RadoKri Fashion Accessories: http://www.etsy.com/shop/radokri
The Beauty Of A Black Wedding Dress Code
1 day ago
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
My tattoos could be so much worse...
Outlandish bridal wear (some of which are actually, sorta, cool...)
Ugly weddings
Wedding Cake Wrecks! - Project Wedding
Wedding Cake Wrecks! - Project Wedding
LOL. Making our own or getting a tres leches from La Mexicana (complete with sugar skulls!!) is so much better than paying hundreds for a wreck.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Geez.
This is effin' nuts.
| Ka-ching! Wedding price tag nears $30K | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Survey: Bridal spending tops $125 billion; parents less likely to foot ballooning bill. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A total of $125 billion -- about the size of Ireland's GDP -- will be spent on 2.1 million weddings in 2005, according to the "American Weddings" study conducted by The Fairchild Bridal Group. Fairchild surveyed more than 1,000 brides. Tying the knot used to involve a trip to the altar and a simple reception, but low-cost affairs are increasingly a thing of the past as brides and grooms flex their consumer power and buck tradition. The average price tag that is fast approaching $30,000 represents a 73 percent increase during the past 15 years, according the study. "The bridal industry is now a life stage that encompasses fashion, travel, home furnishings and more," Daniel Lagani, vice president and publisher of the Fairchild Bridal Group, said. Furthermore, brides and grooms -- who on average range between the ages of 27 and 29 -- are older than their counterparts were 15 years ago. As more experienced, sophisticated consumers, they know what they want and are willing to stretch their budget to get it. Nearly half of all couples will end up spending more than they originally budgeted. But customizing a wedding to meet individual tastes doesn't always mean breaking the bank, the survey found. For example, about 9 percent of couples will hold a "destination wedding," which involves the entire party traveling to a special location for the celebration. These couples spend on average 41 percent less on their receptions than those who have an average wedding, according to the survey. When the party's over, someone has to pay the bill -- and with age, comes greater responsibility. This year only a quarter of brides will count on mom and dad to pick up the tab. Instead, nearly one-third of brides and grooms will forgo tradition and foot the entire bill themselves. Marriage and money -- How do you talk to your partner about finances? Click here to read more. Click here to read about one couple's dream wedding.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Offbeat Brides!
Offbeat Brides Can get FREE SHIPPING in my etsy shop through Oct. 2010! Just use the code "offbeat" in the message to seller box and I will refund the shipping via PayPal!
- Bridal and bridesmaid necklaces & other jewelry
- Bridal and bridesmaid hair accessories
Monday, February 8, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Decisions, Decisions. I need your help!!
Between these shoes -
And these shoes -
I am really leaning toward the former.
Also, one more choice between two earrings -
OR-
Both from - http://www.etsy.com/shop/eliwill
(I am wearing my grandmother's pearl necklace.)
I am totally leaning toward the former, there, too. And hell, they're only $20!
Thanks!
Glass jars turned vintage on Bridal Buzz
Glass jars turned vintage on Bridal Buzz
Lately I've been intrigued by those lovely vintage blue glass jars you see on the tables of chic outdoor weddings. I did a little bit of research on these, to see how economical they were in bulk, and found that they can range anywhere from $5-$15 per jar, depending on how rare they are. I was a bit surprised by this, and thought there had to be a better way to achieve the same look, so I went in search of a way to "dye" a regular quart sized jar, to mimic the look of the old Ball Perfect Mason Jars.
Here's my photo recap:
I used a product called Vitrea 160, which is a transparent color for glass, in a shade called turquoise. I also purchased some thinner from the same product line, so I could get a really faint look. After scooping out a small amount of the turquoise color (a dot about the size of the nail on my pinky finger) into a plastic tupperware container, I dipped my fan brush into the thinner bottle and then mixed that into the blue. That's really all you need, and after I was finished, I realized I could have colored 5 more jars with the amount of turquoise I had left.
I flipped my jar upside down and placed it into another plastic tupperware container, then brushed the outside of the jar with the mixture in thin, even strokes from top to bottom. It looks a bit bright and cloudy at this point, but bear with me! You then have to let it set for 24 hours before you bake it in the oven for 40 minutes at 375 degrees F. After it bakes and cools, the majority of your brushstrokes should disappear, so don't worry if it isn't perfect! Once you fill the jar with water and flowers any small brushstrokes that may still be present will fade even more.
The best part of this project (besides the fact that it's super easy) is that it's cheap. The two bottles of Vitrea 160 were $8.00 total, and the glass jar was free (leftover container from MIL). If you didn't have any relatives who could give you 12 or more glass quart jars, you could easily buy them from any grocery store or craft store, or look on craigslist. Here are a few links: Walmart (12 for $17.98), Amazon (12 for $7.72). So basically you could do a case of 12 jars for about $1.50, not bad! Throw in a $7.00 supermarket bouquet and you're in business!
NOTE: This project is best suited for use with flowers and water, rather than with candles. Any brush strokes that may be left over from baking the jar will be hidden by the water and stems.
How To: Make Your Own Blue Canning Jars on Apartment Therapy
We've been seeing a lot of antique blue canning jars used as centerpiece vases and love the casual country vibe they create. Colored jars were originally considered more appropriate for canning use, as they block some light from reaching the food, which helps to retain flavor and nutritional value. New mason jars are made from clear glass and you have to hunt through thrift stores or Ebay to find the aqua blue colored jars. But there is a way to get that look yourself...
We found this fantastic way to create these blue jars by using glass paint! Vitrea 160 is a glass paint that will allow you to turn the clear canning jars that antique aqua color. You can buy a case of wide mouth ball jars from Amazon for only $13.49. These would also look great filled with candles!
Full project details and instructions, on Bridal Buzz.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
How to make a cake stand for cupcakes or mini cakes
From Cake Journal:
I think when serving cupcakes or mini cakes they look so much better when served on a cake stand. In this tutorial I will show you how to make a cake stand that is very easy and quick to make. You can adapt it to the color or pattern on your cakes. I have used thick gift wrap paper to cover the cake boards. But you could ice your cake boards with rolled sugarpaste/fondant icing instead. Only remember to ice the cake board a few days in advanced so they can dry throughly.Note: remember when you have assembled the cake stand with cakes on it, not to move it around too much.
This is what I have used:
Cake boards: 1×8″, 1×10″, 1×12″
Note: if you want one more tire on the stand. You will need 1×14″ cake board.Polysthyrene cake dummies 2″ high: 2X5″ and 2×6″
Note: You will need 2×7″ polysthyrene cake dummies for one more tire.
Satin ribbon for the cake board and the polysthyrene cake dummies
Thick paper or sugarpaste/rolled fondant icing
Glue stick and regular glue
Note: use school glue
Metal pins
Sharp scissor
pencil
Step 1:
Start by glue the dummies together. So they can dry completely.
Step 2:
Take your chosen ribbon, and attach it on the dummies with a metal pin.
Note: you can also glue the ribbon on. But I want to use the dummies again. So therefor I have not glued my ribbon on
Step 3:
When the dummies are dry, start by wrapping the ribbon around them so it slightly overlap all the way to the top.
Note: the metal pin on the picture, was only put in so I could take the picture.
Step 4:
Attach the ribbon with a metal pin.
Step 5:
Lay the cake boards on the choosen paper. Take your pencil and draw a line around the board on the paper. Cut out wih a pair of scissors.
Step 6:
Take the glue stick and add glue throughly all over the board.
Step 7:
Place the paper cirkel on the cake board and rub it lightly.
Step 8:
Now it is time to attache the ribbon to the side of the cake board. Add a metal pin to just keep the ribbon in place.
Step 9:
If you like you can rub a bit of glue on the side so the ribbon stays in place. End by taking the metal pin and attache it to the overlaps.
Step 10:
Now your cake stand is finished.
Note: I have not assembled my cake stand with glue, but you could do that for an extra safety. If you use iced cake boards you can use royal icing to fix it if you like.
On this cake stand I have used 7″, 10″, 13″ but I would recomend to use the cake board size’s above.
IMPORTANT!! If you are having problems finding the materials to make this cake stand. Then please take your time and read through the comment section as you will find links and answers on where to buy the materials.
If you have any problems with the cake stand then please let me know so I can help you out. Also I would love to see your cake stand when it is finished. Maybe completed with cupcakes or mini cakes? So please send a photo
See CakeJournal’s readers own cake stands in the cake stand gallery.
Happy Caking
Louise
DIY Tiny Tissue Paper Flowers from iDIY
{source}
50 Ways to Save $$ on Your Wedding
1. Have a small, beautifully decorated cake to cut into, take pictures, etc. Serve your guests slices from a plain sheet cake served from the kitchen. They will never know it didn’t come from the fancy cake.
2. If you are inviting children to the wedding, make sure the caterer has a separate children’s menu. The kids will be thrilled with chicken fingers, fries, and ice cream and it will be much less expensive.
3. Include the reception information on the invitation. Then, you don’t have to have a separate reception card.
4. Rent a luxury car for transport to the reception, airport, etc. instead of a limo. The best man can serve as your chauffeur.
5. Purchase blank invitations and print them on a laser printer. Invitation kits can be found on the True Blue Bridal Invitation page.
6. Design and print your own wedding program.
7. Carry a family Bible instead of a bouquet. This is an old Puritan tradition that you can honor.
8. Make your own pew bows with silk flowers and tulle.
9. Buy an informal dress. Try a bridesmaid dress or prom dress. If you want a train, consider making your own, it would cost around $30. If you can buy a dress off the rack you will save big bucks!
10. Ask a family members or friends to cook the meal and be in charge of setting up the dinner buffet.
11. Ask one of your more gregarious friends to serve as the DJ. It’s not that tough to run a CD changer for dancing. You can burn your own CD that someone can put into the sound system and you're good for the evening!
12. Ask a family member or friend with talent and equipment to photograph and/or videograph your wedding.
13. Ask someone who enjoys baking to make the sheet cakes as mentioned in Tip #1.
14. Make your own silk flower arrangements. If you have someone that you know that does good work, ask them to help you. Most craft supply stores offer free floral arranging classes.
15. If you have your heart set on an expensive invitation, select a coordinating reception card, RSVP card & envelopes from a less expensive line of stationery. For very stylish and reasonably priced thank you notes, click here.
16. Use a non-traditional reception site. ie a historic location in your area, a park or public grounds, beach, restaurant, zoo, museum, or a family or friend’s home. Get creative and consider the activities you enjoy doing and try to incorporate them into your special day.
17. If you want Hershey bar candy favors, buy the candy at a discount store and make your own labels in Word using picture boxes and word art.
18. For reception table centerpieces, buy roses as your local discount store (usually around $10/dozen), tie a ribbon with your guests names on each stem, and put them in a simple glass vase. At the end of the festivities, each guest can take home their rose.
19. Have your attendants wear a simple black dress that they probably already own or can easily borrow.
20. Have a wedding during the Christmas season; the church is already beautifully decorated with poinsettias and tree.
21. Have a champagne dessert or gourmet coffee and dessert reception.
22. Use the same florist as the church uses for alter flowers. She can coordinate the alter flowers for the weekend with your wedding flowers.
23. Use RSVP postcards. A postcard requires far less postage.
24. When making your guest list, use the following rule: Invite only those whom you have seen in their home or yours in the past year. You can make exceptions for family but this will help you separate the work friends from the real friends.
25. Set a budget for the wedding and allow the couple to keep what they don’t spend.
26. Get price quotes from the reception site/caterer you want to use. With a budget, that will help you know how many guests you can afford. If your guest list is larger than you can afford, trim your list or select a less expensive reception site.
27. Make an “A list” and “B list” of wedding guests. When you receive regrets from someone on the “A list”, send out a “B list” invitation.
28. Many churches and hotels have a wedding coordinator on staff. They can often take care of the cake, food, beverages, etc. thus avoiding the need to have a wedding planner.
29. Hire the best photographer you can afford and purchase the smallest package he/she offers. Don’t get sucked in to the “big fat wedding album” myth. Really, as time goes by, all that is important is a picture of you and your beloved in your wedding clothes and a group shot of your wedding party and parents.
30. Negotiate with the photographer for the best deal you can get. The profit margin is huge and he can afford to give you a break. Also, negotiate for the negatives. Most photographers will give them to you after a certain amount of time has passed.
31. Don’t order any extra photos until a year has passed. At that point if you still want them…go for it!
32. If you have a photography school at your local college or university, talk to the professor and get a recommendation for an upperclassmen to take your wedding photos. They can often use it for a final project and will be happy to do it for expenses.
33. If you want to give your guests favors, consider giving one favor per family instead of one per place setting. You can usually get a more elegant favor and spend less money with this strategy.
34. The Federal Housing Authority began offering a bridal registry in 1996. Couples can open an interest-bearing account at one of 30 participating lenders. Your guests can make a deposit into your home down payment account! A search of FHA Bridal Registry on your internet provider will bring up the different options for you to choose from.
35. Have a morning wedding. Prices for catering etc. are cheaper at that time of day. As an added bonus your liquor bill will be greatly reduced if you choose to serve alcoholic beverages at all in the morning.
36. Think twice about a wedding on a Saturday in June. That is when prices are at their highest.
37. Consider having an expensive wedding and an inexpensive honeymoon, or vice versa. Don’t splurge on both!
38. Make the most of your gift registries. Instead of asking for luxuries, ask for things you need and will use regularly.
39. Buy supplies in bulk at your local discounter.
40. If you were high school sweethearts, consider having your reception in the school cafeteria.
41. Have a dessert table instead of a fancy cake.
42. Hire a square dance caller instead of a DJ. A good square dance caller can teach the steps and get everyone involved and having fun!
43. Get creative, instead of a traditional wedding, think outside the box, think memorable, think fun. For example a cookout in a barn with a square dance caller is a whole lot cheaper than a fancy sit down banquet in the local 5 star hotel. And, it would probably be more fun for everyone!
44. Don’t offer alcoholic beverages. Choose to serve sparkling cider for the toast with plenty of tea and coffee.
45. Where the guest list is concerned, think less is more. Honor close family and friends with an invitation. The best way to cut costs for your wedding is to control the guest list.
46. Consider renting your wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses. After all, you are going to wear it just once.
47. Borrow a wedding gown from a family member or friend. They will be honored that you asked.
48. Candles add a lot of pizzazz for a low cost. Use them wherever possible in place of flowers.
49. Have a late evening wedding and make it clear that the reception is a champagne dessert.
50. Once you have established your budget, decide what elements of the wedding day are most important to you and splurge there. Let the rest slide!
2. If you are inviting children to the wedding, make sure the caterer has a separate children’s menu. The kids will be thrilled with chicken fingers, fries, and ice cream and it will be much less expensive.
3. Include the reception information on the invitation. Then, you don’t have to have a separate reception card.
4. Rent a luxury car for transport to the reception, airport, etc. instead of a limo. The best man can serve as your chauffeur.
5. Purchase blank invitations and print them on a laser printer. Invitation kits can be found on the True Blue Bridal Invitation page.
6. Design and print your own wedding program.
7. Carry a family Bible instead of a bouquet. This is an old Puritan tradition that you can honor.
8. Make your own pew bows with silk flowers and tulle.
9. Buy an informal dress. Try a bridesmaid dress or prom dress. If you want a train, consider making your own, it would cost around $30. If you can buy a dress off the rack you will save big bucks!
10. Ask a family members or friends to cook the meal and be in charge of setting up the dinner buffet.
11. Ask one of your more gregarious friends to serve as the DJ. It’s not that tough to run a CD changer for dancing. You can burn your own CD that someone can put into the sound system and you're good for the evening!
12. Ask a family member or friend with talent and equipment to photograph and/or videograph your wedding.
13. Ask someone who enjoys baking to make the sheet cakes as mentioned in Tip #1.
14. Make your own silk flower arrangements. If you have someone that you know that does good work, ask them to help you. Most craft supply stores offer free floral arranging classes.
15. If you have your heart set on an expensive invitation, select a coordinating reception card, RSVP card & envelopes from a less expensive line of stationery. For very stylish and reasonably priced thank you notes, click here.
16. Use a non-traditional reception site. ie a historic location in your area, a park or public grounds, beach, restaurant, zoo, museum, or a family or friend’s home. Get creative and consider the activities you enjoy doing and try to incorporate them into your special day.
17. If you want Hershey bar candy favors, buy the candy at a discount store and make your own labels in Word using picture boxes and word art.
18. For reception table centerpieces, buy roses as your local discount store (usually around $10/dozen), tie a ribbon with your guests names on each stem, and put them in a simple glass vase. At the end of the festivities, each guest can take home their rose.
19. Have your attendants wear a simple black dress that they probably already own or can easily borrow.
20. Have a wedding during the Christmas season; the church is already beautifully decorated with poinsettias and tree.
21. Have a champagne dessert or gourmet coffee and dessert reception.
22. Use the same florist as the church uses for alter flowers. She can coordinate the alter flowers for the weekend with your wedding flowers.
23. Use RSVP postcards. A postcard requires far less postage.
24. When making your guest list, use the following rule: Invite only those whom you have seen in their home or yours in the past year. You can make exceptions for family but this will help you separate the work friends from the real friends.
25. Set a budget for the wedding and allow the couple to keep what they don’t spend.
26. Get price quotes from the reception site/caterer you want to use. With a budget, that will help you know how many guests you can afford. If your guest list is larger than you can afford, trim your list or select a less expensive reception site.
27. Make an “A list” and “B list” of wedding guests. When you receive regrets from someone on the “A list”, send out a “B list” invitation.
28. Many churches and hotels have a wedding coordinator on staff. They can often take care of the cake, food, beverages, etc. thus avoiding the need to have a wedding planner.
29. Hire the best photographer you can afford and purchase the smallest package he/she offers. Don’t get sucked in to the “big fat wedding album” myth. Really, as time goes by, all that is important is a picture of you and your beloved in your wedding clothes and a group shot of your wedding party and parents.
30. Negotiate with the photographer for the best deal you can get. The profit margin is huge and he can afford to give you a break. Also, negotiate for the negatives. Most photographers will give them to you after a certain amount of time has passed.
31. Don’t order any extra photos until a year has passed. At that point if you still want them…go for it!
32. If you have a photography school at your local college or university, talk to the professor and get a recommendation for an upperclassmen to take your wedding photos. They can often use it for a final project and will be happy to do it for expenses.
33. If you want to give your guests favors, consider giving one favor per family instead of one per place setting. You can usually get a more elegant favor and spend less money with this strategy.
34. The Federal Housing Authority began offering a bridal registry in 1996. Couples can open an interest-bearing account at one of 30 participating lenders. Your guests can make a deposit into your home down payment account! A search of FHA Bridal Registry on your internet provider will bring up the different options for you to choose from.
35. Have a morning wedding. Prices for catering etc. are cheaper at that time of day. As an added bonus your liquor bill will be greatly reduced if you choose to serve alcoholic beverages at all in the morning.
36. Think twice about a wedding on a Saturday in June. That is when prices are at their highest.
37. Consider having an expensive wedding and an inexpensive honeymoon, or vice versa. Don’t splurge on both!
38. Make the most of your gift registries. Instead of asking for luxuries, ask for things you need and will use regularly.
39. Buy supplies in bulk at your local discounter.
40. If you were high school sweethearts, consider having your reception in the school cafeteria.
41. Have a dessert table instead of a fancy cake.
42. Hire a square dance caller instead of a DJ. A good square dance caller can teach the steps and get everyone involved and having fun!
43. Get creative, instead of a traditional wedding, think outside the box, think memorable, think fun. For example a cookout in a barn with a square dance caller is a whole lot cheaper than a fancy sit down banquet in the local 5 star hotel. And, it would probably be more fun for everyone!
44. Don’t offer alcoholic beverages. Choose to serve sparkling cider for the toast with plenty of tea and coffee.
45. Where the guest list is concerned, think less is more. Honor close family and friends with an invitation. The best way to cut costs for your wedding is to control the guest list.
46. Consider renting your wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses. After all, you are going to wear it just once.
47. Borrow a wedding gown from a family member or friend. They will be honored that you asked.
48. Candles add a lot of pizzazz for a low cost. Use them wherever possible in place of flowers.
49. Have a late evening wedding and make it clear that the reception is a champagne dessert.
50. Once you have established your budget, decide what elements of the wedding day are most important to you and splurge there. Let the rest slide!
Wedding Negotiation and Getting the Best Deal - Project Wedding
Wedding Negotiation and Getting the Best Deal - Project Wedding
If you want your wedding budget to accommodate your expectations, you must tap into your hidden wedding negotiation skills! (expert advice)
Rawtography
When it comes to getting the best deal on venue reservations, reception flowers, and your favorite appetizers, it's important to learn a few things about negotiation. This is no time to hide in the shadows of wedding planning and shy away from a good ol' fashioned haggling down of a price. If you want your wedding budget to accommodate your expectations, you must tap into your hidden wedding negotiation skills. I know they're in there somewhere!Preparation is a Must
Before approaching any vendor, retailer, or company – you need to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend for it. This is where your wedding budget comes into play. In order to truly maximize your wedding negotiation, allow yourself a bit of breathing room by creating flexibility through slight over-estimation. You need to leave wriggle room.Once your budget has been set, you can then investigate potential products and services. Make sure to assess the market value for desired items, which will certainly help you comparison shop. In the end, knowledge is key and builds confidence that helps when it comes time for wedding negotiation.
Woo Suppliers
If possible, do your wedding negotiation in person rather than over the phone. Sometimes, it's hard to say 'no' to the twinkling eye of a blushing bride to be. Plus, this is the perfect time to make nice with the retailers and vendors. Try to establish a relationship. Call the manager by his or her first name. Compliment the store or services that you are interested in. When speaking, flash your pearly whites. With a little bit of respect, wedding negotiation can become a much easier task than expected.
Carefully Shape Your Language
Wedding negotiation is often shaped by the terminology you use, tone of voice, and language. For instance, don’t ask questions that open up the airwaves for a 'no' response. Leave the negative language at the door. Encourage 'yes' responses by asking questions, such as "can we work out some sort of deal on this?" Positive statements, such as "If the price is within my budget, I won't look at another store."Wedding Negotiation Tip
Keep in mind that wedding negotiation isn’t all about getting a cheaper price. Sometimes, you can sweeten your deals by asking for extras. Perhaps, you can persuade the caterer to grant you free delivery or perhaps you can receive a few freebies for buying ribbons, table decorations, and wedding favors in bulk.
I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you... Come rain or come shine...
Heard this on the car on the way into work in the rain today... If my sweetie agrees, this has to be incorporated into our wedding somehow. We both love Willie.
Come Rain Or Come Shine by Willie Nelson:
I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you
Come rain or come shine
High as a mountain and deep as a river
Come rain or come shine
I guess, when you met me
It was just one of those things
But don't ever bet me
'Cause I'm gonna be true if you let me
You're gonna love me, like nobody's loved me
Come rain or come shine
Happy together, unhappy together
And won't it be fine
Days may be cloudy or sunny
We're in or we're out of the money
But I'm with you always
I'm with you rain or shine
I guess, when you met me
It was just one of those things
But don't ever bet me
'Cause I'm gonna be true if you let me
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me
Come rain or come shine
Happy together, unhappy together
And won't it be fine
Days may be cloudy or sunny
We're in or we're out of the money
But I'm with you always
I'm with you rain or shine
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