We'll Be Back Soon : A Note From The Editor

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

I wanted to address to you all the reasons why I haven't been blogging within the last two months. My life has been through many ups and downs since March 13, 2009. This was the day that began the downturn of my life. I lost my job at a well known furniture and jewelry retailer who ended up going out of business. I know many of you would think well this was the perfect time to begin blogging with a passion. Well my passion of blogging, business and life in general began to decrease more and more. Now I have found myself a little over two months out of my original layoff date and still unemployed. Not only have I been unemployed for almost the last year but a very special person departed this Earth on November 20, 2009. I lost my friend, fighting partner and confidant in my grandmother Mrs. Lucille Wright. So life has just not been the same.


I know that many of you maybe wondering why I am sharing all of this. But I truly love and appreciate my readers. In not leaving you hanging, I just felt it was super important for all of you to know that I have not left or forgotten you. However, life does happen and sometimes it hits us a little harder than other. In saying all of this, I am pushing past all of my negative feelings and getting back to the old me. In 2010, The Budget Brides Handbook will begin a new beginning and we are looking to all of you for amazing support.


Thank you for taking the time to read my heartfelt note.......


Yours Truly,
Sharise

An Evening at Lion in the Sun with the Wedding Pros

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

So last night I trecked out to Brooklyn for a blogger networking event at Lion in the Sun Paperie.

First, let me say how wonderful this little stationary store in Park Slope, Brooklyn is so warming and welcoming. On the corner of 4th street and 7th Avenue it's so inviting to those of us who love stationary and attractive to the invitation seekers. Go, visit and let them know The Budget Brides Handbook sent you.

Here are some tips from the experts:


Anne Chernoff (From I will to I Do)

Anne told a great story of how she went to a wedding and unexceptantly had to pay for valet parking. She didn't mind so much that she had to pay for the parking but the fact that no one (Bride, Groom or Valet Attendant) mention that the valet had to be paid by each individual guest. Her suggestion was that you don't necessary have to pay for valet parking for your guest but you need to tell them whether it is already paid for or should be paid by the guest.

Xochitl Gonzalez (Always A Blogsmaid)

Xochitl discussed allowing Bridesmaids to choose their own bridesmaid dresses. She thought that this trend was every thoughtful for the Bridemaids and allowed them to show their personality. All of the panelist agreed that this new trend should be done with much preparation and direction.

Sarah Pease (Brilliant Event Planning)

Sarah reminded all of the Brides to be realistic about the day of their wedding. If you wake up the morning of your wedding and it is raining outside. You should probably rethink that outdoor ceremony. Sarah told us a story about a couple she worked with and how it had rained earlier in the day with chances of raining again during the wedding ceremony. The Bride and Groom were deadset on having their wedding ceremony and cocktail hour outside. Needless to say Mother Nature won that battle. Good thing for the couple, Sarah was thoughtful even to set up another 200 chairs in a room on the property and the couple was able to repeat the ceremony for all to hear.

Loren Michelle (Naturally Delicious)

Loren heighten all of our taste buds with her delicious food that she provided at the event. I love the chocolate brownies the most. One of Loren's tips was to make your wedding menu your own. She told us of a story about a couple whose wedding menu was their first date meal. She also talked about another couple who had lots of help from their friends from their wedding website to the Groom creating his own beer for the special day.

Melinda Morris (Lion in the Sun)

Melinda gave us a budget saving tip with tear away RSVP cards. She even showed us an example of an RSVP card that tore away from the actual invitation. It's a cute and chic way to to save money; however, please remind that this type of RSVP card should be used for more casual weddings.

Vane (Brooklyn Bride)

Vane discussed including both families culture into the wedding. For her wedding, Vane and her husband decided to have a New Orleans band at the wedding while performing some of the dancing rituals from her Turkish family.

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Crown Invitation Templates from Wedding Chicks

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!!

Here is an amazing DIY wedding invitation courtsey of the ladies over at Wedding Chicks. These invitations are great for regal and fabulous Princess wedding that a Budget Bride may want to achieve. The Wedding Chicks give you directions on how to print these invitations through VistaPrint. But I think that these invitation would come out even better on some shimmery card stock and if you got them printed at a print shop. I can see the shimmery champagne cardstock and raised printing. Just smiling at the thought.

Click the image to download template.

Love this post! Let us know what you think in the comments!!

Source

FAB!!! Eye Candy from Christan Dior Haute Couture

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

I saw this dress, Belle De Delft by Christian Dior Haute Couture, on a few other blogs and I just had to share with all of my Budget Brides. Just think of all the creativity ideas you can develop for your wedding from this picture. You never know you may see this dress in an upcoming segment of Sunday Brunch.

Do you love this dress? Would you wear it on your big day?

Leave us a comment letting us know what you think.

Source
Source

Ban.do Head Pieces (Prices to Fit All Budgets)

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!



I have been obsessing over Ban.do for the past couple of weeks. I have seen Ban.do's headpieces and accessories on other blogs and media outlets but never took the time to actually look at the website. About two weeks ago, I finally took the opportunity to check out the site and let me tell you I loved everything I saw. What makes me obsess over Ban.do even more is its creativity and price point. Ban.do adds lots of color to the creation of its headpieces and accessories that it makes it easy to wear after the big day. The price point is even better because they have three tiers Ban.do($95 - $225), Ban.do Black Label ($200 - $300) and Heart by Ban.do ($50 and under). Ban.do is the perfect match for any occasion especially weddings which range from big beautiful bows, exaggerated blooms to glittery jewels. Check out the bridal collection.

Click here to fill out the survey and receive $25 off your next purchase at Ban.do.

Source

Win a Wedding Dress from Jilted Ex - Fiance

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

I wasn't going to create a post today but when I saw this information on another blog I just had to share. So a few months back Richard Jefferson, a forward who plays for the San Antonio Spurs, canceled his wedding to Kesha Nichols by email 5 days before the wedding.

I am pretty sure that most of you heard about this story via all the gossip and media outlets. Since this personal tradgey, Kesha has decided to turn this embarrassing moment into a chance to help someone else.

Ms. Nichol's is giving one lucky bride (who may not be about to afford) the chance to win a one of a kind never worn couture wedding gown.

Here is what Ms. Nichols had to say about the couture dress giveaway, "I'm sure I could have sold the dress for a good amount of money,".... "But I would rather give the dress to someone who would never have the chance to wear a $10,000 couture, one-of- a-kind dress."


Here's How To Win:

Kesha Nichols is giving away her $10,000 Guillermo Couture dress to one lucky Post reader.

Tell the NY Post and Ms. Nichol's in an essay, 150 words or less, about how you’ve “danced through life” and adversity, and why you deserve to wear the gown on your wedding day. Post editors and Nichols will pick the winner. Just e-mail your entry to dress@nypost.com by noon Tuesday.

Details about the dress.....

The gorgeous gown, handmade by Midtown’s premier bridal boutique Guillermo Couture, is made up of 80 yards of imported English netting. The ruffles are arranged in a mushroom-pleating pattern. It took a month of work to create. The dress is a size 0, but Guillermo has promised to alter the dress for free for the winning reader. The dress can fit up to a size 4.

Source

NY Post Article

Guess Who's Entering The Wedding Dress Market

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!


So our favorite T.V. wedding planner has decided to throw his hat into the wedding dress market. David Tutera of WE TV's, "My Fair Wedding", has partnered with Faviana New York to launch David Tutera by Faviana. Look for it in your favorite bridal salon spring 2010. Below you can find the press release and a snippet of video from the fashion show.

CELEBRITY WEDDING PLANNER DAVID TUTERA COLLABORATES WITH DRESS HOUSE FAVIANA ON RED CARPET-INSPIRED WEDDING GOWNS

NEW YORK, NY — September 15, 2009 — Celebrity wedding planner and host of WE TV’s hit show “My Fair Wedding,” David Tutera, and special occasion dress house Faviana collaboratively launch David Tutera By Faviana, a line of luxurious wedding gowns inspired by celebrityred carpet fashions. The venture is the first bridal fashion collection to carry the David Tutera name.

“Inspired by the red carpet, worn on the white carpet” is the signature of this new luxury collection for brides who want to capture the essence of celebrity style for their big day. Designs range from classic and beautiful to dramatic and innovative, while reflecting the culture of couture.

David Tutera By Faviana will debut with a 20-piece collection at the Chicago Bridal Market in October. The gowns will be available in sizes 0 to 24. Suggested retail prices will range from $1150 to $2,150, and the collection is expected to be in stores in January 2010.

Omid Moradi, Faviana CEO, states, “Our mission with the David Tutera By Faviana Collection is to bring couture and celebrity-inspired wedding dresses to the market at prices that make sense for today’s bride.”

“I have been planning and designing high-profile weddings for over 20 years and know what brides look for in the search for the perfect dress,” says DavidTutera. “Walking down the aisle at a wedding ceremony is like walking down a runway. I am delighted to work with Faviana to bring celebrity style to the bride through red carpet fashion trends translated into wedding day styles at accessible prices. Every bride should feel like a celebrity on the biggest day of her life…her wedding.”

Faviana is one of the world’s leading designers and producers of stylish, sophisticated evening wear. Owned by the Moradi family for more than 20 years, Faviana is renowned for innovative style and exceptional fit. Faviana’s quality workmanship is marked by their meticulous attention to detail including intricate beading, sequins and embroidery.

Faviana COO Navid Moradi reports, “We are thrilled to be working with David Tutera on this exciting new collection. David brings a contagious energy and enthusiasm to the project and, best of all, it’s fun to work with him.” Moradi adds, “David is a master of detail, combining his unique artistic skills with the ‘big picture’ vision of a Hollywood director.”

Honored by Modern Bride Magazine as a Trendsetter of The Year and called the “Best Celebrity Wedding Planner” by Life & Style magazine, David Tutera’s ability, uniquely creative talents and outstanding reputation have brought him tremendous success in the bridal arena. Known throughout the world for turning wedding fantasies into realities, David Tutera exceeds expectations and creates the latest entertaining trends with imaginative innovation.

David’s hit primetime show, “My Fair Wedding” on WE TV follows David as he completely transforms the wedding and look of a bride in distress, with only three weeks to go before her big day. With the clock ticking, Tutera overhauls the design plans and orchestrates all the physical and emotional transformations the bride needs to become a poised and graceful bridal beauty just in time.

David's impressive client list includes the weddings of Star Jones and NY Giants Antonio Pierce, events for Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, the Grammy Awards, Elton John, Barbara Walters, the Rolling Stones, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, Susan Lucci, film premieres and parties for royalty, politicians and socialites.

David is the author of six entertaining books Big Birthdays, The Party Planner, America Entertains: A Year of Imaginative Parties, A Passion for Parties, and two upcoming new bridal books, The Big White Book of Weddings.

Faviana designs hundreds of long and short evening wear styles each year in colors and fabrics to fit every woman’s style preference. The company has become the “go-to fashion resource” for all special occasions. Faviana head designer Shala Moradi says, “Our customer likes to stand out from the crowd…That’s why we create so many styles each season. A woman ALWAYS wants to make a ‘head-turning’ entrance.”

Faviana’s unique designs have been featured on Access Hollywood, The View, the Today Show, E!, Reuters TV, CBS Evening News, Eyewitness News,NBC’s Weekend TodayandInside Edition. Celebrities who have worn Faviana include Kim Kardashian, Entertainment Tonight’s Thea Andrews, Dancing With The Stars’ Samantha Harris and Hannah Montana’s Emily Osment. The company has also provided gowns for Vanna White of ABC-TV’s Wheel of Fortune, the cast of CBS-TV’sThe Bold and theBeautiful, WE TV’s My Fair Wedding, as well as the “briefcase girls” of Deal or No Deal. Faviana dresses have graced the pages of O, The Oprah Magazine; OK!; Life & Style; InTouch Weekly and Women’s Wear Daily and are mentioned regularly on “Page Six” of the New York Post.

Faviana boasts more than 2,000 retail accounts worldwide, including specialty boutiques and bridal shops throughout the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe, the Middle East, South America and Australia. In fact, Antarctica is now the only continent on earth in which Faviana is not sold.

For more information please visit www.davidtutera.com and www.faviana.com

Brides Magazine Launches New IPhone App.

Happy Monday Afternoon Budget Brides!!!

I received this press release from Brides Magazine today announcing another way to get all things bridal 24/7. Checkout the press release below.

BRIDES LAUNCHes FIRST EVER BRIDAL MAGAZINE IPHONE™ APP

IPHONE App available october 12

October 12, 2009 – NEW YORK, NY

Beginning TODAY, wedding dress shopping will meet the age of technology as BRIDES magazine launches Brides Dressing Room, the first ever wedding dress locator of its kind on a mobile device.

Through BRIDES Dressing Room, users will browse a variety of wedding and bridesmaid dresses, and sort by silhouette, designer or price - then check availability, and schedule an appointment with a local bridal shop for consultations and fittings. Users of the application can also email a photo of a wedding gown or bridesmaid dress to friends to get their feedback. BRIDES is the first magazine in its category to launch a mobile application.

BRIDES Magazine is once again leading the charge in the bridal industry as it forges new ways to match consumers with bridal fashion and accessories. Through this new technology, BRIDES will provide another key outlet for advertisers to reach consumers at the moment they are actively engaged in the wedding planning process.

Consumers can download the app by going to iTunes and searching for BRIDES Dressing Room.

BRIDES Dressing Room is being created by NearbyNow, a unique digital shopping concierge service that empowers consumers to search online -- from their computers and via innovative mobile applications -- for the most convenient local source for their favorite products and brands. Founded in 2005, NearbyNow is headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company is privately held, with funding from Draper, Fisher, Jurvetson and Norwest Venture Partners. Additional information can be obtained by phone at (650) 967-0940 or by visiting the Company’s Web site at www.nearbynow.com.

The Knot Book of Wedding Lists Giveaway

We have made it to the one year mark last week on October 6, 2009. I cannot believe this blog was started one year ago today. As I write this post making myself late for work. I think about the joy of writing this blog and sharing within this great community. We have another exciting year to come with a site update in the upcoming year, as well as entries from the Budget Bride Community.So to kick off our second year we are hosting a giveaway of The Knot Book of Weddings List by Carly Roney and the editors from The Knot. There's also a little inscription inside from Carly.

Here's how to win:

1. Subscribe to receive updates from The Budget Brides Handbook. (see right hand side)

2. Follow us on Blogger

3. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook (Search Name BudgetBrides)

4. Make a comment about your how you can better organize your wedding planning activities

5. Send us an email stating you did all of the above to contest@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com. All entries must be complete by October 21, 2009 12:00 am EST. A winner will be pick and announce on October 21, 2009.

Lucky Magazine + HSN = Great Deals for Brides

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

Lucky Magazine & HSN has joined forces to bring us amazing designers at prices that our pocketbook can handle. Every year Lucky hosts an event called Lucky Shops (a three-day affair where more than 80 designers offer up to 70% off clothes and accessories) where budget fashionistas like yourselves have the oppoortunity to save big on top designers. To my excitement they have taken this event a step farther and partnered with HSN and 7 top designers to bring you amazing items at amazing prices. I have highlighted two designers, Shoshanna and Tracy Reese, whose collections can be transformed to great bridesmaid dresses.

A Little About Shoshanna

"Shoshanna Gruss is famous for her come-hither frocks and flattering cuts, but as a native New Yorker, she also knows the value of practicality. For this line, Gruss stayed true to her trademarks: seamless prints, versatile fabrics, and of course "getting the waistbands just right to carve out hourglass shapes on everyone.""

This beautiful Shoshanna scoop-neck princess dress is a perfect fit as a cocktail dress for a daytime or garden theme wedding. This dress is being offered at an amazingly low price of $64.90 in 3 fabulous colors including black, fuschia (shown above) and purple.

See Shoshanna's entire collection for Lucky Mag. & HSN

A Little Bit About Tracy Resse

This former designer for Perry Ellis and Magaschoni, Tracy Resse is known for her bold colors, prints and textures which bring sensibilty to her clothes. Resse says this dress is sexy, goddessy and artfully draped. It is definitely not your average special occassion dress.

Elegant and classic this Tracy Reese Draped-Bodice Jeresy dress is prefect for a late afternoon wedding. This dress is also being offered at an amazingly low price of $89.90 and is available in 4 colors including black (shown below), magneta (shown above), animal spot and teal.

See Tracy Reese's entire collection for Lucky Mag. & HSN

Enjoy more savings from more of your favorite designers

Rebecca Taylor

Gerard Yosca

Kooba

Rebecca Minkoff

Helen Ficalora

Source: Lucky Magazine November 2009

Simply Amazing Deals from the Girl Next Door

Our favorite girl next door/cooking guru Rachel Ray has blessed us all with this amazing coupon guide. When I saw another blogger post this a few weeks ago I was like wow. Let me pick off a few vendors for our In the Know Fridays but I just had to give you the full monty. This coupon guide is any brides' dream with up to 40% off great names like Kate's Paperie, Arden B, Favor Affairs, Zazzle, Joann Fabrics and much more. Click the image below to begin saving.

Don't forget our 1st Year Anniversary Giveaway!
"The Knot Book of Wedding Lists" by Carley Roney
Click here for more details

Source

I would like to give credit to the blog that I saw this on first so if you are reading this send me an email (info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com) and I will credit you.

It's A Wrap....... For Elegant Bride & Modern Bride

Monday was a sad day in the Wedding Magazine world as two great publications have been closed for good by its parent company Conde Nast.

Conde Nast has announced yesterday that it is closing 4 publications including Elegant Bride and Modern Bride. Many of us have combed through these pages looking for inspiration, ideas and vendors for weddings and blog ideas. According to the Wall Street Journal, the main reason for the cut in publications was due to a decrease in advertising dollars from retailers. They have also decided to cut Cookie magazine as well as the print version of Gourmet magazine while retaining the digital and tv segments of the Gourmet business.

Production on these publications has stopped immediately and most positions at these publications will be vacated today Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

Our prays are with everyone who is effected by this great lost to the bridal industry.

Tell all of your friends, family and brides not to subscribe to these publications. For those of you who already have subscriptions, I am pretty sure they will give you the opportunity to redeem your money or switch your subscription over to a similar publication.

Looking for a new bridal publication to subscribe to?

Click here to sign up for your free Get Married Magazine.

Click here to read Wall Street Journal Article

It's Our Anniversary!!!!

Happy Anniversary to The Budget Brides Handbook!!!

We have made it to the one year mark. I cannot believe this blog was started one year ago today. As I write this post making myself late for work. I think about the joy of writing this blog and sharing within this great community. We have another exciting year to come with a site update in the upcoming year, as well as entries from the Budget Bride Community.



So to kick off our second year we are hosting a giveaway of The Knot Book of Weddings List by Carly Roney and the editors from The Knot. There's also a little inscription inside from Carly.

Here's how to win:

1. Subscribe to receive updates from The Budget Brides Handbook. (see right hand side)

2. Follow us on Blogger

3. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook (Search Name BudgetBrides)

4. Make a comment about your how you can better organize your wedding planning activities

5. Send us an email stating you did all of the above to contests@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com

All entries must be complete by October 14, 2009 12:00 am EST.


A winner will be pick and announce on October 14, 2009.

In the Know: Contests, Events, Promotions 9/11

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!

Here is our next installment of In the Know: Contests, Events, Freebies & Promotions. We strive to inform you about contests, events & promotions from mainstream companies as well as companies you maybe less known. See below for all of the entries that we received for this week.

Enjoy!

Image from Ideeli.com

Contests

Shop Til You Drop With Your BFF.... Ideeli is hosting a $2,500 Shopping Spree Giveaway. The winner receives $1,500 and their BBF will receive $1,000 to shop along with them. Click here to enter.

Events

Clean Your Closet & Save.... Nine West & Sole4Soul is sponsoring a shoe drive where customers can drop off a gently used pair of footwear at any Nine West Specialty Retail store between 09.09.09 thru 09.24.09 and you'll receive a 15% off coupon.

Promotions

One-Stop Shopping.... Ideeli is hosting a ton of sales this week including BCBG and Lenox. Click designers to enjoy the savings.

Credits:

Nine West

Ideeli

Daily Candy

Mark Your Calendars.....

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

Here are two great in-store events that you can include your fiance or bridal party to help you in creating your fantasy registry.

Bloomingdale's NYC 59th Street

Bloomingdale's and Martha Stewart Magazine are inviting you to an evening this Thursday of wine, hor d' oeuvres, cake tasting while creating the ultimate wedding registry for your big day. Come and meet some of the best and brightest in the wedding industry like wedding gown designer Monique Lhuillier, cake master Sylvia Weinstock and bridal salon owner Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, editorial director Darcy Miller as well as many others.

Enter to win a 3-night stay at Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos Islands when you sign up for a registry.

Click image for more information including date and time.

Crate & Barrel @ Store Nearest You

Crate & Barrel invites you to a morning of food, drinks, music and advice from the experts.

With three dates on the calendar you have no reason not to make at least one.

September 13th, October 4th and 18th from 9am - 11am

Credits:

Information from Perfect Bound amd Fete Fanatic

In the Know: Contests, Events, Freebies & Promotions 9/4

Happy Friday Budget Brides!

Here is our next installment of In the Know: Contests, Events, Freebies & Promotions. We strive to inform you about contests, events & promotions from mainstream companies as well as companies you maybe less known. See below for all of the entries that we received for this week. Enjoy!

Image from Bettina Johnson Jewelry

Contests

Diamonds Galore! Preownedweddingdresses.com is hosting a $2500 jewelry rental giveaway from Adorn Brides. Click here for entry form. Contest ends Oct. 31st & winner drawn on Nov. 2nd.

Events

Every Girls Addiciton... Kleinfield is hosting their September Bridal Sample Sale. Save up to 70% on select gowns from top bridal designers. They are only accepting one hour appointments only for September 13, 2009. Call (646) 633-4300 today for your sample sale appointment!

Experience the Vineyard.... Visit a Priscilla of Boston salon near you from Sept. 10 thru Sept. 14 to view the Vineyard Trunk Show. View Vineyard Collection here.

For the Fans.... Are you a Kenneth Poole or Christos Fan? Well here is your chance to checkout their 2010 collections. Kleinfield's is hosting a Christos & Kenneth Poole Trunk Show September 11 - 13, 2009. Visit Kleinfield's for more details.

Freebies

Bookworms Unite.... P.S. it's in the details has this amazing idea of creating fabulous bookmarks. Here is a link to a freebie bookmark. Perfect favor idea for the bookworm Bride on her wedding day. I would contact Patty directly if you want a custom bookmark.

Promotions

Glitter in Diamonds.... Adorn Brides is offering $50 off jewelry rental when using coupon code: MODERNBRIDE50

Amazing Bridesmaid Dresses! Sash & Bustle is running a fall promotion of 15% off their Coren Moore Bridesmaid Collection from now until October 30th.

Sophiscated Gifts & Accessories! Save up to 75% off shoes, apparel & accessories at the Kate Spade Sample Sale.

Rings & Bobby Pins! Bettina Johnson Jewelry has just launched their Fall 09 collection and they want to give you 20% off any order from Sept. 1st to Sept. 15th. Use code: ANYSAVE20

Make It Personal! Kiwi Embroidery is offering a 10% discount off your order. Use Code: ETSYITUP. Even more fabulous is that there is no expiration date.

Credits:
Information - The Knot, Bride on a Budget, A Hot Pink Petticoat

A is for..... Attendants

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

Today is the kick-off of our ABC's of Weddings series. We will start right at the beginning with the letter A. A is for Attendants, you know the most important people in your life that you would want to share your special day with. We will go over 4 important aspects concerning your attendants also known as the Bridal Party which are attendant selection, attendant duties, attendant attire and attendant gifts.

Image from The Knot

Attendant Selection

Matron of Honor - Your Matron of Honor is usually one of your closest family members or friends who is already married. They will usually be the person you confide in or consult when you go through the highs & lows of your courtship and marriage. Typically Brides only have one Matron of Honor; however, if you have more than one person who fills this role for you then have two. Our suggestion would be to keep it to one but no more than two.

Maid of Honor - Your Maid of Honor is a single friend who you are extremely close with and have shared imitate life experiences. Most Brides usually opt to have a best friend or sister for their Maid of Honor. I have also seen Brides who do not have this type of connection use this position for a male that they are very close to renaming the title to Man of Honor. As with the Matron of Honor title, we suggest that you do not have no more than two Maid of Honors especially if you don't have a Matron of Honor.

Best Man - A Grooms' Best Man is usually your fiance's best friend, college roommate or brother. The BM is the person that your fiance has gotten into the most trouble with and had the most fun with. As with the Man of Honor title, I have also experienced women holding the title of Best Woman. Typically, men are a little less complicated than women so they usually only have one Best Man. But if your situation does not fit the norm then I would suggest no more than two.

Bridesmaids - Bridesmaids are the Brides closest friends who she should cherish as lifelong friends. Often times the bridesmaiad position is also given to siblings as a way to include all family members in the wedding process. Many brides opt to have junior bridesmaids in their wedding to include pre-teen and teenage family members in the wedding as well. When it comes to the number of Bridesmaid you can have as many as you would like. However, I feel that weddings with over six Bridesmaids is a bit much and you can definitely find other roles for those additional people to fill.

Mini Bride & Groom - The mini Bride & Groom is an Italian tradition. The mini Bride & Groom can be portrayed in the ring bearer and the flower girl but it can also be two separate children altogether. They are also usually many replicas of the Bride and Groom.

Groomsmen - Groomsmen are usually close family and friends of the groom. When it comes to the quantity of Groomsmen, I will give the same suggestion as I did for the Bridesmaids. Less is more and you can find other ways to include the additional people into the wedding.

Ring Bearer & Flower Girl - These two titles are usually held for young children under the age of 8. However, you can have Ring Bearers & Flower Girls of any age.

Ushers/Greeters - Ushers are usually family or family friends who greet all guest to the ceremony and reception.

Ok so we're done with the Attendants Selection. I think that this was alot of information for today.

Stay Tuned.....

Tomorrow we will try to finish up the letter A with more information on Attendant Duties, Attire & Gifts.

We're Back and in Full Effect......

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

We know that we have been pretty relaxed in posting during the summer months but September is here and we're back in full effect. Whoo Hoo!!!

In celebration of our full-time return to the blogging world we have decided to embark on a challenge of bring to our readers everything weddings from A- Z. We will also continue with our Sunday Brunch & In the Know segments as well.

We are asking that all vendors who have budget conscious products or services as well as Brides who want to share their stories of how they have achieve their dream wedding within their budget contact us at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com so that we can feature you on the website.

Credits:

Image - LaFetra Bridge Club

Save Big on Stylish Honeymoon Clothing with Help from Cynthia Rowley

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

After visting some of my favorite websites, I stumble upon this little find. Wouldn't it be amazing to have amzaing fashions for your honeymoon that you created with a little help from Cythnia Rowley. I don't know about many of you but I hate to walk down the street and see a mirror image of myself. Well, Cynthia Rowley & Simplicity Patterns has come to rescue with cool patterns to help you create the perfect outfit. Pricing for all 4 patterns below is $16.95 is a great value since you have 4 styles per pattern. This find is simply amazing, I wish that I could sew so that I could start creating my one of a kinds. Below you can find 4 patterns from the Cynthia Rowley Collection.

*side note* The pricing of $16.95 is from the Simplicity website be sure to search around for a better deal.

Credits:

Post Idea - Heart of Light

Images - Pattern Review