Archive for the 'Gifts & Registeries' Category

Versatile Registries

Posted by budgetdreams on August 8th, 2007

If you are planning a destination wedding or have quite a few out-of-town guests attending your wedding, it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing where to register for wedding gifts. The point of a registry is to make gift shopping easier for your guests - and if Uncle Bob is flying in just hours before the wedding - chances are he isn’t going to want to run around town just to make sure the Waterford Crystal vase he gives you is from your list. There really is no point in a registry if your guests can’t get to it.

Fortunately, the number of sites offering online registry services is growing quickly. Today, you can register for almost anything - from the traditional Denby China Dinnerware right down to your honeymoon! Many retailers are also offering their registries online as well. Often, these registries will give your guests the option of purchasing from your list and having the item shipped straight to you - saving them from having to worry about stepping off the airplane with a suitcase full of shattered Lalique Crystal.

Is your registry “guest friendly”?

Vera Wang China

Posted by budgetdreams on July 11th, 2007

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Vera Wang designs CHINA!! Who knew! Apparently there is no end to the amazing powers of this woman. Her designs are everything you would expect from the popular designer - elegant, timeless, luxurious and classic with modern flair.

Take a look at some of my favorites. The one up top is Blue Duchesse, which is a very simple design that I adore for it’s blue color which reminds me of our ever popular, Tiffany Blue:) The ones shown below are Sable Duchess (elegant and trendy with it’s rich brown colors) and Lace Gold (a modern take on a very traditional, formal design in luxurious gold).

I found these over at Crystallia Dinnerware and Fine Crystal, an online retailer carrying China Dinnerware and Waterford Crystal. They carry both current and discontinued Vera Wang designs, and currently have some specials as well. For example, purchase 8 sets (coffee cup, saucer and 3 sizes of plates) and receive 8 matching rim soup bowls for free - or purchase 4 set and get 2 free bowls. They also offer a gift registry which is especially nice for brides who’s guests have to travel. They can purchase online, have them shipped to you and your registry is available to anyone with a computer!

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Saving For Your Honeymoon

Posted by budgetdreams on January 6th, 2007
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I get a lot of questions from bride’s - it comes with the job. When planning a budget wedding, many brides don’t even consider the option of a fancy honeymoon. Who can afford to spend $3000 on a honeymoon when that would almost double you wedding budget? I also have a lot of brides who want to know what to do when they already have everything and don’t really need the things a traditional registry includes. A honeymoon registry is the perfect solution - almost. The problem with most honeymoon registries is that they are impersonal, expensive and full of loop holes you have to jump through in order to use the travel money collected.

The solution? Traveler’s Joy! The FIRST thing that caught my eye with this site is how easy it is to use. I took me a matter of minutes to set up an account, and a honeymoon page. Not only that, but unlike most most travel registeries there is no set up fee. You do pay a small withdrawal fee when you take the money out later, but even that is less then other travel registeries! And, if no one uses your registery, you pay nothing!

After creating my sample page - which you can see there, I looked into some of the options. For example, as you can see on my page, you can list specific parts of the honeymoon, even specific meals or events, which guests can choose to purchase instead of just giving money for a more personal gift. You can include pictures, information on your honeymoon plans, and they even have built in tools you can use to let everyone know were you are registered!

When one of your guests visits your personal honeymoon page, they can use their credit card to purchase specifics parts of your honeymoon, or just give money towards the total cost - either way, you receive an email letting you know so that you can thank them. They also have the option of purchasing a gift card to go with their gift….Incidentally - stats show that guests will give more if they can use a credit card - so a registry like this may result in large gift amounts as well!

SO, so far this all looks great. My last question - and the one I’m sure you all are waiting for was: great - but were am I allowed to use the money? Most honeymoon registeries are affiliated with specific travel agencies or travel packages which limit your choices. Travelers Joy is completely different because it is not affiliate with anyone at all. At any time, you can withdraw the money that has been gifted so far and use it were ever and however you please! That means you can go ANYWHERE and use ANY AGENCY you please! That is a flexibility you won’t find at most honeymoon registeries.

To make the most out of your honeymoon registery - read this article on their website: Honeymoon Registries: A Guide to Asking for Your Honeymoon as a Wedding Gift

Handbags

Posted by budgetdreams on September 20th, 2006

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Hey there:) I just wanted to post a quick “LOOK WHAT I FOUND” post. If you haven’t checked out the new line of designer handbags from Darby Scott, you should! As the home page on their page says: “These Bags ROCK!!!”

They have some stunning styles that would work for a bridal handbag and any of their styles would make EXCELLENT bridesmaid gifts!! Take a look!

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Ten Wedding Words

Posted by budgetdreams on September 18th, 2006

We Launched WEDDING WORDS on Sunday, and I am VERY excited to bring your our first ten WEDDING WORDS list:) Check out these great sites - the first to join our Wedding Words list!!!

dress - gifts - COUTURE - shower - photography - candles Designer - honeymoon - Fundraising -  Gown

Vendors - need a unique way to get your link out there? Wedding Words are affordable and effective! Click here to get your exclusive word on the Wedding Words page

Tickets For The Groom

Posted by budgetdreams on August 16th, 2006

Wedding planning is stressful and a lot of the attention is on us. The guys tend to get a bit lost in the mix most of the time. So, your wedding date is here and you guys made it through all that. Now is the time to show your new husband that you appreciate his patience and support through the wedding planning whirlwind.

There are lots of ideas out there, but one of my favorites is Season Tickets! No matter what support or activity your hubby enjoys, you can probably get season tickets. For some men, football tickets would be great. For my hubby - seasonal golf passes would be perfect.

Season tickets are a great grooms gift for a number of reasons:

1. They show him you appreciate him, and have taken the time to think about what would mean most to him.

2. They are ongoing - a season long reminder of your love and appreciation.

3. Double up - give him two sets! Now, you guys can spend time together, enjoying something he enjoys. What better way to make up for the pink tie he wore for you?

If you have a football loving fiance, this is the perfect time of year for a gift like this! NFL Football season starts 9/7/2006 and ends with the super bowl on 2/4/2007. Think of all the bonding experiences:)  A great source for NFL Season Tickets nationwide is www.tickets4concerts.com - they have season tickets available for any NFL team. No matter who your hubby cheers for - Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts or other- they can help you out.

Safety kit for your bridesmaids?

Posted by budgetdreams on June 7th, 2006

I never thought that a road side emergency kit would get my attention for a bridal post, lol. Then I found Safety Girl while surfing on Shopping With Moms.  If you are looking for an affordable, chic and unique gift for yoru bridesmaid's this is it! these are adorable!! At onlt $29 each, they come in an super chic tin that will have EVERYONE talking! You just know this safety kit is going to be placed ina very noticable place (to show it off of course) and every one will ask. Your bridesmaids will have a useful, chic gift they can brag about for years - and every time they will be reminded of your wedding day and just how cool you really are. Each one includes everything a chic gal needs on the road:

  • Space® Brand Emergency Blanket
  • Safety Matches
  • 5 Bandages
  • 2 Antiseptic Wipes
  • Instructions to Change a Flat Tire
  • Instructions to Jump Start a Dead Battery
  • Emergency Contact List
  • Accident Record
  • Safety GirlT Pencil
  • Purified Water
  • Professional Nail File
  • Ritter® Sport Chocolate
  • Zox Breath Freshener
  • Balm of Gilead Lip Moisturizer
  • Balm of Gilead Aromatherapy Headache Remedy
  • OxiClean® Instant Spot Remover Wipe
  • Dove Anti-perspirant
  • Speedy Clean Cleansing Wipes
  • Sight Savers® Eyeglass Lens Cleaning Tissue
  • 3 o.b.® tampons
  • Emergency Sewing Repair Kit
  • You can never be to safe: and now you can be safe in style. This kit also makes a great gift for the bride who has everything, especially if the honeymoon is going to include road travel!! Definitly something no one else is going to think of!!!