5 Smart Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding Dress

Weddings are exciting and fun. For the bride, choosing the wedding dress is the most exciting decision she can ever make for her wedding. Nevertheless, the budget for a wedding can go overboard because wedding dresses are quite expensive. This can lead to financial restrictions on planning a honeymoon or other wedding essentials such as the wedding ring. Below are 5 ways to save money on a wedding dress that every bride can consider about when planning her wedding.

1. Make a Budget
The most important decision to do while planning a wedding is to plan a budget especially for a wedding gown. Most brides have an image of their dream wedding dress and when you find that dress it is very easy to forget about the its price. Write down your dress budget on paper and stick to it despite being tempted by a gorgeous but expensive wedding dress. It is also easy to overstep your budget while using a credit card, so strive to keep cash and pay for the wedding gown in cash. Also remember to include in your wedding dress budget money required for accessories, alterations and cleaning costs after the wedding.

2. Go Vintage
Ask a special woman in your life for her wedding dress. It could be either your mother or aunt or your grandmother. It can also be your close friend or another woman whom you love and respect. Many are happy to see their wedding dress being worn again by someone whom they love. And mothers especially save their wedding gown for their daughters to wear at their weddings. If you love vintage dresses and if it is the right size, then wear the wedding gown as it is. Accessorize with vintage or modern jewelry and accessories to complete the look. If you want to alter the size or alter the style, then choose a good tailor who specializes in wedding dresses to make the necessary changes. You can also add more fabric or remove fabrics such as the sleeves for a modern look. Also check out for stores that sell vintage wedding gowns at reasonable prices or at a discount.

3. Make Your Own Gown
If you are good at sewing, then there is no one better than you to sew your own wedding gown. You can design your own wedding gown which would definitely be one-of-a-kind gown. Buying your own fabrics also saves a lot of money. Visit a wholesale store and buy adequate supply of your desired fabric at a lesser price. You save money on the sewing costs as well. Even if you cannot possibly sew your own gown, you can hire a family member or friend who can sew. Or you can hire a local seamstress to sew the dress as per your design. It will definitely cost less than purchasing a wedding gown.

4. Be Simple
A wedding dress of silk or lace with lots of embellishments such as beadwork or embroidery can not only drive up the cost of a wedding dress but also increases the cost for alterations and cleaning after the wedding. Opt for fabrics such as synthetic and silk-polyester blends to get the same look as a silk dress. Choose fabrics such as chiffon and taffeta as they are reasonably priced when compared to something intricate such as Chantilly lace. Also choose wedding dresses that have design accents created by pleating, ruffling and stitching that offer great detailing rather than hand sewn pearls or crystals.

5. Shop Online
Online shopping offers a variety of options in fabrics, styles and prices. It is possible to find a wedding gown in the style and size you want at the price that fits your budget. Opt for websites with return policies and refunds in case you are not happy with the dress in person.

Top Invitation Planning Tips

Wedding invitations supply guests with important information. Many brides-to-be put their invitations on top of their priority list when planning a wedding and it’s easy to see why. Your wedding invitations would give your guests the first impression. Invitations also give away a glimpse of what the upcoming wedding is going to be like. Would it be a beach or garden wedding? Would it be a casual brunch or formal dinner? Regardless of the wedding venue or theme, there are several customs to be followed in preparing and sending invitations.

Firstly, invites need to be visually pleasant and informative. There are tons of lovely cards both online and offline. It would surely be easy to find an invitation that has the ‘wow’ factor. But before thinking about the design, there are a few things you need to consider when preparing wedding cards. There are steps to follow too when it’s time to mail out the invites.

Decide on the Guest List

The first step is to finalize your guest list. This is often the most stressful part in wedding planning. You need to sit down with your fiancĂ© and jot down the names of all the people you want to invite. Whatever the final guest count is, get at least 10 extra cards. In case you need to resend an invitation or forgot to invite someone, these will come in handy. Most companies require a minimum number of invitations which can be costly and time consuming if you’re after just 5 extras.

Get the info right

Information included in the invitation should be informative but not wordy. Therefore, you need to think carefully about the bits of information you wish to include in it. If the wedding is at 6 o’clock in the evening, there is no need to mention attire (dinner parties are usually formal) unless you are planning a themed wedding like a luau party. In such cases, guests appreciate invitations mentioning the attire as it eliminates worries about what the guests should wear.

Date and time are also essential information you should not miss. You can include a map if you are expecting guests from another town or if the venue is hard to find. Don’t be afraid to include a short verse or poem. A creative or even funny line can be a great way to set the tone and give guests the clue whether the party will be elegant or more casual.

Mail invitations out

So, when’s the best time to mail invitations out? According to etiquette, wedding invitations should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. If you are planning a destination wedding, be sure to send your invitations earlier. It’s a great idea to send out a Save the Date card three months in advance. That should give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements.

Older Cars Are Perfect for Any Wedding

Classic wedding cars can be the best way to add some elegance to your special occasion. You don’t have to spend much to get one for a few hours or the entire day. You have the freedom to pick from a wide assortment of styles, colours, and years. They can also be decorated for your wedding and that makes it fun to look around and make some decisions.

Think about classic wedding cars, and what you would love to drive away in from your wedding. Perhaps there is a vehicle you have always favoured or your new spouse adores. You may have grandparents who owed certain vehicles and you have great memories of time spent riding in them. This can bring some nostalgia to your wedding day.

These cars can offer plenty of room for a flowing wedding dress. Too often, brides don’t think about that scenario. Trying to get in and out of a regular vehicle as a passenger with such a dress on can be a problem. Planning to have a driver and a vehicle where your dress will fit without incident is going to help you have the prefect wedding day.

Couple or Wedding Party

Are you looking for classic wedding cars for you and your spouse or the entire wedding party? If you plan to have them for everyone, would you like to have more than one car? This may be the best way to ensure everyone can get where they need to with ease. It also gives the new couple time alone in their rented vehicle.

It can be fun to have a couple of classic wedding cars to transport those in your wedding and also special guests to and from the facilities. If the reception will be at a location different from the wedding, offering such transportation will be appreciated. It can also help to reduce the risk of parking problems at the reception hall.

The more vehicles you rent for the occasion, the more savings the provider may pass along to you. Some of the vehicles have quite a few perks in them such as a mini bar and music. Others such as limos can have sunroofs where your guests can enjoy the view outdoors as they are riding along in style.

Planning

Since most weddings are planned many months in advance, this gives you ample time to look at various classing wedding cars. It gives you time to narrow down your choice and to work with the provider to ensure everything you want is offered. The flexible nature of this type of business works in your favour.

Of course it also means you need to select your provider of classic wedding cars carefully. They aren’t all the same. You don’t want to work with someone who doesn’t listen regarding what you are looking for. You want a provider that goes the distance to ensure every single detail is perfect for your wedding day transportation needs. Get the vehicle that you will adore and love riding in.

Your wedding day only comes along once, so pull out all the stops. You can afford to get such vehicles too because they cost far less than you might imagine. It doesn’t hurt to investigate the cost and compare it with your wedding budget.

The sooner you get it all in motion, the better the outcome will be. You are going to be working on your wedding plans for quite some time. The more you can get knocked out early on, the less stressful it is going to be as the big day approaches. It also ensures you can get the classic wedding cars you want for the date and timeframe you desire.

Seven Wedding Rings Trends for 2017

Fashion-forward brides know that there’s more to wedding rings than a simple gold band. While this is the traditional look, others brides may opt for a piece that fits their personal aesthetic. Since this is a piece of jewelry that is worn every day, it makes sense to choose something the wearer adores. Here are a few of the most exciting new trends for this meaningful piece of jewelry for 2017 and beyond.

2. Pave Diamonds
Brides and grooms alike can add sparkle to an otherwise dull band with pave diamonds, tiny stones set close together and covering either the surface of the band or just specific areas as an accent. While white diamonds are a perennial favorite, other colors and stones are becoming popular as well.

3. Stackable Bands
These thin diamond bands are designed to be worn one on top of the other along with the engagement ring. Some couples opt to purchase several stackable bands at once, while others add to their collection to commemorate special occasions like an anniversary or the birth of a child.

4. Five-Stone Setting
Although eternity bands were once the hottest trend for newly married couples, they can also be expensive. Five-stone versions are a simpler, elegant alternative that features five stones centered on a plain band. Perfect for brides with a more refined aesthetic. Those who still prefer an eternity band may want to look at shared-prong settings, which increase the brilliance of the diamonds by minimizing the metal while still holding the stones securely in place.

5. Vintage-Inspired Styles
Some retro-style brides may opt for actual vintage pieces. Others may choose modern versions of old favorites that incorporate elements from classic styles of years past. To get this look, shop for delicate detailing like minimal scrolls, filigree engraving, and delicate raised edges.

6. Spacing Between Bands
Tradition once dictated that space between the engagement ring and wedding band was to be avoided at all costs. Some brides would even weld their sets together. These days, space is sought after, with fashionable ladies looking to replicate the look popularized by Mariah Carey. Avoid a matched set when looking for an eclectic style to turns heads.

7. Unusual Materials
Shiny gold, silver, and platinum metals have long been the law of the land when it comes to wedding rings, but these days there are more materials than ever from which to choose. Think wood, stone, and even bone, along with traditional metals with the unusual twist of a matte or textured finish. These are especially popular when it comes to the groom’s ring.

Reasons to Hiring a Car for Your Wedding

There are many plans you can make for your wedding, and one to consider is wedding car hire. While this isn’t a necessity, it is a nice touch for any style or theme of wedding. There are plenty of types of vehicles to pick from. You can rent them for a short period of time or the entire day. It can be a fun way to get to the wedding location, to the reception, and back home.

Wedding Party

One of the reasons to look at wedding car hire is for your entire wedding party. Getting everyone together is so much easier when you have a larger vehicle. It also allows the bride and groom to be with everyone rather than in a separate vehicle. Depending on the wedding attire, the dresses may not fit well in a typical car seat. This can take care of such complications.

Family and Out of Town Guests

You may wish to consider wedding car hire for immediate family and special out of town guests. They will appreciate you going out of your way to offer this for them. They will feel very much a part of your special day. If they have worked to help you with the plans and getting ready then this is also a way to say thank you.

You may have family or friends who can’t drive due to disabilities. They may struggle to get around without help. They can benefit from a car coming to pick them up and take them back home again. They will love being able to enjoy the event with you. Such offers are generous and very easy to set up.

Directions

Not everyone is going to be familiar with the directions to get to the wedding location or the reception. With a wedding car hire, they don’t have to worry about it. They can have the transportation they need. They just need to know when and where they will be picked up. The rest is taken care of for them.
Parking

Depending on the locations for your wedding and reception, parking may be a struggle. There may not be enough room for all of the vehicles bringing your guests and wedding party to the events. You don’t want to fight for parking or have to walk a long distance to get to your destination.

With wedding car hire, you can cut down on such issues. The driver of the car will be able to take those inside to the front doors. They will also be able to use that location when it is time to pick them up. It is a great option to think about when you have limited parking and you are worried about how it will play out.

Drinking

It isn’t uncommon for alcohol to be part of wedding receptions in an effort to celebrate. The presence of wedding car hire can ensure people have a safe way to get home when they are ready to go. You don’t want to put a damper on your special day by anyone getting in trouble for drinking and driving or causing an accident. Offering your guests a safe way home is optional.

Yet it can be one of the most responsible things you can provide for them. You don’t want to be worried about how people get home. Even if they aren’t drinking, there may be guests who arrive together but one isn’t ready to go when the rest are. They can get a ride through the cars you have hired for the event.

Exclusive Ideas for Winter Wedding Decorations

If someone asks me to choose a wedding season, Winter is the most romantic and cuddling season for the weddings, now it’s coming. It’s a most approaching season for the beautiful fairy tale wedding decorations. It’s the time for celebrating festivals, holidays and planning a wedding would undoubtedly be a great idea. The evergreen accents, pine-cones, cranberries, cozy knitting with red and white color pallets will add exclusive features to the wedding decorations. From the decorations of the pine-cones to the aisle ceremony everything spreads a cozy feeling in the venue.

We can use different accessories and items to decor the venue according to a winter wedding theme:

Wood and wooden frames
Wood & Wooden frames can be used as sign boards, wedding cards, the guest book stands, to show the guest list, as centerpieces in reception, to hold the candles and cakes etc. These things are associated with barn and rustic theme weddings.

Evergreen accents and pine-cones
Pine-cones can be decorated as centerpieces with the candle jars, evergreens can also be used in the aisle ceremony, wedding receptions, wedding cards, in decorating guest chairs etc.

Red & white pallets and bells
In a winter wedding, red and white pallets signify the divine opulence of festive season. Bells and ribbons can be used as centerpieces and in decorating chairs and tables. These accessories are essential for a Christmas wedding theme.

Christmas theme in winters
Add white and red color apparels in decorating the venue, white snow, and red flowers can be added to decorate the wedding aisle. The berry fruits can be used to give an extra ordinary touch to your reception table and menu bar.

Candles and jars
Candles will add the cozy and romantic touch to your wedding. Candle and jars can be used for lighting purpose as well as the beautiful centerpieces.

Decor the barn venue with vaulted ceiling, are the romantic choices. The simple design and wintry vibe give an extraordinary divine grace to the wedding.

A tree lined the aisle with a lot of gleaming candles and snow falling theme will provide a whimsical and charming look to the wedding.

Winter fiber, pine cones, cotton balls and evergreen accents are used in making winter wedding bouquets.

Try to intricate metal tree centerpieces with crystal garlands, white flowers, candles to style up your wedding.

Whitish furry and glittery table cloths with the gleam of candles enhance the beauty of the venue.

Try to add evergreen accents and pine needle sprigs to your seating and chairs. These creative cards are simply made for fun.

Try different snowy and wintry ideas and style up your winter wedding decorations exclusively.

Tips for Having a Beach Wedding

Getting married is most girls’ ultimate dream and to be able to have it on the beach would make it all that much sweeter. The one drawback of wanting a beach wedding is that you may have to get special permission to do so. Make sure that you check the local laws before you start to plan your ideal beach wedding. You will also need to keep in mind the safety and comfort of your guests and wedding party, especially if a guest has to use a wheelchair or a walker because it would be hard on then to get close to the wedding when it is going to be held on the sand. You also need to consider the weather because no one can predict if it is going to be rainy or extremely warm. You should have an alternative venue in case of these problems. At a beach wedding having formal wedding attire might need to be changed to casual dress. You would also have to consider where the reception is going to be held so it is not too far from the wedding site.

Most often, these types of wedding are simple to pull off, especially a small wedding party and guests but as mentioned if it is a large wedding you may need a permit. When you are asking about a permit for your beach wedding, you or the wedding planner should double check the regulations and rules of the beaches. Some beaches will not allow you to make a lot of noise or build a fire, if you wanted to have a bonfire. You will also need to find out how late you are allowed to remain on the beach if your wedding is held late in the day.

One of the dangers of having a beach wedding is the hot sun. Two of the problems are sunstroke and sunburn. If you are having a short wedding ceremony and holding the reception indoors then this should not be much of a problem. If you plan to hold your reception outdoors on a pavilion or open area rented for the reception then you need to make sure that there are umbrellas over the tables to give the guests reprieve from the sun. You should also have sunscreen available and make sure there is plenty of water to drink.

Even if you are holding an indoor reception, have a beach themed dinner such as having barbecue, baked beans, and other dishes that go with this menu. You could even have the reception hall decorated with a beach theme. Kept the dress code casual and invite the guests to dress in beach clothes like summer dresses, casual shirts and slacks, and sandals.

Best Wedding Entertainment Options For Big Weddings

The best wedding entertainment options may not include big bands that play traditional music, but we’ll let you decide that after you see some of our great selections. Making the decision to hire a band shouldn’t end in over the top stress attacks, but if you’re not sure what to do, you may be struggling. That’s why we offer great entertainment solutions for weddings of all sizes.

The bigger the wedding, the bigger the band?

Perhaps not… Let’s consider what your wedding reception style is, before we pick the best wedding entertainment for you.

Formal – Ball room style dancing, formal or black tie attire, evening wedding.

Semi-Formal – Indoor usually, semi-formal attire, may be afternoon or evening reception.

Casual – Indoor/outdoor, semi-formal to casual attire, afternoon reception.

As they imply a variety of dress codes, these wedding styles also imply a variety of band options.

Best options for a Formal Wedding Reception – include a Big Band Era, Swing Band, String Quartet, Classic Ensembles, Latin or Salsa, or Orchestra – specialties might include a theme or musical era with selected music options. One of my favorite options is to hire a Big Band for the music and add lookalikes for some variety in music selections and entertainment options. Not everyone will be dancing, so having a variety of entertainment can make the formal reception more fun for everyone.

Best options for a Semi-Formal Wedding Reception – include Latin or Salsa, String Quartets, Jazz Bands, Swing Bands, or Show Bands featuring themes, more modern music, and specialty tribute artists, or specialty acts.

Best Wedding Entertainment for Casual Receptions – include specialty acts, String Quartets, Specialty Tribute Artists or bands featuring indoor/outdoor option themes, more sing-a-long music, softer music for strolling or dancing on smaller dance floors might be included.

The bigger the wedding, the bigger the band? Feature bands with artists who sing well known covers, a cover band, or a 10 piece ensemble that offers more options might be a better band selection for the big wedding. Or a few string quartets entertaining in different areas of the reception? Hiring an event planner, or music agent to help you plan your wedding reception offers better choices.

One of the more successful wedding receptions I remember was a house party reception where the bride had hired four different bands to play in different areas of the house, gardens, and barn – turned ballroom. The early part of the reception was decidedly casual to semi-formal, but later in the evening when the lights came up in the ball room, the four bands came together as one ensemble and ball room dancing went long into the night.

5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue

Planning for the big day is a stressful time and finding a wedding venue is one of the hardest decisions a couple has to make. Finding a location for the event that accommodates the perfect theme, achieves the desired look, and provides the necessary amenities is tough. Here are five tips to help narrow down the venue list.

Figure Out a Budget

Picking a place to host the ceremony without having a very firm budget is never a good idea. Before touring spaces and meeting with owners, the bride and groom need to figure out how much they can afford to spend. Venues’ costs vary greatly, depending on location, amenities, and included rentals-think tables, chairs, and linens.

Date or Location-Which Matters Most?

Some couples select a wedding venue based on available dates. If they have a specific date in mind, or are working around other commitments, the times available matter more than the space itself. Before deciding on a location, figure out if the date of the wedding or the location of the ceremony is more important. The more flexible the couple can be on their date, the more choices they’ll have.

Pick a Location Before Choosing a Theme

One of the most common mistakes engaged couples make is picking a theme before finding a place for the ceremony and reception. The space for the ceremony often dictates which themes are appropriate. Remember, most spaces are unwilling to change the paint color on their walls or the underlying decor of a room just because the bride has already chosen colors that clash with their facility’s design. Know the space before deciding on wedding colors and themes. That way, the location will enhance the theme rather than detract from it.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Outdoors

Decorations and flowers are one of the more expensive parts of a wedding. Choosing a place for the ceremony that makes use of landscaping and natural views can dramatically reduce the cost of decorations. Well-designed courtyards, gardens, and natural areas provide a beautiful backdrop full of elements that naturally draw the eye. Rather than spending hundreds on floral arrangement, make use of these elements.

Know the Guest Count

Don’t worry about turning guests away because the space is too small. Before committing to a wedding venue, have a firm idea of the number of guests that will be attending. Some locations can accommodate hundreds of guests, while others can only accommodate 20 or 30 people. Your chosen place does not always set the numbers; the local fire marshal determines how many people can safely occupy a space at a given time. Anything over that amount makes the space uncomfortable, puts the venue at risk for fines, and, in the event of an emergency, can make the situation more dangerous.

8 Reasons to Book a Resort for Your Wedding

Planning a wedding is not an easy task. It can drain you financially and emotionally if there is no help at hand. Every couple’s dream is to make their wedding as unique as possible so that their guests will remember the event for years to come. To plan a dream wedding, one has to invest a lot of time and energy into it. A simple way to make sure you get an unforgettable experience is by organising your wedding in a resort. We list out 8 reasons why a resort might be the ideal place for your celebration.

Suitable rooms

Venues with guest accommodations have some major advantages. And it doesn’t matter whether your wedding is a one day affair or a three-day event or whether the guests are going to stay there for a night or for an extended respite. You can cut down on the transportation cost since the event is happening at the very place you and your guests are staying. You will also get a lot of time to relax and enjoy. Since the resort staff will be at your beck and call you can be sure that your guests are cared for throughout their stay.

All under one roof

When you host your wedding at a resort, all the vendors will be in one place and they will be coordinated by the resort staff. The catering, linens, tables and chairs, and bar service will be taken care of and you will be stress free. You don’t have to worry before, during and after the big day. Since the vendors and the entire bridal party are stationed at one place, there will be no room for errors.

Pre-wedding pampering

If you want a little bit of pre-wedding pampering, you can do it at the resort. You and your guests can go for spa services; you can enjoy beauty treatments until it’s time to get dressed for the big event. After the wedding you can even book a couples message and unwind.

Rain plan

If you are planning an outdoor wedding, the weather won’t always be accommodating. However, resorts will have multiple venues on the premises. So in case if the rain plays spoilsport, they will have a back-up plan and you don’t have to worry about it.

A certain level of excellence guaranteed

When you book a resort you get access to their experienced staff. They are trained to handle all kinds of big events. They will welcome your guests and provide them delicious food and outstanding service. In short, when you organise your wedding in a resort you are assured of a certain level of excellence.

Pre and post wedding activities

You can really impress your guests by organising pre and post wedding activities. This will also give them a chance to mix and mingle and have a good time. You can plan some indoor and outdoor activities. The morning after, consider a relaxing dip in the pool or a game of golf or badminton.

Thrilling add-ons

Resorts often offer exciting extras like organising the rehearsal dinner in a cruise. Check with the resort if they can add something exciting to your package for additional charges.

A unique location for each event

A wedding involves not just the ceremony and reception. You will have small events like the rehearsal dinner, and brunch after the wedding. In a resort you get to host each event at a separate venue. You can have a waterfront ceremony, a tented reception, and finally the post-wedding brunch at a restaurant. Look what all options are available before you book a resort.