Archive for the ‘Wedding Day Advice’ Category

Dealing With Drunks: And Other Ways of Keeping Cool During Your Wedding

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Weddings are wonderful – a time for celebration and joy. The memories you make on this day will stay with you for the rest of your life. 90% of these memories will be nothing but happiness and smiles – however, sometimes people can make your day…how can we say it…a little more colorful. Here are a few days to deal.

SPL3299_0101.       Take Care of the “Problem” Guests Early:

We all know our cousin Frankie takes his clothes off whiles he dances to the song ‘I’m Too Sexy’ and while its hilarious to watch it might not be the kind of thing you want on your wedding video. Be prepared. Tell the DJ ahead of time to avoid playing any songs that might cause too much of a ruckus. Also, see if someone can talk to any problematic people before your reception starts. In my experience, it’s usually better if it doesn’t come from you since it can easily be brushed off as a “Bridezilla” moment.  Your Dad threatening your cousin to keep his pants on will be much more effective AND possibly hilarious if the photographer captures a shot of the intimidating conversation.

 

2.       Always Carry Extra Cash:

You love your sister more than life itself but let’s face it – she’s a flake. So you shouldn’t be surprised that she forgot to bring cash to pay the limo driver enough though SHE PROMISED she was going to take care of it. Now there’s a scene building outside and you’ve been asked to intervene. No problem – you brought extra cash JUST for this type of incident! You thought ahead! Congratulations! So take a deep breath, give your sister the stink eye, pay the limo driver, and then give her a big hug. “You’d be in big trouble if I didn’t love you so much” you joke. Everyone smiles – especially your sister – because this bride is the picture of composure!

 

3.       Don’t Sweat the Nastiness:

Forget not sweating the small stuff – don’t sweat other people’s nasty attitudes. While most will be giving you nothing but love, there may be one or two individuals who attempt to bring you down – don’t let them! So what if your grandmother didn’t come to your wedding because she ‘didn’t want people to think she’s old’ (you’re 80 Nanna, people don’t think you’re old THEY KNOW IT!). Brush it off, you and your groom look fabulous and will have nothing to do with the drama everyone else causes…until you return from your honeymoon to find your aunt found our about your cousins secret baby. Rrrruuuut Roouugh (insert Scooby Doo voice.)

Fancy Weddings on a Budget

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

You don’t need me to tell you that money just isn’t flowing like it use to. Everyone has experienced the crunch in one way or another which is why some brides are changing their wedding budgets and getting more creative with their cash. Keep in mind: budget does not mean cheap. There are plenty of ways to have the lavish wedding of your dreams without getting into serious debt. Here are a few items we’d like to share:

1 – Do Your Research

There are so many wedding vendors nowadays that you simply must do your research. Look around and see who has the best price best with the best quality. Photographer ‘A’ might be fantastic but Photographer ‘B’ might be just as good plus comes along in a package with a videographer and a disc jockey. You don’t believe me? Check out the website for ThePros.com. I know plenty of people who went with them and who were very happy with their service.
Also, when comparing wedding venues – look to see what they really have to offer. Banquet Hall ‘A’ might have a koi pond and a gazebo but banquet hall ’B’ will throw in a wedding cake, free centerpieces, and will let you remove 20 guests 2 weeks before the wedding in case of late withdrawals. Forget the unnecessary glitz, if you go with venue B you just saved yourself over $3,000!

2 – Cut Your Guest List

Think about it, the average dinner plate at a wedding is anywhere from $100-125 per person. If you take 10 guests off your list you could be saving up to $1,250! That’ll pay for you a big chunk of your honeymoon! Although you might want to invite 175 people at first, it’s really the people who you are truly close with that make your wedding day special. Not your second cousin twice removed (unless he’s the life of the party) or your best friend from kindergarten who you haven’t spoken to since junior high.

3 – Rent your Wedding Jewelry

Ladies, we all want to look fabulous on the day of our wedding and there is no reason that you shouldn’t go all out – just do it the smart way. Renting your diamond jewelry is not only classy –it’s economical! For only $100 you can rent the gorgeous Coleman Pendant – a 3 dimensional pear cut diamond. Utterly stunning!

So simple yet so beautiful! Nothing glitters like the Coleman Pendant

So simple yet so beautiful! Nothing glitters like the Coleman Pendant

Budget Tip: Try to put aside 20-25% of your monthly income aside just for the wedding. I know this is difficult – but it can be done!! When one of my girlfriends was engaged, she sat down with her fiancé and looked at their expenses. They were spending 35% of our joint monthly income on going out! For 10 months they decided to only go out on Saturdays, to only take ‘staycations’, not to buy each other presents for any holidays/anniversaries, etc. By the time the wedding came around we had enough money to pay cash for everything!

Giving the Gift of Jewelry to your Bridesmaids

Friday, July 31st, 2009

Bridesmaid gifts can be tricky. You want it to be personal but not tacky, quality but not seriously expensive, and definitely memorable. Follow these guidelines and you’re sure to succeed!

1. What to Spend:
It really depends on 2 things: your own budget and what you’re asking your bridesmaids to spend on you. Although it’s the thought that matters, if you are asking your bridesmaids to shell out $500 for their dresses, plus hotel, plus airfare, etc – you should probably give a gift that costs a bit more. A safe price range in this instance is $150-$200 for each bridesmaid. If this isn’t the case – then just decide a safe price within your budget.

Also, remember you should spend a little bit more on your maid of honor since her position comes with more responsibility…unless you made your lazy little sister your maid of honor and she hasn’t lifted a finger to help you. If this is the case, proceed as you wish.

2. What to Get:
Always remember, you do not have to give each bridesmaid the same thing. As long as the gifts cost about the same amount, you are free to give whatever you wish. The best gift, if you ask me, is the gift of real diamonds. Our bridesmaid jewelry sets are not only divine but so affordable. The gorgeous Tilling Jewelry Set includes the dazzling Coleman pendant. Your bridesmaids will love wearing these genuine gems and will love you for giving them this gift!

This diamond is PERFECT for any bridesmaid

This diamond is PERFECT for any bridesmaid

Like everything else with your wedding, the earlier the better. If you wait until the last minute before deciding on/ordering your gifts you will be so crazed with the rest of your wedding planning that you run the risk of getting a – lets be honest – an uninspiring, boring, ‘fehh’ present.

Need some more ideas? Check out TheKnot.com’s 50 Inspiring Ideas for Bridesmaid Gifts!

Searching for ‘Something Blue’?

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Garters have been a brides ‘something blue’ go-to for ages. But why not think of something a little out of the box? One of the latest trends gives ladies a new way to flaunt their blue…

1 – Blue for Your Neck
The Beckford is one of our most dazzling bridal necklaces with gorgeous sapphires across the entire piece. Plus, this necklace plays double duty because it’s borrowed and blue! …and we all love to multi-task.

These sapphires create one of the most stunning bridal necklaces you've ever seen!

These sapphires create one of the most stunning bridal necklaces you've ever seen!

2 – Blue for Your Feet
These Steve Madden blue suede flats are THE shoe for the gal looking for both comfort and style. Plus they are currently on sale for $39.99! Super Bonus!

Such a fantastic mix of chic and comfort! Thank you Steve Madden!

Such a fantastic mix of chic and comfort! Thank you Steve Madden!

Want something with a heel? These adorable Bruno Magli ‘Cartosio’ Pumps are so classy! Perfect for your timeless look.

Classic doesn't even begin to describe this shoe

Classic doesn't even begin to describe this shoe

3 – Blue for your Arm
Clutches are so cute and stylish – especially when they come in blue satin like this J. Crew clutch on sale for $78!
Who doesn't love a wedding clutch? Especially when its a cute as this JCrew number?!