2016 Wedding Trend- Where talking mixed metals and green gold over here...

http://www.handmakerofthings.com/2014/12/mixed-metal-winter-wedding-inspiration.html

To Love it or hate it, that is the question?  At first my own thoughts toward mixed metals where not the greatest.  Sometimes I have a tendency to want to make things all matchy matchy (I know- not a real word Marie).  The more I thought about how much I didn't like it, the more I began to appreciate it.   There is something quite entrancing about the glistening of a soft candle glow on contrasting precious metals.  

http://www.ruffledblog.com/mixed-metal-geometric-inspiration

Metal (by definition) is any elementary substances, such as gold, silver, or copper, which are crystalline when solid and characterized by opacity, ductility, conductivity and unique luster.  (Thank you Dictionary.com).  So who doesn't want to create a beautiful romantic setting filled with crystallized, unique, lustering objects? 

http://www.meadowlakeroad.com/inspiration-files/winter-decorating-ideas/

Blending silvers, golds, coppers and mercury glass containers, candle sticks and votive cups with soft blooms and glowing candles will dissolve the harsh nature of the metals and generate a warm and inviting environment.

http://www.phillymag.com/philadelphia-wedding/2013/11/20/photos-gorgeous-wedding-cakes-inspired-favorite-bridal-accessory

Feast your eyes on this deliciously designed wedding cake with accents of silver and gold on what looks to be a metallic copper cake stand.  It's to die for!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/196957620/art-masters-caravaggio-18k-green-gold-10?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

Ever heard of Green Gold?  I hadn't until today.  Lord, have mercy, this ring is gorgeous!!  Here is some facts on various gold tones courtesy of gold.yabz.com/facts. 

Gold may be alloyed with various other metals to give it special properties. In its pure form, gold has a metallic luster and is sun yellow, but when mixed or alloyed with other metals, such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), tellurium (Te), and iron (Fe), creates various color hues ranging from silver-white to green and orange-red. Usually, red, yellow and green golds are made by adding varying amounts of copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) to produce alloys of 10 to 14 carats. White golds have traditionally been made by alloying nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) with gold, but more recently silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) have replaced the zinc. These color variation treatments to gold are mostly used in jewelry.

http://howheasked.com/ring-finder/

White gold, rose gold, palladium and platinum are all the rage when it comes to engagement & wedding bands.  Allowing you to coordinate your accessories with endless options for your big day! Are you planning on using mixed metals?  I would love to here about your unique ideas- Comment below! 

Wedding Wishes,

Marie 

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.

Photo By: Stephanie A. Smith Photography

Wedding By: Live Love Breathe Weddings

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! 

Photo by Whyte Photography

Wedding by Live Love Breathe Weddings   Location: Charlotte Harbor Event Center

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.

Photo by Bineryflips Photography

Wedding by Yvette Price Events   Flowers by Live Love Breathe Weddings

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 

Have a question?  Comment below! 

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