorporate fabric from my mother's dress in to my own, but her's is lace and mine is silk. Is it doable?

Antique lace can look beautiful layered onto a silk bodice or as an accent around your neckline or waist. For a fee, most salons or designers should be able to make the alteration for you. You could also look at using it on your bouquet, your headpiece, or design a clutch to carry.

Do we have to invite our out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner?

A big rehearsal dinner is a nice way to thank people for making the trip, but it is by no means expected. It's totally cool to limit your dinner to the wedding party, and close family. If you'd like, you can treat your other guests to drinks and snacks back at the hotel.

How To Make Wedding Traditions New

Weddings are chalk full of traditions. Really, a wedding ceremony itself — with the symbolic wedding rings, vows, aisles, white wedding gowns, and a following wedding reception — is all tradition. So, when bride’s start to question if they want to have a “traditional” wedding, by having a wedding it is traditional. But, the little traditional details can of course be picked over to cater to the bride’s beliefs and wants, and each of these traditions can be modified and otherwise modernized. One of the more fun and widely known traditions comes from the Victorian rhyme “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe,”  listing the popular traditions and superstitions of the time. These traditions pulled together as one is a popular tradition today that is easily tweaked and made unique for the bride-to-be.

What do they mean? The something old in this tradition is meant symbolically link the bride to her heritage and past, a past that then looks forward. The something new is this looking forward: It is a symbol of looking to the future with optimism. Then something borrowed is meant to represent borrowing happiness. The intention is that the bride would borrow something from a woman in a happy marriage and borrowing something from her would then bring happiness and longevity to the marriage of the new bride. Next, something blue is a symbol of good fortune and fidelity. And finally, the sixpence in your shoe is supposed to bring prosperity to the marriage.

Ideas on How to Make this Tradition Unique to You

“Something Old”

Typically, the something old will be an heirloom that has been passed down in your family and this is the easiest to make individualized to you. If you have a grandmother that you were close to or there is an heirloom that means a lot to you, then this is where you would want to incorporate it in your wedding. If you don’t have an heirloom in mind, then try using something old that is representative of you as a person or something special about your family or childhood. The way to make this old tradition new is to make sure you make it about you.

•     Use a broach or pendant as part of your wedding bouquet wrap
•     For your engagement photos have a photo shoot with a restored car or at an old or historic building (maybe even at the place where your parents or grandparents met or went on their first date)
•     Display old family photos at the reception (old wedding photos or couple photos)
•     Have the wedding at an old church (perhaps even the church your parents were married in)
•     Use the bride’s parents cake topper as your wedding cake topper
•     Wear a mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress or use the material from their wedding dress to make yours

“Something New”

For your something new…buy something new. A lot of the accessories and necessities will be new for your wedding, but it is important to designate something you want to buy as your something new.

•     Your wedding dress
•     New wedding jewelry (A locket with an old photograph would be a cute way to combine old and new together!)
•     Treat the bride to new and expensive make up to wear on the wedding day
•     Buy a new perfume or have a perfume designed for the bride

Or instead of buying something new, think trying something new.

•     Have a daring food choose as part of your menu item (never had escargot? Try it!)
•     Never been in a helicopter? Instead of driving off in a car, leave in and for a helicopter ride around the city to check out the lights and be close to the stars. Then have a friend leave you a car where the helicopter lands.
•     Go skydiving on your honeymoon.
•     Find a world record that you can complete at your wedding reception (I believe there is a record for the longest held kiss…)
•     Learn a new dance to perform at your reception.

“Something Borrowed”
When thinking of the something to borrow don’t restrict yourself to things the bride can have on her during the wedding ceremony. What can help you make new this tradition is implementing it throughout the wedding day and not restricting it to what the bride wears.

Things to borrow and then return with a thank you note:

•     A sister’s veil or petticoat for under your wedding dress.
•     Borrow a book with a poem or sweet sentiment that can be used in the ceramony
•     If you are having a beach wedding borrow a stone or sea shell from the ocean (no thank you note needed here…that would be littering)
•     Borrow the wedding jewelry from a friend or sister
•     Borrow the honeymoon location by staying at a friend vacation home

“Something Blue”

Something blue is by far the easiest aspects of this tradition to adhere to, but that just means you are open to a whole wide world of creativity in your implementation of it.

•     Have blue as one of your wedding colors
•     Wear blue wedding shoes
•     Have a blue sapphire or jewel in one of your wedding accessories
•     Have a light blue aisle or a blue glass paved aisle way
•     Put a blue flower in the flower girl’s hair
•     Use blue colored lights at the reception for your lighting
•     Use a blue garter or have a garter with blue on it
•     Have your wedding date and names embroidered to the inside of your wedding dress in blue thread
•     Have your guest’s sign in with a blue ink pen
•     Play music that features the word blue or is blues music at the wedding reception (you can have an MC announce it if you like)

“Sixpence in Your Shoe”

This is one tradition that is often left out of the old-new-borrowed-blue wedding tradition, but if you want to capture everything in this tradition or adhere to the superstition that it will bring your marriage good luck and prosperity, then you don’t want to forget that sixpence!

•     You can of course order a sixpence and use it traditionally by placing it in the bride’s shoe
•     You can have it sewn into the hem of the wedding dress
•     Attach it to the wedding bouquet
•     Use a lucky penny instead of a sixpence
•     Use a coin in the currency of the country you will be honeymooning in
•     Use a coin in the currency of the country your ancestors were from
•     Have a coin minted for the bride

10 Things NOT To Do While Wearing Your Engagement Ring

People ask us all the time, “How can I make sure my diamond doesn’t get damaged?”  Proper care and treatment of your engagement ring or wedding band will allow your ring to sparkle for decades to come.  Have other questions about how to care for your engagement ring?  Speak to one of our diamond experts today!

    Put On Lotion, Makeup and Hair Products:

Build up of makeup, lotion, hair products and creams can mask the brilliance of the diamonds in your ring.  Hairspray and some hair chemicals can eat away at gold and also dull the surface of diamonds and gemstones.

     Swim:

There are many dangers when it comes to swimming with a ring — chlorine in some swimming pools can also cause damage to your ring, especially if its prolonged.  It may cause the metal to deteriorate.  Another potential problem is swimming in cold water may cause your ring to come loose and fall off – in a pool, it can be rescued- but if you lose your ring in the ocean or a lake, good luck getting it back.

    Clean The House:

This is similar to lotions and hair products. Bleach and other chemicals used to clean your house can damage the setting of your ring.  Some cleaners can even change the color of the setting or diamond itself.

    Do The Dishes:

Harsh chemicals and dish soaps can discolor, dissolve, or otherwise damage the stone or metal bands.

    Operate Heavy Machinery:

If you have a job that involves manual labor, like construction work, keep your ring at home in a safe place. This will help avoid breaks, splits, cracks, and looseness that are caused by bang-ups.

    Play tennis or golf:

If you have a tight grip, are left-handed and have diamonds all around your band, remove your ring before playing.  You could knock out stones and cause excessive wear and tear to your ring.

     Gardening:

The hidden rocks in dirt can chip the diamond or knock the setting loose–on top of getting your stone super dirty!

    Sleep:

Depending on the shape and size of your ring, wear it to sleep at night can be a bad idea. If you have an over-sized stone with lots of edges, remove it before going to bed and avoid scratching you or your bed partner’s face in the night.

     Clean The Oven:

Oven cleaner “Easy Off” is a notoriously harsh product (it burns skin to the touch!) and the damage on wedding rings can be catastrophic. Don’t risk it with gloves. Remove your ring completely.

     Cooking/Baking:

You actually CAN wear your ring for most cooking and baking projects-but if you are using your hands with something sticky or gooey, like dough, remove your ring.  It’ll make a mess out of your ring and be a pain to clean.

Aqua and Silver Snowflake Wedding

This pretty design is perfect for your winter wedding. The background is a bright white with small aqua blue and silver snowflakes. At opposite corners there are two modern aqua snowflake graphic designs and finally, an aqua border ties everything together. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, return address labels, a reception wall decor, and much more available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes! For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Aqua and Silver Snowflake Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details
Size: 5" x 7" Invitation

Make custom invitations and announcements for every special occasion! Add photos and text to both sides of this flat card for free.

    5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape). Additional sizes available.
    High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
    20 unique paper types and colors.
    Standard white envelope included.
    Premium Envelopments pocket folds, colored envelopes, and envelope liners available.
    Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.49.

Paper Type: Basic
A crisp professional paper with a smooth semi-glossy finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).
 

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

Untitled (clipped to polyvore.com)

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding Jelly Belly Tin from Zazzle.com

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding Jelly Belly Tin from Zazzle.com (clipped to polyvore.com)

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding Personalized Invites from...

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding Personalized Invites from... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Funny Halloween Witch on Broom T-shirt from Zazzle.com

Funny Halloween Witch on Broom T-shirt from Zazzle.com (clipped to polyvore.com)

Orchid Floral Posh Wedding

Orchid Floral Posh Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

Orchid Floral Posh Wedding

Orchid Floral Posh Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

Orchid and Teal Bohemian Flowers Wedding

Orchid and Teal Bohemian Flowers Wedding by noteableexpressions on Polyvore

How To Hire a Wedding DJ That Is Right For You

Out of all the wedding vendors couples book, the most challenging and arguably most important one is the DJ. You can judge a venue by its visual aesthetics or a photographer by their images, but what criteria can you use to find the best DJ for you? Here’s how to qualify a DJ, who fits both your needs and has the ability to execute your vision:

1. Mixing – Blending songs consistently and tastefully together while transitioning between different eras and genres of music. It requires technical skill, deep-music knowledge, and the intangible ability to read a crowd.

    Why – This is the most important factor for keeping your family and friends on the dance floor all night long. It will be the difference between guests forgetting your wedding or having lifelong memories they’ll talk about forever.
    How – Does the DJ have a mix that you can listen to? Can you see them perform live at an event? If yes, your ear will be able to distinguish their skill level and tell you if they’re the right fit. If the answer is no, take them off of the list.

2. Service/Organization – Ensuring that every need of a couple is met in a timely fashion and accounting for every detail ahead of time.

    Why – The level of service is a barometer of how invested a DJ is to your event and should make that planning process as easy as possible. Organization ultimately leads to either a botched or well-executed event.
    How – What is your online interaction like? Does the DJ understand your vision and communicate swiftly or is it like pulling teeth? An in-person meeting will give you a a chance to assess this and ask the DJ how they prepare for an event.

3. Hosting/MCing – Guiding an audience through an event with down-to-earth announcements. Creating a natural flow keeps things moving so people are always engaged.

    Why – Family and friends invested their time and money to experience and witness every aspect of your wedding. The last thing you want is some guy blabbing on the mic and annoying everyone.
    How – Again, an in-person meeting immediately reveals their verbal communication and listening skills. Or you can always see them perform live at an event.

4. Equipment – Having professional microphones, sound system, lighting, and gear.

    Why – The most common problem is microphone feedback, which can ruin a ceremony or heartfelt speech. It doesn’t matter how incredible a mix is if it’s distorted or hits a volume ceiling.
    How – Simply ask for a list of equipment then cross reference it online. The cost of the equipment typically correlates with its reliability and performance – the higher the better. If a DJ uses Technics 1200 turntables or Pioneer CDJ 1000s, that’s a sign they are serious about their mixing. If lighting is a priority then find out what options they have available.

5. Experience – The repetition of doing a variety of events.

    Why – A DJ who is well versed in both the pressure of party rocking at a club and the detail required for weddings should be well equipped to make sure you have the time of your life.
    How – Find out their gig history and actually verify its accuracy.

After you have done the research and interviews, take a step back and consider what’s most important to you. Set aside any preconceived ideas about price because investing in the DJ will ensure that all of the hard-earned money you’re spending in other departments doesn’t go to waste. A wedding only happens once and you should hire the right person that can create the unforgettable experience you’ve always dreamed of.