First of all, congrats to my husband's sister Tristan and the man of her dreams, Jason, who are getting married tomorrow. I just got back from the Bridal Shower, and it's just so cool to be surrounded by so much love and good feelings. We had to hand Tristan several tissues and napkins while she opened presents and cards, she was crying so much. So sweet!
Jill at Catch My Party posted a mini-interview with me on her blog, which you can read. Think of it as a mini-Recession Bride's Workshop, although you can still attend the real one next Sunday.
And welcome to the newest Workshop sponsor, The Wedding Outlet. So much good stuff, and only 24 hours in the day to enjoy it. I love the different color themes that you can choose from.
Speaking of Cool Stuff, Flowers and Mars has created Dress My Vase, a service that, well, dresses up your centerpiece vases. I'm not explaining right, just look at the website and marvel at what they're doing.
That's it for now. If I'm not able to post over the weekend, have a good one, and I'll meet you back here on Monday.
See you at the end of the aisle,
Liz C.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Wedding Wise Wednesday - July 8
Decorating Your Reception for Less:
Budget Savvy Bride is one of my Recessionista heroes - Yesterday she broke down how she saved so much money on her wedding decorations. She only spent $142 on centerpieces for 15 tables. Some of it is DIY, but as I've said before, if I can do it (and I am by no means the craftiest person in any room), then I feel safe in passing it on to you. But she did what I tell my workshop couples to do - keep it simple. Simple is often beautiful, too.
DIY, Part Deux
But, if you are a DIY-er, like I am not, Maria at livejournal explains exactly how she made wedding centerpieces and bouquets for a friend of hers, on a budget of $500, including the equipment and materials she used, prep work, what worked and what didn't,the works. Gorgeous results, too.
We Interrupt This Post for Something Really Funny:
Rob Greer, who I worked with last year at a wedding at Marvimon, decided to shoot Ken and Barbie's wedding. I'm still laughing at the "standard" shots of Barbie's shoes, and of Ken leaping over her head. Just awesome.
Free Shipping at Wedding Paper Divas:
Not only that, but Wedding Paper Divas is even going to let you combine the free shipping with a coupon for 10% off their signature collection, if you order by July 20th. Use the code "FREESHIP" for the well, shipping, and "Sale10" for the discount.
How to Weigh Zero Pounds on Your Wedding Day
Must be seen to be believed. Although I am wondering what they put for "location" on their marriage license...
We Interrupt This Post for the Coolest Wedding Invitations,Like, EVER:
Ariel over at Offbeat Bride just posted about a couple who sent out amazing, awesome 3-d view-finder invitations. Can you imagine getting a view finder in the mail? How cool is that? It makes me want to run out and rent the camera they used and 3-D everything. I dare you to resist the urge as well.
Bridal Shows, We've Got Bridal Shows!
Well, just one, actually, but it's the biggest, by far. I'm even dropping by it, even though my sister-in-law's wedding is a few hours later. Bride Expo L.A. County will be at the Los Angeles Convention Center this Saturday and Sunday, from 10am - 4pm both days. $10 admission, $8 if you register online.
That's it for this week.Make sure to sign up for the Recession Bride's Workshop on July 19th. You can use the code "WedCharmEarly" at checkout to get a $10 discount. Because really, why not start saving money right away? I'll see you there!
Budget Savvy Bride is one of my Recessionista heroes - Yesterday she broke down how she saved so much money on her wedding decorations. She only spent $142 on centerpieces for 15 tables. Some of it is DIY, but as I've said before, if I can do it (and I am by no means the craftiest person in any room), then I feel safe in passing it on to you. But she did what I tell my workshop couples to do - keep it simple. Simple is often beautiful, too.
DIY, Part Deux
But, if you are a DIY-er, like I am not, Maria at livejournal explains exactly how she made wedding centerpieces and bouquets for a friend of hers, on a budget of $500, including the equipment and materials she used, prep work, what worked and what didn't,the works. Gorgeous results, too.
We Interrupt This Post for Something Really Funny:
Rob Greer, who I worked with last year at a wedding at Marvimon, decided to shoot Ken and Barbie's wedding. I'm still laughing at the "standard" shots of Barbie's shoes, and of Ken leaping over her head. Just awesome.
Free Shipping at Wedding Paper Divas:
Not only that, but Wedding Paper Divas is even going to let you combine the free shipping with a coupon for 10% off their signature collection, if you order by July 20th. Use the code "FREESHIP" for the well, shipping, and "Sale10" for the discount.
How to Weigh Zero Pounds on Your Wedding Day
Must be seen to be believed. Although I am wondering what they put for "location" on their marriage license...
We Interrupt This Post for the Coolest Wedding Invitations,Like, EVER:
Ariel over at Offbeat Bride just posted about a couple who sent out amazing, awesome 3-d view-finder invitations. Can you imagine getting a view finder in the mail? How cool is that? It makes me want to run out and rent the camera they used and 3-D everything. I dare you to resist the urge as well.
Bridal Shows, We've Got Bridal Shows!
Well, just one, actually, but it's the biggest, by far. I'm even dropping by it, even though my sister-in-law's wedding is a few hours later. Bride Expo L.A. County will be at the Los Angeles Convention Center this Saturday and Sunday, from 10am - 4pm both days. $10 admission, $8 if you register online.
That's it for this week.Make sure to sign up for the Recession Bride's Workshop on July 19th. You can use the code "WedCharmEarly" at checkout to get a $10 discount. Because really, why not start saving money right away? I'll see you there!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Toilet Paper Wedding Dresses and Temple of Groom's in-your-FACE win
Okay, she made this out of TOILET PAPER!
Cheap Chic Weddings held the contest,and this is the winner. And she made a hat to go with it. PLUS, the top six dresses are going to be displayed in Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum.
Over at Temple of Groom, he threw down the final card in our ongoing debate over whether he has to have a cake at his wedding. And it's a doozy - Jack and Jackie Kennedy? Did not have wedding cake. HE PULLED THE KENNEDYS ON ME!!!I have no choice but to bow in concession.
Dana's crowing over at Broke Ass Bride because her new venture, Bride $Share, just got a shout out on Bride's Magazine's blog. Yay, Dana! But I mentioned it on my blog first, so there! Scooping Bride's Magazine is one of the many pleasures that I've had today. And it's been a pretty good day.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wedding Wise Wednesday - July 1st
July already, huh? Is it me, or is this year getting out of here in a hurry? It's really funny, but pretty much every weekend between now and September 6th is taken up for me. Except the weekend of August 21st. Anyone getting married August 21st? Because I'm free...for now.
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle In Style
I told you I was going to let you in on this cool thing Dana, the Broke-Ass Bride, is doing. It's called Bride $hare. And I quote, "Bride$hare is a social networking site designed to help brides save money by sharing wedding-related resources and goods. Decor, apparel, rentals, and even vendors can be shared, swapped, or sold through Bride$hare connections."Pretty cool. I've already joined, because this is going to come in pretty handy bride-wise. Speaking of which, Erin, did you ever get a taker for those 100 mason jars? Ellen and Patrick may be able to use those.
What are you going to put YOUR Wedding Pictures On?
Shutterfly.com has expanded their wedding collection. Thank you cards! Canvas prints! Coasters! I have to confess, the idea of wedding coasters with your wedding pictures on them amuse me. I know just who I'm going to get those for.
WE INTERRUPT THIS POST FOR SOMETHING COOL THAT MY PHOTOGRAPHER FRIEND IS DOING
You ever wondered who those artists/photographers are that have their art up on the walls at Whole Foods? Me, too. Well, if you're at the Santa Monica store on Wilshire, that photographer is April Rocha, who I wrote about back in May as one of the few both great and reasonably priced photographers in L.A. April says that her pictures are on the wall near the restroom, which we all agree is a prime location, traffic-wise, right? Yay, April! Also, while you're on her site, check out her etsy store - pretty, pretty, pretty.
Bridal Back-up To the Extreme
Mrs. Bee over at Wedding Bee created the Ultimate Bridal Emergency Kit for a friend. This is pretty much all you and yours will ever need on your wedding day, and trust me, it will come in handy afterward. Set it out when you're having guests at home, keep it in the car, keep it in your office. And, since you'll have a little bit of time, you can do what Mrs. Bee couldn't do and bargain shop for most of it. For instance, she got the Tide pen for $3.99, but you can easily find it at the 99 cents store for, well, 99 cents. Or hit up Target or Walmart. You get the idea.
The prettiest email wedding invitations of all!
Over the past few weeks, I've introduced you to a few email invitation possibilities, but I am officially in love. Paperless Post let's you customize beautiful, beautiful wedding evites, and the cost comes to $5 for 60 of them, and no ads. Sigh. I really, seriously, want to have a ceremony renewal so I can use all this stuff. We wedding planners are not immune. The New York Times did a great article on the company, too.
Returning Favorites:
Last but not least, The Wedding Outlet is having a Fourth of July Sale - 10% off everything from now until July 6th. And while you're over there, check out their various inspiration boards, which pull different colors and themes together. It'll give you some ideas, mostly good ones.
That's it for now. I re-designed my website a little bit more, so check it out. Next Recession Bride's Workshop is July 19th, and you can still take advantage of the $10 "Early Bride" Discount by using the code WEDCHARMEARLY at checkout. Happy Fourth, everyone!
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle In Style
I told you I was going to let you in on this cool thing Dana, the Broke-Ass Bride, is doing. It's called Bride $hare. And I quote, "Bride$hare is a social networking site designed to help brides save money by sharing wedding-related resources and goods. Decor, apparel, rentals, and even vendors can be shared, swapped, or sold through Bride$hare connections."Pretty cool. I've already joined, because this is going to come in pretty handy bride-wise. Speaking of which, Erin, did you ever get a taker for those 100 mason jars? Ellen and Patrick may be able to use those.
What are you going to put YOUR Wedding Pictures On?
Shutterfly.com has expanded their wedding collection. Thank you cards! Canvas prints! Coasters! I have to confess, the idea of wedding coasters with your wedding pictures on them amuse me. I know just who I'm going to get those for.
WE INTERRUPT THIS POST FOR SOMETHING COOL THAT MY PHOTOGRAPHER FRIEND IS DOING
You ever wondered who those artists/photographers are that have their art up on the walls at Whole Foods? Me, too. Well, if you're at the Santa Monica store on Wilshire, that photographer is April Rocha, who I wrote about back in May as one of the few both great and reasonably priced photographers in L.A. April says that her pictures are on the wall near the restroom, which we all agree is a prime location, traffic-wise, right? Yay, April! Also, while you're on her site, check out her etsy store - pretty, pretty, pretty.
Bridal Back-up To the Extreme
Mrs. Bee over at Wedding Bee created the Ultimate Bridal Emergency Kit for a friend. This is pretty much all you and yours will ever need on your wedding day, and trust me, it will come in handy afterward. Set it out when you're having guests at home, keep it in the car, keep it in your office. And, since you'll have a little bit of time, you can do what Mrs. Bee couldn't do and bargain shop for most of it. For instance, she got the Tide pen for $3.99, but you can easily find it at the 99 cents store for, well, 99 cents. Or hit up Target or Walmart. You get the idea.
The prettiest email wedding invitations of all!
Over the past few weeks, I've introduced you to a few email invitation possibilities, but I am officially in love. Paperless Post let's you customize beautiful, beautiful wedding evites, and the cost comes to $5 for 60 of them, and no ads. Sigh. I really, seriously, want to have a ceremony renewal so I can use all this stuff. We wedding planners are not immune. The New York Times did a great article on the company, too.
Returning Favorites:
Last but not least, The Wedding Outlet is having a Fourth of July Sale - 10% off everything from now until July 6th. And while you're over there, check out their various inspiration boards, which pull different colors and themes together. It'll give you some ideas, mostly good ones.
That's it for now. I re-designed my website a little bit more, so check it out. Next Recession Bride's Workshop is July 19th, and you can still take advantage of the $10 "Early Bride" Discount by using the code WEDCHARMEARLY at checkout. Happy Fourth, everyone!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, Monday
There's this great article on "Where to Get Engaged", aimed at the guys, about how to make your wedding night special. First rule - she took care of the wedding, you take care of the wedding suite...and here's how. Very helpful and shall I say...delicate...post. Enjoy.
Broke-ass Bride just posted about the Recession Bride's Workshop today - Yay! I love Erin's site, and since I'm constantly mining it for my Wedding Wise Wednesday posts, I'm pretty thrilled. Actually, I'm going to be telling you about another one of her endeavours this week, so stay tuned.
Kendra Wilkenson, you know, the ex-Bunny who was one of Hef's girls next door? Just got married this weekend, and she ordered a bunch of favors from Weddingish. I went by there this weekend to drop off some postcards, and Raya was in the middle of packing up, like, 300 football shaped cookies. Those were custom-designed, but she's also got some other cool cookie choices online. PLUS, Kendra wore Raya's "High-Maintenance Bride" tank top on her way to her honeymoon. Weddingish is blowing up! I'm going to be seeing Raya again next week, when I go shopping for my sister-in-law's bridal shower present.
Also, I am still looking for a couple to marry during ComiCon. Didn't think I was going to give up on that, did you?
Broke-ass Bride just posted about the Recession Bride's Workshop today - Yay! I love Erin's site, and since I'm constantly mining it for my Wedding Wise Wednesday posts, I'm pretty thrilled. Actually, I'm going to be telling you about another one of her endeavours this week, so stay tuned.
Kendra Wilkenson, you know, the ex-Bunny who was one of Hef's girls next door? Just got married this weekend, and she ordered a bunch of favors from Weddingish. I went by there this weekend to drop off some postcards, and Raya was in the middle of packing up, like, 300 football shaped cookies. Those were custom-designed, but she's also got some other cool cookie choices online. PLUS, Kendra wore Raya's "High-Maintenance Bride" tank top on her way to her honeymoon. Weddingish is blowing up! I'm going to be seeing Raya again next week, when I go shopping for my sister-in-law's bridal shower present.
Also, I am still looking for a couple to marry during ComiCon. Didn't think I was going to give up on that, did you?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Supermarket Flowers into Wedding Day Dreams AND Confessions of a Wedding Planner
Great article on Real and Simple's website about turning supermarket flowers into wedding boquets. "Real Simple" is right - even I could put these together, and they're beautiful.
Cosmopolitan magazine has an article up on their website called, "Confessions of a Wedding Planner", where the wedding planner in questions talks about five "red flags" that are signs that a couple is in trouble. Bottom line: COMMUNICATE. WITH EACH OTHER. And let your guy help pick the cake.
My confession as a wedding planner? I'm glad that Ellen and Patrick picked a wedding site. Yay! The winner was Adamson House, which wasn't really a surprise, especially after I sent them pictures that Jen and Nate from B&G shot there last month. Totally brought the pretty, and Adamson house will give their midwest and east coast guests the quintessential California beach experience.
Cosmopolitan magazine has an article up on their website called, "Confessions of a Wedding Planner", where the wedding planner in questions talks about five "red flags" that are signs that a couple is in trouble. Bottom line: COMMUNICATE. WITH EACH OTHER. And let your guy help pick the cake.
My confession as a wedding planner? I'm glad that Ellen and Patrick picked a wedding site. Yay! The winner was Adamson House, which wasn't really a surprise, especially after I sent them pictures that Jen and Nate from B&G shot there last month. Totally brought the pretty, and Adamson house will give their midwest and east coast guests the quintessential California beach experience.
Posting Your Party at Catch My Party
You know, I hate it when after I've posted the week's Wedding Wise Wednesday post, I learn about something cool that could have gone in the post!!! Catch My Party is a new photo-sharing site that lets you create what I think of as an individual blog about your party. Post your pictures, write what the highlights of the day were for you, and there's a comment section at the bottom for your guests to talk about what an awesome time everyone had. Some great examples here and here. When I talked to the owner, Jillian Tohber Leslie, she said that the whole point was to give people the opportunity to personalize the experience of their parties - what do they remember the most? What were the highlights for them, who was the best dressed, even what was the most embarassing thing that happened that day. Very cool. I do believe that I will be posting about a party myself this Fourth of July, so stay tuned.
Jillian also posted on her blog about my continuing search for a bride and groom to marry at Comicon next month. I love the picture, which I linked to myself in my post about geek weddings, that started this whole crusade.
Ooh, and also! The Recession Bride's Workshop! The "Early Bride" Discount of $10 ends this weekend, so go ahead and sign up. Also, if you're not able to make it on the 19th, you can download a recording of last month's workshop - just visit my website for details.
Jillian also posted on her blog about my continuing search for a bride and groom to marry at Comicon next month. I love the picture, which I linked to myself in my post about geek weddings, that started this whole crusade.
Ooh, and also! The Recession Bride's Workshop! The "Early Bride" Discount of $10 ends this weekend, so go ahead and sign up. Also, if you're not able to make it on the 19th, you can download a recording of last month's workshop - just visit my website for details.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wedding Wise Wednesday - June 24th
It's the 24th already? Wow. Time is going by fast. Sooner than you know it, I'll be at Comicon coordinating a wedding on the tradeshow floor. Perhaps...yours? Let me know.
Sales, We've Got Online Sales:
Bluefly.com has a crazy sale on Nicole Miller's wedding collection, but of course, it's only through today, so you'll have to hurry. Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, you name it.
WeddingOutlet.com now has weekly wedding specials. It's a great place to go if you're trying to match your accessories to a color or theme, and they also have a gorgeous variety of DIY Invitation kits.
WE INTERRUPT THIS POST FOR A REALLY COOL WEDDING IDEA:
Elizabeth over at Elizabeth Anne Designs just got married herself, and she had the coolest idea. She left song request cards on all her tables, so everyone could write down a song they each wanted to hear and give the card to the DJ. So awesome, what a great way to have your guests be an active part of your reception. She says that everyone's song was played, too. I think I need the number of her DJ...
All About the Cake:
Over at Etsy Weddings,manda3718 is making and selling Fake Damask Wedding Cakes, which are custom designed with your colors. And the cake comes with wedding tips - you can order up to 4 tiers, display at your wedding and then cut up a much less expensive sheet cake to serve to guests. You can have a bakery make a real cake that matches the upper tier design on the fake cake, and cut that for pictures. And you'll have a tasty snack to take back to your hotel room that night. The fake cake is only $200, and shipping is only $8, which surprised me. She needs a couple of weeks lead time to make them. She has two designs - one based on a Martha Stewart cake, another that looks like it was based on something Ace of Cakes would come up with. Both cute, though.
Speaking of Martha Stewart, DIY Bride has posted some tips from the editor of Martha Stewart Magazine on how to save money on wedding planning (one of my favorite subjects). My favorite is about the cake, and I quote, "Order a moderately priced, plainly decorated cake, and make the focal point the cake topper. Vintage bride-and-groom figurines, wedding bells, horseshoes, a basket filled with fruit, or a pair of doves (from an antiques shop or handmade) are classic symbols that can make a cake memorable." Not to mention all the quirky and cool wedding cake toppers out there, Which you can get at Etsy Weddings, WeddingOutlet.com, or Weddingish.
Bridal Shows This Weekend:
The Bellisima Bride Boutique Bridal Show
Sunday, June 28, 2009 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Wilshire Grand Los Angeles
930 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90017
Tickets are $8, or $4 if you pre-register at www.bellisimabride.com
Here Come The Brides, The Elegant Bridal Experience
Sunday, June 28, 2009 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fine Arts Building, Fairplex-Pomona
1101 West McKinley Avenue
Gate #1-directly to show
Pomona CA 91768
$7.00 with web site coupon, $9.00 at door
HereComeTheBrides.net
So, that's it for this week. I just re-designed my website, so be sure to take a look, and if you haven't already, register for the next Recession Bride's Workshop on July 19th. If you sign up by Friday, you can take advantage of the "Early Bride" $10 discount by entering the code "WedCharmEarly" at checkout. See you at the end of the aisle...
Sales, We've Got Online Sales:
Bluefly.com has a crazy sale on Nicole Miller's wedding collection, but of course, it's only through today, so you'll have to hurry. Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, you name it.
WeddingOutlet.com now has weekly wedding specials. It's a great place to go if you're trying to match your accessories to a color or theme, and they also have a gorgeous variety of DIY Invitation kits.
WE INTERRUPT THIS POST FOR A REALLY COOL WEDDING IDEA:
Elizabeth over at Elizabeth Anne Designs just got married herself, and she had the coolest idea. She left song request cards on all her tables, so everyone could write down a song they each wanted to hear and give the card to the DJ. So awesome, what a great way to have your guests be an active part of your reception. She says that everyone's song was played, too. I think I need the number of her DJ...
All About the Cake:
Over at Etsy Weddings,manda3718 is making and selling Fake Damask Wedding Cakes, which are custom designed with your colors. And the cake comes with wedding tips - you can order up to 4 tiers, display at your wedding and then cut up a much less expensive sheet cake to serve to guests. You can have a bakery make a real cake that matches the upper tier design on the fake cake, and cut that for pictures. And you'll have a tasty snack to take back to your hotel room that night. The fake cake is only $200, and shipping is only $8, which surprised me. She needs a couple of weeks lead time to make them. She has two designs - one based on a Martha Stewart cake, another that looks like it was based on something Ace of Cakes would come up with. Both cute, though.
Speaking of Martha Stewart, DIY Bride has posted some tips from the editor of Martha Stewart Magazine on how to save money on wedding planning (one of my favorite subjects). My favorite is about the cake, and I quote, "Order a moderately priced, plainly decorated cake, and make the focal point the cake topper. Vintage bride-and-groom figurines, wedding bells, horseshoes, a basket filled with fruit, or a pair of doves (from an antiques shop or handmade) are classic symbols that can make a cake memorable." Not to mention all the quirky and cool wedding cake toppers out there, Which you can get at Etsy Weddings, WeddingOutlet.com, or Weddingish.
Bridal Shows This Weekend:
The Bellisima Bride Boutique Bridal Show
Sunday, June 28, 2009 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Wilshire Grand Los Angeles
930 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90017
Tickets are $8, or $4 if you pre-register at www.bellisimabride.com
Here Come The Brides, The Elegant Bridal Experience
Sunday, June 28, 2009 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fine Arts Building, Fairplex-Pomona
1101 West McKinley Avenue
Gate #1-directly to show
Pomona CA 91768
$7.00 with web site coupon, $9.00 at door
HereComeTheBrides.net
So, that's it for this week. I just re-designed my website, so be sure to take a look, and if you haven't already, register for the next Recession Bride's Workshop on July 19th. If you sign up by Friday, you can take advantage of the "Early Bride" $10 discount by entering the code "WedCharmEarly" at checkout. See you at the end of the aisle...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
