_ Your Wedding day is one of the most
important days of your life...as you already know. So planning for it
and budgeting for it can be stressful, but with some helpful hints and
tips it will become the day you always imagined it to be...Just let me
help guide you with my budget friendly advice and all will
be...well...to put it simply...easy and enchanting.
The Flowers and other Accoutrements:
Flowers can be so beautiful but so high priced if you go for "all real"...The key is to trick the eye and buy fabulous fakes at a fraction of the cost. Some places to find real looking silk stems and florals is Joann's Fabric & Crafts, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby. Buy the ones that you like and that have some of the colors of your wedding tied in and take them with you to your florist and ask them to incorporate them into your real flowers in your table arrangements, bouquets and swags (what ever floral arrangement you choose to do). The next thing to do is get the mood light glowing for your tables...the best place to purchase votives is at the dollar store in your area (dollar general, dollar tree) along with glass votive holders. You can also buy those battery operated tea-lights that they sell around Christmas and holidays if you prefer not to burn a real candle and they will look just as pretty and last for hours and sometimes days (I've forgotten and left mine on a few times and they've still been glowing the next day!) not to mention they're extremely safe. They even have scented ones by glade now if you want something extra special for the bride and grooms' table. Also you can buy favors,boxes, bags, jordan almonds and candies at your local party outlet stores, and craft stores as well as self print invitations...which will help you save hundreds of dollars if you're willing to print them out yourselves...(you can find invitation wording and etiquette rules for free on-line, just search engine it).
THE Dress:
Sure a brand-new, special order dress is great if you have time to wait...but when you're on a tight schedule or tight budget or both...maybe buying off the rack is the way to go. Consider for a moment that it can take up to eight months to get in a special order wedding gown and that you will be responsible also for paying shipping costs and extra size fees (if applicable) and if you have a year or more to go before your wedding date this will give you time to get THE dress and get other things taken care of as well; such as caterers, reception hall, D.J., Cake decorators, wedding planners, photographers and all else that is involved. However, there are other ways to get the dress of your dreams. One way is obvious...The World Wide Web is a great place to start searching, and you have probably already started here. I only recommend this for searching before going to a local boutique in your area and trying on a few different styles to see which one suits and flatters your body type most and,would still recommend purchasing from a local shop...as you will get more personalized attention and advice, as well as assurances on quality and sizing not to mention helping your local economy...there are however many reputable companies out there on the web too, just be sure to check them out with the BBB before you buy. Depending on your schedule and/or budget needs...looking at these options will help you determine whether or not to order something on-line, or buy from a local boutique. There is only one word of caution when ordering from an on-line retailer: size of the dress - Why should this be a concern? Well most dresses do not run true to size...say if you are a size 12 in regular clothing. A size 12 gown will not usually fit as they run small. The best way to help combat this is to get measured by a bridal shop, or use a cloth measuring tape and do it yourself (around the fullest part of the bust, fullest part of hips and buttocks, and the small of the waist - if you bend sideways to find it first before you measure it you will know where this is better - just below the ribs and above the belly button) and compare these measurements to the manufacturer of the gown if available. Or if still unsure, always order the dress a size or two larger than what you think you need...that way alterations can still be performed to make it fit you right (most dresses will require alterations anyway as they are not tailor made, so expect to pay for these as well). Also, Most dresses come a standard length made to fit a woman of 5'8" in height, (If you need extra length check with your alterationist to see if you can have some material added at alteration time), or ask for length to be added when ordering special order (for a fee from the manufacturer of the gown). Satin gowns can usually be altered out a size or two or taken in as much as needed depending on detail and bead work making them an easy choice. Dresses made of sheer materials, such as organza or chiffon are less likely to be able to be altered out as there is usually very little to no seam allowance inside to be let out. However there is hope...many times these gowns can be added to - if the dress is a color that is common like candlelight or white - or can have corset ties added to the back zipper area if they are too small by a small measure. Any way you choose to do it make sure to use a reputable seamstress and ask to look at their work ...examples of dresses they've added material to, etc... to see how professional they are and how good an overall job that they do. Sorry this is so long-winded, but there is a lot to cover when it comes to getting the right dress, and still being in love with it once alterations and all chaos has passed.
WEDDING ETIQUETTE Do's, Don'ts,
Who Pays for What and Who Does What:
A question that most Brides ask is who should get to choose their dress first between the Mothers'...really it is up to the Bride, but etiquette wise the Brides' Mother gets first choice in color and style of the dress she wishes to wear followed by the Grandmother of the Bride and then Mother of the Groom. Also the Mother of the Bride is allowed by etiquette to wear the same color as the Bride...denoting her, the Mother of the Bride...although many do not follow this and choose rather to have the Mothers and Grandmothers to play off the Bridesmaids' dress colors.
Next is the Maid or Matron of Honor: Her dress should always be special...now with that being said she does not need to be extremely different from the other girls in the bridal party...if, in fact the Bride wishes it at all. However, many times you can choose a style that is similar in design, but with beading or something a little extra from the bridesmaids...i.e. - same dress but hers is long or, has beading or, a train or, straps or, a jacket, or a shawl or, is the reverse colors (as in a two toned dress - example: the bridesmaids are wearing claret with a black sash, you could do hers the opposite and make hers the black with a claret sash to change it up and make her stand out). Or you can get everyone the same dress and make minor alterations to change the appearance of hers...make it a sweetheart or halter, etc...Or simply give her flowers to hold that are different from the other girls'. Anyway...you get the jist.
It is standard for the Bride to pay for the wedding ring for the Groom, gifts for her attendants, bouquets for her attendants, and a gift for the Groom as well as making accommodations for any out of town attendants.
It is standard for the Groom to pay for the wedding ring for the Bride, gifts for his attendants, a wedding gift for the Bride, the honeymoon (as well as planning it), the marriage license, flowers for the Brides' boquet, groomsmen's' boutonnieres, deposit on tuxedos for groomsmen, corsages for Mothers and Grandmothers, and clergyman or judges fees, as well as making accommodations for his out of town attendants.
The Groom's family pays for travel and lodging expenses, Making rehearsal dinner accommodations and paying all rehearsal dinner costs and gratuities, a wedding gift for the newlyweds, and attire for the wedding for themselves.
The Bride's family typically pays for the reception, the Brides' dress and accessories, invitations, announcements, thank you notes, seating assignment chart, catering, cake & decorations, napkins, mailing costs of invitations and rsvp cards, photographer, videographer, ceremony costs, bridesmaid luncheon, gratuities for all services - parking & security, transportation for bridal party from ceremony to the reception.
Bridesmaids & Groomsmen generally pay for their own attire, but Brides sometimes help with the costs of the bridesmaid dresses especially for their maid/matrons' of honor and flower girl dresses (in lieu of gifts or jewelry), and the Groom sometimes helps with the cost of their groomsmen's', Fathers & ushers tuxedos and ring bearers' attire (in lieu of gifts).
The Maid or Matron of Honor is usually a very close friend, sister or family member. Always choose someone you know is dependable, as she is the go-to gal when you need something organized or addressed immediately and done (i.e. help address invitations, plan pre-wedding parties, make wedding favors, table decorations, keep track of: gifts, cards, and money received, host bridal shower, help Bride to dress and assists with train on wedding day, delegates when necessary, holds Brides bouquet - gloves, purse, etc...at ceremony, and produces the Grooms ring - worn on her finger or tucked in a safe place until the moment to exchange rings arrives at ceremony.
The Best man is usually a very close buddy, brother or other family member. Always choose someone that is dependable as he is going to be the one to remind you of important details...i.e. pick up the tuxedos, return the tuxedos after the wedding day, pick up the ring, organize the bachelor party and drive people home (if not drinking himself) or, get a taxi for members of the party after the party and himself if he's had anything to drink, Make sure the Groom makes it to the church on time and help him dress and Hold onto the wedding ring for the Bride until the moment to exchange rings arrives at the ceremony.
The Flower-girl and Ring-bearer:
Their job is the simplest of all...it is simply to look cute in their mini bride and groom like attire and walk down the isle with their baskets throwing flower petals here and there (or like one party I helped... Hershey's kisses) and ring pillows on cue. The ring bearer does not really carry the rings, as the maid or matron of honor and the best man is responsible for these.
Flowers can be so beautiful but so high priced if you go for "all real"...The key is to trick the eye and buy fabulous fakes at a fraction of the cost. Some places to find real looking silk stems and florals is Joann's Fabric & Crafts, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby. Buy the ones that you like and that have some of the colors of your wedding tied in and take them with you to your florist and ask them to incorporate them into your real flowers in your table arrangements, bouquets and swags (what ever floral arrangement you choose to do). The next thing to do is get the mood light glowing for your tables...the best place to purchase votives is at the dollar store in your area (dollar general, dollar tree) along with glass votive holders. You can also buy those battery operated tea-lights that they sell around Christmas and holidays if you prefer not to burn a real candle and they will look just as pretty and last for hours and sometimes days (I've forgotten and left mine on a few times and they've still been glowing the next day!) not to mention they're extremely safe. They even have scented ones by glade now if you want something extra special for the bride and grooms' table. Also you can buy favors,boxes, bags, jordan almonds and candies at your local party outlet stores, and craft stores as well as self print invitations...which will help you save hundreds of dollars if you're willing to print them out yourselves...(you can find invitation wording and etiquette rules for free on-line, just search engine it).
THE Dress:
Sure a brand-new, special order dress is great if you have time to wait...but when you're on a tight schedule or tight budget or both...maybe buying off the rack is the way to go. Consider for a moment that it can take up to eight months to get in a special order wedding gown and that you will be responsible also for paying shipping costs and extra size fees (if applicable) and if you have a year or more to go before your wedding date this will give you time to get THE dress and get other things taken care of as well; such as caterers, reception hall, D.J., Cake decorators, wedding planners, photographers and all else that is involved. However, there are other ways to get the dress of your dreams. One way is obvious...The World Wide Web is a great place to start searching, and you have probably already started here. I only recommend this for searching before going to a local boutique in your area and trying on a few different styles to see which one suits and flatters your body type most and,would still recommend purchasing from a local shop...as you will get more personalized attention and advice, as well as assurances on quality and sizing not to mention helping your local economy...there are however many reputable companies out there on the web too, just be sure to check them out with the BBB before you buy. Depending on your schedule and/or budget needs...looking at these options will help you determine whether or not to order something on-line, or buy from a local boutique. There is only one word of caution when ordering from an on-line retailer: size of the dress - Why should this be a concern? Well most dresses do not run true to size...say if you are a size 12 in regular clothing. A size 12 gown will not usually fit as they run small. The best way to help combat this is to get measured by a bridal shop, or use a cloth measuring tape and do it yourself (around the fullest part of the bust, fullest part of hips and buttocks, and the small of the waist - if you bend sideways to find it first before you measure it you will know where this is better - just below the ribs and above the belly button) and compare these measurements to the manufacturer of the gown if available. Or if still unsure, always order the dress a size or two larger than what you think you need...that way alterations can still be performed to make it fit you right (most dresses will require alterations anyway as they are not tailor made, so expect to pay for these as well). Also, Most dresses come a standard length made to fit a woman of 5'8" in height, (If you need extra length check with your alterationist to see if you can have some material added at alteration time), or ask for length to be added when ordering special order (for a fee from the manufacturer of the gown). Satin gowns can usually be altered out a size or two or taken in as much as needed depending on detail and bead work making them an easy choice. Dresses made of sheer materials, such as organza or chiffon are less likely to be able to be altered out as there is usually very little to no seam allowance inside to be let out. However there is hope...many times these gowns can be added to - if the dress is a color that is common like candlelight or white - or can have corset ties added to the back zipper area if they are too small by a small measure. Any way you choose to do it make sure to use a reputable seamstress and ask to look at their work ...examples of dresses they've added material to, etc... to see how professional they are and how good an overall job that they do. Sorry this is so long-winded, but there is a lot to cover when it comes to getting the right dress, and still being in love with it once alterations and all chaos has passed.
WEDDING ETIQUETTE Do's, Don'ts,
Who Pays for What and Who Does What:
A question that most Brides ask is who should get to choose their dress first between the Mothers'...really it is up to the Bride, but etiquette wise the Brides' Mother gets first choice in color and style of the dress she wishes to wear followed by the Grandmother of the Bride and then Mother of the Groom. Also the Mother of the Bride is allowed by etiquette to wear the same color as the Bride...denoting her, the Mother of the Bride...although many do not follow this and choose rather to have the Mothers and Grandmothers to play off the Bridesmaids' dress colors.
Next is the Maid or Matron of Honor: Her dress should always be special...now with that being said she does not need to be extremely different from the other girls in the bridal party...if, in fact the Bride wishes it at all. However, many times you can choose a style that is similar in design, but with beading or something a little extra from the bridesmaids...i.e. - same dress but hers is long or, has beading or, a train or, straps or, a jacket, or a shawl or, is the reverse colors (as in a two toned dress - example: the bridesmaids are wearing claret with a black sash, you could do hers the opposite and make hers the black with a claret sash to change it up and make her stand out). Or you can get everyone the same dress and make minor alterations to change the appearance of hers...make it a sweetheart or halter, etc...Or simply give her flowers to hold that are different from the other girls'. Anyway...you get the jist.
It is standard for the Bride to pay for the wedding ring for the Groom, gifts for her attendants, bouquets for her attendants, and a gift for the Groom as well as making accommodations for any out of town attendants.
It is standard for the Groom to pay for the wedding ring for the Bride, gifts for his attendants, a wedding gift for the Bride, the honeymoon (as well as planning it), the marriage license, flowers for the Brides' boquet, groomsmen's' boutonnieres, deposit on tuxedos for groomsmen, corsages for Mothers and Grandmothers, and clergyman or judges fees, as well as making accommodations for his out of town attendants.
The Groom's family pays for travel and lodging expenses, Making rehearsal dinner accommodations and paying all rehearsal dinner costs and gratuities, a wedding gift for the newlyweds, and attire for the wedding for themselves.
The Bride's family typically pays for the reception, the Brides' dress and accessories, invitations, announcements, thank you notes, seating assignment chart, catering, cake & decorations, napkins, mailing costs of invitations and rsvp cards, photographer, videographer, ceremony costs, bridesmaid luncheon, gratuities for all services - parking & security, transportation for bridal party from ceremony to the reception.
Bridesmaids & Groomsmen generally pay for their own attire, but Brides sometimes help with the costs of the bridesmaid dresses especially for their maid/matrons' of honor and flower girl dresses (in lieu of gifts or jewelry), and the Groom sometimes helps with the cost of their groomsmen's', Fathers & ushers tuxedos and ring bearers' attire (in lieu of gifts).
The Maid or Matron of Honor is usually a very close friend, sister or family member. Always choose someone you know is dependable, as she is the go-to gal when you need something organized or addressed immediately and done (i.e. help address invitations, plan pre-wedding parties, make wedding favors, table decorations, keep track of: gifts, cards, and money received, host bridal shower, help Bride to dress and assists with train on wedding day, delegates when necessary, holds Brides bouquet - gloves, purse, etc...at ceremony, and produces the Grooms ring - worn on her finger or tucked in a safe place until the moment to exchange rings arrives at ceremony.
The Best man is usually a very close buddy, brother or other family member. Always choose someone that is dependable as he is going to be the one to remind you of important details...i.e. pick up the tuxedos, return the tuxedos after the wedding day, pick up the ring, organize the bachelor party and drive people home (if not drinking himself) or, get a taxi for members of the party after the party and himself if he's had anything to drink, Make sure the Groom makes it to the church on time and help him dress and Hold onto the wedding ring for the Bride until the moment to exchange rings arrives at the ceremony.
The Flower-girl and Ring-bearer:
Their job is the simplest of all...it is simply to look cute in their mini bride and groom like attire and walk down the isle with their baskets throwing flower petals here and there (or like one party I helped... Hershey's kisses) and ring pillows on cue. The ring bearer does not really carry the rings, as the maid or matron of honor and the best man is responsible for these.