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2010-01-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

Save Money, Plan Better

FREE Wedding Invitations...

2009-03-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

How much do you like this invitation suite. How much more would you like it if I told you that it was FREE! Don't you love this country! This absolutely awesome and FREE invitation suite came to me via The Wedding Chicks. Check it out.

Read below on download instructions and how to see this invite in your color palette for Free.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download Navy Damask Zip Wedding Suite Here (The file includes an invites, response card and Thank You card.

2. In order to avoid cutting the invites purchase Flat Card Stock from Paper Source
Invite Card Stock, Response Card Stock and Thank You Card Stock

5. You can download the Calligraphy style font for free here. You have to then install the font on your computer. Or use any fancy font that you like.

4. Open up the document you wish to print such as the invite. Print out your desired amount. We recommend a few extras. The invite will simply have the design on it and have a blank middle.

5. Open up the word documents that are in the word documents folder and type in your personal text. You may have to fiddle with it to get the correct spacing since everyone’s wording will vary.

Creating your own wedding photobooth...

2009-03-26T00:12:00.001-07:00

I loved this post from Green Wedding Shoes. In about a year I will do this at my 5 year vow renewal. And to think there are so many inexpensive ways to do it. Calling all readers...calling all readers, you have to let me know which one you liked the best. I am all for the brilliant yellow. The ideas are endless. Hey, if you have done it we would love to post your pics.

The photo booth is one thing I wish I had done at my wedding - I really love this idea. It's such a fun way to get some great photos of all your guests - you are much more likely to get photos of all the guests at your wedding, and I can guarantee they'll be enjoying themselves! I think using fabric as a background is a great idea for an outdoor photo booth in your backyard. I love these photos from Chelsea and Tec's and wedding photographed by Jose Villa.

A bold, bright pattern can really make a fun statement. Photo on the left from Lena Corwin's wedding and the right from this wedding photographed by Steven Mastroianni.

Urban Outfitters has some great patterned sheets that would work great (all swatches above from Urban). You could even get a few to mix things up. Other great places include IKEA, your local fabric store, or the LA Fashion District.

I love the photos from this next wedding. The bride's father and sister painted the wedding logo on the side of the house! It allowed for some great photos using it as the backdrop. Probably not doable for most of us - but still love it!! Photography from Cheri Pearl via Snippet and Ink.

Maybe fabric isn't your thing. Check out this amazing wood structure this couple made for their wedding! They had a bunch of them spread out around their wedding location.

{More photos from this amazing wedding photographed by Kyle Hale here via Design Sponge}

Props also help your guests have more fun. These could be: fun hats, glasses, mustaches, a sofa, umbrellas, something that fits with your wedding theme ... the ideas are endless! You can have your photographer's assistant work the camera - or set up a tripod with your own digital camera and a self timer.

Anyone planning to make your own photo booth for your wedding?

Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press Giveaway!

2009-03-25T23:52:00.001-07:00

Are you in the mood for another giveaway? I love giveaways. They remind of what I will never win. But I hope you do! Click on the Southern Weddings Blog link to enter.

How adorable are these ring bearer pillows and garter sets? Lucky for you, our latest contest will give one lucky reader the chance to add a fanciful touch to their dream day with one of these gorgeous designs from Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press! We love that {Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press} provides unique, hand-made, personalized announcements, invitations, and assorted products that add an element of whimsy to your event. From luxurious ring bearer pillows and garter sets to custom boutonnières and stunning jewelry, Sweet Biscuit Paper and Press has so much to offer to make your special day even more special!

Win: A ring bearer pillow and ribbon flower garter set!

To Enter: In honor of the arrival of spring on March 20th, leave a comment on this post describing your favorite thing about this time of year. Yay for birds, blooms, and blue skies! Winner will be chosen at random.

Contest Ends Tuesday, March 31st at midnight! Good luck everyone!

Update: Photoshop Invitation Workshop

2009-03-25T23:24:00.001-07:00

This is such a great opportunity for all of your West Coast Brides. You can win the opportunity to be in the audience of a Martha Stewart Show. Not just any Martha Stewart Show but a Martha Stewart Wedding Show! ....I know! This post came to us via The Martha Stewart Weddings Blog. Click on their link to see the full details.

Posted by Darcy Miller, Editorial Director

It's that time again. On April 15th, Martha is hosting an hour-long episode dedicated to weddings. where we'll be discussing the latest trends in preparing for your big day. The entire studio audience will be filled with brides-to-be, and we want you to be in it! Enter for a chance to win 2 VIP tickets to be part of the live studio audience at The Martha Stewart Show by emailing your name, address, phone number, and email address to bridesguide@marthastewart.com.

The winner will receive two seats in the audience, a meet and greet with me, and a backstage tour. MARTHA tapes at the Chelsea Television Studios located on W. 26th Street in New York, NY. The winner is responsible for their own transportation and lodging.

Good Luck!

Wedding Photographer Giveaway!

2009-03-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

More Wedding Photography Giveaways. Check it out. This giveaway comes to us from the Bridal Inquirer Blog and is for the Southern Cali bride. If this is you, don't hesitate to enter. Make sure you pay close attention to the contest rules. Good luck!!!

It’s GIVEAWAY time!!! This is our biggest giveaway to date! Sean Schofield…who was my very own wedding photographer has offered one VERY LUCKY Bridal Inquirer reader a FREE engagement photo session!!! This giveaway includes 1-2 hours at your desired location (within San Diego County), 50 of the best high resolution images on a disc AND if you book him for your wedding, he is going to throw in a 20 page leather bound guest book with photos from your e-session (valued at $415.00)! To see more of his work, make sure you check out his full website here. This giveaway is worth a roadtrip if you live in OC or LA!

(Congrats to Amy & Alex who are getting married in July ‘09. Photos by Sean Schofield, of course!)

How to Win: All you have to do to win is join the Bridal Inquirer Forum (fast, easy & free), and post a photo of you and your fiance and tell us how he/she proposed!

BONUS entries: for each additional wedding related question you ask on the forum (make ‘em good girls), you can get an additional entry!!! (limit/max 5 entries) Must be new questions starting from today’s date (03/13/09).

This contest starts today 03/13/09 and runs through 6:00pm PDT on 03/31/09. Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on 04/01/09. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!!

P.S. BIG THANKS to The Relentless Bride for sharing this giveaway with her readers! xoxo

More wedding flowers on your budget

2009-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another wedding flower workshop for the Southern Cali Bride. You just might see me there! Thanks to Grey Likes Wedding Blog for sharing this news.

Here are the details and sign-up information for our workshop! Spaces are limited, so be sure to register as soon as you know you can attend!

{w h e n} March 28, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 in the afternoon

{w h e r e} Lake Park Clubhouse at Lake and 12th Street in Huntington Beach

{f i n e p r i n t} The DIY Floral Workshop has two price options: one attendee or two attendees. One attendee option is $120 and includes flowers to create one bouquet and one arrangement (each worth much more than $200 at retail price) as well as materials, instruction and champagne, of course. Two attendee option is $140 and allows for a share project. Partners can choose to split their flowers (resulting in much smaller final products) or work together on the arrangements. Additional materials are provided for added attendee.

{r e g i s t e r} to purchase your reservation click HERE. Add the one attendee or two attendee option to your cart. You’ll be directed to paypal for secure payment. Payment is NON-refundable.

{q u e s t i o n s} email greylikesweddings@gmail.com

Affordable Couture Wedding Invitations

2009-03-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

I heart Kelly Ashworth Designs. She is actually redesigning our business cards and postcards. I can't wait to show them to you. So when I heard that she is making couture invitations affordable for the everyday bride, well...you know I just had to spread the word. Thanks to Blue Orchid Designs for sharing this news!

While I consider myself creative, I am not exactly the world's best do-it-yourselfer, especially when it comes to crafting things with my own hands. See exhibit A: the Martha Stewart tissue pom-poms gone wrong. And when it comes to invitations - forget about it. My pocketbook however, often reminds me that I just can't forget about it.

Cutting the right strips of paper, getting the layers and margins correct, and determing just how much ribbon I'll need is a tedious task and one I do not enjoy. By the time it's all said and done, it looks like a project that my 18 month old nephew worked on. And I give him full credit when anyone asks who created my current masterpiece.

That is why I am so thrilled that the forever talented Kelly Ashworth of Kelly Ashworth Design released her signature invitation kits this week! That's right - everything you need to make a gorgeous invitation - the ribbon, the paper, the layers, etc - all right in one place. The kits include all the goods for 50 invitations and all you have to do is run the invitation paper through your printer, assemble and then wait for the rave reviews to come in from your guests when they open their envelopes.

Not only are the first designs Kelly has launched super cute, but they are affordable. As a rule of thumb, an invitation generally runs the same price as a nice greeting card. So for an entire invitation to be less than $2 each is a serious deal. Bonus: her designs are perfect for any fete you need to throw: baby showers, bridal showers, you name it.

You can learn more about Kelly on her website and blog, and you can purchase your invitation kits through her Etsy store.

Wedding Photographer Giveaway!

2009-03-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Are you in the mood for more wedding photographer giveaways. Well I have an awesome giveaway from Corbin Gurkin via the Green Wedding Shoes blog. Win Win Win!

Still need a photographer? Corbin Gurkin emailed me the other day with this amazing giveaway and I think her photography style fits in so perfect with Green Wedding Shoes readers. Check out these amazing photos!

Details from Corbin:
In honor of our new studio option, Carnival Vintage by Corbin Gurkin Photography, we are pleased to offer a rare opportunity for one style savvy bride - a completely customized wedding package on us!

The “vintage” bride of our selection will receive:
Complete Wedding Day Photography coverage with Corbin at the venue of your choice (destination weddings welcome!)
High Resolution Disk of all edited images
Online posting via http:www.corbingurkin.com
Custom made 8x8 Vintage style wedding album with 50 images

Bride & Groom provides:
Travel expenses to your desired venue/location
Hotel for 2-3 nights (depending on location)
Airport transfers
Rental Car (if needed)

The Fine Print:
The winning couple will be judged on their vintage design ideas, story behind their venue choice, and plan to embrace the “old”. We want to hear how you plan to infuse vintage elements into your wedding day – the sky is the limit, just inspire us!. If you have already selected a photographer, we do not wish to take a way from our talented colleagues’ business, so please do not submit your wedding for consideration. Your wedding date must take place between October 1st, 2009 and May 1st 2010.

To submit your wedding please email { photo@corbingurkin.com } with your name, contact details, wedding date, venue, a photo of you and your fiancé, along with a detailed description of your “vintage” design ideas including any useful details about your vendors, color theme, ceremony style, etc.

Deadline: March 20, 2009

Thanks Corbin!

Wedding flowers on your budget...

2009-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Fine. I am coming out the closet. Yes, I secretly wish I was also a floral designer. So when I saw this post by Lisa on the Here Comes the Guide blog I had to share. This post is for all of you "closet floral designer wishers so that you can save money on your flowers" bride. Enjoy!

Planning your dream wedding on a very real budget? You’re not alone. Cutting back on the pricey parts of your wedding is never easy, but if you have even an ounce of “do-it-yourself” spirit, you might find some of the tasks you had planned to pass off to a pro are kind of fun to DIY.

Case in point: the flowers. While we think no one can take the place of one of our Certified By The Guide floral designers, you may find that someone you know and love may indeed have to take a pro’s place: your mother or sister, perhaps. But before you send Mom to the flower market with a handful of color swatches and good intentions, she may need a little professional guidance.

With that goal in mind, East Bay floral designer Patricia Gibbons is holding a Design Your Own Wedding Flowers workshop. The March 22nd event will demonstrate how to create bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres. You’ll learn lots of helpful tips on how to keep the flowers fresh and beautiful, and how to properly use color to make your flowers look amazing.

Need more help? Patricia’s also planning another workshop that will focus on reception flowers, with tips for saving money on your centerpieces. Just email or call Patricia to register and find out the where and when.

Wedding Workshop: Design Your Own Wedding Flowers
When: March 22, 2009
Fee: $85
Contact: 510/527-3197 or email Patricia for further info.

Real $10,000 Wedding Inspiration: Jennifer and Christian VIII

2009-02-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

Yes, its true. The bride and groom really stuck to their $10,000 budget. And yes, this wedding is absolutely stunning. There is something to be said about a bride that literally uses her resources. Jennifer is so lucky to have a mom who could help with floral, and be creative enough to own her own letterpress studio...I know. Oh and did I mention that this $10,000 affair took place in Barcelona, Spain. Thanks to Style Me Pretty for sharing this $10000 wonder.

photography by Yvonne Wong

From Jennifer…

We scoped and planned everything via internet, relying on photographs and email communication. I even found my quasi-wedding coordinator on Barcelona’s Craigslist. We also reserved an entire apartment rental building so that all our guests could stay together. We even started a blog to help guests plan their trip. It was a completely virtual affair!

One other quick tidbit…I also wanted to mention (brag, really) that my wedding dress was an Alberta Ferretti that I found at Filene’s Basement closing sale for under $100.

***

The details from today’s featured wedding are what really sing. The bride was so incredibly thoughtful with her favors…capturing the essense of the natural surroundings with small jars of Spanish Paprika, paired with her own passion for letterpressed stationery. There is a sense of cohesiveness with each and every element and yet nothing seems overly matched or designed. I love that.

photos by Yvonne Wong

Here are the details from the bride, Jennifer…

I am fortunate to have my own letterpress studio, so I letterpressed everything and anything I could. The hardest part was deciding on a design. Favors included a glass vial of Spanish Paprika that doubled as a placecard holder in addition to letterpressed stationery personalized with each guest’s name.

Welcome baskets included travel/information packets (filled with contact info, wedding venue, directions, local sights, restaurant recommendations - all letterpressed, of course), wine, toiletries, Spanish playing cards, first aid kit, Evian Facial Spray, detergent for the washing machines and leather luggage tags.

Since we arranged lodging for our guests, everyone also received a packet in the mail in advance of flying to Spain - a letterpressed card and map with the apartment address to show the cab driver at the airport in case language was an issue. We also sent postcards from Spain to each of our guests (so they would receive them upon their return), thanking them for making the long haul to Europe on our behalf. (Some only took 4 days to arrive!)

* * *

To have your own letterpress studio is pretty unique and definitely shaved a pretty penny off the overall cost. With that said, you can achieve a really similar feel, using nice card stock and your home computer/printer. If you aren’t design-savvy, enlist the help of a friend who is, to help you create a wedding brand of sorts that you can weave into different, unexpected elements.

Here are Jennifer’s sources some of the products that she used…the glass vials were found at Specialty Bottle, the Table Runner was found at Target for $9.99 though is no longer available (they do have some cute designs though) and the blue stationery boxes were found at US Box.

Photoshop Invitation Workshop

2009-02-27T13:39:00.001-08:00

I so need this! I actually tried to create something on photoshop {my 5 days away from birth baby brain is not allowing me to remember.} All that I can remember is that it took forever and was a real pain. Matter of fact, I don't think I actually did it at all. I so wish this workshop was being offered a long time ago. It would have saved me countless hours scouring photoshop tutorials on You Tube. Check out the DIY Bride to stay posted.

I’m delighted to present the first event of DIY Bride Workshop Series. Beginning March 15, 2009 Going Digital 101: Using Photoshop to Create Kick-Ass Invites will be available for registration. In this free three-lesson, self-paced video-based course, you’ll learn the basic tools and how to use them to create gorgeous wedding invitations and stationery.

What You’ll Learn:

How to open files in Photoshop
Learn the function of and how to use basic Photoshop tools
Add text and photos to a layout
Save your layout in printable format
Select fonts and photographs
Install and use brushes, patterns, and shapes
Add digital patterned paper to an invite layout
Learn about color theory
Get a primer on layout and design basics
Learn about printing options

Each video lesson is divided into short, doable tasks that will have you up and running with Photoshop in no time. Because this is a self-paced workshop, you can stop, rewind, and restart the videos as many times as needed.

With this workshop, you’ll get:

A downloadable invite kit that contains an invitation template, patterned paper, fonts, brushes, and other embellishments so that you can follow along with our tutorials.

IMPORTANT: This workshop requires that users have Adobe Photoshop. You can download free 30-day trials of this program from the Adobe.com website.

Registration is open beginning on March 15, 2009. The course will be available on March 16 and will remain open to registered workshop attendees indefinitely.

Do you want a canvas print of your wedding pics?

2009-02-25T10:15:00.001-08:00

I try not to get sooo excited when it comes to giveaways, but I just couldn't help it with this one. Classic Bride is doing a canvas and poster print giveaway! The excitement will build once you take a look at the pic. Well I entered, and if I win, one lucky reader that shows themselves by leaving a comment will win as well. Good luck!

{from MS Weddings}

Remember this idea of having your favorite wedding shots printed on canvas? I'm still smitten with the idea and am having a group shot from our wedding printed in sepia tone on a gallery-wrapped canvas. I can hardly wait to see it!

And the *best* part is that I get to share the fun! Online Poster Printing has offered to give away 1 canvas print (16x20, gallery wrapped) and 2 Poster Prints (16x20) to 3 lucky Classic Bride readers! Wedding photos and engagement photos always look great as canvas and poster prints!

To enter:
Comment below telling me what you would do with your canvas print or poster print if you win! Make sure to include a valid e-mail address so we have a way of contacting you! The contest will run until Friday, March 6 at midnight CST and the winners will be announced the following Monday. Contestants outside of the US/CAN must pay shipping if they are chosen as a winner.

BONUS!
While you must comment on this post to enter the contest, you may also upload the image you intend on having printed to Classic Bride's facebook page. If you are chosen as a winner and you have done this, you will receive a free upgrade to an 18x24 canvas! Just go to CB's facebook page, become a fan (if you aren't already) and upload your photo to the 'fan photos' section! I'm really looking forward to seeing your photos and putting a 'face' on our community!

10 Tips to save money on your catering bill...

2009-02-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you heard or not, but we are in this little thing called a recession. I am thinking these tips by the Decidedly Uncomplicated blog may come in handy.

Here are some tips from the horses’ (local hotel banquet captains and caterers) mouths:

1. Set the date in the month that hotels and caterers are the most starved for business. In the DC area that’s January (unless Obama is being inaugurated).

2. Sundays and weekdays are better than Friday and Saturday nights.

3. Daytime weddings cost less than evening weddings.

4. A brunch reception is the least expensive option.

5. Guests consume less alcohol when they have to walk to the bar rather than when they’re served wine at their tables.

6. DJs cost less than bands, because it’s only one vendor meal versus four or twelve (and yes, you have to feed your vendors).

7. Fake cakes (if you must). Purchase round cakes from your local bakery to be cut in the kitchen and served to your unsuspecting guests.

8. Served meals are cheaper than buffets (IMO, they’re six of one; half-a-dozen of the other).

9. Go Green!

10. Eliminate the cocktail hour.

Real Wedding Montana: Cocktail Hour

2009-02-24T12:30:00.001-08:00

Ms Cherry Pie over at Weddingbee.com is really showing us how Montana does it! I love this unpretentious affair. Good food+good friends+good drinks=good wedding.

Vendors:

Photography: Piknik Studios.
Venue: Polebridge

While we snuck off for some portraits, things were just getting started at the Otter Woman Trading Post, where we’d set up for cocktail hour. There were jugs of water and Arnold Palmer (half iced tea/half lemonade) set alongside our homemade blackberry vodka, lime gin, and limoncello infusions. And, of course, there were plenty of bottled Cokes chilling in ice, a couple of mixers, and a keg of summer beer from a Montana brewery.

Besides drinks, the Northern Lights Saloon provided a whole compliment of rustic hors d’oeuvres: organic fruits, a variety of cheeses, crackers, and a locally-made bruschetta with organic tapenade. But enough, jibber-jabber… I’ll let the photos speak for themselves!

Our homemade drink menu hung above the Cokes, infusions, and mixers, providing directions to a variety of cocktails. We had a friend on hand to help bartend, but the menu went largely ignored because the drinks were self-service. We didn’t mind letting people drink what they wanted. After all, we had plenty to go around!

What we didn’t anticipate was how much everyone would love the blackberry vodka, or “purple stuff” as they called it… it was so delicious that many people were drinking mason jars of it straight up! The end result was a couple guests who got more inebriated than they bargained, realizing a little too late the effects of drinking straight vodka. But the worst side-effect was that we ran out of blackberry infusion long before the night was over!

I love the hand-carved sign, which was new to Polebridge this year. And I JUST noticed that it says “Otter Woman Tradinging Post”. Ha! HAHAHAHA!

Here is bartender friend, Craig, who prepared our infusions, helping to mix some drinks.

We served the alcohol in a couple awesome jars that we either rented, bought, or were given. And with the spigots facing crowd-side, they made for easy self-serve access…

A shot of the delicious “purple stuff”, our guests’ favorite, filling these mason jars to the brim…

For contrast, here’s the level of blackberry vodka left at the END of cocktail hour. But the gin and limoncello are practically untouched!

Most of our other drinks were self-serve, too. The keg, of course…

And who could pass up more Cokes?

We also put out a jar for “tips” labeled “honeymoon fund”. A lot of weddings find a way to incorporate spare change (take the dollar dance, for example) and we wanted to see if this would work for us. Without seeming greedy, I figured we’d at least make a few bucks to use in Mexico. We did… sort of. Someone put in $20, and there was about 90 cents in change.

Now, on to the food. The folks from the bakery and saloon had prepared a nice spread…

We’ve got fresh, organic fruit in all varieties…

Cheese, crackers, grapes, and some fruit salad…

And finally, a lovely goat-cheese, tomato, basil and olive oil tapenade on some fresh-baked Mercantile bread. I only got a small piece after this pan was decimated, but OH, it was good!

Such cute, little plates. I loved our rented flatware…

After helping themselves to food and drink, our guests got to chill and mingle while we were away, still busy taking portraits with our families, the wedding party, and each other.

The day started to cool off and it looked like it might rain, so our guests broke out their choicest hats, boots, and coats…

Yeeee-HAW!

As we’d hoped, our guests made use of the permanent benches and tables nearby. This seating faces the stage, which sits just to the right of the cocktails, and proved useful again later in the evening.

Even Mud Puppy took a seat, still begging for scraps…

Some folks sat in the grotto beneath the sound booth, where we had set up our photo line…

(Although, image above is from after dinner, when the bridesmaids put on jeans under their dresses and coats over their tops. In twilight, it got cold fast.)

The photo line featured pictures of Mr. CP and me throughout the 8 years of our relationship, some photos of us with friends and family, pictures of guests who couldn’t make it, and some shots of Glacier…

I didn’t believe they would, but our tiny-tiny craft-store clothespins held our pics onto that twine quite well. Not a single one fell off all evening… even when they got rained on.

Below, photos from the Eugene Marathon, our engagement at Gunsight Lake, and me licking a bowl clean while backpacking. I AM A CLASSY LADY.

Drinks in hand, our guests enjoyed cocktail hour until we called them away for photos or they heard the dinner bell a-ringin’. (Really, we had one.)

Funny story, those two in the picture above showed up immediately after The ceremony. We gave them a hard time for it, but it was an honest, humorous mistake. They’d driven from Portland and had forgotten that there was a +1 hour time change. Ha!

And here’s groomsman Mark, chatting up my sister Alyson and bridesmaid Amy in a MOST amicable fashion. From the looks on their faces, I think they’re onto him…

Up next, the first of many sets of formal portraits!

DIY Hanging Hanky Vases...

2009-02-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a way to incorporate a vintage homemade feel into your wedding design, this just may be the ticket. Once Wed shows us exactly how to make these cute vases. These vases can line your wedding aisle or even hang on an arch for your ceremony.

I've been collecting handkerchiefs for a while and have been trying to figure out a way to incorporate them into a project. I just love all the different patterns and they come in every color under the sun. They could really coordinate with any wedding. After the wedding, these could easily be disassembled and the handkerchiefs and jars could be used again for their original purpose.

Thanks
Laurie

What You'll Need:

Several Canning Jars (1/2 pint wide mouth with the straight sides)

Several Handkerchiefs (in coordinating colors)

Ribbon

Bailing Wire

Rubber Bands

Flowers

Wire Cutters

Scissors

Iron and Ironing Board

Resources: Canning jars are easy to find at yard sales and thrift stores, so are handkerchiefs. Bailing wire is available at any hardware store.

Directions:

1. Press all of your handkerchiefs flat. (if you're going to be use these in a humid location, I would suggest using a little spray starch to help keep them crisp)

2. Fold the bottom of your handkerchief up (see figure 1) and the top of the handkerchief down (see figure 2) to create a band of fabric that is the same height as the jar. Press the folds.

3. Cut a 2 1/2 foot length of bailing wire. Wrap it tightly around the grooves in the top of the jar, then create a hanger. (see figure 3)

4. Wrap the folded handkerchief around the vase and secure it with a rubber band. (see figure 4)

5. Cut a length of ribbon (about 18 inches or so) and tie it around the vase to conceal the rubber band. Tie the tails in a bow. (see figure 5)

6. Add a little water in the bottom of your vase, insert the flowers. ( see figure 6)

7. Create a grouping of coordinating vases and hang from a tree, and arbor, or from the ceiling.

What it Cost:

Handkerchiefs $.25 - $3.00 each

Ribbon $.25 a yard

Bailing wire $3 for a 50 foot spool

Jars, if purchased new are about $9 for one dozen (but they are easily found for much less when used)

Wedding planning just got a little easier...

2009-02-18T15:03:00.001-08:00

Technology makes wedding planning a little easier if you know what to use and when to use it. Thanks to the Portland Wedding Coordinator blog, they give us seven tech savvy resources to help you have a stress free wedding.

For this week's roundup, I thought we'd put together a list of some cool planning tools that are making use of the latest technologies to help you plan your wedding. If you know anything that should be in this list that I've missed, please post in the comments!

Olivia Luca Design Studio This Portland-based design firm has an addictive Flash tool where you can design your bridesmaids' dresses from silhouette down to the sash and the trim. Eco-friendly fabric options are available for order as well, or you can be like me and just keep making tons of dresses online and daydreaming about the fetes I can wear them to!

Wedding Gown Guru I met Bridgette, the "Wedding Gown Guru" , on twitter.com and took a look at her interactive gown selection tool. Simply answer a series of questions about your style and personality, and she will suggest several different looks for you! Much more fun that a visit to a crowded bridal salon, and a great way to prep yourself before going out to shop in person.

David's Bridal "Dress Your Wedding" Thanks to Sasha Souza, celebrity planner and the brains behind Sparkliatti, for turning me on to this. They have done a great job in creating a Flash tool that allows you to mock up your bridesmaids' gowns and colors, plus groomsmen attire, so you can preview the lineup of your whole virtual wedding party, including groomsmen and child attendants!

Calculators at Eventageous Eventageous is an Austin-based event planning firm, and they've been on the cutting edge for forever. I know this because they've had these great calculators on their Resources page since I started my business in 1999! Scroll down this page to see the Calculators; here, you can tote up everything from the number of people that will fit into a given square footage, to a sample wedding budget. Simple tech, but so helpful!

Wedding Mapper So many weddings involve out of towners, so this interactive mapping tool with great design is a must. You can even tag the locations with your notes ("Here's where he proposed to me"/"This is our favorite bar"). Also included is a method for leaving and reading reviews of vendors.

Backpackit.com Not an exclusively-wedding tool... Nonetheless, Backpack, the consumer version of design powerhouse Basecamp, is inexpensive, easy to use, and a great way to invite collaboration across a large group (think Mother in law, mom, bridesmaids, dad, the groom, and your wedding planner!) I'm currently using it with a client and love it -- we might even make it part of our standard package in the future.

Evite Drink Calculator Most of us have used Evite for their free online invitations, but I recently discovered their handy-dandy drink calculator. It's not super detailed, but it at least can give you a place to start, if you have no idea where to begin as far as beverage purchases.

Hope you find these helpful!

Estilo Weddings and Hostess With the Mostess $100 Giveaway!

2009-02-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

I should also add that this is an Adam and Eve Wedding Consultants giveaway. Because I entered, if you leave a comment on this post you can almost double your chances of winning. Good Luck! Thanks to HWTM for sharing this.

Hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend and a great Valentine’s Day!

To kick off the new week right, we’ve got another fantastic Surprise Giveaway from Estilo Weddings - a chic online shop that strives to make it easier for women to show off their sense of style when it comes to weddings, bridal showers, and other special occasions. This week, Estilo is offering up a $100 Shopping Spree towards anything on their site to a lucky HWTM reader!

Whether you’re in the wedding market or not, there are tons of pretty things to shop for at Estilo Weddings, including contemporary invitations, custom stamps, cool guest books & photo albums, unique party favors, stylish shower & wedding decorations, sparkly cake jewels, clay flower cake toppers, beautiful jewelry, wedding party gifts, and more!

The cupcake wrappers in particular have always been a favorite item of mine - and Estilo recently added several new designs - like the “Circle of Love” pattern pictured above.

And if you or a loved one is in “Big Day planning mode” right now, you might especially appreciate The Ultimate Wedding Planner by Mindy Weiss ($85 value!) or one of the other stylish organizational tools available at Estilo.

HOW TO ENTER:
• Post a comment here telling us about one (or more!) of the items from the Estilo Weddings website that you think is especially fabulous.
• Giveaway ends Monday, February 23rd at midnight PST. Winner is chosen randomly and will be announced Tuesday, February 24th. Good luck, everyone!!

SPECIAL DEALS:
• Get 5% off all orders at EstiloWeddings.com (through next Monday, February 23rd) with promo code: HWTM09
• Estilo is also currently offering free standard shipping in the US and $5 off shipping to Canada (through Feb 28th).

A Costco Wedding?

2009-02-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, you may not think it can be done. Neither did this bride over at the Bridal Cheek blog. And that is why I love her post.

I’m not going to lie, when Drew casually mentioned that he wanted us to get a Costco membership I had a brief moment of panic. I stumbled over myself trying to give excuse after excuse (they won’t have enough organic food, how will we possibly store an 80 pound box of toilet paper etc) but my real problem was that a long time ago I filed Costco away in the “only if and when we have kids” segment of my brain. Still, I let Drew drag me along one Sunday afternoon to check it out. I was reasonably sure we wouldn’t find anything, and leave sans membership, with our early 20’s independent pride intact. Of course I was wrong.

I won’t bore you with tales of all the fabulous organic items we found, the way cheaper energy efficient light bulbs, or the eco-friendly shower head we got totally excited about, because this is a wedding blog after all. And after one trip, my mind was already spinning with possibilities…

Since we’re having an outdoor rehearsal dinner, I started eyeing up all the pre-prepared catering trays. You could easily cater a whole party or reception pretty economically, with food and booze, all from Costco. Their turkey wraps are pretty delicious, actually. And while we’re on the subject of food, you can definitely save money by filling up welcome bags with snacks and candy you bought in bulk.

Who knew Costco had wedding invitations? They have every type of wedding stationary imaginable, and some of it is dirt cheap. You could also make use of their Photolab to print thank you postcards or create a book of your wedding photos.

Or you could do like this bride, and order flowers from Costco which she says are cheaper than wholesale. I would trust her too, her wedding was so fresh, modern and gorgeous I’ll probably write up a whole feature about it later this week. If you can’t wait, go here to check out the rest of the pictures, they are amazing!

Fruit or Flowers?

2009-02-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Using fruit in your wedding design can save you loads of money, and it taste good too. Here is a post from the Wedding Wire Blog.

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings

Besides being delicious, fruit can add a decorative touch to your wedding as well! The vibrant colors will match or accent just about any color palette and, in some cases, may be a lot cheaper than flowers! As you can see in the photos above, fruits can be used in centerpieces, as cake toppers, in beverages, or as placecards and favors. Be creative. Who doesn’t love an edible decoration?!

Glam up your table setting with a simple satin ribbon...

2009-02-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

Do you need a way to glam up stock linens? Here is a simple tip shared by Ido Sugar. Enjoy!

At a recent party I saw the most uncomplicated yet sophisticated place setting. A plain linen napkin was lined with a single satin ribbon. The color palate was muted and the ribbon had an elegant twist. This budget-friendly technique can easily be re-created at your next dinner party! Here's how:

Head to the local craft store and purchase a spool of satin ribbon.
Carefully fold a cloth napkin and lay across the plate.
Measure the width of the plate with the ribbon and cut to size. Stretch the ribbon across the plate, twisting once.

Voila — instantly chic table setting. Do you have an economical place-setting tip? Please share with us below!

Laura Hooper/Project Wedding $550 Wedding Map Giveaway!

2009-02-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

I know you have seen this. And if you haven't I feel very grateful to be the one to introduce you to Laura Hoopers Wedding Maps. They can easily retail for about $550, but right now Project Wedding is doing a Wedding Map Giveaway! Here are the details:

To celebrate the launch of their new maps feature, our sister site Project Wedding has teamed up with calligrapher and Weddingbee PRO, Laura Hooper, to give away a large custom map and 50 5×7 prints! The fabulously talented Laura will create a couture design based on one lucky bride’s Project Wedding map — this prize is valued at $550!

You can check out a demo of the new map feature here, or just click around below!

View wedding map in full screen

To enter this contest, check out the available designs and let us know which one you like best. If you build a map and link to it below, you triple your chances to win! One random winner will be selected at 9pm PST, February 24th. Good luck!

DIY Escort Cards...

2009-02-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have to admit...must admit that I am NOT a DIY'er. Unfortunately I'd rather buy it than make it. But when I came across this post on The Brides Guide by Darcy Miller, I thought, hey, I can do that! And believe me, that thought is far and few between.

The perils of flash photography! I saw a clever idea at the recent CHA craft trade show—using a large craft punch on a piece of folded paper to create a shaped tag or card—but unfortunately I left the flash on, and my pictures don't do it justice. Sorry. I still want to share it, though. This was from the people at Marvy Uchida, makers of some of the biggest and best craft punches, not to mention Le Pens, which everyone here use on a regular basis (they're perfect for writing in homemade place cards).

You can start with any of their large shapes, but they were demonstrating with a circle punch. You just fold your paper in half

and send it only part-way into the punch. You should turn the punch over so you can see where the fold is landing, as in the picture below:

And here's what you get:

An instant tag or card! I love the idea of trying their other punch shapes. A giant square would be good for labeling desserts or candies on a dessert bar, and a heart would make a good favor tag. What do you think of them?

Budget friendly way to save money on linens...

2009-02-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

If there is one wedding item I tell my brides to splurge on is the linen. Fact: Your guests will be sitting at their reception table for about four hours. Now good linen can run you about $20 to $30 a piece and this can be a real budget buster. So when I ran across this post by Xochitl Gonzalez on the Simply Stated blog, I had to share.

A few years ago, we were working on a very wedding in a fabulous outdoor location, The Tobacco Warehouse, where budget became a consideration. To save on linen rental, but still make the accent tables (for escort cards, programs and more) feel special, the bride selected pretty patterned papers to serve as runners.

The idea was so great, cheap and simple, I've been excited to see it turn up again. This wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty a few months ago and they used a bold damask pattern to create a real atmosphere at their wedding. The photos are by Angelica Glass and the wedding was by James Abel.
In case your in need of some inspiration, or don't have access to a stationary store or paperie, I thought I'd post some of the more fun and funky patterns available from 2.25 per sheet at Paper-Source. And, they're eco-friendly, recycled and acid free!

Are you doing anything creative to spice up your tabletops?

Letterpress Invites for less at Target?...

2009-02-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

I have been telling my brides for what seems like years to go over to Target and take a peak at their invite suites. Invites in a box have come a long way. Target's invites are not only really crisp and chic, but they are also letterpress. Yes, I said it...letterpress. Thanks to Ms Ducky at Weddingbee.com for this post.

I thought I would show you some great things you can use for invitation DIY. I know that for many people it’s difficult because you don’t have access to designing your own graphics for invitations, can’t afford custom invites (like me), or are just short on time. Here are some letterpress invitation sets from Target that are so beautiful and chic.

Wedding Invitation Kit with Ivory/Brown/Green Flowers

Green Flat-Panel Invitation Kit

Cherry Blossom Invitation Kit

Pink Peony Invitation Flat-Panel

Black Filigree Invitation Set

Jean M. Tea-Length Invitations (Check out the other color combos too)

Baroque Flat Panel Invitation Kit

Green Melon Invitations

Jean M. Piper Pocket Invitations

Now, you may be like me and want to add that extra personal touch to everything, so that it is really “yours” and has the extra “wow” element. Have you ever seen Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade on the Food Network? She takes already prepared things and adds those extra ingredients to take a plain ready-made dish to something really delicious without too much cooking and chaos on your part. Here are a few ideas to do some semi-DIY invitations. You can take these simple invitation kits to another level.

You can add embellishments like simple belly bands by using some decorative matching paper cut in strips to wrap around the invitation. Use a square punch out with your monogram or date to attach to the center of the belly band strip.

Order cheap monogram stickers to put on that belly band or add them to the outer envelope.

Even a simple bow attached to the top of the invitation could be an extra personal touch.

Another great detail would be investing in a $10 corner rounder to give the invitations a more polished and custom look.

If you want to use different envelopes you can back the invitations in another color paper to pull together your colors. For example, the black filigree invitation would look great against some green paper to create that chic and modern color scheme of white and black damask with green details.

Take one of the more basic invitations (like the Jean M. Piper designs above) and use a rubber stamp with some metallic ink to stamp out a floral design or flourish. You could even get really fancy and emboss some images!

Look at these fun stamp images from Stampin’ Up!

Photos above from Target, myOWNinvitations blog, Create for Less, Renaissance Writings, With This Ring Blog, Stampin’ Up

What do you think? Have you taken the “Semi-Homemade” approach to any of your wedding planning details?

Under Construction

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Thank you so much for visiting this blog. It is currently under construction. We encourage you to check out our sister blog Adam and Eve Wedding Consultants for great wedding tips and advice for all brides.

3 Ways to cut your alcohol budget...

2009-01-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, lovelies. You don't need to spend crazy amounts of money on alcohol for your wedding. If you have the privilege of being able to bring your own alcohol to your venue, stick to these basics:

1. Beer (You may want to use kegs)
2. Wine (I speak more about this in a previous post.)
3. A Margarita Machine

Of course if you have it within your budget to add a signature drink then go right on ahead. You can also use the Margarita Machine to create your signature drink.

Top 3 boxed wines and why boxed wine may be better for your wedding?

2009-01-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

via $2000 Wedding

Okay, I know it has a bad wrap. When I think of boxed wine I can't help but to think of cheap, cheap, and cheap on so many levels. (I also get the image of a wino.) Boxed wine, in the states, has had a hard time escaping its down market image. But hey, boxed wine has come a long way since the 80's. You lovelies may be surprised to know that boxed wine actually stood it's ground amongst it's more expensive bottled counterparts in a taste test conducted by the Austin Chronicle.

They snuck a few $15-$20 bottles into the blind taste-test. And, well, although for the most part, the judges chose the bottled wine, there were three boxed wines that also received some votes and recognition.

They are...drum rolls please.......

1) Seeberger Riesling ($16 for 3 liters)
2) Powers 2003 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($20 for 3 liters)
3) Hardys Stamp Merlot ($16 for 3 liters)

So, hey, you do have an economical option for great tasting wine at your wedding. Now if you need help explaining this to your friends and family, go the eco-conscious route. You can read about how boxed wine is better for the environment in this article by New York Times.

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2001-01-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

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2001-01-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

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2001-01-19T14:20:00.000-08:00

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