I've never had a blog before so bear with me as I attempt to figure this out. I know most people probably start with an introductory post, but I've decided to just delve right in with something that has been on my mind.
As most of you probably already know, I've just recently had a wedding. It was difficult, beautiful, exhilarating, happy, frustrating, sad, amazing, and pretty much all emotions in between. I'd like to share a few thoughts to help other brides navigate the out-of-control wedding industry.
In no particular order, here are the things I learned:
1. Involve your fiancé. He really does want to be a part of it. Find out what is most important to him (music, ceremony, dancing) and let him plan it!
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Chances are, most of your friends and family want to help but don't know how to without stepping on your toes. JUST ASK!
3. When it comes to the cake, invitations, videographer, ceremony/reception venue, flowers, and centerpieces, try to stay away from googling the word WEDDING before any of those things. The word wedding automatically adds a 50% increase to your cost. Find a reception place that doesn't typically do weddings (museum, field, university building, farm, historical building, abandoned barn, etc). It will be unique and they will do a great job at a fraction of the cost.
4. One word: KROGER. Kroger made the flowers for my bouquet, 7 bridesmaids bouquets, 8 boutonnieres, flower girl bouquet, centerpiece flowers, and flowers for the cake....for only $150!
5. Make your own centerpieces. This website changed my life: www.pinterest.com. I bought all my small glass vases from the dollar store and large glass vases from TJ Max/Home Goods. We bought a HUGE bag of rocks from Walmart and washed them for a grand total of $4.00. Best part of all....You can sell them or rent them out to family and friends. Cha-ching
6. Find an independent DJ or radio DJ to do the music. He will do a great job at the fraction of the price. Our DJ was $600 for 5 hours compared to typical $800-$1,200. And did I mention everybody loved him?!
7. Save money on the party favors. Nobody remembers centerpieces and to be honest they end up in a junk drawer. Make cute cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, bookmarks, or those butter mints. People will actually eat them!
8. Do not purchase chair covers. Again, nobody notices them and people are sitting in them (which is a much better decoration than any chair cover).
9. Independent seamstress. My dress was 8 sizes too big, was hemmed over 2 inches (with lace and beads on the bottom), and had a sweetheart neckline added. Guess how much? $150 :) And she did a phenomenal job.
10. Hit up as many sample dress sales as possible. The dresses have been tried on, but no signs of wear and tear and the seamstress will clean it for you anyway. I got a last year Casablanca dress for $400. Beads, lace, long train. Absolutely gorgeous.
11. Make your own ceremony programs. Stock paper at Joanne's and matching ribbon. Take it to UPS/Fed-Ex and have them print it. Punch two holes at the top and tie the ribbon in a bow. Simple but elegant
12. For the seating chart, have Staples do it and buy a frame from Joanne's.
Total: $30
13. Google Flower girl dresses. Online stores are very reasonable priced. And lets be real, she'll look cute in anything. Not to mention, mom will appreciate not having to spend $200 on a dress she will wear once.
Dress= $25 (including shipping and handling)
14. Make sure you hire a wedding photographer that is timeless. Do not fall for a photographer who makes all your pictures look like they came straight from pinterest. This is what is popular right now, but 10 years from now, they won't look so great hanging up on your wall.
