Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts
Monday, April 14, 2014

Brides Celebration - How to Make the Whole Day Perfect

One of the most memorable and special days in a couple’s life should be the Brides celebration. From morning till night time the whole day should be a celebration of the love and union that you two are embarking on. However, ensuring that the entire day is picture perfect can take time, thought and careful planning. The following are some helpful tips to help create an unforgettable Brides day. 

 

Create a Budget

A budget will determine the amount of money that you’re looking to spend on the event. It will also help you financially prepare for selecting the most affordable venue, Brides attire, guest list and menu. In addition to the Brides celebration, you want to make sure you have enough money left over for you and your new spouse to relax and unwind on your honeymoon.
 

Catering

Whether you hold your Brides celebration on the beach at sunset or you have a backyard Brides, catering the food can ease you of substantial burden on your special day. It can also be a great way to bring in your favorite foods for you and your guests to enjoy. You’ll find a host of options from barbecuing burgers and ribs to tasty cheese snacks like those at www.cheesesticks.com/ShopCheeseSticksOnline. Finding the right catering company is easy when you do your research. You can also ask friends, family members and co-workers for recommendations as they are sure to have an opinion or friend that may be able to help give you a discounted service. Before you hire the right catering company, you want to determine a menu for your Brides reception and a budget. You can also taste test your selections to ensure the food is high both in quality and taste prior to the Brides.


 
 

Make Reservations

Dependent on what type of Brides you wish to host, you’ll want to make reservations far in advance. This includes everything from the venue and church to the catering company and photographer. As your Brides day approaches, you’ll want to double check the reservations and ensure that everything is in order for your special day.
 

Brides Attire

Choosing the Brides dress and grooms attire ahead of time can alleviate fears of the clothing arriving in time. You should also ensure that the items are properly tailored and fitted before your big day. If you’re having bridesmaids and groomsmen, you should choose pick out the items around the same time. This may seem like a simple task that wouldn't get forgotten but you'd be surprised at how little thought goes into others Brides attire. Make everyone happy even if it is “your” day by making the suits and dresses amazing!


 
 
Finalizing last minute arrangements can alleviate stress and anxiety that can often accompany your Brides day. This is also the best time to confirm your reservations and add the finishing touches to your catering menu. By going over your guest list and preparing for unexpected emergencies, you can make your Brides day a perfect celebration.
 
 
This is a guest blogpost from Meghan Belnap.
 
Meghan is a freelance writer from Oklahoma. She enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.


Photo Credits from top to bottom: On Screen Bridess, Cleveland Blog, Brides Journal Online.


 
Wednesday, January 29, 2014

5 Ways to Make Your Brides Less Expensive

Every couple dreams of having a memorable and beautifully decorated Brides, but tight finances can make this dream feel more like a challenge. Even if you are on a tight budget you can still make your big day exactly how you pictured it to be. Don't let money hold you back from a beautiful Brides presentation. Here are a few ways that you can cut costs, without sacrificing style.

Get answers to the most common Brides budget questions

Check Out Your Local Classified Ads


Instead of purchasing expensive decorations and items for your Brides at a store, check out your local classified ads. Many brides post their Brides items for sale at deeply discounted prices. Armed with this tip, you can score great deals on items that you would have purchased new.

Investigate Thrift and Vintage Stores


Many Bridess are based around vintage, shabby chic and rustic themes. Fortunately, these are inexpensive to decorate for. Spend a day browsing your local thrift and vintage stores to find unique items for your Brides at low prices. These shops tend to have an abundance of tablecloths, drapes and decorations. If you want to save even more money, call stores ahead of time to inquire about upcoming sales, and visit during the sale.

DIY


DIY projects are fun and give you the satisfaction of creating something that is truly one of a kind. Check out http://www.mmtoolparts.com/store/machinery/laguna-toolsfor handy tools that you can use to create your own wood crafts, decorations, and decorative panels for your Brides. From sewing to table top arrangements, there are a variety of different ways that you can create your own custom items, and save money in the process.

Stick With Rentals


Big items such as furniture, tents, and other items may be essential for your big day, but you do not need to purchase them. Instead, consider renting these items for the day. Visit a local Brides rental store to check out the available items, and determine what pieces will accent your theme.


Revise Your Guest List


This tip can save you a considerable amount of money from catering, beverages, and other expenses. Consider revising your guest list. Your Brides is a special day that you may prefer to spend in the company of family and good friends; not every single person you know.


These are the most practical and easy to implement ways to stick with your budget for your Brides. Keep them in mind, especially while shopping, and you may be surprised at how much money you save. 

Guest Author Bio:

Meghan is a freelance writer from Oklahoma. She enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.



Monday, January 13, 2014

Choosing a Brides Theme – Things to consider and ways to highlight.



As you begin your Brides planning, you may be bombarded with images suggesting themes for Bridess. Things like vintage, rustic, art nouveau, country, hipster, are all popular ways to categorize themes for Bridess. It can be tough to choose the right theme for your nuptials. There are a few things to consider as you and your sweetie start to dive into the details.
The big three factors that can affect your theme choices
Venue – The venue has a huge impact on a Brides’s theme. If you get married in a place that is a dark, gothic space light pastels and whimsical accents would be out of place. Similarly, if you choose a charming garden as your venue edgy décor wouldn’t be a good fit. Therefore, you must consider tailoring your theme to your venue or finding a venue that fits your theme.
Cultural Traditions– Bridess are a particularly special time to honor cultural traditions. Such traditions can affect the style of ceremony, décor, food and color palette. It’s important for you and your partner to decide which traditions you’d like to include.
Season – The season your Brides day falls in is also a determining factor for your theme. Certain flowers and even foods may be out of season and it will also affect venue choices if your area is subject to seasonal weather extremes.

Other weighing factors
Personal Style– Your Brides theme should be a reflection of you as a couple. It’s important to bring your own personal style to aspects of your Brides. If you are laid back couple who enjoys the outdoors you don’t want to choose a venue that is formal and rigid. If you are a couple who enjoys the finer things in life, your theme should highlight that. 
Budget – This may belong in the top category for some but budget doesn’t have to play a huge role in a choosing a Brides theme. Just make sure your plans to don’t get bigger than your budget. Choose the things you won’t compromise on and choose the ones you will compromise. If you are on a budget, you will have to compromise at some point so it is better to be prepared instead of surprised by something you may need to rethink.
Local Resources– Choosing local resources is kind of a trend right now – which is great. This can impact food and flower choices as well as venue options. Make sure what you want is available before you get your heart set on it.

Ways to highlight your theme
Invitation/stationary - Sending out your Brides invitations is the first little peek guests can get at your Brides. Incorporating the theme of the Brides just creates a beautiful cohesiveness. Many invitation services offer coordinating Brides invitation sets where you can customize your Brides invitations, programs, menus, thank you cards and more all in the same design theme.
Décor/Flowers – Flowers probably provide the easiest way to highlight your theme. Whether your theme is vintage or modern; flowers are a beautiful way to enhance the décor and set the tone. Other décor things to consider: lighting and linens.
Color of bridal party ensembles - Choose colors that will support your theme. Accents of color in bouquets and boutonnieres can all contribute to a cohesive look.
Food – This is a fun way to enhance any unique cultural aspects of a Brides. Serve up traditional favorites and be sure to create a menu that fits well with the venue. A formal sit down dinner isn’t going to work well in an informal venue.
Drink – Signature cocktails are a fun and inexpensive way to go. That way you aren’t hosting a full bar! Even if you just name it something fun, you can use this as an opportunity to tie in your theme. Whether you serve it in mason jars or champagne flutes, just make sure it falls in line with the style you’ve established.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed when choosing a style and theme but you don’t have to be! Choose something that feels right to both of you. Remember that this is your day to celebrate your love. Take input from family and friends in stride. At the end of the day, it’s your Brides so just be who you are.
Nancy Arnold is a Seattle area blogger and party planner. She’s planned just about every type of event and loved every minute of it.