Ways to Save Money When Planning your Wedding

Last night I checked into the blog and was shocked to see it had been viewed 81,000 times! I have shared a fair amount about different projects and aspects of planning my wedding, but there is always more to write about. After sharing the blog on Facebook a friend from college reached out and asked for ways to save when planning a wedding. So of course my wheels start turning and I am suddenly up at 4am not able to sleep thinking of a new blog post to write. 

These are tips I have learned from planning my wedding, watching some bridal TV shows, reading, and talking to other people who have planned weddings.

The most important thing to keep in mind is know what you want and what you are willing to sacrifice. If you want to celebrate with family and friends and aren't much of a dancer maybe you forgo a longer reception and DJ to save money on the venue and music. 

12 Things to think about when trying to Save for the Big Day

1) Budget- The number one thing is to know who is paying and how you will be paying for your wedding. Create a budget and stick to it.

2) Flowers- You may find it fun to save money and make your own arrangements and centerpieces. Things you have to keep in mind when going this route is it could be stressful since you only have the day before and day of to make them. Some flowers won't last very long, especially in heat. You have to find a place to get the flowers (either a nursery, flower shop, a friend or neighbors garden or order them online), find enough people to help arrange the flowers, and figure out transporting the flowers to the venue. I love arranging flowers, but was not about to add it to my to-do list the day before I say I do! So I decided to shop around to find a florist. The best way to save money is to meet with 3-4 florists and compare prices (keeping in mind their ratings, reviews, etc.) Booking a florist ahead of time will save money as well. During peak wedding season prices will go up. You may have your heart set on specific flowers, but flowers that are in season will cost less. Maybe pick 1-2 favorite flowers and then choose flowers that are in season that go with your color scheme. You can also save money by using the same flowers at the ceremony site as the reception site (you just have to coordinate who will get the flowers to their right spot.)

3) Time of Year- Most people know late spring and early fall tend to be more expensive. Winter months are typically cheaper. Some people know the exact date they want to get married, and some might decided to choose based on venue availability or what the weather will be. If you are looking to save a little money, maybe choose an off season month. Just keep in mind that you want to accommodate guests and their busy schedules.

4) Day of the Week and Time- Saturday is the most popular day to get married. If you aren't dead set on getting married on a Saturday, consider a Friday or Sunday wedding. Some people also choose an earlier wedding such as a brunch to save money. Most venues will host 2 events in one day so if you are willing to do an earlier time, you could really save some money.

5) Save the Dates- Save the dates can be a fun way to announce your wedding date, but they can also save you money if you don't use them. Think of a fun alternative to letting people know your upcoming wedding date. I'm not suggesting you do what Anne Hathaway did in Bride Wars (typing a quick email with a bunch of spelling mistakes and hitting send before proof reading!) If you really want to send out that cute engagement photo and guarantee a spot on your friends' fridge, you could make your own in publisher and print at a local print shop or create them on a website like shutterfly and wait for a great coupon. Often times shutterfly or snapfish will send out 50% off or coupons around holidays like Fathers day, and Valentines day. If you want to wait for a coupon, just make sure you have the save the date ready to go because the coupon may only be good for 1 day and you don't want to rush to get it made. Another thought is to send them out with Christmas Cards, or hand deliver to a few people that live close by to save money on stamps. You could only send them to out of town guests who you know will need to plan ahead with work and travel schedules.

6) Food- Going into planning our wedding we thought for sure we would have a buffet. We thought it would allow our guests to choose what they want right there in the moment. When meeting with the caterer we learned that it is slightly more expensive to do buffet style and here's why: The caterer does not know how much each guest will want to eat, if they will come back for seconds or even thirds. They don't know which dish will be most popular, so they have to over prepare a little of everything. So we decided to go with plate service and have our guests tell us what they wanted ahead of time to save a few bucks! We also saved a few hundered dollars, by eliminating the cheese and veggie spread during cocktail hour, and chose just to have butlered hors d'oeuvres.

7) Drinks- Some venues have a bar service and you are required to use them. Often times there will be an up charge for top shelf liquor. When creating your menu and signing contracts make sure you read the fine print and don't sign that guests can request top shelf brands. Some places won't have bar service and you will have to provide the drinks. This is where you can save money by having just wine and beer and 1 or 2 signature cocktails. You can buy beer and wine in bulk, shop ahead of time and buy things when they are on sale or when there are coupons, and buy less expensive brands. Honestly, there is one thing that kills a party: no drinks or a cash bar. However, you know your guests the best, if you aren't going to have that type of crowd you can go the route of a cash bar (or 2 tokens for drinks then pay cash) or no alcoholic drinks to save money. Just remember- you are trying to have the time of your life and show your guests a good time!

8) Bridal Party- Bridal party size can affect your price. Yes, typically the bridesmaids will pay for their own dress, jewelry and shoes, and the groomsmen will pay for the rental of their tux or buy their own suit. But keep in mind the bigger the bridal party size, the larger the transportation vehicle (limo, party bus) you have to rent (cha-ching $$$ more money you are spending.) The bigger the bridal party size, the more gifts you are buying (cha-ching $$$ more money you are spending.) The bigger the bridal party size, more bouquets and more boutonnieres you are buying (cha-ching $$$ more money you are spending.) Identify who you want by your side during that day and make sure it's a number you are able to handle.

9) Asking your bridal party- A modern trend is the way people are asking their friends and family to be in their wedding. If you want to save money on your wedding (just ask!) You don't need to send a personalized bottle of wine with other gifts. You can also think of cheaper and creative alternative ways to invite them into your bridal party.

10) Wedding Dress- When I watch say yes to the dress my jaw drops half the time because people's budgets are out of this world! They are willing to spend $10,000-20,000 just on the dress!! I don't know about you, but I had a budget and stuck to it. Yes, this is the most important dress you will wear in your life and you want it to be everything you ever imagined, but don't break the bank! Shop at trunk shows, opt for a more simple gown and add a nice beaded belt, avoid custom alterations, keep an eye out for bridal shop sales, buy a gown from another bride (some people might have bought a gown and changed their mind and are now trying to sell their gown online,) buy a floor sample or rent your dress. Don't try on a dress that is out of your budget- because if you love it, chances are you will talk yourself into it. Go shopping with people you trust and know won't talk you into something you can't afford.

11) Time- When trying to save money on your wedding, time is a big factor. If you are rushed with planning you may be forced to choose the last venue, florist, etc. available and may not have the choice on saving. When you have more time, you can be on the lookout for sales and coupons.

12) Guest List- The bigger the guest list, the more money you will be spending (meals can cost upwards of $85-100 a plate!) As a couple write out who you want included in your big day and try to agree on a number that is reasonable. Chances are you don't need to invite your second cousins best friend and her boyfriend.

Hope those are helpful to you!

Thank You Postcard

A personalized thank you note that your guests will absolutely LOVE and can hang on the refrigerator for months!  

Front of Thank You Postcard

 The first step to the thank you postcard is buying the wooden letters, paint, paintbrush, and ribbon from Michael's or AC Moore.  Don't forget these stores always have coupons, so wait until you get a good one to buy the supplies! I chose light blue paint because our wedding colors were blue, white and silver. I also knew the blue would be a good contrast against my dress and Matt's tux.  Think about which of your wedding colors would look best, and if you are indecisive.... go with white! Once the letters are painted and have dried you can use super glue or a staple gun to attach them to the ribbon.  Each letter should be about 1 inch apart.  Leave about 1-2 feet at the end of the Thank You so you and your hubby can hold it easily during pictures.  This project is similar to the DIY Wooden Letters.

Once the project is complete, Add it to your list of things to bring with you on your wedding day.  I left them at the front door of my parents house (where we got ready). When we were leaving for the church, I grabbed them and had them in the limo, ready to use after the ceremony.

I had given my photographer David a heads up that we were going to be doing this.  Giving your photographer a heads up of any special pictures you want taken is a good idea for a couple reasons.  One, so you have another person to remember to take these pictures.  Two, they can help you figure out a good background for the pictures.  

David was so gracious and gave us the picture earlier than the other pictures so we could order them. Remember you want to get your Thank You notes in the mail as soon as possible (2-6 weeks after your wedding day.)

So I had the front of the postcard, but was unsure of what to do for the back.  I went to google and searched "back of postcard" and found a blank picture of the back of a postcard. I saved it to my computer to use. 

Back of Thank You Postcard

I had never made or ordered postcards before so I didn't know what company to use.  Once again, google came to my rescue (love their searches!)  I googled "print postcards" and tons of companies came up. I believe I used Vistaprint.com. It was super easy. I uploaded the picture of us with the thank you banner and the postcard back picture. Then went through their simple ordering process.  They were shipped within 2 weeks.  During those 2 weeks, I made sure to pick up fun stamps at the post office. 

Send Thank You Notes out within 2-6 weeks

Hope you go the personalized thank you note route, guests really do love them!!

What to do with your flowers, decorations, extra cake when the wedding is over

As a bride, you can spend endless hours creating your perfect wedding.  From planning the flower arrangements with your florist, to watering ivy twice a week for 10+ weeks leading up until the wedding, to choosing the perfect cake flavor.  After all of your hard work has gone into these small details that add up to your perfect day, you have one more thing to take care of. 

Where will the extra stuff go when the day is over?

At the end of the wedding, you don't want to be stuck with 10 flower arrangements. Most couples take a honeymoon, so why have 10 flower arrangements die in your apartment, while you are soaking in the sun in the Caribbean?  Give the flower arrangements away!! It can be hard to choose which 10 people will get the centerpiece/arrangement, so set it up in a way that won't hurt anyone's feelings.  Have the DJ announce towards the end of the reception that the person who traveled the farthest at the table gets the centerpiece.  

We also had 8 ivy pots from our church (that also were at the reception; my Aunt's brought them over after the ceremony).  My grandma asked to take one back to her house and I couldn't say no! My favorite part about giving these away are seeing them when I visit people's houses. Recently my parents visited my grandma. My mom called me to tell me the ivy pot is still going strong and my grandma loves showing people so she can say it's from her granddaughters wedding!  Sure puts a huge smile on my face. Share the love. Here is the link to the DIY Ivy Pot. 

If you choose to leave your flower arrangement at the church, you can coordinate to have the program the next day say "dedicated to so and so church in honor of the newly weds!"

Just remember people love fresh flowers, so it won't be hard to coordinate this, just don't forget this detail while planning!

60 Pictures to take on your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life.  You want every detail, every special moment, and every special person that took part in your wedding captured so you can look at your wedding album, and remember it perfectly.  Here is a list of 60 pictures that my photographer captured. Hopefully this helps you prepare for your big day.  Look it over, print the checklist at the bottom, and bring it with you when you meet with your photographer.

1.     Bride's Bouquet/Bridesmaids Bouquets

Wedding Band on open hymnal

2.       Bride's Shoes and Jewelry

3.       The Rings

4.       Bride and Bridesmaids with their hair and make-up done before you get into their dresses

5.       Bride getting ready- putting on your dress, shoes and jewelry on

6.       Groom and groomsmen getting ready

7.       Having fun with your bridesmaids using a mirror.  

We bought a nice mirror at Marshall's Home Goods, used it for pictures, and returned it (guess it didn't go with our home decor ;-) )

8.       With your siblings at your parents house. 

We climbed up onto the big rock we played on growing up. Talk about memories!

9.       Getting into the limo.

10.   Girls in the limo on the way to the ceremony.

11.   Walking into the church

The Best Man covering the Groom's eyes while the Bride enters the Church!!

When we pulled up to the church the limo driver pulled up to the side door. I'm not sure how we forgot to let Matt know to stay clear of the hallway near the parlor 20 minutes before the ceremony, but we did..We walked up to the church, opened the side door, walked in, and there is Matt and his brother putting on their boutonnieres!  Without even thinking my famous last words before getting married to Matt were "douchebag!" The groom should not see the bride before the ceremony! Matt's brother quickly covered his eyes with our Marriage License.

12.   Bridesmaids in the parlor

13.   Bride and her parents in parlor

14.   Bride with her Dad before walking down the aisle

15.   The church (all decorated, before guests there)

16.   Pastor leading the ceremony

17.   Readers

18.   Singers/Piano player

19.   Saying Vows/Putting on the rings

Have to capture the first kiss as husband & wife!!

20.   The Kiss

The Bride's parents reaction is priceless!

21.   The guests reaction/crowd during ceremony

22.   The couple after the vows leaving the ceremony

Artsy Picture of Bride and Groom (could be cool to print on a canvas and hang in your house)

23.   The send off after the ceremony

24.   Formal shot of Bride and Groom with the Groom's family

25.   Formal shot of Bride and Groom with the Bride's family

26.   Bride's extended family

27.   Groom's extended family

28.   Bride and Groom in front of the church

29.  Bride and Groom doing a dip kiss

Bride & Groom walking

30.   Picture of Bride and Groom walking away into a beautiful life (we were walking down a tree lined road)

31.   Thank you card

32.   Bride with the bridesmaids

33.   Bride with the groomsmen

34.   Groom with groomsmen

Black & White: Groom with Groomsmen

35.   Groom with bridesmaids

Bridal Party Jump Shot- Photographer shouts 1, 2, 3 and everyone jumps on 3!

36.   Bride and Groom with entire bridal party - serious

37.   Bride and Groom with entire bridal party - silly, jumping, etc.

Bridal Party in Church (photographer is standing in the balcony)

38.   Entire bridal party toasting with champagne or drinks

39.   The bride having her dress bustled

40.   Bride and MOH

41.   Parents of Bride and parents of Groom getting introduced

Time to celebrate and drink!!

42.   Each bridesmaids and groomsmen being introduced

43.   The Bride and Groom being introduced

44.   First dance

45.   Father daughter dance

46.   Mother son dance

47.   MOH giving her toast

48.   Best Man giving his toast

49.   Cutting the cake

50.   Feeding cake (or shoving!)

51.   Group shots with your group from High School

(I am so glad we had our photographer take a picture of our swimming friends, little did we know it would be our last time together as a group because our dear friend Chris passed away a year after the wedding) Take a serious and silly picture

'Feeding' each other cake

52.   Group shots with your group from College

53.   Throwing your bouquet or giving it away

54.   The place cards

55.   The gifts (card holder, presents, and party favors)

56.   The reception room before guests arrive (centerpieces)

57.   The guest book (maybe while someone is signing)

58.   Candid shots of cocktail hour

59.   Candid shots of dancing

60.   Send off after the reception

Printable checklist [Right click, save image, paste into a word document, and print]

7 Beauty Tips for the Bride

Tip # 1: Get a spray tan 3-4 days before the wedding day.

I had a lady come to my house. She had a spray tan tent and it only cost 40$. A spray tan is a good way to go if you aren't a fan of tanning beds/booths.  If you are getting married in the summer and think I will just lay out the week of the wedding! Guess what, it won't happen (not being a debby downer, just realistic. It will either rain, be cloudy or you will be busy doing last minute things for the big day!) A spray tan won't take care of major tan lines, but it will even out a tiny tan line (I got a sun burn in 3 months before the wedding and still had a light line from my bathing suit) 

It gave me a bridal glow!

Tip # 2:  Wear a button down shirt when you are getting ready so your hair and makeup don't get messed up when you go to put your wedding dress on.

Button down shirt getting ready is a must!

Tip # 3: Apply waterproof mascara over your other mascara so when you cry your makeup doesn't run.

Tip # 4: Buy the lip gloss your makeup artist uses so you can reapply before pictures.

Last minute fixes before walking down the aisle

Tip # 5: Don't wash your hair the day of the wedding. Most stylists recommend you wash your hair the day before.

Tip #6: Carry extra bobby pins in your purse. That way you can quickly fix your hair and get right back to the party.

Tip # 7: Don't forget to put on deodorant! Your nerves will make you sweat a little more than normal, don't be a smelly bride! 

I knew I had applied deodorant after I showered in the morning, but when we got in the limo, I freaked and said "oh my gosh, I don't remember if I put deodorant on after I put my dress on!" Luckily Mandy (Matt's sister and a bridesmaid) said "I have some!" So of course I put it on in the limo, while driving to the church. I think 3 other bridesmaids applied as well; Laughing the whole time!!

 

Don't want sweat stains!

DIY Wooden Letters

I can't tell you how many times my mom and I drove by the church picturing my big day.  Most churches and venues have gorgeous landscaping and aesthetic value, but dressing it up makes it uniquely personalized.  I remember going to a wedding at our church, just to see what the church looks like when a wedding is going on.  We drive up, look at each other and think are we at a funeral or a wedding? Now ask yourself, do you want your guests saying that?

• You don't need an invitation to go to a church ceremony.  It's a worship service and most churches have an open door policy.  I recommend going to at least 1 wedding at your church to you can figure out how you want to decorate the church. (Please don't use this as advice for every church, check their website, bulletin or ask).  Also, dress up for the occasion, don't wear jeans.  You will stick out like a sore thumb!

DIY Wooden Letters

I bought our initials (2 each for the front and back of the door, that way if the doors are open or closed you can see the letters) (A for Amanda and M for Matt) and 2 inch light blue ribbon at Michaels and borrowed my dad's staple gun for the project. You could also use a hot glue gun to attach the letters to the ribbon.

Step 1: Sand the wood (optional, the wood may be smooth enough to paint)

Step 2: Paint the wooden letters ( I noticed foam brushes worked best )

Step 3: Figure out how long the ribbon should be ( since most churches don't allow nails or pins we draped the ribbon over the top of the door )

Step 4: Cut the ribbon

Step 5: Staple or hot glue the letters to the ribbon

Step 6: Bring the decoration to the church, hang and boom, you have a beautiful personalized church door!

DIY Wooden Letter Decoration

Pre-Wedding Girls Day

     Visiting with out of town guests and extended family on your wedding day can be hard.  It is a busy day. Aside from hugging everyone and thanking them for being there, there isn't much time to 'catch up' with people you haven't seen in 6 months or sometimes more. You struggle with knowing they spent a lot of money and time to be there for you, and knowing you will be busy getting ready, saying vows, getting pictures taken, eating, and dancing. So how do you catch up with these wonderful people you dearly love?

     Luckily weddings aren't just one day, it's a whole weekend. Think about it, there is the day before where you are prepping/decorating, and having the rehearsal dinner.  The day of the wedding you get ready, have the wedding ceremony, wedding reception, and typically an after party at the hotel bar.  Then the day after you have a brunch with all the out of town guests and extended family.

Pew Bows

Decorations at the front of the church

     The day before my wedding we had a girls day. About a month before I emailed my mom, sister, grandmothers, Matt's mom, his sister, his grandmothers, my aunts, cousins and the bridesmaids, and gave them the plan. I knew they all wouldn't be able to make it, but the important part is that everyone knew what was going on, and they felt included (which was important to me.) Keep in mind to invite close friends that aren't in your wedding, but who are traveling, to events like these.  My good friend Danielle was flying in so I made sure to invite her to lunch and nails. You want people traveling to feel welcome, enjoy their time, and look back and say 'that was a great wedding! I am so glad I went!'

Girl's Day Schedule:

French Manicure

Decorating the church from 9:30am-11:30am

Lunch at 12:00pm

Nails at 1:30pm

Not only did this allow me to spend time with family and friends, but the mani/pedi gave me a chance to relax, which is important on such a busy/exhausting/exhilarating weekend.

Bathroom Basket

Wedding Bathroom Basket

A small element in the grand scheme of things

that can help a grateful guest out in time of need   



Wedding Bathroom Basket

This is another project you can tackle early on and set aside.  It takes about an hour to buy the basket and supplies and about 30 minutes to make the basket look pretty and assemble it.

How to put together a bathroom basket

Step 1: Print your list of needed supplies

• Tampax Tampons
• Carefree Pantyliners
• Hair Elastics
• Bobby Pins
• Singer Sewing Kit
• Safety Pins
• Spray Deodorant (because no one wants to share a gel or solid)
• Hair spray
• Advil
• Mints/Gum
•  Dental Floss
• Tums
• Clear Nail Polish
• Lint Roller
• Lotion
• Perfume/Body Spray
• Bandaids
• Tide to go pen

 Step 2: Take your list to the store (Walmart, Target, Kmart) and buy supplies (keep in mind, if the supplies aren't used up, you will be stuck with them so don't go crazy & try not to spend too much)

Step 3: If you don't have a basket (or 2, depending on how many bathrooms are at the reception) Look at JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels, AC Moore, Tuesday Morning, etc. for baskets. (Again, get something you like because once the wedding is over you can use these somewhere around your house!)

Step 4: If you don't have craft supplies to make the sign for the basket, buy some ribbon, cardstock and craft paper while you are at the store.

Step 5: Type up or write out the saying for the sign

So happy you’re here sharing our special day
But just in case something should go astray:

Please help yourself to the contents within
Band-Aids, hairspray or ibuprofen

Use what you need, and just leave the rest
For it may be useful to some other guest!

Repair the damage that may have been done,
Then hurry back and join in the fun!

Step 6: Jazz up the sign

I printed mine on cardstock and backed it with light blue paper and then on black and white swirly paper.

Step 7: Weave the ribbon through the basket

Step 8: Attach the saying to the ribbon/basket (double stick tape works wonders with projects like this)

Step 9: Assemble the basket with all the supplies.  Take everything out of the plastic and packaging (your guests will be more likely to use them) Place tallest items in the back and try to configure everything so it can all be seen.

Step 10:  Don't forget to bring the bathroom basket to the reception site with you when you set up or to the planner (depends on who sets up)

Tip- If it is a Men/Women's bathroom, you don't need women's body spray and tampons in the men's basket ! ;-)

Table Name/Number Banner

Table Name/Number Banner

Table Number/Name Banner

This is a perfect way to incorporate your theme. 

I went to my cousins wedding where all the tables were named after cities in Texas, where they were going to be moving to. I thought 'what a creative idea!?' So much better than 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on. Since Matt and I met swimming we decided this would be our theme.  Early on in our planning phase we thought it would be fun to name our table numbers after swimming events. Not only would this be different, but it would possibly start a conversation at the table. The table numbers fit perfectly with our swimmer ribbon place cards.

Once we had the table names figured out, we had to find a nice way to display them.  I had heard of people 'jazzin up' dollar store frames, but when I went to look at them, they looked soo cheap. 

After looking online and racking our brains during an afternoon of wedding planning my mom found a banner coming out of the centerpiece. Can you say perfect!?

Banners/flags are all over the place in swimming.

DIY Table Number/Name Banner

** One thing my mom and I learned while planning was to always toss an idea out there.  If we didn't use the original idea, it got the 'wheels turning' and came up with a greater one.  There were so many times one of us would say something and the other person would say "umm no, oh but what about this?" **

HOW TO COME UP WITH CREATIVE TABLE NAMES

Ask yourself questions

&

 

Tie it in with your theme and interests

• Are you a couple that travels? Name your tables after cities you have been to.
• Do you love a sports team? Name your tables about players with their number or football stadiums. Love golf? Name the tables about holes and have holes on flags.
• Did you meet at college? Name your tables after the halls.
• A fun spin on number 1, 2, 3, etc. is framed pictures of the bride and groom at that age. Talk about a conversation starter!
• Love to read? Name your tables after books and incorporate this into your centerpiece. It is so easy to get your hands on cheap books! *DIY project* love it!
• Run marathons or do triathlons? Name your tables after all the races you have done. Rock N' Roll Marathon, Pittsburgh Marathon, etc. Then make little number bibs for place cards!
• Love gardening or flowers? There are hundreds of flowers you can use to name your tables after. Each centerpiece could be a bouquet of that flower.
• Love dogs? Name your table after breeds.
• Are you getting married at an art museum? Name the tables after famous pieces of art.

DIY Table Number Banners

Table Number/Name Banner

You will need a computer with photo shop, a printer with ink (make sure you have enough, you don't want it to look faded), cardstock, scissors, thin sticks of wood, wood stain, brush, and double sided tape. The cardstock, thin sticks of wood, and double sided tape were from Michaels.

Step 1: Find an image of a banner you like on www.dreamstime.com

Step 2: Edit the banner in Photo Shop. Play around with the banner to make it look 3D.

Step 3: Print several pages to make sure you like it.

Step 4: Add the table numbers/names ((100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, etc.) *Print 2 copies (so you have a front and back to glue together)

Step 5: Carefully cut the banners.

Step 6: Stain the thin sticks of wood. Wait for them to dry.

Step 7: Once the sticks are dry, put the banners at the top using double sided tape.

Step 8: Make sure the banner isn't too heavy on the thin wood stick. We brought the banners to the florist along with the wood boxes (the week before the wedding)

Newspaper

One of the reasons I love Pinterest is the ideas it gives you. 

One night I found a pin with wedding rings on the newspaper and thought great idea! I immediately pinned it and added to the comment 'get the newspaper on wedding day, on the To Do List!' Even with a million things going on, on the morning of my wedding my brother was running out to get milk from the store and asked "Does anybody need anything?" "Yes!!" I shouted. "Grab today's paper!"

15 minutes later..He comes back and we burst out laughing...

Grab a Newspaper On Your Wedding Day

YUP, Pot Raid on the front page of the newspaper.  I thought "guess we won't be getting any nice pictures of our rings with this newspaper."

It's a great idea for a fun picture with your wedding rings. Grab a paper on your wedding day and if it's a nice front page, ask your photographer to get a picture like this pin I found...

Flowers

Flowers are everywhere when it comes to your wedding day.

Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, alter pieces, and centerpieces. 

Blue Hydrangeas

Tips for finding a Florist 

• Start your search early!! 
• Research online for local florists.  Look at their reviews

• Ask people who have recently got married who they used and what they thought. Try not use a recommendation from someone that hasn't gotten married yet. You want to hear how the actual wedding day went.

• Have a budget. Communicate this to your florist.

• Meet with 3-5 florists. During the meeting share your vision, likes, dislikes, and expectations.

• Listen for statements that let you know your florist is educated and will do a good job.

• Compare quotes. 

• Ask yourself "Which florist did I like the most?"

• 75% of the florists we met with, I walked away saying "wow, florists are crazy nice and have such a fun personality!" So if you leave a meeting say "what a dud" remember they are going to be creating your wedding flowers. Do you want to pay them for a service and not be happy with the product?  

Tips for figuring out what flowers you want

• Look through bridal magazines and save pictures you like

• Pin flower arrangements you like on pinterest

• When you see a flower you like (such as in a movie or show) write it down and keep it in your wedding folder

• Ask yourself some questions:

• What are your wedding colors?

• What is your theme?

• Research what flowers will be in season

• You can get flowers that aren't in season, but it will cost more

•  What does your dress look like.. what bouquet will look best with your dress

• If your dress is simple, consider adding embellishments to your bouquet

• What kind of atmosphere do you want for your ceremony and reception

My Flower Story!

I had tossed around the idea of making our own centerpieces for the reception.  We had done this for my sister's wedding and it worked out well.  But there are a few things you need to keep in mind if this is the route you choose.  Where are you going to order the flowers from?  Jess had the wrong flowers sent to her the week of her wedding (bright Home Depot orange!) and had to make some quick decisions on what to do.  This can be a very time consuming task.  It took us close to 4-5 hours to assemble the centerpieces.  Once you create the centerpieces you need to safely get them to the reception hall.  This was not an issue with her wedding, because we created them at the hall.  A professional florist is equipped to travel with 10-15 centerpieces and knows how to handle the amount of water in the vases, etc.  So, this can be fun if you can figure out all of the details.  In the long run I decided to have a professional florist create all of my center pieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages.  Honestly, it was one less thing to stress about when it came down to 'crunch time' (i.e. 48 hours before the wedding.) I liked knowing my florist would deliver everything and set the centerpieces up for us.

As most of you know finding the perfect florist is just like finding the perfect DJ/Emcee.  At first I thought this task was easy.  My mom's friend recommended a florist to us.  We called her up, made an appointment, met with her, and loved her!  She told us she would get back to us in 2 weeks with a quote.  I waited patiently, and after 2 weeks I called her once a week...for 6 weeks.  Yup, 8 weeks after our first appointment is when I finally received the quote! If you can't keep your promise with typing up and giving a potential client a quote, there is a small possibility you are going to mess up on my wedding day. Not taking that risk! 

This is similar to my photographer story. You don't want to settle for a lousy 'professional' that is going to provide questionable services ..for your wedding!  It is never too late to switch or find a professional service.  There are so many florists, DJs, photographers, etc. that want your business (you just have to find them!)

 My mom and I did some research online and set up about 4 more meetings with potential florists. It was a pretty easy decision.   We went with the florist that was easy to talk to, knew her stuff, gave me several suggestions, showed me pictures of her past work, and gave me the impression she loves what she does.  It also helped that she provided me with a quote in 7-10 days, as promised. I highly recommend Kris Gardy at Colonial Gardens if you live in Phoenixville, Exton, West Chester, Pottstown Area of PA.

Bridal Bouquet



 My Bouquet had ins and outs (not a round mound),  with seeded eucalyptus and rolled thin grasses for a touch of green, a mixture of blue hydrangeas (my FAVORITE!), white roses,  spray roses, white calla lilies, white stock, blue salvia, and pale blue delphinium.  To match the 'bling' theme, she added clear crystal pics in the center of the roses and a band of rhinestones around the satin ribbon on the handle. She worked in my grandmother's handkerchief, which was my 'something old'.  The bouquet cost $200.

It was really hard to decide what blue flowers wouldn't clash with the bridesmaids dress so we decided to have them carry green and white bouquets with blue crystal pics in the center of their roses and a hint of blue iridescent beads on thin silver wire worked in for a touch of blue.  Their bouquets were had a combination of dusty miller, green spray roses, green hydrangea, white salvia, white roses, white calla lilies, and green hypericum berries.  Each bouquet cost  $65 and in total it was  $325.

Light blue bridesmaids dresses with white & green bouquets



Groom's boutonniere

Matt's Boutonniere matched my bouquet,  containing a  white calla lily with pale blue delphinium and seeded eucalyptus.  The cost was $15

The groomsmen had white calla lilies with green hypericum berries.  The cost was $12 and in total it was  $60.

We wanted the Dads and Grandfathers to be a little different than the groomsmen.  Their boutonnieres had a  white rose with green hypericum berries.  The cost was $10 and in total is was $40.

Our moms wore  wrist corsages on white pearl bracelets.  They were able to choose from bracelets the florist had or bring the florist a bracelet. The florist told us she can work in flowers into mostly any bracelet, which is pretty cool! I suggest Charming Charlie (a jewelry fanatics heaven!)  Their corsages had a mix of white and green flowers to match the bridal party.  We made sure to tell the florist their dress color.  The cost was $30 and in total it was $60.

Use any bracelet for your corsage

The Grandmothers had pin-on corsages in neutral colors.  They were given the option of a wrist corsage (it was nice to give them a chioce!) The cost was $20 and in total $80.

Church Altar Flower Arrangement

For the Church we decided on 1 long and low piece to be placed on the altar.  It had a mix of blue, white and green flowers to compliment the wedding parties flowers.  The cost was $125. You can either bring this with you to your reception or leave them for church the next day.

We also had 2 single white roses at the front of the Church in honor of Matt's Grandfathers.  We provided the vases to the florist.

Wood Box Flower Centerpiece

I had always known I wanted a low centerpiece at the reception because I have been to a few weddings where you can't see the people across from you because of the tall, bulky center piece.  Yes, they are gorgeous, but they are also outrageously expensive and block your view from each other.  I had seen a wood box centerpieces somewhere on Pinterest and knew that is what I wanted.  After looking around in stores such as Tuesday Morning and online I finally found a site that was reasonable.  I got a case of 12 wood boxes for $84 from Jamali Garden.  We stained the wood boxes and then supplied them to the florist a week before the wedding.  Each box had a combination of hydrangeas, roses, spray roses, stock, salvia, seeded eucalyptus and a few other fill flowers.  The cost was $55 and in total $825.



Wood Box Flower Centerpiece



Don't forget to think about how to give away your centerpieces.  It's one less thing to take home, I mean do you really want 15 centerpieces in your house (flowers dying while you are on your honeymoon).. I didn't think so. Make 12-15 wedding guests super happy by giving them the centerpiece.  To give away our centerpieces we had Abe, our Emcee, announce the person that traveled the farthest got to take home the centerpiece. You can also do person who has known the couple the longest, person with the closest birthday, etc.

 The delivery and set up fee was 150$, which is reasonable considering she drove the bouquets to my parents house, the boutonnieres, corsages and altar piece to the church, and the center pieces to the reception hall.

Yes, flowers are expensive, but they have such beauty that really adds something special to your wedding.  There are other alternatives to bouquets and centerpieces.  You have to ask yourself what you are willing to spend, what your vision is, what you have always dreamed of.... AND make it happen!



What's your Vision?
Mine came true...
Gold Chiavari Chairs, Ivory Table Cloths, Light Blue Napkins, Wood Box Flower Centerpieces, Light Blue Votives

One last tip, don't forget to feed your flowers, my florist had us put our flowers in water when we were in the limo to keep them lively and good-looking.