Hail, Wedded Love...

Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Lindsey Ortiz!

2009-06-07T15:37:00.002-05:00

Congratulations go out to...
Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Lindsey Ortiz!
Married Saturday, June 6th!

Alex and Lindsey were a Fantastic Couple! I have a new quote/recommendation that is going on my website... Lindsey- "You are the best investment I have ever made in my life!"

Thanks Lindsey! Have a Wonderful Honeymoon you two! Thanks again for letting me be a part of your special day, it was beautiful!

Until Next Time!

Megan

Wedding Emergency Kit

2009-05-30T09:05:00.002-05:00

As a Wedding Planner I carry an Emergency Kit with me to every wedding I help with. It comes in handy at EVERY wedding! Now, my kit is rather large because of some of the items I need to have an any given time, ie: hammer, screwdriver, clothing steamer, etc... But if you want to put together your own Wedding Emergency Kit (which I do recommend) here is a list of items that you might find handy in case something comes up.

Bobby pins & clear plastic hair bands
Brush & Comb
Hairspray
Clear Nail polish (great for last minute nails or run in hose)
Corsage Pins
Cotton Balls/Swabs
Extra earring backs
Extra pair of flat shoes (foot issues are very common)
Hairdryer
Iron
Lint Brush (especially for guys wearing dark tuxes)\
Safety Pins
Small Scissors
Large Scissors
Thread matching bridal party
Needle
Buttons
Hem tape
Straight Pins
Static Cling Spray
Straws (don't mess up your lipstick!)
White Chalk (to hide inconspicuous stains on the dress)
Antacid
Ibuprofen/Aspirin
Band Aids (flesh toned)
Contact Solution & Lens Case
Deodorant
Dental Floss
Eye drops
Insect Repellent (nice scent)
Lotion
Moist Towlettes
Mouth Wash
Mints
Emery board
Extra Panty Hose
Small Mirror
Perfume/Body Spray
Tampons or Pads
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Tissues
Wash Cloth
Cash ($20- you never know what you'll need it for)
Disposable Camera
Photo I.D./Driver's License
Duct Tape
Super Glue
Phone Numbers for Family, Bridal Party, Wedding Vendors
Portable Flashlight
Roll of quarters (parking meters, vending machines, etc...)
Snacks & Bottled Water
Umbrella

Now, if you would like to go above and beyond this massive list to be SUPER DUPER prepared... Here are the additional items that I carry in my arsenal...

Hammer
Rubber Mallet
Matches
Long Safety Flame Lighter
Portable/Travel Steamer
Phillips Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
Small Eyeglass Screwdriver
Masking Tape
Clear Tape
Hot Glue Gun & Glue

Well hopefully I have helped give you an insight into what I carry in my Magic Toolbox
(and I do mean toolbox!). Put together your own Emergency Kit so that you can be as prepared as I am for Weddings!

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Mr. & Mrs. Eric and Kim Gramm

2009-05-30T08:57:00.002-05:00

Congratulations go out to the new...

Mr. & Mrs. Eric and Kim Gramm!
Married on May 29th 2009 in Springfield, Missouri!

Perfect weather, wonderful family... I loved this Wedding!
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day. I am so glad I could help make the day exactly what you wanted.

Until Next Time!
(actually... until next weekend!)

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Mr. & Mrs. Grant and Martha Clemons!

2009-05-17T12:56:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to...
Mr. & Mrs. Grant and Martha Clemons!

Married Saturday May 16, 2009!

All my best to the two of you as you begin your new life together. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day!

Until Next Time!

Megan

Usher Attire Idea

2009-03-23T12:45:00.005-05:00

Boy have I been busy the past few weeks! Luckily with being busy I have gained some great ideas for blog entries! So I am going to postpone the continuation of the color theme posting this week to give out some great tips!

Today I want to talk about Ushers. So you picked some friends/family members to be Ushers at your wedding. Now the question is... "What are they going to wear?"

The Ushers can be as formal (or informal) as you want them to be. I usually suggest them to be a step less formal than the groomsmen. Whether you choose for them to not wear a vest, jacket, boutonniere... that is up to you.

With the wedding I just finished this weekend we had an interesting dilemma. They wanted to match the 2 Ushers, the 2 male attendants at the gift & guestbook tables, the ring bearers, and the groomsmen. So 1 man, 2 teenage boys, a pre-teen boy needed matching attire, and 2 small boys needed matching attire. They wanted the groomsmen to be the only ones in tuxes. So we needed matching ties and shirts for all.

Solution: RENT EVERYTHING! The tuxes were already rented from the chosen tux shop so the best solution was to rent the additional matching shirts and ties from the same shop. Everyone matched PERFECTLY and the cost was significantly less than if the family had bought matching shirts and ties for all of the guys (and much less of a headache attempting to find all matching items)

Consider this option for you own wedding. It could save on time, hassle, and funds especially considering that most teens/pre-teens/little boys will grow out of clothes pretty fast.

Until Next Time!

MEGAN

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Mr. & Mrs. Jake and Kelly Adams!

2009-03-23T12:39:00.004-05:00

Congratulations go out to the NEW Mr. & Mrs. Jake and Kelly Adams married this weekend Saturday March 21st in Verona Missouri!

I had so much fun helping them with their Wedding Day! I will have pictures up as soon as I get them from their photographer!

Until Next Time!

MEGAN

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Chair Gowns?

2009-03-04T08:06:00.004-06:00

So I stumbled upon this on the web... Chair Gowns. For $1.75 per chair you can buy disposable chair covers for your event. www.chairgowns.com

They also have table runners by the roll and table veils by the roll. (each is 300 ft on a roll). I am kind of excited about this as an alternative for budget brides who still want to be able to cover ugly chairs.

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Pink Wedding Series: Decor

2009-03-04T07:33:00.004-06:00

Ok, now onto Decor in our Pink Wedding Series! Most people mainly think about the Decor of the Reception, but don't forget the Ceremony. I like to think about what the pictures will look like and what it will look like from the back row. Sometimes simple is better but you need to try and visualize what it will look like and decide if you will be happy with it.

These Ceremony pictures demonstrate the idea of "what will it look like from the back row?"

i198.photobucket.com
www.askmeaboutdestinationweddings.com

A great way to incorporate your color at your Reception is in the Fabrics. Whether it's your tablecloths, chaircovers, or chair sashes you can easily add just the right amount of color (and maybe save on things like the centerpieces).

www.solito-elbanbuena.info

smldiamondevents.com

www.partymosaic.com

Hope this gives you some ideas!

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Pink Wedding Series: Bouquets

2009-02-27T12:50:00.006-06:00

I have decided to start posting about Wedding Color Themes. For a week I will post about a specific Color Theme starting with Pink this week!

Today we're going to look at some gorgeous Pink Bouquets. I think the Bridal Bouquet should be something to stand out and fully represent your wedding. Think about it, your bouquet will be in a lot of the pictures you look at for years to come. It's kind of like your BLING for the day!

So let's look at Pink Bouquets!

family.webshots.com

www.blumen.com
www.teenascreations.com

www.weddingjunkie.com

www.flowers-for-all-occasions.co.uk

bizarreweddingflowers.blogspot.com

www.flowerexpressonline.co.uk

It is incredible how many shades of pink there are! I love how some of the bouquets have a mixture of pink shades, it really adds dimension to the bouquet. The bouquets with only one shade would really pop and make a statement in your wedding photos as well.

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Bridesmaid Dresses

2009-02-25T12:05:00.006-06:00

Where do you find Bridesmaid dresses if you don't want to get them at a Bridal Store?

EVERYWHERE! I'm not kidding. You can find Bridesmaid dresses practically everywhere now... online that is. Macy's, JcPenney, Nordstrom's, even Target carry Bridesmaid dresses (and most of them carry wedding dresses and Mother of the Bride dresses as well).

"But how expensive are they?", you ask.... well compared to what you are going to pay at the Bridal Boutiques, they are DEFINITELY affordable.

To show you what they have to offer I have PICTURES! (you know I love pictures) Every dress that I have a picture of is UNDER $100 on the websites.

www.jcpenney.com

www.macys.com

www.nordstrom.com

www.target.com

So expand your thinking on where to find Bridesmaid dresses. Check out stores you wouldn't normally think of, you might be surprised what you find!

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Unity Candle Alternatives

2009-02-20T10:27:00.008-06:00

I have more and more Bride's asking me about what they can do during their ceremony other than a Unity Candle.

To be honest, I am not the biggest fan of the Unity Candle. (Sorry to all of those who love it, it's just a personal preference. I'm weird like that) For those of you who are looking for something different I have SEVERAL options for you.

First, My Favorite!
The Hand Ceremony.
I'm a crier, which is why we did not do this at my wedding, but some people just fall in love with it and just prep with waterproof mascara.

For the Hand Ceremony the Officiant asks the couples to hold eachother's hands palm up so that they can look at the palm of the other. There are 2 versions of the hand ceremony, and because I love them both I am going to post them both.

Version 1

The Maid of Honor reads:
Bride’s name, please face Groom’s name, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. (Bride and groom should be facing each other, the groom’s upturned hands resting in the brides’.)

These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.
These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within your womb.
These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.

Best Man reads:
Groom’s name, please hold Bride’s name’s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. (Bride should now place her upturned hands in the Groom’s hands.)

These are the hands, smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.
These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it’s time to let go.
These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings, after you’ve both had a long hard day.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child; that together you have created a new life.
Perhaps these are the hands that will comfort you when you are told you cannot have a child, and will convince you that together you will create new life in other ways.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

Officiant reads/prays:
Dear Father, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love.
Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching for your perfection. May Bride’s name and Groom’s name see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide.
We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you now and forever. Amen.

Version 2

Officiant reads:
As an expression that your hearts are joined together in love will you please face each other and hold hands,
so you may feel the gift that you are to one another.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you,
that are holding yours on your wedding day as you
promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years,
and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours,
still giving you the same unspoken
tenderness with just a touch.

Blessing after:
“Our prayer for you today is that both of you will use these hands to build a marriage where all your dreams come true.”

Next Alternative is probably the most popular next to the Unity Candle...
The Sand Ceremony

In the Sand Ceremony the Couple has 3 containers. 2 smaller containers each filled with sand, 1 color in 1 (for the bride) and another color in the other (for the groom). The sand is poured into the 3rd container (which should be larger than the other 2) and the 2 colors are intermingled in the one container. The sand will never be able to be separated into the 2 distinct colors ever again. It represents a forever joining of 2 lives, 2 families, and 2 cultures.

The Water Ceremony

Similar to the Sand Ceremony. You just use colored water instead of sand. Make sure to test your two choices of colored water before the ceremony, they may make a nasty black/brown color! A good color combination is yellow and blue which will make green. Green representing the new beginning with your marriage and your willingness to grow within it.

The Wine Ceremony
This is a relatively new addition to Unity Candle Alternatives, but it is catching on. Similar to the Sand and Water Ceremonies in that you mix two different types of wine together (white and red) which can never be separated, but in the wine ceremony the couple then both drink from the wine glass with the combined wine. If you're wondering what that would taste like, they actually sell it as Rose (pronounced ros-eh). This would be great for a vineyard or wine themed wedding.

The Unity Tree
I know, I know... you're probably wondering what this is. This is actually great for the Eco-friendly Bride/Wedding, and it has wonderful symbolism.

The couple purchases a tree sapling prior to the wedding. You can place it in a nice decorative pot for the ceremony. Give it a prominent position for the ceremony. During the time when you would normally do your Unity Candle/Sand/Water/etc... instead you would each take a container of water and water the tree. After the wedding the tree is yours to plant in your new home together. It grows as your marriage grows. I also like the idea of planting additional tree saplings as each of your children are born to represent your growing family.

Hope these give you some ideas for your own ceremony!

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

More Non-Floral Centerpieces

2009-02-19T14:09:00.011-06:00

So it seems that Bride's are really into alternatives to flower centerpieces right now. Honestly I think it is a fabulous way to save money and do something different and unexpected at your Reception. So, I've researched some more Non-Flower centerpieces for you.
Get ready... Lots Of Pictures!

Ok, so as I have said in previous posts,
I absolutely love the idea of using fruit/vegetables in a centerpiece.
Why not use something natural and fresh that comes in every color of the "Natural" rainbow?

http://brillianteventplanning.com/blog

www.weddingjunkie.com

www1.yahoo.americangreetings.com/downloads

How about having an edible centerpiece?
You would have a beautiful centerpiece that wouldn't go to waste.

www.myecochicwedding.com/Photo_Gallery.htm

http://guides.clickthecity.com/metro/?p=1412

Give each table their own Mini Wedding Cake or their own Wedding Cupcakes to enjoy!

http://yumyumcakes.com/index.php/pages/Wedding%20Cakes/

www.wedding53.com/category/wedding-cake

Are you having a theme wedding?
Beach, Holiday, Fall, Vineyard... Make your centerpiece a part of the Theme.

www.flickr.com/photos/20064298@N04/2254325732

http://brillianteventplanning.com/blog

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jojo71/275907078/

www.winevineimports.com

Use your favors as your Centerpiece!
Check out Wanderfuls.com, they make tubes filled with candies with toppers that are color coordinated to your wedding. They are made to be arranged as a centerpiece and used as favors! Brilliant!

www.wanderfuls.com

Hope you get some ideas from this! Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments!

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Wedding Article

2009-02-18T21:47:00.004-06:00

I've been published!

Check out my article published by Associated Content,
"Budget Wedding Tips From a Wedding Planner"

In it you will find some ways to save money on different areas of your wedding.

I will be trying to publish other articles in the future, so get excited!

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Wedding Favors

2009-02-17T17:14:00.017-06:00

Since I began planning weddings I have been amazed at all of the different wedding favors bride's have decided upon. There are so many options out there that it can almost become overwhelming.

My initial advice:
1. Remember your budget. How much do you have to spend on wedding favors. Remember that even if it will only cost $1 per person, if you are expecting 150 guests that means you're spending $150 on favors.

2. What is the theme of your wedding? Taking your theme or colors into consideration is a great first step at deciding what kind of favors to give.

3. Will your guests actually use or even take their favors home with them? Unfortunately, many guests just plain forget to take a favor with them. Edible favors are more likely to either be taken or enjoyed before the guests even leave. You could also give out a favor that you really think your guests would take home and use. Only you know your guests...

Ok, now that you know what to consider when thinking about what favors to choose, let's check out some of my all time favorite favors! (this is the fun part!)

Edible Favors:

Chocolate Butterfly
www.keepsakefavors.com

Wedding Dress Cookies
www.favorstudio.com

Chocolate Maple Leaves
www.keepsakefavors.com

Chocolate Snowflake
www.keepsakefavors.com

Garden/Outdoor Wedding Favors:

Fans
www.blissweddingsmarket.com

Personalized Water Bottles
www.myweddingfavors.com

Great usable favors:

Personalized Tea/Cocoa packets
www.favorwarehouse.com

Personalized Coffee Bricks
www.favorwarehouse.com

Personalized Lemonade Mix
www.favorideas.com

Wildflower Seed Packets
www.myweddingfavors.com

"In Favor of A Cure" Plantable Breast Cancer Awareness Flower Seed Cards
www.favorwarehouse.com

To show my cheesy side,
Favors with Cheesy/Cute Taglines:
(incredibly adorable!)

"Love is Brewing" Teapot Timer

www.favorwarehouse.com

Love's A Peel Apple Peeler
www.favorwarehouse.com

"A Slice of Love" Pizza Cutter
www.favorwarehouse.com

"The Gratest Love of All" Cheese Grater
www.favorwarehouse.com

And last, but definitely not least... The Candy Buffet! Match it to your Wedding Colors or your favorite candies!
(Thanks Farfalla Wedding for the picture)

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Survey!

2009-02-14T19:24:00.005-06:00

I found this on the blog of an Indiana Wedding Planner that I have admired for quite a while. Saundra Hadley owns and operates Planning...Forever Events in Evansville, Indiana. I absolutely love her website and blog and I would greatly appreciate it if you would check this out.

Thanks!

Megan

Dear Brides and Grooms:

We need your input, dearly. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read below:

If you wouldn’t mind, please click on the link below and answer 9 quick, easy questions about different design aspects of wedding vendor’s websites.

http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=1152739

We won’t record anything about you other than what state or country you are from - we don’t even ask for your email address so no spam or anything like that.

You will likely see this link on lots of other blogs and sites - this survey is being shared all over the blog-o-sphere so please take the survey only once.

If you have additional comments on the subject, please feel free to email me with those and I will share them with the other wedding vendors who are participating! We can’t wait to hear what you have to say! This will make us be better for you!

(If you are a wedding vendor and would like to participate, just copy this post to your blog and email Emilie Duncan the link at emilie {@} emilieduncan {.} com - She will send you the results once we have closed the survey in March).

Budget Weddings

2009-02-04T10:45:00.007-06:00

So I gave you the Rules For Wedding Shopping a few days ago, which apply to EVERYONE whether you have a huge budget or a small one.

Today I am going to specifically talk to those of you on a budget. With our economy in a downturn Budget Weddings are on the rise, but just because you are on a budget does not mean you can't have a beautiful wedding.

1. Check out sales! Every week I look at the local Craft store ads to see what they have on sale. Every few weeks Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc... will have items that could be useful to Bride's at 50% off! This week, for example, Hobby Lobby has Floral Stems, Garlands, Swags, Ribbon by the Roll, Decorative Glassware, Candles, and Candle Holders, Beads, and Outdoor Garden Decor at 50% off! It's February... lot's of Weddings coming up in the next 6 months... SHOP AROUND! GET A DEAL!

Go to the Target and Walmart websites, search Wedding and check out what's on sale or clearance. Right now on Target's website there are invitation kits, unity candles, rings, ceremony accessory kits, wedding album kits, you name it Target has it online and most of it has a temporary price reduction!

2. Think outside the box for your Wedding Dress and your Bridesmaid Dresses. Did you know Target has both? In fact this week they have a lot ON SALE CLEARANCE! Check these out! As of today they are on CLEARANCE on Target's Website for between $45 and $80!

3. Think of new ways to decorate. Check out my January 27, 2009 post on alternatives to Flowers. It can save you a lot of money and still look beautiful.

Until Next Time!
Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Wedding Cakes

2009-02-02T09:43:00.008-06:00

I have been having problems sending one of my brides some cake pictures through email. So, I decided "why not just do a whole post devoted to Wedding Cakes?". So here we go!

First, the ones for my client. Beach/Seashell themes

Cakes by Robin
Wanchese, North Carolina

Creative Celebrations
Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

Cakes By The Sea
Longs, South Carolina

Ok, now for some beautiful and fun cakes. If you want to look at pictures of cakes from bakers all over the country check out Grand Wedding Cakes Magazine. It's free to download and comes out twice a year!

I love the different patterns on each layer of this cake. So much fun, yet so elegant.

Baker's Man, Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia

This cake is a personal favorite. I can't get enough of it!

A Sweet Design
Granada Hills, California

I think this cake is so sweet and dainty.

Cake Seattle
Seattle, Washington

This cake would be great for a Spring Garden Wedding. I love it!

Graceful Cake Creations, Inc.
Mesa, Arizona

I love how fun and modern this cake is.

It Takes The Cake
Minnetonka, Minnesota

This cake would be perfect for a Paris in the Springtime theme wedding.

Tallant House
Monroe, Washington

Gorgeous cake! So classy!

Alice's Piece of Cake
Powell, Ohio

Great cake for a red wedding! And again, I love the different patterns on each layer.

Beautiful Cakes and Bridals
Huntsville, Alabama

Last, but not least... Perfect for the Super Couple, a Superhero Cake!

Bamboo Bakery
Phoenix, Arizona

Until Next Time!

Megan
www.everybridesbestfriend.com

The Imprtance of THE CONTRACT

2009-01-30T18:02:00.005-06:00

You are engaged! You're filled with love and excitement, but don't let that cloud your judgement when it comes to booking your Wedding Vendors.

As a Wedding Planner I ALWAYS make sure there is a signed contract between myself and my client that completely lines out what services are being provided, the cost, when payments are due, and what happens in the case of cancellations regarding deposits and payments.

Sadly we live in a day and age with people that are out there just LOOKING and WAITING to scam you. Most Wedding Vendors out there are competent and professional, that's why so many brides hire them, but there are some out there that... well I'll give you some examples.

I was having a conversation with another wedding vendor when I started up my business about who was who in our "Community" of Wedding Vendors. (Florists, DJ's, Photographers, Bakers, etc...) She told me one business I should NEVER recommend to my clients because of all of the weddings she had worked that they had severely messed up. Although this business is NOT IN BUSINESS anymore I am not going to give you the name. (Just because I wouldn't recommend them doesn't mean I'll tell you WHO they are I think that's mean) It was a Bakery that had a reputation of falling cakes. One wedding they made multiple tier cake, but did not support or stabilize it well enough. It was falling over and guests were trying to keep it propped up with silverware. The Bride was in tears and they had to cut the cake first thing just so they could get a picture before it crashed onto the floor.

This Bride DID HAVE A CONTRACT. Unfortunately she didn't read it and within the contract she signed were the words "We are not responsible for the cake after the time of delivery". The Bride had signed it, so she had agreed that they weren't responsible.

I have no idea if the Bakery actually KNEW that the cake would fall over or not... But don't you find it interesting that those words were tucked in there?

So...

1. Get a Contract signed by BOTH client and vendor.
2. READ THE WHOLE CONTRACT BEFORE SIGNING!
3. HAVE SOMEONE ELSE READ THE CONTRACT BEFORE SIGNING!
4. Deposits (unfortunately) may come and go, but MAKE SURE that there is SOMETHING in there abotu vendor/business responsibility and some kind of reimbursement thereof.

I hate to have to blog about this, but since I just talked to one of my clients about it TODAY... I realize how important it is to get out to you.

Until Next Time!
Megan

www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Buyer Be... Prepared!

2009-01-28T21:33:00.008-06:00

You're Engaged! So first things first, go shopping right?

Try again.

Most bride's fail to stay within their budget because they don't follow the RULES OF SHOPPING. What are these "rules" you say? Well I'm going to tell you and hopefully help you save some money and some frustration during the planning process.

1. Think before you buy. Seriously, use your brain. Do you really need it? Will anyone notice it's even there? Will you remember it being a part of your wedding in the future? Does it really matter in the long run?

2. Ask questions before you buy. Especially about return policies!

3. Read before you buy. This includes your DJ, Florist, even *cough cough* Wedding Planner. Now reading to me means reviews, articles, and word of mouth. If someone had a bad experience with something or someone and the situation was not remedied somehow... it could be you and your wedding next.

4. Decide if you can actually AFFORD to buy it. If you have resigned to using credit I want you to think about how many years you will be paying off an event that only lasted a matter of hours. It could possibly interfere with your wanting to buy a house, a car, even get a job if it affects your credit.

5. Comparison shop before you buy. Did you know that if one craft store doesn't have it on sale there is a good chance another one DOES. Keep a notebook with all of the things you are looking for and keep it with you as you cruise the internet and go out shopping. Record EVERYTHING! Then go back and find out where the best deal was. This can save you SO MUCH MONEY!

6. Don't shop when you are tired or hungry. Oh my gosh this is important! It can lead to bad moods, frustration, purchase regrets, and sometimes tears. Take breaks! Eat! Don't do too much in one day!

7. Don't shop when you are rushed. Take your time. If you don't have the time to do everything yourself DELEGATE! That's what friends, family, Fiances (if you think they can handle it), and Wedding Planners (hint hint) are for.

8. Don't buy anything because someone demands it. This may sound silly but it is an important one. It is your wedding and your budget. If Grandma doesn't think it's a proper wedding without a Unity Candle but you just don't want one... remember IT'S YOUR WEDDING. If your friends say it just wouldn't be a Wedding without a bar but you don't want one or can't afford it... IT'S YOUR WEDDING.

9. Don't buy just to keep up with friends or neighbors. So all your other friends are getting married too and are having a full sit down dinner with dancing and everything. Is that what you want? Can you afford it? Do not try to "Keep up with the Jones". Stay within your budget and don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Be unique and yourself.

10. Do not buy because you are influenced or confused by your friends' or family's tastes/wants. Don't take all your bridesmaids with you to pick out your wedding dress. Great example: Someone I know went to find her wedding dress with her Maid of Honor. She tried on some dresses and came out of the dressing room in one that she had liked on the rack but wasn't sure about. Her Maid of Honor loved it on her, told her it was perfect! "Oh how gorgeous! It's so you! You look beautiful! Oh and $500 is a great price for such a beautiful dress!..." The Bride bought the dress, took it home, hung it up and decided... "Gee, I really don't like this. It doesn't fit my wedding at all." TOO LATE! ALL SALES ARE FINAL! She ended up selling it on EBAY at a $400 loss. So... Don't listen to anyone but yourself. Do you like the dress? Is it what you want or would it fit in your friend more than yourself.

Be Prepared! Save Money!

Until Next Time!

Megan
www.everybridesbestfriend.com

Flowers... How can I afford this???

2009-01-27T14:58:00.004-06:00

Ah yes! Wedding flowers...

I love flowers! I would keep fresh flowers in every room of my house if I could afford it or had a green thumb and could grow them.

Fresh flowers are expensive but we want them anyway. We want gorgeous Calla Lilies, soft Hydrangeas, rich red Roses, and sunny Gerbera Daisies. If only we could afford them all.

So say you're the average bride who cannot afford thousands of dollars in fresh flowers, what can you do to still have a beautiful ceremony and reception with less flowers?

1. Candles. They are beautiful, romantic, and can set a very intimate mood. Think about doing multi levels of Pillar Candles on an altar behind you during the ceremony. Candelabras can be beautiful in a dimmed room (and they rent them in other colors other than brass now). Floating candles as a centerpiece can be a gorgeous alternative especially if you scatter some tea lights around them on your table.

2. Fabric. I know, I know, fabric can be expensive. Search for Discount Fabric stores. I have one that I frequent all year long, and I DON'T LIVE IN A BIG CITY. You can find gorgeous fabrics in all colors, patterns, and styles. Use them on your tables, altar, drape it from the ceiling (this can get expensive if you can't find fabric cheap enough), Fabric can add lots of color and class in place of colorful flower arrangements.

3. BE ALTERNATIVE. Picture a table with a white floorlength table cloth, a square of bright yellow patterned fabric, and a tall vase filled with... LEMONS. That's right! Think outside the box with your colors! Apples, Lemons, Limes, Pears, Coffee Beans, Candy, Pinecones... the possibilites are endless.

UPDATES! Yay!

2009-01-26T15:06:00.000-06:00

So... it has been a LONG time since my first blog. A lot has happened since last April.

I worked on some more weddings through the Summer and into the Fall that were loads of fun and each one completely different.

I created a new website in October! I purchased my own domain name which makes everything so much better and I absolutely LOVE the new site! www.everybridesbestfriend.com

I have now booked more weddings from March through June. So I am going to try to add a calendar to either my website and/or my blog so everyone checking out the sites can see if their wedding date is taken.

I have created some Wedding Planning Packages so everyone can have an idea of the fees for my services. I have found this already helpful for my new clients. I hope you check them out! I try to be competitive!

.............................................................................................................................................................................

I have been helping a bride work on her wedding recently and since helping her decide on some fabric patterns to work with I have fallen in love with Damask. I absolutely love the thought of using it alone as the only pattern in the room and with mix/matching it with other patterns and solids. Plus it comes in practically EVERY color! Check out these:

I love these table scapes! Classy yet you can jazz it up with a bright color. Think hot pink, lime green, or turquoise!

Your Cake! It could be piped on but this cake was actually done using a stencil. Just because it looks fancy and expensive doesn't mean it has to be...

I think this green damask print is fabulous!

Even your guestbook could be in damask. I think this red and white damask is a great pattern for red weddings. You could even mix it with a small polka dot print or thin stripe to make it fun!
More updates soon!

Get Ready!

2008-04-15T17:35:00.000-05:00

Spring is here and so is Wedding Season! I am trying to make sure that all of my bride's are on schedule because for those getting married between now and September, there is no time to waste.

A question I recently answered:

Q: Should the bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

A: Traditionally yes, but more often in our day and age Bride's are trying to help with some of the cost. If it is in the Bride's budget to do so you can help pay for part of the cost of the bridesmaid's dresses. If it is not possible to do so and you and/or your bridesmaids are not sure how they will afford it, there are other options. Look at department stores for a dress. Many stores are willing to order dresses in the correct sizes, or call to other stores in nearby towns to see if they have the sizes you need. Another option is to allow the bridesmaids to purchase a dress of their choosing (as long as it is the specified color and formality for the wedding). This way they can find something that they like and will wear again. A final option is to find a boutique that rents bridesmaid dresses. This is a relatively new option, but very budget friendly.

Until Next Time!

Megan

www.geocities.com/everybridesbestfriend