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.

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.

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Unknown Brides Budget, Budget, Budgets, Guest Post

10 Creative Brides Guest Book Ideas

Every detail of your Brides is an opportunity to express your personality and style.  Your Brides guest book is no exception!  The alternatives to the traditional guest book are nearly endless, since your guests can sign just about anything.  Here are ten of our favorite ideas for guests to sign-in.

1.      Guest Notes

Photo: SuzyShoppe on Etsy

Buy or create a decorative display where your guests can leave you a note.  Read the notes every five years or so on your Brides anniversary to relive some of the wonderful memories!

2.      Guest Book Puzzle or Games

Showcase your fun-loving spirit with a guest book puzzle or game. Have guests sign puzzle (or Jenga) pieces, and enjoy reading their notes as you play for years to come!  

3.      Sign-In Board

Photo: Balloon Artistry

Sign-in boards don’t have to be limited to your bar or bat mitzvah and Sweet 16. Sign-In boards can be a fun way to feature photos of you and your fiancé (from baby to adult), your travels together, or other interests. The board can be a great keepsake for your new home together.

4.      Photo Booth Guest Book

If you’re having a photo booth at your Brides, you can create a guest book from the photo strips.  Most photo booth companies will print 2 copies of every photo strip so guests can keep a copy, and include a copy in your guest book.

On the guest book table, include an album, washi tape, colorful pens, fun stickers, and a note with clear instructions.  Encourage guests to be creative!

5.      Engagement Photo Guest Book

Photo by  Lasting Memories Photography

If you’ve had an engagement shoot with your photographer, chances are you’d love the opportunity to show off the gorgeous results.  Creating a sign-in book from your engagementshoot gives your guests the opportunity to see all your best professional photos. You can have your photographer create a book from the images, or try one of the many services such as Shutterfly that make it easy and fun to do it yourself.

6.      Props

You can really get creative when it comes to getting guests’ signatures. Almost anything can be turned into a guest sign-in.  A pair of your favorite shoes, a sports jersey, a guitar, wine bottles…the list is infinite!

7.      Guest Book Keepsake Plate – Day in Clay

To make an experience out of your guest sign-ins, you can create a keepsake commemorative bowl out of their signatures. Day in Clay Signature Program can craft the one-of-a-kind piece on-site with a live demonstration, or display a finished bowl on a table to be signed by guests.

8.      Sign-In Pillows

The Pieced Palette can turn your Brides invitation into a custom sign-in pillow!  Just provide them with an image, and they will print it onto cotton twill.  Display this on your sign-in table or mount it on an easel at your party for guests to sign with permanent markers. After the Brides, the fabric is incorporated into a lounging floor pillow for you and your fiancé to enjoy and treasure.

9.      Photo Frame

Since you’reprobably going to hang your favorite engagement photo, why not have guests sign the frame and make it even more meaningful?  Use an acid free fine point pen to preserve the signatures. Photo Frames available from Amazon.

10.  Custom Artwork / Fingerprint Tree

The best Brides guest books are true keepsakes. What better way to remember your guests than to have their signatures incorporated into a unique piece of art? You can have guests create a beautiful fingerprint tree, or let them unleash their creativity by designing a completely custom painting at your Brides.

We hope we’ve inspired you with these Brides guest book alternative ideas!

Guest Author: Cigall Goldman is the founder of Mazelmoments.com, the award-winning website that makes it easy and fun to plan any Jewish-inspired event including a Brides, bar & bat mitzvah or baby celebration. At mazelmoments, find your perfect venue, photographer, décor, invitations, music & entertainment and more! The mazelmoments blog keeps you up to date on the latest trends, and shares expert advice to help you create an unforgettable celebration!

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Unknown Brides guest book, DIY ideas, Guest Book Ideas, Guest Post, Top Tips

What type of Pearls will you wear on your Brides day?

We’ve all heard that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but did you know that pearls are actually
the most popular bridal gemstone?

However, all pearls aren’t made the same and there are multiple types of freshwater and
saltwater pearls. A fact that we love about the only organic gemstone is that they come in
different hues and shapes so there is no reason a bride has to go without a set of pearls.

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Freshwater Pearls

Like their name suggests, freshwater pearls can be found in fresh water. Although they can be
round, they typically possess an irregular shape. Freshwater pearls can be found (or cultivated)
in mussels located in lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers and are the most versatile types of pearls
because of their multitude of shapes and colors.

Saltwater Pearls

Saltwater pearls come in three major types, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea. Although the
properties of each type vary, they will all be found in the oceans, gulfs, seas or bays. The best
saltwater pearls are small and are almost a perfect sphere. If you want to discover the traits of
the most popular kinds of saltwater pearls, read on.

• Akoya Pearls. Akoya pearls are classically white. They derive their name from the Akoya oyster which is typically found in China and Japan. They are world-famous for producing pearls with a vibrant luster and classic colors which endears them to brides across the globe.
• Tahitian Pearls. These pearls are the largest natural pearls on the market and are renowned for their degrees of deep and vibrant colors ranging from black to green to peacock. Although anyone can find a variety of cultured pearls in any jewelry store, Tahitian pearls will be one of the fewer kinds making an appearance because they are unable to be mass produced.
• South Sea Pearls. Tahitian pearls are unable to be mass produced, but South Sea pearls are the true rarity which allows their price to increase exponentially. They are the largest of the cultured pearls and found in Northern Australia and South East Asia. Tahitian pearls can be found in white, silver, pink, gold or any combination of the aforementioned colors.

Source

Pearls are a phenomenal accoutrement for any bride on her Brides day. Their diverse colors,
shapes and sizes will suit any bride’s personality and style. Whether you choose freshwater or
saltwater pearls, you won’t be disappointed once you put them on.

SimplyBridal is an online retailer of quality Brides gowns and bridesmaid dresses. We recently
partnered with LA designer May Yeung to launch a line of freshwater pearl bridal jewelry.

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Unknown Guest Post, Jewelery

The Best Reception Hall Ideas in LA

Guest Post by David Veibl

If you’re looking for a reception hall in Los Angeles, there are plenty of ways to be creative. There are the typical receptions that everyone does, but there are so many ways that you can get creative in your planning. No one wants a boring, plain reception hall in Los Angeles, so here are some tips and tricks to make your reception hall more creative than the rest:





A museum: Although it might be a little bit pricy, having a Brides in a museum would be a very creative idea, and it is great for all ages. Younger guests will most likely be entertained by the activities that the museum provides, and the adults can enjoy the reception without constantly being pestered by bored children. Different museums can provide different Brides themes. A more contemporary art museum can provide a funky and contemporary feeling, and a natural history museum can provide an outdoorsy feel for your Brides.

A library: Libraries make very romantic reception halls. If you’re looking for somewhere creative in Los Angeles to have a reception, then a library may be where you want to go. Libraries are filled with love stories and fairytales, so a reception in a library would be perfect for a hopeless romantic couple. Again, in a library, there would be plenty of entertainment for younger children as well, so that the adults can enjoy the reception.

A sailboat: If you’re a more adventurous couple that is looking to have a reception with a panoramic view of Los Angeles from the ocean, then a sailboat may be for you. It is more unique than a typical beachside Brides, and you won’t have to worry about getting sand all over the place. It would also be great for catering, because youcan get a sailboat with a kitchen built inside. Or you can simply get a small boat and have the caterers prepare everything in advance. Either way, it would make a great reception hall with a beautiful view of Los Angeles. (Watch out for seasick guests!)

A movie theater: A movie theater reception hall would be a great creative twist as a reception hall in Los
Angeles. Los Angeles has many movie stars, and they are big on premiers in Los Angeles, so a movie theater
as a reception hall would be full of fun and glamour. Kids could watch a movie to be entertained, and the adults could enjoy fun snacks like popcorn. Catering may not even be required, but you could still do catering with fun little caramel popcorn balls or other movie theater snacks with a more formal twist.

A playground: If you want to reconnect with the kid in you, you can always make a grand playground your
reception hall. This is not a very formal reception hall, but it would be fun, funky, and a fresh idea. If you’re
tired of all of the typical ideas that everyone comes up with for reception halls, you can make your own reception hall out of a playground right in Los Angeles.

If you’re having trouble getting started on your reception hall in LA, there are plenty of Brides planners that are more than happy to help you put everything together. There are event specialists specializing in helping people plan Bridess. These specialists have seen all of the ordinary Bridess that people put on, so they can definitely help you with being creative in your own Brides.

If you’re looking for other ways to be creative, don’t forget that you can be creative with things outside of the reception hall itself. There are many great caterers in Los Angeles that would be more than happy to help you get creative with a few dishes. You can also skip doing a fancy dinner and have less formal snacks at your Brides reception. Whatever the reception hall may be, there are caterers that are willing to go and help you with your food. If you’ve got somewhat of an idea for what you want to have served in your reception hall, there are plenty of caterers in Los Angeles that can give you exactly what you’re looking for.


David V., writer of this article is a freelance writer on creativity, health, events and la event planning. The article was supported by LA Banquets.

Images are courtesy of shutterstock.com

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Unknown Brides Venues, Guest Post

4 Tips for organising a Fall Brides

Guest Post by Evelyn Luo 

4 ways to celebrate the bounties of fall on your special day

The summer Brides season is nearing its end to make way for a bevy of fall brides. And I say good riddance! I got married in the fall because I love this season most of all. Why? Well when you consider that summer was dang hot, winter is too cold, and spring is too unpredictably wet, fall Bridess provide a colorfully perfect canvas for a romantic Brides that screams new beginnings ahead.

In fall the leaves are not only beautiful hues of orange, yellow, and red—the air is also crisp for dressing your best without being uncomfortable—so the idea of an outdoor Brides or reception like I had is bountiful when you consider nature’s great backdrops to mark your special day. 

Here are my four tips for organizing a beautiful fall Brides. 

1. Fall Brides dresses

I admit; I chose fall for my Brides mostly because I fell in love with the styles for fall. And when you take a gander at the 2013 styles of Brides dresses and bridesmaid’s dresses, you will be swept away by the rich fabrics and colors available to you. I went with a classic A-line Brides gown in a rich cream color with burnt orange details (i.e., a sash that tied into a bow at the back of the dress and hair flowers). My bridesmaids wore back gowns with coordinated sashes of yellow, orange, and red, which was breathtaking against the outdoor ceremony location. 

2. Try on a fall themed Brides
In fall Brides themes are abundant! Just think of giving thanks for your love at a Thanksgiving themed Brides or incorporating costumes into a Halloween themed Brides. Of course your Brides décor, floral decorations, table centerpieces, and Brides favors can all suit your theme for a consistency. Think horns of plenty stuffed with autumn fruits for centerpieces or mini Halloween treat bags as Brides favors. 

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3. Brides décor

For my own fall Brides, I borrowed from the season’s colors, which are rich and vibrant. I incorporated dried straw, corn husks, dried flowers, and fat gourds into my color spectrum. Out Brides reception was outside, and we created a dance floor with bales of hay surrounding the perimeter with colorful pumpkins and odd shaped gourds on top of each one.

4. Fall food a plenty

My own fall Brides menu really took a chunk out of the season’s bountiful food provisions. I recommend you do the same if you’re concerned with sourcing locally. We started out Brides menu off with a thick squash soup, followed by a zucchini and apple salad, for dinner was a stuffed pumpkin ravioli covered in crisp pecans, and for desert we ditched the traditional Brides cake for serve yourself pumpkin pie and apple crisp.


About The Author

Evelyn Luo is a writer that has turned her love of shopping into a freelance career as a contributing writer for Style Cynics, a fashion and celebrity gossip site that features the latest star buzz and the hippest and hottest styles.

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Unknown Autumn Brides, Brides Decor, Brides Dresses, Brides food, Brides Themes, Fall Brides, Guest Post

Brides Guest Outfit Inspiration

Guest Post by Sarah Leeds

For any Brides guest, choosing the right outfit can be a real headache. There are so many influences from style of Brides to location and even weather. Not to mention the do’s and don’ts, meaning it isn’t just the bride who has a lot to think about! But since Bridess are supposed to be a time of celebration here’s a few tips to take the stress out of shopping for the perfect Brides outfit…

Destination

Whether you’re a Brides guest or mother of the bride, the location of a Brides will be the most influential factor in your choice of outfit. For a beach Brides choose light cottons and delicate chiffon for a more relaxed feel. A city Brides will suit more structured fabrics such as an A-line skirt with a complementing tailored jacket. But don’t just think about your surroundings, the weather will play a huge part in your decision. It is important to be comfortable in what you’re wearing so you can focus on enjoying such a special day!

Length

One rule it’s always best to stick to is this… wear a dress or skirt that sits on or just below the knee. There are very few Bridess where you can get away with anything shorter, and there are still three lengths to choose from. For an elegant mother of the bride look opt for a knee length shift dress with matching jacket. Or go for a midi length bias cut dress in layered chiffon for a stylish look that will flatter all shapes. If you’re a younger Brides guest you can get away with being more adventurous. Wear an on-trend maxi dress with chunky wedges to add height, or a knee length skater dress with a cinched in waist. Just remember not to upstage the bride!

Colour

The colour you choose will be influenced by the style and colour theme of the Brides. So it’s best not to start shopping until you’ve checked this out. This is particularly true for any mother of the bride. For you it’s best to choose a shade that complements, but doesn’t match, the rest of the Brides party. The golden rule at any Brides is never wear white, or cream. Unless you’re going to an incredibly unconventional Brides the bride won’t thank you for it! On-trend colours for summer are inspired by the sea, so look out for greens, blues and corals. For a colour that will take you through to next season opt for purples and muted tones such as grey and cappuccino.

Sarah Leeds is an online writer with a keen interest in fashion and Bridess. She is currently writing on behalf of Jacques Vert, a British retailer specialising in elegant occasion wear and Brides outfits.

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Unknown Brides Guest Outfits, Brides Trends, Guest Post, Mother of the Bride