Wednesday, August 26, 2015

21 Creative & Fun Save The Date Ideas

Source: http://ohhappyday.com/2011/03/confetti-invitations-template/
1) Oh who doesn't love confetti... this adorable DYI confetti popper 
save the date gets an A+ for creativity.  Check out the save the 
date template at Ohhappyday.com


Source: http://postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com/2011/05/pretty-paper-ruby-willow.html
2) This darling save the date and invitation combo incorporates a little 
envelope with twine and bunting.  So Cute!!  Visit rubyandwillow.co.nz 


Source: https://www.etsy.com/listing/69677487/bookmark-save-the-date-indian-block?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share
3) Bookmark it!! These clever bookmark save the dates are sure to
be used again and again!  Visit 
ImbueYouIDo on Etsy.
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/348606827376581620/
4) Save the date paper cubes- It's genius!  Completely customizable. 
Visit  marthastewartweddings to learn how to make yours.  


Source: https://www.etsy.com/listing/49092404/photo-booth-photo-strip-wedding-save-the
5) Check out these cute photo strip save the dates with envelopes.  
Mosey on over to the ColorBirdStudio on Etsy.


Source: https://www.etsy.com/listing/88987543/wedding-save-the-date-chicago-cubs
6) Two tickets please to this wedding!  For the sports lover in us all 
create your save the date tickets with ericksondesign on Etsy.


Source: https://lucky-luxe.com/

7) Your going to need a save the date hankie at this sweet ceremony.
Create your own at Lucky-Luxe.com

Source: http://www.icecreamsocialshoppe.blogspot.com/

8) Any save the date that has more than one purpose is AWESOME in my mind.  
Check out these save the date coasters at icecreamsocialshoppe.com
Source: http://www.invitationsbydawn.com/Save-the-Dates/White-Save-The-Dates/2657-DW36529NFCSDPZ-Pieced-Together--Save-the-Date-Puzzle.pro

9)  Puzzles are so much fun.  Even if they are only 8-12 pieces. 
 Hope on over to Invitations By Dawn for a cute puzzle save the date. 
Source: http://www.camdeco.co.uk/

10) Custom wood save the date key tags.  Yes Please! 
Create yours with Camdeco.


Source: http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/


11) You might not be able to send this one in the mail (at least not here in Florida) but this scrumptious chocolate save the date caught my attention... yum! 
Stylize at GettingPersonal.

Source: http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/whiteknot

12) Oh my goodness...  I love this creative idea.  Save the date balloons.  
Visit Not On The High Street for these and other creative gift ideas.

Source: http://marilynskeepsakes.com/blog/2011/01/12/penciled-in-sweetness-with-save-the-date-genius/
13) I am certain to pencil in any sve the date that sends me save the date pencils and buttons.  
So freaking CUTE!!   Again visit Not On the High Street.


Source: http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2013/04/brooke-kyles-modern-sticker-save-the-dates/
14) Stickers are perfect for guest to mark their calendar.  
Create matching save the date stickers at Oh So Beautiful Paper.


Source: https://www.etsy.com/listing/99917952/save-the-date-luggage-tag
15) Save the date luggage tags work create for your destination wedding.  All aboard! 
Scroll down every page on this etsy shop- Paper & Lace Austin.


Source: http://www.minted.com/product/save-the-date-cards/MIN-YWC-STD/floral-canopy?org=photo

16) Classic and sweet- Customize a standard save the date with 
all the gorgeous designs at Minted.


Source: https://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/product/15849/signature_white_save_the_date_cards_long_story_short.html
17)  Standard size and shape but with a twist- Check out this long story 
short save the date at Wedding Paper Divas


Source: http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/57019
18) Slap it on the fridge and you won't forget to save the date with all the 
appealing save the date magnets at Magnet Street


Source: http://bklynbride.com/4493/diy-projects/save-the-date-kristen-travis/
19) They'll be sure not to forget when it is with a save the date calendar.  
Learn more at Bklynbride.com.


Source: https://www.etsy.com/listing/57996687/deposit-passport-invitation-or-save-the
20) Ingenuous- Save the date passports.  Be creative with  


Source: http://designcorral.com/shop/sweetheart-save-the-date-postcard/

21)  The ever classic save the date postcard.  Save on the envelope and 
save on the postage.  Adorable designs at Designcoral.com. 


Wedding Wishes,
-M





Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Thoughts On First Look Photos



http://mybridalpix.com/blog/first-look-wedding-photos-a-popular-trend/


Google first look photos.... there is oodles of them.  It's like the baby gender reveal, everyone is trying to come up with a new way to do it.   From behind doors, around walls, blindfolds- you name it.  I can't lie, they are super sweet photos- raw with emotions, tears and smiles.   A lot of people think they ruin tradition, but what is traditional anymore.  You can just about do anything you want at your wedding and no one will judge you (OK- maybe Aunt Patty will).  Your wedding day is your day- make the most of it!


http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/08/28/gray-and-yellow-garden-wedding/

In speaking with any professional wedding photographer they will tell you that you won't be able to complete all your portrait wedding photos in an hour (cocktail hour that is).  Let alone dazzling shots of just you and your groom.    On average it can take 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete photos.  WOW- right?!  You have the bride with the bridesmaids, groom with the groomsmen, family photos, bridal party photos, bride and groom photos, ceremony pre-wedding photos, and reception pre-wedding photos.    


http://dweddings.com/2013/06/10/wedding-party/

Keep in mind if you are not doing first look photos that you will want to complete as many photos as you can prior to help with the timeline after the wedding ceremony.  Be mindful of your guests as they anxiously await your arrival at the reception.  Make sure the food and beverage is flowing and definitely make sure you have music and entertainment for the guest while they wait- lawn games and photo booths are fun! 

 Wedding Wishes,
-M

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

20 Ways To Save Big On Your Wedding Budget!





We get it... times are hard.  When it comes to planning a wedding maximizing the budget is crucial.  No one wants to say "I do" to being in debt thousands of dollars and there is no greater honeymoon buzz kill than the credit card statement.    

Here is 20 ways to save on your wedding budget.  

 
Click HERE for upcoming local Bridal Shows.

1:  Attend a bridal show (or two... NOT TEN- don't be that bride).  Name a bride that doesn't want to scoop up exclusive offers and savings?!  Bridal shows are a wonderful opportunity to meet local vendors and snag up a spectacular deal.  (Possibly win some prizes too- woot!)

2: Plan a wedding in the off season. Most venues offer great savings if you plan your nuptials off season.  

3: Plan a wedding on an off day.  Perhaps getting married on a Friday or Sunday doesn't sound to bad either if you can save thousands.

4: Plan a wedding at an off time.  Want a delicious breakfast wedding or perhaps a late night hors d'oeuvre and dessert reception.   

5: Cut the guest list.   Really concentrate on your invite list.  Make sure that everyone on there is a VIP to you.  You don't have to invite everyone from work or every friend on Facebook.   Choose wisely.
6: You don't have to have it all... candy bar, dessert bar, full bar, coffee bar... you get where I'm going here.   Not everything you see on Pinterest needs to be replicated at your wedding.  

7: Be honest with your vendors about your budget.  More often than not any great vendor will tell you what they can offer to stretch those hard earn dollars.  Time is money.  Save your vendors time and in turn it will save you money!  ($ cha ching!)

8: Pay with cash and ask for a discount.   Credit cards have their perks (see #9), but they also come with a hefty processing fee for the vendor.  It can't hurt to ask if you pay with cash if they can honor a discount.

9: Pay with a credit card that has AMAZING perks- cash back, rewards, points, miles, 0% APR!  By the time you pay for the wedding you could pay for a trip too! 


10: Find a venue that can accommodate your ceremony and reception.   Not only will this save on additional site fees, rental fees, delivery fees (on those rental fees), it will also allow a smooth flow right into the reception.  Vendors are typically booked by the hour so utilize each hour you have them and don't waste time traveling to and fro. 

11: Find multi-functional vendors.  Think like Progressive- "Bundle and save".   Find a DJ that also offers up lighting, a florist that offers rentals, a photographer that offers videography.  

12: Rent the grooms tux for FREE.  Find a tuxedo shop that offers promos.  If all the groomsmen rent- the Groom rents his for free.  Check your local area for promos.  

13: Re-purpose some of your ceremony decor.  You spend hundreds of dollars to jazz up your ceremony location.  Why not transition them into the reception.




14: Choose wedding flowers that are in season. Not only will there be more availability- the flowers will also be at their peak!  Hello gorgeous blooms! 

15: Avoid major holidays.  You can pretty much guarantee a 20% mark up on flowers around any major holiday like Mother's Day, Valentine's and Christmas.  

16: Let the florist choose your flowers.  Walk in with inspiration photos and color selections and let them choose the freshest and most cost effective blooms to maximize your flower budget.   

17: When it comes to the cake- pick one flavor- not ten.  Each additional flavor you add- adds up!  

18: Want a 5 layer masterpiece for only 50 guests?  Use faux cake layers to add height and less dough (baker pun intended)!



Cake by Cake Concepts

19: Don't need a huge cake but still want to make a huge statement?  Use cake stands or pedestals to amp up your sweet confection.  Renting those will save you a fraction of the cost of additional layers.

20: Use a travel agent.  When booking your dream honeymoon take advantage of the wealth of knowledge an agent has to offer.  They will not only save you money with special offers and promos, but they can also save you time and stress trying to plan out the entire two weeks you want to be in Italy.   



Wedding Wishes,


Marie 




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Wednesday, August 5, 2015

5 Trending Wedding Floral Ideas

Trend #1:  The Over-Sized Bouquet- Overwhelming the bridal world with it's glorious size and smell- the over-sized bouquet is the epitome of the brides personal style.  This bouquet is sure to make a statement not only at the wedding but in your photos for years to come.

Source: http://www.dreamersandlovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/TARA-9.jpgion
Trend #2:  Ribbons- Long, flowing, opulent ribbons.  From bright colors to bold patterns, From satin to chiffon to sheer.  Ribbons have wrapped their way back into our hearts and we are seeing them featured all over the bridal sphere.
Source: http://weddinggoal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cool-white-and-green-bridesmaid-bouquets-with-ribbon.jpg

Trend #3: Greenery-  The Bride's are going green like never before!  Greenery is not only becoming a highlight for many bridal bouquets but also down the aisle, on the archway, hanging from the fireplace and draping the sweetheart table.    From succulents to herbs, garlands to floral crowns- Brides want greens and they want them everywhere! 

Source: http://www.livelovebreatheweddings.com/floral-design.html

Trend #4: Pastel Colors- oh Yes!  We are going soft- soft pastel that is!  Lavenders, pale yellows, light blues and blush pinks. (Well... the blush pinks have been around for awhile- we are just going to work them in with some other colors now!)

Source: http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/hayley-nizz/#rmw-1/9/Hayley-Niz-Sarah-JAne-Ethan-Photography003.jpg


Trend #5: Lush Floral Archways-   Brides are wanting them covered!  Over the top floral designs are encompassing the entire structure.  Creating a dramatic backdrop for your nuptials.  Whether its just greens and a touch of flowers or mainly flowers and a touch of greens you are sure to have an eye catching display framing your special "I do" moment!

Source: http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wedding-arch-ideas-2/


Hope these floral tips come in handy when selected your blooms for your big day.  If you have any questions please leave a comment below.  I would love to hear from you. 

Wedding Wishes,
M