A wish for the bride and groom

My little sister got married today, YAY! It was a beautiful wedding for so many reasons but most importantly because of how happy she was to marry her beau. My sister opted for a twist on the traditional guest book by using a "wishing tree" instead. Guests were encouraged to write a wish for the couple to hang on the little tree. I read some of the tags at the end of the reception and they were so sweet! I highly recommend it.

Glamour

Photo by  Mel Barlow and Timothy Lee via Style Me Pretty

This is a picture of Ceci Johnson, of Ceci New York, and her beau at their wedding in Puerto Rico. It's such a beautiful photo but all their wedding shots are beautiful and so glamorous. You can see more on Style Me Pretty.

The dreaded budget

A Practical Wedding had a great post recently about wedding budgets. A reader commented how difficult it was to make a budget when you're not sure what things cost and what others are spending. Is $2,000 a good price for a tent? What about $15 per person for catering? Readers were encouraged to post a comment listing some details about their wedding including location and number of attendees along with some numbers on what they spent. Head over there to read the anonymous comments about wedding expenses. I thought it was interesting to see what others couples spent and it does provide a frame reference. 

Fabric accesories

Picture by Sloan Photography via Style Me Pretty

This bride featured on Style Me Pretty made these flower pins and belts for her bridesmaids. They're all different and beautiful. I thought this was such a cute idea. 

Picture by Sloan Photography via Style Me Pretty

Rustic roses

This would be a pretty centerpiece. It's a good way to use minimal blooms without sacrificing a lush look. Choose the container based on the venue/reception site. I like this rustic, garden bowel but a clear glass or ceramic would work as well. 

Thinking outside the box.

Russel and Hazel Wedding organizer via Brooklyn Bride

Planning a wedding on a tight budget means giving up some things and/or thinking outside the box to make it happen. My three most expensive areas are food, reception site and rentals. Below are some tips from my own search.

1- You've probably already seen my posts on food but consider:

• Self-catering with the help of family, friends and some volunteers
• Hiring a local culinary student and college student/charity or church group to service
• Hiring a local gourmet grocery store to prep, cook and deliver food
• Any combination of the above (I'll probably employ all 3)

2- Reception site.

• Look into all the public places in the area. Just when I thought I had looked at everything, I came across ten more. Check out state parks, museums, theatres, historical sites, gardens, environmental sites, religious and YMCA camps, lodges, firehouses, church halls, barns, warehouses, and local restaurants. Don't rule anything out based on a stereotype. I have a lot of friends who chose sites with negative stereotypes but they weren't your typical site and they made the spaces beautiful!
• Check your state and city visitor bureau's and google things to do in the area. You'll discover lots of places you've never heard about.
• Don't be afraid to ask. If you know someone with beautiful property or drive by a charming old barn everyday then take a chance and ask! I learned pretty quickly that any space thats not often or has never been used for a wedding is much less expensive than the wedding ready sites.
• Try to find a venue that will let you choose your caterer and will let you provide your own alcohol because it will save you TONS of money and give you more control over times and the menu. Bonus if you can find a spot with an industrial kitchen (if you're having a large wedding)

3-Rentals. In case you're not fortunate enough to secure a reception site that provides everything:

• Compare prices from all area rental places. 
• Look into borrowing or renting some things, like linens from a church or other rental company, perhaps in another state, if a close family member or friend could bring it to you. 
• Don't rent from a caterer! They usually mark up the prices. Look for the local rental company that they use.
• Check out thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets for linens, dishes, silverware, glasses, wedding decorations, etc.

Culinary arts

I talked to a friend this week-end who managed a $5000 wedding for 250 people in Washington D.C.! How you ask? That was my first question. Among the things she shared was this little nugget of wisdom: contact your local culinary art school and ask if there are some students who might be willing to cater your wedding. They get the benefit of experience and the freedom to develop your menu. You get the benefit of much cheaper help than a standard wedding caterer but even better than that, as young enthusiastic foodies, these chefs will take great care to put together a delicious menu. Make sure you meet a few times before the big day to make sure that all is well, that you offer reasonable pay and that you make your expectations clear. This bride purchased her ingredients in bulk a few days in advance for about $900. 


Also, she had a church women's group assist the students and serve. And actually you could ask any group to help serve and clean up at your reception. In return you could make a designated donation to their group. Perhaps for a cause that's important to you and your honey.

Just another way to have a fabulous dinner without the outrageous price tag. 

Stealing a moment

This photo makes me want to get married on the beach. 

Wood and wine.

Wooden wine crate's are perfect for the bar. They're a great decoration and you can use them to store and hide certain bar items and bulk goods. You can pick them up at yard sales or from the back room of local liquor stores for cheap. 

Plus, re-using them is pretty likely:

Picture via Poetic Home

Le cafe'

Photo via Prettychicky.com

Early in the morning and late at night, is there anything better than a steaming cup of quality coffee? It's not for everyone but if you're a coffee person then you know what I mean. I was really looking forward to my cup o' joe this morning and it got me thinking that a coffee bar would be a great addition to a reception or perhaps a tea station if that's more your style. 

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

The spread.

Photo from Honey Sweet Love

I was recently reminded how much presentation and packaging can do to improve the simplest things. If you're sticking to a simple menu and want to add some distinction to the table then put some thought into how you want to display the goods. 

Picture from Be The Foodie

Lovely designs for free.

My good friend Margaret recently made me aware of these goodies. Wedding Chicks is giving away this awesome free monogram download from Mae Mae Paperie. In fact, there are a lot of lovely designs that you can personalize (including colors) in their DIY/Download section, like these...

Another book recommendation.

I thought I was rejecting the wedding industrial complex...and then I read this book, One Perfect Day. The Selling of the American Wedding. The author, Rebecca Mead, explores the wedding industry from behind industry lines and provides an eye-opening perspective into the world of wedding vendors, pricing and fantasy. She reveals how women are bombarded by advertising even before engagement and how, as a result, wedding planning begins with a lot of pressure and in most cases a desire to create a perfect elaborate event (or series of events) that reflect all of the couple's personal tastes. Many of the stories are extreme but the multi-billion dollar industry that's aggressively targeting us is very real. 


I thought it was a worthwhile read because it made me aware of the industry pitches and provoked some important questions like, why do I think a $400 dress is a good deal and what does this (fill-in-the-blank) tradition actually mean? 

Another fun find

I thought these bright colored scrolls were a great idea. Instructions here. From the very beginning of wedding planning, I've been more interested in the details than the big ticket items, mainly because I prefer the pretty and manageable details. But bigger decisions must be made this month! 

Petal boxes

Favor box via Martha Stewart weddings.

Another favor idea that also serves as table decoration. Create these petal boxes out of the paper of your choice, then arrange them in the center of the table.  They can be prepared in advance and they'll save you the money and work of arranging flowers, setting candles etc. 

Front porch elegance

Photo from Design Sponge via Ritzy Bee

If I were hosting a small reception I would definitely consider a front porch reception on a wrap around porch with a great view of the ocean or countryside. It'd be so charming and relaxed.

A charming continental breakfast

Sips and bites table by Elizabeth Anne Design. Photo via The Sweetest Occasion. 

I've planned a little wedding day continental breakfast for the bridal party, mainly because I'll have an excuse to have champagne for breakfast (not that I need an excuse)! We'll have some scones, croissants with jam, and fruit. Plus we'll have the fixin's for mimosas and bloody marys-- served in moderation of course. I've been a starving bridesmaid before and I want to make sure everyone is fed throughout the day. 

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. ~ John Gunther

Pale pink. Champagne and glitter.

Photo from Sunday Suppers via Ritzy Bee.

Lovely.

Perfect pairing

Photo via Martha Stewart weddings

How about a wine and cheese pairing reception? Hmm, yes please. Especially if the spread looks anything like this!

The three photos above are from Sunday Suppers.

A DIY recommendation

This is a worthwhile read if you're interested in or planning a lot of DIY projects for your wedding. The author goes into more detail than most including lists of things you'll need, specific instructions, menu options, etc. I got it from the library but you can also buy it here.