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Quick Reminder About Red Roses..
Posted by Kari in Bridal Gowns & Accessories, Coupons & Sales on February 11th, 2009
Hey. Ok so this isn’t about red roses.. This is about the great deal that House of Brides is having for their Red Hot Wedding Dresses and since I’ve somehow referred to red roses in the past two post titles about this deal I felt I had to use them again. Anyways..back to the reason for this post..
House of Brides is still offering a discount of 5% on all their Red Hot Wedding Dresses. Now this offer ends March 1th so its important that you zip over to their site and take a look at their amazing dresses. To take advantage of this great deal simply use the code ‘LOVE14‘..Happy Shopping!!!
Left to Right:
Designed by Alexia Designs Style #2616. Regular retail $334.95 for only $229.00
Designed by DaVince Style # 8220. Regular retail $819.95 for only $553.00
Designed by DaVince Style # F8207. Regular retail $529.95 for only $365.00
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Great Gift Ideas
Posted by Kari in Gifts & Registeries on February 10th, 2009
Been invited to a valentine’s wedding? Not sure what to get the happy couple? Or are you the happy couple and not sure what to get for your bridemaids and groomsmen? These are common problems so here are some ideas to help take the stress out of gift giving.
1. Gifts for the coffee lovers, the ones that can’t live without that java in their cups!
Coffee mugs- A coffee mug is a great gift for coffee lovers. Weither your buying for the happy couple or your the happy couple buying for the wedding party a mug can be made into a personal gift. Just buy one that you can have a picture or message printed on it. For the happy couple have a special message wished them luck and thank them for inviting you to their special day. For the wedding party add a thank you and a picture of you and them doing something fun.
Membership to a coffee club- This is a great gift since most coffee lovers like to try new flavors. A coffee club allows them to try new flavors and meet new people at the same time. Boca Java is a coffee membership club that offers new flavors each season.They provide fresh ground coffee or whole bean depending on the subscriber’s preferred tastes.They ship every four, seven, or twelve weeks.If your coffee lover doesn’t like the membership they are free to cancel at any time.
Coffee machine- Even if they have a coffee machine they will still love a new one with more features then their old one. You can buy coffee machines that make only one cup at a time straight into a thermos, coffee machines that grind whole beans before brewing or an espresso/cappuccino maker.
Coffee filled gift baskets- Gift baskets are great gifts. They can contain several gifts in one package. You can purchase a gift basket online, in a coffee store, or come up with one of your own. For those who like a variety of coffee, don’t forget to add several bags of their favorite flavors. Add a cute coffee mug, some flavored spoons and creamers, etc. Including shirts, pens, and other items that cater to his or her coffee cravings will help them to remember your gift with items that are useful beyond just the coffee itself.
2. Gifts for the movie nut.
Dvds- Get a few new releases or find their favorite oldies on DVD and they will be thrilled. Buy his or her favorite movies complete with bonus DVD’s that contain extra footage and director’s comments. If you are close to the reciever you can also create your own movie for them. They are sure to love that and it will make a great keepsake.
Gift certificates- Every movie theater offers gift certificates for their movie fans. These gift certificates function like cash so they can be used for snack bar items also. This gift is sure to be a hit.
Snack gift basket- A movie is not the same without a snack to enjoy. Give him or her a basket filled with all their movie favorites: Jujubes, Mike and Ikes, Snickers, and Goobers. Watching a movie at home will be just like a seat in the theater.
Home audio system or big screen tv- these are big gifts that are sure to thrill. Instead of dragging these to the wedding you can either give them to the couple ahead of time or if you close to them find a way to get a copy of their house key and while they are away on their honeymoon set it up in their house with a note saying who it from and all that. they will be thrilled when they walk in and will forgive you for ‘breaking in’ to their house.
3. Gifts for the tech. lover.
A new cell phone/accessories- This gift is great since most cell phones come with plans and rebates for the first few months/years. To add to this gift you could also pay their phone bills for a few months. Some phones can even be personalized. I once had an LG Shine that I was able to engrave my name onto. Just make sure the phone is the right material before engaving anything. If they already have a great phone you can buy them accessories like covers, memory cards or gif certificates for ring tones.
Computer accessories- Small acceccories make a big difference. A wireless keyboard and mouse keep them from tripping over wires all the time. For their laptop, a cooling mat underneath extends the battery life and keeps the system from overheating. They can see the friends they talks to with a webcam.
The newest gaming technology- Always stay ahead of the technology. For game lovers, this means the latest video game system. Choose from the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii. Each has its own unique features to thrill the intense gaming fan. The games for these systems can get expensive, so you may want to purchase one or two favorites to get them started off right.
4. Golf lovers.
New clubs- Even if you only buy one or two a good golfer always appreciates new clubs. Or get accessories for their golf clubs. Club protectors, tees and golf balls are always good.
Gift basket- Surprise them with plenty of golfing goodies. The basket can contain new golf balls, a monogrammed hand towel, golfing gloves, and more. Cover the bottom in green spray-painted Spanish moss to resemble the golf course.
Subscription to a golf magazine- Those that follow golf don’t want to miss out on any of the action. A subscription to their favorite golfing magazine will keep them informed about all of the latest in golfing techniques and tournament play.
New wardrobe- With this gift, they’ll be the best dressed golfers on the course. How about a pair of driving moccasins or new golf sweaters? Keep them in style when they meet friends or clients on the course.
5.Gifts for the ladies.
While this category is mainly for the women, it can also count for men.
Shopping spree- This gift is sure to please. For the bride plan to go before the wedding so she can pick out some sexy honeymoon outfits. Shirts, skirts, shoes, shorts,pants..this gift can go anywhere oh and don’t forget the lingerie! If your the bride wait til after the honeymoon and take those girls that have been stressing and working their butts off to make your day perfect.
Gift certificates- Give them gift certificates to their favorite stores or simply get them visa gift cards that they can use anywhere. They will be thrilled.
Spa day- take the bride/bridesmaids out a day or two before the wedding so that they can relax and be pampered!
5 Tips for a Recession-Proof Budget Wedding
Posted by Kari in Getting Started on February 9th, 2009
It’s no secret that we’re heading into a tough year and brides more then ever are paying attention to the bottom line – the budget. No matter what type of budget you have to work with – there are a few basic tips that every brides needs to look at when she begins her wedding planning in 2009.
Tip #1: Set a Detailed Budget
Gone are the days where an estimated budget and a credit card are good enough. Today, brides need to know not only what they are spending but also how they are paying for it.
Start by taking an honest look at what you have available to you. This may include money you have saved, money you can put in during the coming months, or gifts from parents who wish to help with the wedding. Try, as much as possible, to rely mainly on funds already available so that you aren’t left scrambling for funds if your income changes during the planning stages. Be honest with what you have available to you – it’s not wise to go into debt for anything right now – including a wedding!
Once you have a realistic dollar amount, then you can create a detailed budget showing how much you have available to spend in each area as you start planning.
Tip #2: Get Expert Advice
Most of us have never done this before – and hope to never do it again. It’s frightening how many brides take on a huge event like a wedding with absolutely no experience or guidance! This expert advice doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. In fact, my top recommendation would be Amazing Wedding Planner!
Amazing Wedding Planner is a eBook – that means you purchase it online and download it immediately. The eBook is an invaluable planning tool that gives you an insider look at all the tips and ideas that can help you save money on your wedding – even cutting your costs in half! The Amazing Wedding Planner also comes with some bonuses you’ll find very useful – like a computer organization program you can use to track and plan all the details for your wedding. The complete package sells for $39.95 – and it has a money back guarantee but I doubt you’ll need that. It will save you hundreds of dollars!
Don’t try to do it alone! Over the years, I have seen countless brides throwing money down the drain simply because they don’t know the insider secrets of wedding planning. A small investment in expert advice like you’ll find in Amazing Wedding Planner will pay for itself a hundred times over!
Tip #3: Do Your Research
I don’t think I can stress this enough! Don’t just pick the first vendor you like. Take time to look into the different options before you make a final choice. This goes for everything from your venue to your favors! Take time to visit all the possible venue choices in your area and get a complete quote. Ask about hidden costs, rules, etc. Do this for your photographer, your florist, your caterer, your viedographer and more – even small things like favors. If you have a specific favor you like, research different sources. You may find the same favor for slightly cheaper or with free shipping at another source- those little savings can add up quickly.
Tip #4: Know Your Priorities
It’s so easy to get caught up in all the little details and most wedding budgets are blown because of all the little extras that end up adding up to a lot more money. Start your planning by looking at the big picture and deciding what your priorities are. Is it important to you to be able to invite all of your friends and distant relatives? Have you always wanted a specific venue? What aspects of the wedding are the most important to you?
Together with your fiance, choose 3 to 4 things that are very important to you and concentrate on those areas first. Then, as you begin planning, you can weigh the different options you come across against your priorities and easily elimate those things that aren’t that important to you and will just add up to more cost.
Tip #5: You Can’t Please Everyone
Seriously – you can’t! So stop trying! If you’ve decided that your budget and priorities are best suited to a afternoon wedding with a punch and cake reception – don’t change your plans because Aunt Mabel thinks it’s rude. Of course, you want your guests to have fun – but in the end it is your wedding and your money. Don’t waste your money and add extra stress over things that aren’t important to you just to make other happy.
Now don’t go all bridezilla on me either k? Yes – it matters what your mom or your future mother in law or your best friend think – at least enough that you need to exercise some tact. If you are choosing NOT to impliment something they suggested because of finances, be honest about it. If your mother in law wants something you can’t afford – let her know that budget is an issue but if she’d like to provide she is more then welcome. If it’s something you just really don’t want – find a nice way to let them know that it just doesn’t fit with the type of wedding you and your fiance are going for.
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My Budget Friendly Invitations
Posted by Kari in Invitations on February 9th, 2009
In the past, I have mentioned that my hubby and I are planning to renew our vows for our tenth anniversary. This past week it occured to me that we have less then 4 months left and I haven’t done much planning! In fact – all I had done was book the venues, pick colors and pick up some candy buffet jars lol. So this week I’ve been working my butt off getting plans in order AND I ordered my invitations!
Get this – 100 Invitations and 250 RSVP cards (cause that’s the smallest order option) for $30!
How? VISTAPRINT! Yes, I swear lol. In our case, we are doing things a little less formally since it’s not a wedding so we asked guests to call or email for RSVPS. Since the RSVP cards don’t have to be mailed – we used a design from the free business cards they offer. Then we designed out invitation using the matching standard size postcards which are $25 for 100 – plus $5 for matching envelopes. I had them printed with a blank back since we won’t be sending them as postcards.
THE RESULTS:
Some Ideas:
If you need to be able to have your RSVP cards mailed back to you, you could either pick up envelopes at your local office supply store that are large enough to be sent int he mail. Or – create your invitation on an oversized postcard (50 for $20) and use the standard sized postcard for your rsvp. 100 invitations with RSVPs and envelopes would still be only $80!
A few more VISTAPRINT designs I liked:
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Absolulity Amazing!!!
Posted by Kari in Decorations on February 8th, 2009
Every time I see this I fall more and more in love with it. This is a ‘Heart Sand Ceremony Set‘. The sand ceremony is a great way to show the coming together of two people at a wedding. I love the shape of the main 7″ vase as well as the 3 other vases. The reason there are 3 other vases is because there are two 9 3/4″ heart vases for the couple’s different colored sands and one 8 1/2″ heart vase that can be used by your officiant to represent your shared beliefs or religion or it can be used by a child to represent family unity. You can also order more of the smaller vases so that if you have more then one child you can include them as well. This is a great way to included the kids! This set also included a 4 1/2″ metal display stand for the main heart vase and a glass stopper as well. To make this even better the vases are all engravable! At only $55.00 for the set this is an amazing addition to your wedding and becomes a great keepsake.
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Chocolate and Champagne Diamonds on the Valentine’s Day Menu
Posted by Kari in Valentine's Wedding on February 6th, 2009
(ARA) – Gentlemen, this Valentine’s Day, when you think about jewelry for your sweetheart, think chocolate and champagne — diamonds, that is. Chocolate and champagne diamonds are the hottest jewelry trend going and they make the perfect gift in any form.
“Many people don’t think beyond traditional diamonds and pearls when it comes to jewelry gifts,” says Natalie Parman, vice president of merchandising at Jewelry TV. “But the options are endless, especially since colored gemstones are increasingly popular. Champagne and chocolate diamonds are gorgeous, and come in everything from crisp, light colors to earthy dark browns.”
Chocolate diamonds are usually more rare than colorless diamonds but look amazing in a cocktail ring setting or a pair of dangle earrings. Give your significant other a special surprise by hiding a white and dark chocolate ring inside a box of delicious gourmet chocolates. Or make her wrist sparkle with a deep brown chocolate diamond bracelet.
If your budget is limited, another chocolate gemstone is Zircon. Known for its brilliance and luster, Zircon is often compared to diamonds but is usually a more affordable option. Smoky quartz is also a part of the trendy brown family. Its color ranges from brown to black to smoky gray and often comes in large sizes, making it a perfect gem for pendants and brooches. Dark brown gemstones can be offset beautifully by a white gold or platinum setting.
Champagne diamonds are found in a range of colors from soft candlelight to warm cognac. Hollywood stars have been spotted on red carpets the world over sporting champagne diamonds.
Drape a necklace with a sparkling champagne diamond pendant over a bottle of good champagne for the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift. Champagne diamonds look particularly stunning with a rectangular, baguette cut to let the color shine through. Nothing captures the sparkle of candlelight or even low evening lighting better than lightly colored champagne diamonds.
“Champagne and chocolate diamonds are hot, trendy and offer a new way to wear diamonds,” says Parman. “They’re warm, they stand out in a crowd and they look good with any skin tone. And who doesn’t like calorie-free chocolate and champagne?”
Visit www.JTV.com to see their entire collection of champagne and chocolate gemstones.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Wedding Night Glamour.
Looking for a little something to make your wedding night that much more special? Well I found just the thing. In the store called Astroboy 772 on eBay I found the cutest and sexiest corsets at reasonable prices.
Top- $12.09
Middle- $27.79
Bottom- $26.58
Top- $31.95
Middle- $31.95
Bottom- $31.95
These are just a sample of what you will find at Astroboy 772 on eBay. There are tons of beautiful corsets for you to chose from.
*prices vary with different sizes*
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Black Bridesmaids Gowns from Fredrick’s
Posted by Kari in Weddng Party Attire on February 4th, 2009
Frederick’s of Hollywood is probably not the first place you think of when you are looking for bridesmaids gowns. Wedding night apparel and honeymoon apparel yes – but bridesmaids? So I was pleasantly surprised when I was browsing through their clothing section and discovered these two gems:
I love the layered look with the ruffled feather trim. Very trendy, very chic – and very affordable! This one is currently on sale at $139 ($50 off regular price) and would be a dress your girls will likely wear again as well.
Short and sweet – this one is just cute – and also VERY affordable – on sale for $79.99.
Frederick’s of Hollywood – who knew?
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Real Deal #17
Posted by Kari in The Real Deal on February 3rd, 2009
Well today is Tuesday and I’ve decided to try to make your day even better then I’m sure it is with an amazing deal. I found this beautiful dress designed by Anne Barge Couture Bridal Gown on eBay style # 226 being sold for $2,105.00 LESS then the original price of $3,500.00!!! Made with silk mikado and featuring a sweep train this dress is a steal at $1,395.00. Also included in this deal is an amazing jacket which is also made with silk mikado with amazing bead work that sets the dress off perfectly. This gown has only been tried on a few times and has never been worn to any weddings or other types of events.
Gown Measurements:
Bust: 34 1/2″
Waist: 27 1/2″
Hips: n/a
Hollow to hem: 59″
Jacket Measurements
Bust: 35″
Waist: 28 1/2″
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Roses are still red.
Posted by Kari in Bridal Gowns & Accessories on February 3rd, 2009
Just a reminder of the extra 5% discount available at House of Brides on their Red Hot Wedding Dresses. Simply use the code ‘LOVE14′ and get ready to wear your wonderful dress without the guilt of spending your entire budget plus more.
Left to right-
Designed by Alfred Angelo Style # 1783. Regular Retail $899.95 for only $895.00.
Designed by Jacquelin Exclusive Style # 5457. Regular Retail $804.95 for only $545.00.
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