Last Chance! Two Contests End in Two Days... Enter to Win Today!

This is your Last Chance Budget Brides!

Today is the last day that you can submit your entries for the "How I Saved My Wedding Budget" contest. We have received a many entries and we would love to have more. Click on the button below to Enter to Win.

One lucky winner will win a Day of Wedding Coordination valued at $800.00 and you can have it all for free!! This package includes distribution of your wedding day time line to all necessary vendors and bridal party members, coordination & direction of wedding day and by the hour listing of wedding day activities. We will ensure that you will have a stress and worry-free day that you will remember for the rest of your life.
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Last Two Days!

Enter the "Take Back Your Wedding" Contest

Many of you Budget Brides are experiencing wedding stress whether it is coming from your family and friends or just the normal wedding day stress. Here is a book that can help you deal with all of that.

Leave us a comment letting us know who or what has been your greatest stress during your wedding planning experience. You have the chance to win 1 of 5 'Take Back Your Wedding' books from author Elizabeth Doherty Thomas.

Deadline for submissions:
Wednesday, April 1st at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time Contests is valid for mainland United States Only Winners will be chosen & contacted on Thursday, April 2, 2009

Meet the Sugar Lily Bake Shop

Happy Monday Budget Brides!

Last Tuesday we met Ms. Nyisha Price at a business conference and she spoke about her business called the Sugar Lily Bake Shop. As she talked more and more about her business and the delicious flavors that she offered her customers, we thought the Sugar Lily Bake Shop would be perfect for a post on The BBH. Read the post below & don't forget to visit Nyisha & the Sugar Lily Bake Shop for menus and more information.

Shown Above Sugar Plum, Berry & Orange Blossom

Below is a short introduction to the Sugar Lily Bake Shop.

"Sugar Lily Bake Shop blossomed into existence when its founder, Nyisha Pierre, had the vision of combining her passion for baking with her love of art and fashion.

With training from the French Culinary Institute, she has set out to create cupcakes that are très chic and unforgettable…Her artisan creations have been picked up gourmet food stores in New York and are highly sought after by those who have been fortunate enough to experience them.

Socially-minded, she ensures that her all-natural ingredients are sourced locally and always organic.

With beautiful designs and more than a dozen amazing flavors to choose from, Sugar Lily will satisfy your artisan sweet spot every time."

Shown above Calla Lily in Chocolate

Shown above Rich Chocolate, Lemon & Coconut

Images & Bio from the Sugar Lily Bake Shop

In the Know: Contests, Events & Promotions 3/27

Happy Friday Budget Brides!

Here is your weekly dose of In the Know: Contests, Events & Promotions

Invitation Image from Izzy and the Bean

Contests

Win a Free Day of Wedding Coordination! Enter to Win The BBH's "How I Saved My Wedding Budget" contest and win a FREE Day of Wedding Coordination from the Budget Bride Consultants. Valued at $800. Click here for original posts.

Learn How to Relieve Wedding Stress! Enter to Win The BBH's "Take Back Your Wedding" contest and win 1 of 5 'Take Back Your Wedding' books from author Elizabeth Doherty Thomas. Click here for original posts.

Support Ebonee Monique & Marvin! Vote Marvin as Brides.com Groom of the Year. Help these to lovebirds when a dream honeymoon. Click here for original post.

Events

Tie the Not! The Not Wedding is hosting another impromptu wedding event in Atlanta, Ga on April 5th. The doors will open at 4, the ceremony will start at 5 and the reception is at 6. Tickets are $25 and can only be brought online. This event is limited to 350 so don't be left out & purchase your tickets today. Admission includes food, drink and a gift bag.

Promotions

Salon Services Discount for NYC Brides! Le Salon an exclusively organic salon in NYC is offering 10% discount for brides. Call Ashraf at 212-949-6693 for more information or to make a consultation appointment.

Calling All San Franciso & San Jose Bay Area Brides! Recession bumming you out? San Jose Wedding Consultants can help! We can save you money, and bring you peace of mind on your wedding day. Book a Day Of Coordination Package and receive 25% off our regular rate of $995.00! Let them know you found this promotion on The BBH.
Offer Expires June 1, 2009

10% off from Izzy and the Bean Design! The Husband & Wife graphic design team of Izzy & the Bean is offering 10% off any order of 100 or more invites or save the dates from Izzy and the Bean Design.

Spring Break for Tampa Bay Area Brides! Meant To Be Wed is offering 20% off planning and day-of coordination services. An extra 5% off for those engaged on Valentines Day!

Must book by April 30, 2009.

Still Need Bridal Party Gifts? The Gourmet Gift Company is offering $20 off any custom order of $100 or more. Use coupon code 24CUPCAKE at checkout. Coupon expires 06/30/09.

Enter to Win the "Take Back Your Wedding" Contest

"Take Back Your Wedding" Contest

Have you received ridiculous requests about the guest list, food selection or Bridesmaid dresses for your wedding day?

Has your family or fiances' family taken over the wedding planning?

Well it's time to "Take Back Your Wedding". Leave us a comment letting us know who or what has been your greatest stress during your wedding planning experience. You have the chance to win 1 of 5 'Take Back Your Wedding' books from author Elizabeth Doherty Thomas.

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, April 1st at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time

Contests is valid for mainland United States Only

Winner will be chosen & contacted on Thursday, April 2, 2009

About Elizabeth Doherty Thomas

Elizabeth Doherty Thomas along with her nationally respected marriage and family therapist father won a Modern Bride Magazine Trendsetter award for their wedding relationship advice. Using a unique family therapy approach and grounded in the every day experiences of countless engaged couples, Take Back Your Wedding will help you gain wisdom and increase your confidence as you plan your wedding and start your marriage. Their website is an expansion of their book!

http://www.thefirstdance.com/

*All books will be sent directly from Elizabeth Doherty Thomas

Information & Images from Elizabeth Doherty Thomas

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Please Remember to support our Budget Couple Ebonee Monique & Marvin. Marvin is participating in the "Groom of the Year" contest hosted by Brides.com. Click on image to submit your vote.

Image from Brides.com

Help Ebonee Monqiue & Marvin WIN Dream Honeymoon

The BBH's Real Weddings

We have some exciting news one of our Budget Fiances is in the finals of the Brides.com "Groom of the Year" contest. Marvin has beat out 14 other fiances to reach the finals which has included 2 other rounds in which the last round he won by 792 votes. Marvin's lovely fiance & Budget Bride Ebonee Monique wrote to us about the competition, her experience planning a wedding on a budget & the reason why she would like Marvin to win this contest. Please take a moment & vote Marvin. I am sure both Marvin & Ebonee would greatly appreciate.

PLEASE VOTE FOR MARVIN!!

WWW.BRIDES.COM/GROOMOFTHEYEAR

Marvin's reason on why you should vote for him!

“Honestly, I’m no different than any other man. I work hard, I have everyday struggles and I happened to fall in love with a great girl who I can’t wait to start my life with. There’s nothing extraordinary about my story, but I think that’s what it that much more relatable. I am the everyday guy.”And to piggy-back off of what he said, it thrills and energizes me to know that we are a reflection and a representative of the every day couple. We don’t have an extensive budget for our wedding and we are paying for our wedding completely on our own, but simply put, we are just a couple who were blessed with this opportunity and we are eternally grateful.

The Story of Ebonee Monique & Marvin

Marvin and I were friends for a year and a half before we started dating. It was like a light switch and we opened our eyes and were both like “Hey…I like you!” and it went from there. We’ve been together for 3 years now and it seems like yesterday that we got together.

Our wedding is March 5, 2010 in Tallahassee. We are the epitome of the budget-couple. Neither of us want to put any financial strains on either of our families, so we are paying for the wedding completely on our own. Our goal is to spend no more than $12,000 and still have the wedding of our dreams. So far, I’ve found my dress for $205, we found a great photographer who gave us a discount for paying in advance; we found a wedding coordinator who was just starting out, a family-owned catering company and a co-worker who will serve as our DJ. We decided, in order to keep costs down, to forgo the traditional sit-down dinner by, instead, focusing on interesting and delicious cocktail food. Also to keep costs down, we are holding a family/close friends only ceremony/reception and then the next day we are inviting everyone else, we couldn’t invite to the wedding, to an informal barbeque at a local park. We are convinced that while our wedding day is ULTRA important…it’s just ONE day and we do not want to start our union off in debt.

Winning this competition will mean everything to us. Because of the cost of the ceremony and reception, we didn’t know how we would ever begin to think about paying for a honeymoon. With the honeymoon voucher provided for winning, we would be able to take that burden off of our shoulders. The other prizes we are also excited about (groomsmen tuxes, his/her platinum rings, 40” HDTV and an entertainment console) as well. The fact that they announce the winner of ‘Groom of the Year’ on our 3 year anniversary makes me truly believe that God has a blessing in store for us. We’re staying prayerful and optimistic, though.

Information & Images recevied from Ebonee Monique

Alfred Angelo Flower Dress Up Week! Receive 15% off

Alfred Angelo is celebrating flower girls, mini-maids & junior bridesmaids with a 15% off coupon vaild Saturday March 28th through Sunday, April 5th. Stop in your local Bridal Salon to enjoy the savings.

Click coupon to find participating stores in your area.

Coupon & Image from Alfred Angelo

Flowers By the Season

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!

Today we are going to discuss flowers. Flowers are usually a big portion of any wedding day budget probably placing second to the reception. It is very important for you to be knowledgeable about the types of flowers that you want to have for your wedding ceremony, bridal party & reception. You want to make sure that whatever flower or combination of flowers you choose to use for your wedding day is in season for your location. For example, Tulips are available in the East, Midwest & South during the Spring, in the West during the Spring and Winter. Purchasing flowers that are not in season is very costly because your florist will have to get those flowers brought in out of state which increases the price of the flowers. While if you choose flowers that are in-season, they will be locally grown & cost you less money.
Below you will find a listing of flowers by season:

Spring Season
Apple or cherry blossoms
Daffodils
Dogwoods
Forsythia branches
Foxglove
Hyacinth
Iris
Larkspur
Lilies
Lilacs
Lily of the Valley
Pansies
Peonies
Ranunculus
Rose
Snapdragon
Stars of Bethlehem
Statice
Sweet Peas
Tulips
Viburnum
Violet

Summer Season
Asiatic Lily
Asters
Calla Lilies
Clematis
Cosmo
Dahlias
Daisies
Delphinium
Geraniums
Gerbera daisy
Hydrangeas
Iris
Jacobs Ladder
Larkspur
Queen Anne’s Lace
Pansy
Roses
Shasta daises
Stock
Sunflower
Tuberose
Viburnum
Violet
Zinnias

Fall Season
Asters
Chrysanthemums
Coreopsis
Cosmo
Dahlia
Delphinium
Gerbera daisies
Hydrangea
Marigolds
Phlox
Roses
Scabiosa
Sunflowers
Zinnias

Winter Season
Amaryllis
Camellias
Forget-me-nots
Forsythia
Hydrangea
Holly
Jasmine
Orchids
Poinsettias
Rose

Budget Brides Tip: To get more information on which flowers are suitable in which season geographic area please visit Bliss Weddings.

Images from The Knot

Uniquity Invitations: Get Invitations You LOVE in 5 Steps

Happy Monday Budget Brides!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Today we're going to spotlight Uniquity Invitations.

Perfect Pear Invitation

Uniquity Invitations is a company that has the budget conscience bride in mind by providing templates of wedding invitations and accessories that can be purchased through the company's website and printed on the Bride's home computer potentially saving the bride hundreds of dollars. What's great about Uniquity Invitiations is that once you pick the invitation that you desire you can customize the color and wording of the invitation to your specifications. This company makes the process of printing your own invitations so easy by providing a list of instructions and materials to complete your project. The template package includes matching invite, rsvp, place cards, favor tags, table numbers, menus and programs all just for $79.

Follow these 5 Steps to get invitations you LOVE:

1. Once you have visited the website, choose the invitation that you would love to have for your wedding.

2. When at the ordering page choose of all of the necessary components you will need for specific wedding and make your purchase.

3. After your purchase you will receive an email with the PDF of your chosen template for you to edit.

4. Once you have received the PDF template make the neccessary font and color changes to customize your wedding invitation.

5. Finally print the invitations and cut accordingly.

Budget Brides Tip: Typically, wedding invitiations from a one-stop shop can be very expensive since you are paying the company for their creative and the production cost that it takes to create the invitations.

Get a FREE Save-the-Date template from Uniquity Invitations by signing up for their newsletter.

Below are more invitations that we love:

Grace Invitation

Grace Invitation Detail

Hailey Invitation

Hailey Invitation Detail

Sand Invitation

Images from Uniquity Invitations

In The Know: Contests, Events & Promotions 3/20

Happy Friday Budget Brides!

Here is our next installment of In the Know: Contests, Events & 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 The Knot


Contests

Celebrating 75 Years of Marriage! Alfred Angelo is celebrating 75 years in the bridal industry by offering contests to help Brides achieve the wedding day that they have dreamed of. Sign up to win fabulous prizes including free honeymoons, your dream gown & more. Click here for to sign up.Calling All Budget Brides in the NYC Tri-State Area! The BBH is stilling running our "How I Saved My Wedding Day Budget" contest where one Bride will win a Day of Wedding Coordination worth $800. Click here for more details on how you could win.
Events

Mark your calendars! The White Gown in Brooklyn, NY is hosting the Anjolique & Joli Bridal Trunk Show on April 4-5, 2009. To make an appointment call (718) 222-Gown or email whitegown@gmail.com. Click here to see original post. The Wedding Salon is sponsoring a Bridal Show this Monday, March 23, 2009 from 4pm to 9pm at the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC. Feature vendors include Colin Cowie, David Tutera and cake diva Sylvia Weinstock to name a few. Tickets are $50. Click here for more information.
Promotions

Complete your Fairy Tale! FairyTale Favors Online is offering 15% off the entire site for their Grand Opening Sale. They carry unique wedding favors, bridal shower favors, baby shower favors and baby gifts. As well as wedding decor and accessories and favors for other events as well. The coupon code is: GRANDOPENINGFTF. http://www.fairytalefavorsonline.com/

Still looking for gifts & favors? Best Wedding Sites is offering all Budget Bride readers 10% off any size order at the Best Wedding Sites Boutique when you enter code: budgetbride at checkout. http://store.bestweddingsites.com/

Music for the Georgia Bride! The musical tag team couple of Dan & Sheila are offering Wedding Director(s), Pianist, Vocalist, DJ & Sound Technicans for a discounted rate of $750. Normally, this package would be $975. This service is only offered to Brides who live in the Coastal Georgia area. You can reachDan/Sheila at (877) 260 - 7234, please be a doll & tell them you found them on The Budget Brides Handbook.com.
Create your own Style! Style Shake is offering a 10% discount on the entire order with the purchase of 3 or more bridesmaids dresses.
Special Delivery for our Chicago Brides!! The photographers over at JM Fotos are currently offering a 15% discount on Wedding Photography to all BBH readers if you book by Tuesday, March 31, 2008. Visit the JM Fotos website to view their photo gallery. Don't forget to mention the BBH to receive your discount.

All About Honeymoons is offering a $50 spa credit to any couple who books a Honeymoon before April 30, 2009 and a $150 spa credit for any couple who books a Destination Wedding.
Economy Discount for Budget Brides!! Perspektiv Studios is offering an economy discount of 20% off your entire wedding package. This is an amazing savings of $700 (Reg. $3500 to Sale $2800). They are also offering to cancel their traveling fees for 2009 with the purchase of a wedding package. This means that they will travel anywhere in the United States at no additional costs.*

*Offers valid on the Mainland of the United States; however, for outside the mainland we will charge cost for travel only, no extra fees. Also, these offers cannot be used together.

The White Gown: Anjolique & Joli Trunk Show

This post is especially for our NYC - Tri-State Area Budget Brides or our brides who will be in the NYC area April 4th or 5th. The White Gown bridal salon in Brooklyn is hosting a trunk show to showcase the wonderful designs of Anjolique & Joli. If you are still undecided on your wedding dress round up your dress committee and head down to The White Gown.

Please remember to call (718.222.GOWN (4696)) or email (whitegown@gmail.com) to book an appointment and if emailing please add your name, telephone number & your wedding date.

Image from The White Gown

Anjolique Bridal & Joli Bridal Trunk Show

April 4 - 5, 2009

Location:

The White Gown

69 Jay Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

www.thewhitegown.com

SPECIAL OFFER: Take advantage of the special discounts during this event! Come in for your FREE wedding gift bag including wedding essentials, pearl jewelry, and coupons toward your wedding bands!

Images for The White Gown & Information from The Knot

Style Shake - Customize Your Bridesmaid Dresses

As we continue to search high & low for new designers, services and products to bring to our Budget Brides, we are always amazed when we find that Wow Factor.

Style Shake is a British company that has taken the art of creating your own look to all new heights. This company gives women the opportunity to create a perfect dress all on their own. Great for Brides & Bridesmaids who are looking for more than the status quo in the bridesmaids dress department. Bridal Parties can sit down in front of a computer and create a dress uniquely for a special wedding day in about 20 to 30 minutes or depending on how creative one wants to be. Style Shake will send Brides a sample of the fabric and colors that they are interested in to ensure a perfect wedding day. Typically dresses start at $59.00; however, please email Style Shake for their bridesmiads' dress pricing at info@StyleShake.com.

Style Shake is offering a 10% discount on the entire order with the purchase of 3 or more bridesmaids dresses.

Below you can find a few designs created by the wonderful staff at The BBH.

Images created on StyleShake.com

Get Your Dream Dress at the Price You Want

Good Afternoon Budget Brides!

Here are 7 tips on how you can "Get Your Dream Dress at the Price You Want"

Image from MaggieSottero.com

1. Your Engaged!
Once you get engaged decide what style of dress you would like to wear.

2. Search & Collect
Begin to search Magazines, Websites and TV shows for the dress that are similar to what you are looking for. Make sure that you pull and save any pictures that you find so when you start to visit Bridal Salons you can give the consultant an actual idea of what you desire.

3. Choosing a Bridal Salon
Make sure you get referrals from friends on bridal salons. Not every bridal salon works the same way. So talk to your friends to find out what rules or stipulations a salon might have before you commit to buying a dress.

ie. Most bridal salons require you to make your alterations with them at an additional cost sometimes totaling hundreds of dollars.

4. Online Shopping
Never buy a wedding dress online unless you are absolutely sure that this is THE DRESS. Many online wedding stores have a policy where the dress cannot be returned or if returnable you have to pay a restocking fee. The good thing about online weddign dress shop is that you can usually find a dress cheaper than in a salon.

* Extra Tip: Make sure you have have your body measured according to the website specifications. This will help you get the most accurate size.

4. The Dress Council
Make sure you invite friends & family who know you & your style when going to search for your wedding dress. You need people who will be truthful but also understanding of your budget & style. You never want to be in a situation where you have brought a dress that you really don't like.

5. Bare Necessities & Shoes
Bring all the undergarments & shoes your going to wear on your wedding day when you are going on your bridal search. This will help you see the exact fit of the dress on your wedding day. It will also help the salon or tailor when they are making the alterations to your dress.

ie. Let's say you don't bring your shoes and the dress length is cut to short. You may have to shell out additional money to have an extension place on the dress.

6. Get the RIGHT Size
We cannot stress this GOLDEN rule enough. Budget Brides, please don't buy a dress smaller than what you are. We know! We know! Your going to lose the weight so that you can look slim & trim on your wedding day. Well here's a reality check unless your buying a wedding dress more an 6-12 months in advance you make not lose enough weight to fit into the smaller dress. Our advice is to buy the dress that the size you are at your fitting. When you go for your next fitting if the dress is to big have the salon alter the dress to your body.

7. Do Your Research
Don't just settle on a bridal salon dress. Make sure you exhaust all options before committing to one establishment or person. Search Google, Etsy, Ebay, Sample Sales and discount online bridal websites for the dress you want at a cheaper price.

ie. The Maggie Sottero - Aretha Dress above can run anywhere between $600 & $1500. Below you will find a listing of websites with this same exact dress at various prices.

Top Bridal Dresses - $315.99

The Bridal Shop of Mamaroneck, NY - $780.00

Tie The Knot Bride - $829.00

'Pretty' Giveaway Contest Winner

Good Morning Budget Brides!

We are so happy to annoucne that we have chosen a winner for our 'Pretty' Giveaway Contest. Ebonee Monique is the winner our 'Pretty' Giveaway Contest. Here is the comment that she left on our post, "I think when I turn the corner, on my dad's arm, that I'm going to feel most beautiful. My heart pitter patters already when i think of it, so I can only imagine standing face-to-face with my fiance and hearing them pronounce us Man and Wife!". We would like to thank everyone who left us a comment or subscribed to The Budget Brides Handbook.

Ebonee Monique - Please email us at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com with your address so that we can mail off your prize as soon as possible.

The 'Pretty' Giveaway Contest End Sunday, March 15th

Good Morning Budget Brides!

The BBH 'Pretty' Giveaway Contest ends this Sunday.

Enter for your chance to win a wonderful fragrance called Pretty by Elizabeth Arden.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY :

Leave a comment on this blog post about what would or made you feel pretty on your Wedding Day and leave your email address so that we can contact you.

OR

Subscribe to The Budget Brides Handbook blog feed and leave your EMAIL address so we can contact you.

Deadline for submissions:

March 15th midnight Eastern Standard Time

Contests is valid for mainland United States Only

Winner will be chosen at random & contacted on Monday, March 16, 2009

5 Tips to help decrease your Wedding Day Budget

5 Tips to help decrease your Wedding Day Budget
by Sharise Finley

image from The Knot

1. Always Create a Budget
Before you begin to spend any money make sure you create a budget detailing the total amount that you want to spend and the areas that you want to spend it in. This will help you to keep track of your spending and help you fine tune the areas in which you have saved money and can allocate money to something else.

2. Reception Site
Typically weddings are held on Saturdays which makes most venues slow during the week. Ask your venue Rep. for the cost difference of a wedding on a Wednesday or Friday rather than a Saturday. I know that a wedding in the middle of the week maybe inconvenient but with the right preparation and communication all should go well.

3. Flower Shop
Flowers from a florist are always going to cost. So if you want to decrease your flower budget do your research. Make sure that the flowers you want in your wedding are in the season that your wedding will occur. If you are a DIY Bride, visit your local flower market and purchase bundles of flowers to create bouquets, boutonnières and centerpieces for your special day.
* Extra Tip - Make sure you have a couple of test runs before the wedding so that you can get the look you want.

4. Learn to Love Your MP3 Player
If you're like me you can live without your MP3; however, during this process you will need to learn to love it. Your MP3 player may become one of your biggest assets since you already have the device and all of the songs you love is already downloaded on it.
* Extra Tip - Keep a pen & pad next to every radio in your car, home and at work. When you hear a song you love or would like to hear on your wedding day write it down so that you can download for the wedding reception.

5. Do Your Research
Doing your research is most important. Yes, it may take more time and effort but in the end you can save more money. Before you make a purchase research the costs at competitors or online. You may be able to still use your vendor of choice but at a cheaper price. There are tons of websites that can help you find products and services at a cheaper price. Check Ebay, Etsy and blogs with a classified section for independently made or gently used items.

Cottage Living Article: Garden Wedding on a Budget

Here is an article that I found on CottageLiving.com that gives ideas on executing a Garden Wedding on a budget.

Top 10 Budget-saving Ideas for a Garden Wedding

Get the low-down on having a low-cost but beautiful event.
By Linda Facci


1. Charge it Connect your MP3 player to outdoor speakers instead of hiring a band or DJ. Besides saving money, you’ll have complete control over the music being played.
2. Don’t forget to have and to hold your flowers, tooBuy them at a local market and make your own bouquet. Choose varieties in season and create simple arrangements for the tables. (Don’t pick apart your own garden; you want it to be as lush as ever for your wedding day.)
3. Point and shootHave a shutterbug friend or family member use a digital camera to catch the special moments. Sharing time and talent makes a great gift—and deserves one in exchange.
4. Do yourself a favorPurchase boxes of sparklers, then handwrite place cards and tie them to each box with a pretty ribbon. These also become tokens that will light up the night.
5. Be for the birdsInstead of tossing rice (which can harm birds), fill a decorative container with birdseed. Your guests can grab handfuls. They’ll feed your garden and your feathery friends at the same time.
6. Don’t get stuck on a deserted aisleMake a special entrance: create a pretty, natural aisle with a border of cobblestones or flowering potted plants.
7. Light up your lifeString white lights around trees and on top of arbors and pergolas. Place candles in dark areas. They make any night starry and magical.
8. Let them eat cupcakesServe an assortment on a tiered stand for your wedding cake. Top each little treat with an edible flower. The different flavors and icing will satisfy everyone, and clean-up will be a breeze.
9. Toast the knotCreate a signature drink and make a huge batch of it. Or keep it simple with beer, wine, and champagne (plus a few nonalcoholic options). Store in a barrel or large steel bucket filled with ice. Guests can serve themselves.
10. Make your event fan-tastic!If you choose to have an outdoor wedding in summer, keep colorful paper fans on hand as a fun and practical favor that your guests are sure to appreciate.

Image & Information from CottageLiving.com

The Budget Brides Handbook 'Pretty' Giveaway Contest

Happy Monday Budget Brides!

The BBH has an amazing giveway prize today. We are giving away a bottle of

Pretty by Elizabeth Arden to one special BBH reader. All Brides feel Pretty on their wedding day now let The BBH help you smell Pretty on your special day.

All you have to do is Enter the Giveaway to Win.

See Instructions Below.

PRETTY Pretty Elizabeth Arden Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.0 fl. oz. Every day, everywhere. Every woman wants to feel pretty.

Pretty is a spirited floral fragrance of exceptional charm. The floral heart is surrounded by a mélange of fruits, wrapped in a well-rounded background of serene woods.

At its core is a premiere ingredient, Petalia.

Top Notes – Italian Mandarin Orpur, Orange Blossom, Peach Nectar

Middle Notes – Star Jasmine, Petalia, Pink Iris, White Peony

Dry Down – Fluffy Musk, Jacaranda Wood, Creamy Amber

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY :

Leave a comment on this blog post about what would or made you feel pretty on your Wedding Day and leave your email address so that we can contact you.

OR

Subscribe to The Budget Brides Handbook blog feed and leave your EMAIL address so we can contact you.

Deadline for submissions:

March 15th midnight Eastern Standard Time

Contests is valid for mainland United States Only

Winner will be chosen at random & contacted on Monday, March 16, 2009

Image & product information from Elizabeth Arden.com