Weddings: To Save & To Splurge

I have this theory about weddings...
no. 1  They should be as much like your vision of your special day as possible.
no. 2  That doesn't mean that they should cost as much as a down payment on a new home!

...Which brings me to my third thought (and the inspiration for this post):
Save money on all the little details that make everything so special... do you really need silk ribbon when satin could look just as pretty and save you a bundle?  AND Splurge on the things that are going to remain with you long after the wedding day has passed.  I'm thinking your ring, shoes, and photographs!

{FIND IT}
-Lauren by Ralph Lauren Silk Organza Strapless Multilayered Dress, $280.00 at Macy's
-Dupioni Silk Ribbon from Midori Inc. (shown on white dress)
-Hanging Lantern idea from Martha Stewart
-Divination Cupcakes also from Martha Stewart
-Brian Danielle Pink Topaz Royalty Ring, $1,955 at Max & Chloe
-Chiffon Petal Dress, $19.80 at Forever 21
-Kate Spade Gali Heels (in Fuschia Satin), $352 at Zappos
-Emily Gallardo Calligraphy (contact for pricing)
-"Colorful Bouquet" from Martha Stewart Weddings

So lovelies, if you've already tied the knot... please consider sharing with us all, a special way that you cut back on cost while still making your big day amazing.  And would-be-brides... why not ask your most pressing wedding  questions in the comment section below and let's see if we can't get a fun and informational conversation going!  xox Ez

PS.  I just want to mention that I recognize that marriage and weddings are not for everyone.  If this applies to you, please don't take this post as a suggestion otherwise.  I've got weddings on the brain lately, with my sister about to walk down the isle in a few short weeks.  I love all you single (happily un-wed) readers too!

Pink + Black = Swoon

Let me tell you a little secret.  With all this talk about weddings you might think that I have a burning desire to tie the knot myself... but I never plan on getting married again (been there, done that).   That  being said, I do however find endless inspiration in some of the beautiful wedding blogs available for our visual pleasure... and I LOVE Martha Stewart Weddings magazine with a unrestrained passion.  Check out this recent Cameo & Black eye-candy!  If you're not getting  married, what about using this palette at your next party... or try decorating a room using her pages as inspiration!  I'm certain the results would be stunning.  For more beauty grab a current copy of Martha Stewart Weddings - on newsstands now or find some of the articles online.

D.I.Y. Wedding Bouquet

Since I started the day off with a post about affordable weddings... I thought I'd continue on that theme and show you this very simple D.I.Y. bouquet I put together today. 
All you need are flowers within your color palette, an elastic band,  a beautiful ribbon, and a glittery little bauble.
For a more expensive look try grouping several different flower varieties with a similar hue (look for an assortment of shapes and textures that will play nicely off one another)... or stick to one type grouped tightly together for a sweet and simply, chic look.

For this example I picked up two packs of beautiful daffodils from my local Trader Joe's (less then $4 for all of them).  I pulled the flowers apart and then reassembled them together to give the bouquet the shape I wanted.  Then I rubber-banded the stems in the center (under where the ribbon is), wrapped and tied a length of velvet ribbon around the band (only $1.75 from a local craft supply shop), and finished the whole thing off with a sweet little earring that I picked up at a thrift store (only $1.50 for the pair).  Tada!  Easy and pretty... don't you think?!

Chic Wedding - Small Budget

As I've mentioned before, I'm in the midst of helping one of my sisters put together her upcoming wedding/reception.  Since she's in college and on a tight budget I'm on the lookout for affordable ways to add the special little touches that make a wedding so personal and special.
Not many of us will be blowing 1M+ on our special day... so with that in mind, I pulled together this wedding look as an example of what is possible with a little forethought, work, and luck... and all on a petite budget too!

For tips and links...

Tip 1:  The wedding dress is probably one of the most special and memorable parts of any wedding.  This is your time to shine (and your look will be forever captured in all of your wedding photos) so you want to wear something that makes you look as radiant as possible. There are thousands of gowns to choose from... with prices just as varied, and it's hard to know where to start.  If you're on a serious budget I recommend that you start by checking out sites such as J.Crew for affordable well-made dresses in a variety of styles (The dress here is the Sophia Long Dress and will only set you back $225.  A total steal for a full-length silk gown!).

Tip 2:  Bridesmaid dresses.  If you've ever been selected to serveas a bridesmaid, you likely have a tragic tale to share regarding a disastrous squabble amongst the would be bridesmaids regarding the preferred style of dress (everyone always wants something different), and the inevitably hideous dress that you were then required to shell out your hard earned cash for.  If you're a bride-to-be, let your gal-pals off the hook and point them in the direction of a dress that is figure flattering and piggy bank friendly to all, such as the Mesh Corsage Dresses from Newport News (the flower on the dress is removable and they even sell matching shoes)!  For your shoes search for styles within your price range using a price and color specific search on sites such as Zappos or Nine West.  These "Arget" Heels are currently on sale for only $49.99!)

Tip 3:  Jewelry.  If you can borrow a heirloom from your mother or grandmother your adornments will be all the more lovely, but if you can't - look for unique handcrafted or vintage pieces on etsy (or your local estate sales).  Try pinning a beautiful brooch onto your bouquet or dress, or use this beautiful set of "Nostalgic Wedding - Vintage Hair Pins" (by seller Original by Lynnette) to draw attention to a beautiful up-do.

Tip 4:  I just spotted a new line of truly gorgeous customizable wedding invitation sets at my local Target the other day, and was really impressed.  I didn't find the full range online (so you'll have to head into your local store for more options), but the Jean M. Wedding Stationery Collection I've shown here is simple yet elegant, and you can't argue with the price (from $19.99 - $49.99)!  Ask a friend with flawless handwriting to help you address all the envelopes (maybe she'll do it as a gift for you).

Tip 5:  Give your guests something to remember your day by.  Favors that are simple and easily created are ideal.  These from Martha Stewart were fashioned from red crepe paper streamers (the kind you can get in any party supply shop)... the instructions can be seen right here.  What you put inside is completely up to you and your sweetie.  It doesn't need to cost a fortune to be treasured.

Tip 6:  Flowers.  Real flowers are stunning... they can take your breath away (or was that just when you got the bill)!  My favorite tip is to supplement beautifully crafted paper flowers such as these by Laurie Cinotto in place of budget gouging real ones.  If you don't want to go completely paper... Try combining natural flowers that are in a lower price range... filling out your bouquet, centerpieces, etc with paper blooms for color and depth.

Tip 8:  Yum!  Pick a cake design that is simple and sweet...and decorate it yourself (or ask a friend or family member to assist).  Read this tutorial and this one for some helpful tips. This cake is simply two rounds placed together (probably with some sort of a filling inside) and can be easily frosted with a basic buttercream frosting (colored to match your palette).  The border can be replicated by piping dots with a medium sized cake decorating tip (you can find these in the baking isle at your local Michael's or other craft stores).

I know this isn't nearly everything that you will be thinking about for your big day... but I hope that it inspires you to find creative and thrifty solutions for what is sure to be the most beautiful day of your life.

xox Ez

For more wedding ideas, check out these blogs:
-Snippet & Ink
-Style Me Pretty
-What Junebug Loves
-Something Old, Something New
-With This Ring
-Indie Wedding Guide

If you know of any great wedding blogs not mentioned here, I'd love it if you'd let me know in the comment section below!

La La Laurie

Did you all have a lovely holiday weekend?  I sure hope so!

The status of my computer is still frightfully undetermined.  I was supposed to receive a diagnosis Friday evening, but they still knew nothing by Saturday afternoon... do they not understand how frantic I am without my dear computer?!!

So... the bad news is that sometime today is the very soonest I will even know what is wrong with my baby... and then it's a lot of nail biting and stomach churning moments until they actually repair it... or tell me that I have to buy a new one (crossing fingers that this is not the case)!

...The good news is that I'll be able to use my step-father's computer starting Monday evening (though this requires some juggling, due to my daughter's holiday scheduling)... so, you can expect regular postings to resume tomorrow.  Thanks for your patience and understanding!

For now though... take a look at the gorgeous handcrafted creations of Laurie Cinotto!  I love the fanciful little woodland creatures she's skillfully embellished her work with! ...And for chic brides, her stunning Paper Flower Bouquets are true perfection (plus they'll last a lifetime)!

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