There are some things in life that you just wouldn’t think of buying second-hand. However, it seems that there is a growing number of sites that specialize in used wedding gowns. I don’t know if it is for me, but when you’re on a tight budget, spending $2000 is certainly a lot of money. Plus, designer gowns cost even more! I stumbled upon several sites that offer used gowns sold by brides themeselves besides the obvious eBay:

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

Woreitonce.com

Savethedress.com

Bridetobrideboutique.com

I also think this is a good article about how to buy a used wedding gown:

How to Buy a Used Wedding Dress

As we continue through this economic slump, I say make your own wedding cake, if you dare! Here is a great set of links to help:

from Blisstree.com – How to Make Your Own Wedding Cake: Part One – a series

from Southern Living – Make Your Own Wedding Cake

Wilton How to Make Wedding Cakes

Baking Your Own Wedding Cake - this is interesting!

BUT, before you venture out and get that spatula, you may want to read this post called “Why You Should Not Make Your Own Wedding Cake”!

Undeniably, a wedding bouquet can certainly be expensive, so why not make one? From what I am seeing, making a bouquet doesn’t have to be hard at all. All it takes are some basic materials to start off with such as ribbons, pins, rubber bands, and a cutter. Try out these ideas and have fun. I just love this simple bouquet idea via Create Comforts:

Here are some other great sites which have some easy to do ideas:

http://interiordec.about.com/od/weddingflowers/a/doweddingflower.htm
http://www.ehow.com/way_5164427_diy-wedding-bouquets.html
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-flowers/articles/homemade-bouquets-basics.aspx?MsdVisit=1

I love this cool idea for a diy flower girl basket. It’s actually not as hard as you think to do. In fact, many materials are available really cheaply! Just look around! This video should be helpful if you plan to craft it yourself:

I found this project on the Wedding Bistro at Bellenza and thought that this was a cool and budget-friendly way to do packaging. I mean how easy is it to find newspapers and magazines as your materials for this project. And who doesn’t have scissors. Just get a bottle of Mod Podge from Michael’s. A bottle costs less than $3 bucks! I luv this idea — so cool and easy! Check it out. I think it’s a great way to package wedding gifts if you are trying to be eco-friendly.

I’m totally surprised that you can get these lovely dresses through Amazon.com. SO budget-friendly

It’s not that unusual considering how bad times are! Check out how to plan one:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4478813_have-pot-luck-wedding.html

Or you could also plan a fun and casual dinner party with submarine sandwiches from SUBWAY®.

The idea of serving up platters of submarine sandwiches is very economical. All you need to worry about are the drinks which you can buy in bulk from places such as Walmart or Costco!

I’ve collected all of these articles because of the practical advice they offer. Plus, it takes up so much time to find info on how to save money on various aspects of a wedding!

11 Easy Ways to Save Money on Wedding Cakes

Eighteen Tips for a Frugal (Not Cheap) Wedding

Planning a Stylish Bridal Shower Party on a Budget

How to Save on Wedding Flowers from eHow.com

Save Money on a Wedding Dress

How to Save on Catering?

I’m back!

Now that Easter is almost right around the corner, it’s time to get candy! From my trip to the Target store, I have a feeling that candy will be on sale soon. And for those brides looking to save on candy like robin’s egg chocolates, chocolate bunnies, and M&Ms in pastels, be on the look out for these sales! I think they start going on sale as early as Sunday itself. Here are some other places where I think sales will be going on: CVS, RiteAid, and even try the 99 cent stores.

I was thinking the other day about how there are so many beautiful cocktail dresses out there and it totally made sense to me that they can make wonderful bridesmaid attire. For the most part, many of these dresses are available at a much cheaper price and you can wear it over and over again. I found this great article that talks about dresses for less $100. Practical, I say. Here is the link: http://fashion.about.com/od/specialoccasions/tp/formals100.htm

Moreover, many retailers are now offering great discounts, since times are bad and Christmas is just around the corner. So, you should be able to find some good deals out there.