Budget Wedding Tips from Lena!

Having a small wedding which includes a small budget, too? Here is how:

1) Invitations – do them yourself which includes items such as the save the dates and escort cards. There are many diy kits available including templates that allow you to print from home.

2) Cake – you can still have a 3-tier cake but let it consist of 2 layers of cupcakes or even donuts then have one large sheet cake at the top.

3) The Venue – many people have the ceremony and reception in the same place. This may be your church which has a reception hall. Save big in this area by combining them.

I stumbled upon this great article featuring a Moroccan engagement party. It seems not as intimidating after your read it. Check it out: http://www.bellenza.com/wedding-ideas/decorate/for-a-magical-engagement-party-make-it-moroccan.html

I’m still trying to understand what “ethereal elegance” actually means, but it was used to describe one of the dresses displayed on the Knot’s website. What actually caught my attention on this page featuring fall gown ideas was the add on the top that said “bridesdecide.com“? Huh, yes, I did wonder about the same thing. When you click on the link, you will see that it is about the weddings of all the current candidates running for 2008’s election. So, who do you check out? try these:

Ron Paul

Hilary Clinton

Dennis Kucinich

When I look for unique wedding things, I love looking at places such as etsy. Many of the items listed for weddings include things such as invitations, bridal accessories, and little favors. It’s also a fun place to look for jewelry!

A couple of noteworthy places to check out:

Clay Pots Pottery – makes wedding platters
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=57866

Bellenza – makes handmade bridal accessories and favors
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5309480

Memory is Art – makes beautiful handmade guestbooks, cards, and journals
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=53601

If you don’t have time to surf the web and find wedding stuff, then social shopping networks are a great time-saver. Try out Kaboodle and you will find some unique things. Check out this slideshow featuring some pretty silver earrings, view.

Where can you find wedding ideas nowadays? I ask myself this question because it really is a hard question to answer. I found a couple of sites that have some helpful ideas for brides:

ASK GINKA
http://www.askginka.com/

Favor Ideas
http://www.favorideas.com/

Martha Stewart Weddings
http://www.marthastewart.com/weddings

Wedding Bistro at Bellenza
http://www.bellenza.com/wedding-ideas/

Relaxing is just as important as planning. So, if you’re the Maid of Honor. Get your bride some much needed r & r. Start off with a Friday night – video night. Rent some fun wedding movies just to get some humor in the picture. Movies such as Wedding Crashers, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding are my favorites. On Saturday, take the bride out for a spa treatment. By afternoon, head out for a relaxing concert or play. Then on Sunday, head out for a yummy brunch or luncheaon at a classy hotel. Sound appealing?

If you don’t have time or just don’t have enough money to spare when thinking of attending a wedding expo, try looking at the list of vendors who will be participating at the show. Then, when you’ve narrowed down a short of list of potential vendors, research them some more. You can always call them up and schedule an appointment. If they are on the web, be sure to check out as much info from their website. You can also request for brochures and other literature.

Who doesn’t love to browse through all those wonderful bridal magazines and books? But, when you factor in the cost of one magazine at say, $3.95, that can add up to a lot of wasted expenses. If you don’t want to buy, you can either browse them at the bookstore till your blue in the face, or try finding them at your friendly neighborhood library. Yes, I said, library. In fact, if you live in a big city, many libraries carry great titles. Plus, it’s free. Isn’t that great!