You Tube has been a source of entertainment and information for some time now - and it can definitely come in handy for wedding planning as well. For example, check out this wedding cake making video - one of MANY diy cake making videos available to watch for free on You Tube!

Wedding Cakes | No Comments »

Carnations are cheap - and because they are a cheap option, we tend to think of them as a less lovely, less elegant option as well - but that does not have to be the case! Carnations, used as the sole flower, main flower, or just an accent flower, can not only lower the cost of your wedding florals but they can be stunning and elegant as well! Besides being affordable, carnations have a lot of other benefits as well. They are always readily available, making them a great choice any time of year. They are also available in MANY colors, from solids to mixed colors - which means no matter what your color scheme or wedding theme, there is probably something suitable! Take a look at some of these stunning bouquets and arrangements, each featuring carnations.

Bold, Romantic Reds

Gorgeous bouquet for a winter wedding, this carnation and grass accent bouquet is very modern and unique!

This super simple and elegant centerpiece idea features carnations with a few rose bud accents.

Red carnations are mixed with red roses and a variety of exotic green florals for a very trendy, exotic look!

This red and white carnations arrangement, accented with white and green peices and a single snowflake makes a lovely winter bouquet.

Pretty Pinks

This stunning centerpiece features pink carnations, roses, orchids and more in a lime lined vase - very modern and elegant!

This simple carnation and roses bouquet has mixed colored carnations for a touch of interest - just wrap the stems in ribbon for an elegant finish!

Beautiful Oranges

White and Red carnations provide the perfect, affordable backdrop for three stunning red gerbera daisies.

A full bouquet of orange carnations provides a very unique looked, and the roses add a touch of elegance and class without adding a huge chunk to your budget.

White carnations are used here with peach roses and other white flowers to add a new texture to the bouquets.

Neutrals

White carnations, edges dipped in glitter for an extra elegance - accented with lily of the valley! This is a great way to use Lily of the Valley without spending a fortune! This would make a wonderful cake topper or centerpiece.

Pale green carnations with unique accents makes a eye catching boutineirre.

Here, cream colored carnations are used to accent the cream colored roses and add texture and fill to this lovely bouquet.

Flowers | No Comments »

According to the Bridal Association of America, the average bride spent $1505 on her wedding gown in 2006! Add to that the average of $274 for a veil and another $333 for additional accessories - and you have a total of more then $2000 for bridal attire alone! For a bride on a budget, that’s a huge chunk of money just for clothes. Are there other options - of course there are! Smart shopping and searching online can help you save TONS! Here is an example:

For the bride who loves florals:

The Dress: Orchid from Chrys Cross Bridal features a gorgeous floral patterned bodice with colored detailing in the color of your choice - currently on sale for $199!!!

The Tiara: Harmony Tiara featuring Austrian Crystals from The Bridal Fashion Mall - $59.00

The Veil: Stunning floral embroidered edge two tiered veil  - only $36.40

The Shoes: Heidi by Mossimo from Target for $19.99

Total Cost:  $315!! That’s $1700 below average, all you need is a necklace and earrings.

Bride's Attire | 1 Comment »

This contest isn’t really a “wedding” contest - but the prize is a $160 package including a Daily Planner - something every bride should have! It is being hosted by Two Moms In A Blog and The Busy Woman and it is completely free to enter so check it out today:)

Click Here for Details 

In The News | No Comments »

I snagged this money-saving idea off the Thrifty Fun Weddings For Less board - this bride saved money off the cost of her wedding cake by purchasing a simple design with just buttercream icing and a piped edge. Her friends then used leftover wedding flowers to decorate it as shown.  The end result is a very elegant, elaborate design without the price tag!

DIY Weddings, Wedding Cakes | 1 Comment »

Recently, I posted an article full of ideas for a elegant affordable candy buffet. One of the idea’s I shared was to search thrift shops and sales for glass containers. This week I found an awesome deal at a local thrift shop for our candy buffet - I got all three of these containers for $1.50! They are glass, and the lids need some work. I am going to sand the lids a little and spray paint them white. It will probably end up costing about $5 for all three when they are done!

Candy Buffets, DIY Weddings, Decorations, Food and Meals, Real Weddings, Wedding Favors | No Comments »

This week’s featured book is  the Budget Wedding Source Book. Filled with dozens of creative, money-saving techniques for making the most out of any wedding budget. From choosing a location to ceremonial decor, Madeline Barillo shares ideas, hints, and real-life examples to help the bride and groom have the wedding they want at a price they can afford.

Recent Reader Review:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will definitely keep it for reference material for years to come. I highly reccommend it for those trying to save money and have a beautiful wedding.

Wedding Planning | No Comments »

Here is a great link for our DIY fans - Mrs. Caterpillar over at Weddingbee made these petal cones for her wedding and she shares the template and instructions so you can make your own:) You can find it here.

DIY Weddings, Decorations, Flowers, Wedding Favors | No Comments »

I found this idea over at A $10,000 Wedding and I LOVE it!! It is also VERY affordable!

This bride took this black and white paper, and used it to accent a funky yet classy printed invitation for a very simple, unique and beautiful invitation. The color scheme is also perfect for a Black and White or Tuxedo Theme wedding.

I would have taken it one step further, and attached the invitation to black card stock for a look something like this:

The supply list & approximate costs (for 100 invitations)

The 4.25 x 1.38″ Stickers: 250 for $20 from The Sticker Guy

100 4.25 x 5″ pieces of white cardstock with the invitation wording printed on them. You can get 4 from a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of cardstock so you will need 25 pieces: $20 - Check your local dollar stores or ebay, you may be able to get them for even less then this.

100 4.75 x 5.5″ pieces of black cardstock - cut 4 from 12 x 12 cardstock so you will need 25 peices - $25 - again, check local dollar stores and ebay for deals.

Ink for printing

Approximate Cost: $65 - 65 cents per invitation!!!

Some additional ideas:

- The stickers only come in set of 250 but for $20, you can’t go wrong! Use the extra stickers for sealing the envelopes, place cards, thank you cards, etc.

- When you cut the black card stock, you should be left with a 2.5″ strip of black cardstock - perfect to cut into 2.5 x 3″ pieces to use for your RSVP cards! Print the RSVP information onto white paper and then mount it on the black pieces.

- If you want a slightly more formal look - cut the black cardstock into 9.5 x 5.5″ pieces and then fold for a card. Attach the white cardstock and sticker inside. You could cut out a piece of the front flap for the sticker to show through, add a ribbon to the flaps to tie them closed, stamp your names in white or silver ink on the front, or add white flower embellishments to the front to dress it up some more - but remember, those things cost money so calculate that in before you start.

DIY Weddings, Invitations, Wedding Themes | No Comments »

This wonderful little guest book is perfect for a Tiffany theme wedding in Tiffany Blue and Chocolate Brown - but it can be customized in any color you wish. Paisley patterns are also very trendy right now, and this album is lovely! It is selling for $29.99 with Free Shipping.

Breakfast at Tiffany's, Guest List | 2 Comments »