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More Wedding Dress Ideas

August 28, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Wedding Gowns

Here are some more ideas for your casual/informal wedding gown search. I like tea length dresses since they’re very easy to move around in and there are no trains or long hems that you can accidentally trip over or get snagged on some object that you happen to pass by. They are also very easy to pair with simple, strappy sandals that you may already have or are very easy to find in most shoe stores.

Best of all, they are cheaper than traditional wedding gowns and with some alterations and addition of some details and colors, you can wear them several times to other events or celebrations.

These dresses are from www.shopofbrides.com

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Ideas for your Wedding Dress

August 27, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Wedding Gowns

Have you been searching the web for ideas for your own wedding dress? Here are some that I found that would go well with backyard weddings; they’re simple yet elegant and very appropriate for casual and outdoor celebrations.  Personally, I like short dresses for backyard weddings since it’s more practical , cooler and more comfortable, and easier to move in. With all the grass and nature around you, it’s easier for brides with short dresses to avoid stains and dirt because of the length. But if you prefer a longer one to wear, that’s perfectly fine as well.

These are from casualweddingdresses

Check out their website for more dress inspirations.

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Say Yes to the Dress? Nah

August 21, 2010 | Author: Sonja, Setting a budget, Wedding Gowns

Okay, this is the point where I step on a great deal of toes and make brides very uncomfortable which is something I would never aim to do.  But seriously, why bust your budget especially when you are working with $1500?

A sexy, elegant, dramatic…you name it dress doesn’t have to be priced at $5000 to be the dress!  Whoever said that quality is in a price tag was only partially correct.  Price tags can be misleading especially when you are dealing with famous dressmakers and bridal salons. 

There are several things to look for to determine quality, and price tag isn’t it e.g. cut, material, fit, embellishments to name a few.  If you are shopping by the price tag then you should consider having a consultant that specializes in the area shop with you.  What I really don’t understand is why a consultant would not respect the bride stating that she is working with a specific budget.

Bottom line brides, “Don’t enter into debt or inconvenience mom and dad.  Stick to your budget and shop smart.  You’re future self will thank you for it.”

Tags: budget, dress budget, say yes to the dress

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More Thoughts on Backyard Weddings

August 19, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Backyard Weddings, Bridesmaids Dress, Reception, Receptions, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Shoes

I love the idea of backyard weddings because it gives everyone a more relaxed and laid back atmosphere than traditional church and garden weddings. Personally, when I receive wedding invitations, there are times when I roll my eyes and wonder if the bride really wanted to marry the groom or she just wanted to show everyone that she can spend exorbitant amounts of money for the whole shenanigan.

You don’t have to spend much on your wedding dress and your bridesmaids’ as well for backyard weddings. A nice and casual sun dress would be perfect and in tune with the whole feel, especially if you plan the wedding during the day or early afternoon. If you already have shoes you can wear with your dress, go ahead and wear them. You don’t have to buy new ones just for the occasion.

Daytime weddings are also great since you don’t have to spend on lighting and you don’t have to spend time and effort in setting them up. You have wonderfully bright and natural sunlight to light up your big day, courtesy of the great old sun right above us all. An added bonus is that you won’t have disgruntled neighbors losing their sleep because of the noise you are making.

Some people may find potluck wedding receptions tacky and distasteful but I think that aside from saving money, this gives everyone a chance to contribute and be proud to have helped make the celebration happen. I know I would be and the next time I get invited to one, I have a great pasta dish that was an instant hit when I served it last Christmas for our family reunion.

You can’t please everybody and there probably will be one or two guests (hopefully no more than that) who’s going to express disappointment or negative feelings about some part in your wedding celebration but just grin and shrug it off. Your wedding isn’t about your dress or your cake or the venue, it’s about you and your partner’s union.

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Wedding Vendors: The Fine Print

August 16, 2010 | Author: Sonja, Mistakes I Made, Stress, Unexpected expenses

Wedding Vendors:  The Fine Print

It is no secret that the brides and grooms that normally contract my services are looking for affordability and creativity.  Recently, a cash strapped bride and I spoke for hours while she took notes, and gathered all the information from venue to day of small details that often go unnoticed but make for a smooth transition during and after services.  It wasn’t long before she placed another call to me to discuss the “vendor what ifs”.  Most what ifs can be covered in a small section of your contract that normally is run off to the bride in less than a minute.

The Fine Print

Maybe you guessed by now that the fine print is one of the least gone over sections of the contract.  Very rarely do vendors spend more than a minute on this part of the contract.  While I enjoy partnering with vendors, I don’t enjoy seeing anyone get ripped off.  Following these tips will ensure that you are comfortable when you leave the table.

  1.  Don’t sign anything until you have had a chance to look it over and discuss it with a second party; typically the groom.
  2. Find out what the consequences are upfront if  you fail to adhere to each bullet point or other “recommendation” mentioned in the contract.  e.g. fees, penalties, or as some call it “making provisions”  Knowing ahead of time what it will cost to have your guest enjoy an extra 1/2 hour of dancing is extremely important to your budget.
  3. Negotiate anything that you are uncomfortable with and come to mutual terms within reason.  There is no reason why you should not be comfortable with the terms of your contract.  One scenario that comes to mind is table and linen rental.   How will you return tables or linens without generating late fees if the vendor doesn’t have a driver to pick them up until Monday and it’s Saturday?  This is sort of a no brainer, but you’ll be surprised to know that there are tons of people that in the end pay the cost for services that there vendor couldn’t render.  Be sure to ask  “Where are things stored until pick up, and how do I know you will not charge me extra?”  Sometimes, you may have to negotiate the terms of contracts such as these between the vendor, and venue.
  4. Know the cancellation policy.  Are your deposits refundable and if so, full or partial?  No one likes returning money and normally if you cancel your wedding you do not get a refund.  To protect yourself, insurance and step 3 certainly come in handy!  Have the vendor notate provisions before you sign the contract and be sure that intials of both parties accompany the contract.  This way, your vendor too is accountable.

In the end, your contract depends on your ability to negotiate and your awareness.  Don’t BEWARE of the fine print; be aware of it!

Tags: contracts, fine print, negotiating, negotiating contracts, signing contracts, wedding vendors

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Wedding Gowns: To Rent or Not To Rent

June 10, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Wedding Gowns

Pros:

One of the most obvious advantages of renting a wedding dress is the money you will be able to save compared to buying your own gown. Costs could easily reach up to thousands of dollars so renting is an easy and practical option if you do not have a lot of money to spend on the dress.

Another advantage is that you will not have to worry about preserving or storing the dress after the ceremony. After the event, you simply give it back to the rental company. Most wedding gowns that are bought or specially made are worn only once and then stored away. If you are not a sentimental type of person, having a dress occupy closet space and worrying about its maintenance every once in a while may be things you would like to skip altogether.

Cons:

Some brides would balk at the idea of wearing a wedding gown that may have been worn before and something that is not exclusively theirs. There are also women that feel that their wedding gown will be something they want to pass on to their own daughters in the future and this will not be possible if they rent a ready-made gown.

It may require some work and effort to find the right size for you. It’s like finding the perfect pair of jeans, you will have to try on a lot first before you find the right one. Choices will also be limited; the scenario will be “what you see is what you get” when it comes to rental gowns.

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Wedding Gown Care

June 9, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Wedding Gowns

Nobody wants to worry about stains, rips, and anything else to mar the beauty of their wedding gown. Here are some tips to help prevent any wedding gown disasters so that you look picture perfect on your big day.

To avoid getting make up stains on your dress when you put it on, place a lightweight cloth over your face before getting your dress on. You should also practice how to get into your wedding gown prior to the actual celebration so that you will know the best way to put it on and always have someone to help you. You should also avoid touching your face and then smoothening your gown because your make up can also transfer this way and then you get unsightly stains after.

Make sure your chosen flowers are cleaned well or wrapped up to prevent any sticky residues from getting on your dress. If you are also accident-prone when it comes to drinks and desserts, you might want to stay away from red wines and chocolates during your reception and stick to drinking water or white wine. Do not forget to use your napkin so even if some food falls on your lap, it will not create stains on your dress.

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Have a Green Wedding

April 22, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Reception, Wedding Favors, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Venues, favors, green wedding

Here are some tips to help make your wedding as green as possible and to save money at the same time.

  • Instead of a new wedding gown, you can wear your mother’s gown if it is possible, maybe making it into a tradition.
  • If you feel that you need to have a new gown for your wedding, why not choose one with a style that you can wear more than once.
  • Use recycled materials for your wedding invitations.
  • Hold the ceremony and the reception at the same location. By doing this, you save on the decorations and the hassle of going from one place to another. You will save yourself and everyone else having to drive between two locations.
  • Use real cutlery instead of plastic or disposable ones. You lessen the waste and they can be used repeatedly.
  • Choose flowers locally and organically grown.
  • Potted plants will serve as table centerpieces nicely. Afterwards, you can take it home with you or give to your guests as wedding favors.
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How to Choose a Wedding Dress

January 24, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Wedding Gowns

It is every woman’s dream to walk down the aisle and look her best during her wedding day. And now that you’re busy planning yours, here are some tips to help you choose that perfect wedding dress.

  • Start looking for your wedding dress months in advance, like 6 months or more. Unless you’re buying your wedding gown online or off the rack, you should start searching as early as possible to allow enough time for shipping, and also time for any alterations just in case.
  • Choose a wedding gown that will flatter your figure by taking a sister or a close friend when you shop. Try out basic styles like an empire cut, princess, or a ball gown style and start things from there.
  • Don’t shop in just one bridal boutique – shop in as many as you can before you decide on a gown that makes you look great and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Just make sure to keep your options open and stick to your budget. Also, be on the look out for any sales that bridal boutiques will have so you can save more on your wedding gown.

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Romantic Yet Affordable Wedding Gowns

January 11, 2010 | Author: Leslie, Low Cost Ideas, Ordering Online, Wedding Gowns

If you’re looking for a romantic wedding gown that doesn’t cost too much, head onto Romantic Gowns. This site has plenty of great looking wedding gowns that cost less than $200, some even less than $100. Don’t forget to check out our post on buying wedding gowns online for some useful advice.

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