An often irreverent look at weddings from an industry insider
Usually when I see Wedding Bouquets it’s for one wedding at a time so they pretty much all look alike. Wedding shows are fun because you get to see a bunch of different ones at one time. Here are some of the ones I saw at Weddings, The Bridal Show last Sunday.
It’s kind of over whelming to see them all together!
You know I love alternative guest books, right? Well check out this one!
Created by Mèlangerie in New York, these adorable little cards shaped like pieces of clothing were hung on a clothes line with tiny clothes pins. A detergent bottle was inscribed with a note encouraging guests to tell funny stories about the couple. Mèlangerie later compiled the couples ‘dirty laundry’ into a book as a keepsake for the couple.
If you are having a casual outdoor wedding, I think this would be too fun. Not to mention you could probably DIY it.
One of the things I enjoy most about bridal shows are the tabletop displays. Usually you can count on the rental companies to pull out all the stops and present some great ideas to inspire you. This Sunday was no exception. Everyone seemed to have had fun, even the caterers and event venues.
I also took beau coup pictures of pretty bouquets, but I think I will save those for Flower Friday.
I love flowers, but sometimes wedding bouquets can get boring. This can be especially true when you are on a tight budget and your choice of flowers is more limited. There really is a simple solution: ACCESSORIZE!
You know how far the right accessories can go in taking an outfit from frumpy to fab. Well the same holds true for your wedding bouquet.
You can bling it up with crystal ornaments made specifically for bouquets like these initial or starbursts.
You can add crystals, beads and ribbon streamers for a more over the top look.
You can make it sentimental with Grandmother’s Brooch.
Just like in your everyday life, don’t forget to accessorize.
I am always on the hunt for something besides the boring plain guest book that gets packed away in a closet never to be seen again. This may be the coolest one yet!
I have long been a fan of really fine calligraphy and especially illuminations.
This marriage certificate is truly a work of art. All of the certificates are hand made and custom designed to your individual specifications. Size depends on the amount of copy and the number of guests. You can choose between multiple paper types, choose from their borders or have them create one specifically for you.
I have long been a fan of really fine calligraphy and especially illuminations. In the true style of illumination you can have 24kt gold accents added.
Having discovered these I just can’t imagine not having one done if I ever take the plunge again. Check them out at Toucan Calligraphy.
Word of warning. This isn’t a last minute thing; allow a minimum of two months.
What is guest list bloat? It’s that place you find yourself when you want an intimate, elegant wedding and distant family, marginal friends, co-workers and your parent’s business associates have magically ballooned your guest list to 300+ of your “closest friends.”
Sometimes it can feel like a run away train that has taken on a life of its own. You feel powerless to stop it and you are left wondering where your meaningful intimate wedding disappeared to. It’s under there somewhere. It’s just not very pretty; kind of like a thong on a 300lb woman.
There has never been an easier time to reclaim your dream and you can do it with one sentence: “It’s the economy, stupid.”
Whether you are feeling the pinch or not you can use the economy as your excuse. You can even tell people that it just didn’t feel right to spend all that money when so many are suffering.
The best trick to saving money on your wedding has always been to whittle down the guest list. Having said that, it has been too easy to get caught up in the “oh, just add this person” game. You feel bad for not including them. Now you have an excuse you can live with: It’s the economy, Stupid!
No need to feel bad when you pass that co-worker in the hall; “With the economy and all we are really having to limit our guest list,~sigh~” When Mom tries to force Great Uncle Harry’s third cousin onto the list, you can put your foot down in style; “Mom, you know how tight a handle we are keeping on the budget, what with the economy and all.”
It’s out there, use it! Have the wedding you want and lay the blame on that nasty old bear prowling Wall Street.
I just want to say thank you to all my reader that left comments and notes of congrats on the new blog. You guys are great and I am just tickled that you like it.
Kimberly from Ontario, Canada is our big winner. She is getting married on May 9, 2009 and promises to send pics of her big day. Congratulations Kimberly. Mandy and I hope you love your new bling as much as we do.
I plan to spend some time this weekend checking out the sites of all the wedding professionals that left note of congrats and bring you a complete list next week.
I have heard the same thing this week from 2 planners and a florist: When they asked a bride about the floral and décor budget for their wedding the brides said, ”Well I don’t really have a budget.”
Grrrrr. Let me tell you what wedding professionals hear when you say that, “I don’t want to tell you because you will spend it all.”
Here is what they think. ”OK babe, is it $500
or $15,000.
Give me some direction so I know where to go”
When you approach a planner or florist or a designer of any kind, they can work with in your budget if they know what it is. Even if you don’t have a firm budget you have to have some idea of a ballpark dollar figure. Be honest with your vendors, lowball a little if you feel you must, but, good grief, give them some idea.
It doesn’t matter if your budget is tiny; a small budget stretches the talents of a true creative; it makes us think harder. Don’t get me wrong, everybody prefers working with a lavish budget but it isn’t always the case. If you are honest from the beginning you will be much better served by the professionals you choose. Believe it or not; we really do want to make your day special.
