Save Thousands With Your Own Photo Station

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

As we continue our journey of recaping the Thompson-Berti wedding here is a project that the Bride thought of to have some candid but fun photos of her wedding guests. Many Brides opt to have a photography and rent a photo booth to create an element of fun to their wedding day.

Photo booth rentals can run into the thousands of dollars and in the economic climate that we're all living in it maybe an added touch that many couples may forego. However, the Bride in the Thompson-Berti wedding took this challenge head on and thought of ways to achieve the same goal for under $500. She decided to buy a polaroid camera off of E-Bay for under $150 along with the appropiate film which cost about $25.00 per pack.

Photo Table

The now Mrs. Berti decided to buy 10 packs of polaroid to allow her guests to take pictures for themselves as well as the happy couple. To decorate the photo table the Bride and Groom combed through their family pictures to find photos that were representative for themselves growing up, immediate family members and also paid homage to relatives who had already passed. The table was also decorate with repurpose flowers from the ceremony and photo boards that allowed the guests to tack their pictures to. We think that this was a wonderful way to achieve her goal of fun time photos and saving thousands.

We should do love that!

See below for more pictures of the photo table.

Photo Table 2

The guests raved about the table as they came by to take pictures and fill out the guest book. Many of them took some very outgoing and fun pictures all in the spirit of the night.

Photo Table 3

What an Amazing Night!!

Butter By Nadia Sample Sale

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

We know that many of you are looking for budget conscience options for your bridesmaids dresses and maybe even your wedding dress. Butter by Nadia is having an online sample sale on their website and in-store at Store 518 . The Butter by Nadia dresses are awesome because you can create a variety of styles all in one dress. Some styles that are offered are halter, cap sleeve, kimono strapless and at least ten other styles. The dresses originally run between $200 and $30o which is about the same price range as most bridesmaid dresses. So check it out tonight, I for one will definitely be there.

See Below for more information & video tutorials.

Bridesmaid Dress

Wear this style on your honeymoon or a day out with the girls

Engagement Party or A Night On the Town





Wear this style to work or to run saturday errands






YouTube Tutorial Video








Click here for more tutorials & happy shopping.




Images and information from Butter by Nadia

Get Married First Magazine Issue Available October 2009

Special Announcement from Get Married

Get your FREE issue here.

GET MARRIED MAGAZINE REVEALS DETAILS OF ITS PREMIER COVER:A BRIDAL TABLESCAPE DESIGN CHALLENGE SHOWCASING THE LATEST WEDDING DÉCOR TRENDS
Inaugural cover challenge awarded to celebrity florist Mark Held and nationally-renowned photographer, Elizabeth MessinaATLANTA, July 28, 2009 – Get Married Media, an integrated tri-media wedding planning resource with national platforms online, on television and in print, reveals the details of the cover of Get Married magazine’s inaugural issue available October 2009. As part of its fresh approach to planning a wedding, each issue of Get Married magazine will present an unconventional and distinctive cover including a design challenge by a leading wedding professional.
The first issue, complimentary on http://www.GetMarried.com/magazine, showcases a tablescape designed by famed celebrity florist, Mark Held of Mark’s Garden in Los Angeles, and shot by wedding and celebrity photographer, Elizabeth Messina. Get Married provided Held with a complete table setting, as well as several boxes of décor elements to inspire brides as they shop for their wedding reception. The décor arrived on Held’s home doorstep and he had one week to create an impressive tablescape for eight people.
“The pages of Get Married magazine will translate the latest wedding trends, and the cover challenges top industry professionals to transform the latest colors, products and styles into an incredibly inspiring design – one that brides could recreate,” says said Stacie Francombe, founder and president of Get Married Media. “As a focal point of the wedding reception, the tablescape reflects a bride’s personal style and sets the mood for the party.”
Held, who created stunning designs for the nuptials of Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Heidi Klum and Seal, and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, had the challenge of creating a gorgeous reception table. In an accompanying feature article in Get Married magazine, Held will share his insider design secrets and explain to brides how to recreate the table. “It’s an honor to be the first designer for Get Married magazine’s inaugural cover challenge. I’m excited to share the results with brides that combine my signature style with a stunning selection of bright and bold décor elements,” said Mark Held, celebrity florist.
Celebrity photographer Messina’s innate sense of style is reflected in the cover shot, capturing the vivid colors and detail of the product collection. With clients including Brooke Shields, Tori Spelling, Kevin Garnett and Wes Craven, Messina’s images have graced the pages of Town & Country, OK Magazine and People. "I am deeply honored to be the photographer for the first cover of Get Married magazine. It was truly a pleasure to capture Mark Held's stunning florals and beautiful design elements,” said Elizabeth Messina, celebrity wedding photographer. “We had a lovely day that will provide stunning visual inspiration to countless brides."
Get Married will offer behind-the scenes footage of Held and Messina as they create Get Married magazine’s first design challenge cover. Video footage and photographs will be available on GetMarried.com in October when the magazine launches.In addition to offering the first issue of Get Married magazine for free, one lucky bride will win some of the products displayed on the cover tablescape as well as the 8-piece Lenox Ivory Frost dinnerware set showcased in the cover. The Frost set blends creamy Lenox ivory china with a full frosted border in a rich café au lait hue. The contest to win the china and select products begins in October, coinciding with the launch of Get Married magazine, at which time more details will be posted on GetMarried.com.
About Get Married Magazine
Get Married magazine, the “new shopping & trend guide for the savvy bride,” will launch its first issue October 2009. Get Married magazine is a national, glossy, 100-page, 8” x 10.5” publication with a 60/40 editorial to advertising ratio. Get Married magazine will have newsstand pricing but in building its audience, will be giving away the first issue for free (including shipping) within continental US as well as Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Initially a semi-annual publication with circulation of 300,000 per issue, Get Married magazine’s distribution is multi-channeled, and will be audited by ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulations). For a FREE magazine: single copy or in bulk, go to www.getmarried.com/magazine
About Get Married Media
Get Married Media, a national, integrated multi-media wedding planning destination, is the only resource that reaches couples through a highly synergized, tri-media platform: a TV show on Lifetime Television, a highly-trafficked website (http://www.getmarried.com/) and a glossy print publication. Get Married connects brides with local and national wedding professionals and industry experts through entertainment and news.
Hosted by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie, Get Married’s TV show is a daily half-hour television series airing at 7:30 am ET/PT on Lifetime Television, the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. Video segments from the show are available online 24/7 at http://www.getmarried.com/, along with articles, image galleries, blogs and shop. For more information, please visit http://www.getmarried.com/, and to participate in online dialogues, visit http://www.bloggerbrides.com/. Whether you watch, read or surf, Get Married is making wedding planning a piece of cake.
Information and image taken from an email sent by Get Married

Thompson-Berti Wedding Ceremony Photos

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

So it has been about a week and a half since the Thompson-Berti Wedding and we thought that we would share some unprofessional pictures with you. The day was amazing considering the crazy summer that New York has experienced this year and the Bride's attitude was so light and airy that it was that much more of a pleasure to work with her. The ceremony was held at the Chapel at Sandy Hook On The Bay in Sandy Hook, NJ. The chapel is located on an old army base which gave a great background to a wedding full of white with green accents. Just to see the military homes off in the distance, the sprawling green grass and the bay was a beautiful sight to see.

Something Nice created this alter at the chapel

The floral arrangements & decor was created by Something Nice Floral Designs in Toms River, NJ. The flowers and candles were also repurpose for the reception area and the bridal suite.

A closer photo of the Altar

Photo the Chapel after the Ceremony

The couple and bridal attendants during the ceremony



Exchanging Vows

The couple and their little one exiting the Chapel



Come back all week for more sneak peaks from the Thompson-Berti Wedding

FREE Wedding Planning Templates from Russell + Hazel

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!

First & foremost we have some exciting news about the Thompson - Berti wedding. We're just waiting for a good friend & supporter to send us the files so we can show all of you.

Secondly, while patroling the web we have found a sea of jewels from

Russell + Hazel. Russell + Hazel has revitalized office and school supplies to include hip and modern colors to bring some kick to your work area. They have a section dedicated to everything that one would need to be organized for their wedding. And oh snap, we found 57 wedding templates to help you achieve the wedding of your dreams. The wedding templates range from 5 versions of a wedding checklist to budget & vendor contact worksheets.

Click here to enjoy all of the fabulous & free wedding templates.
The templates are made to go with the wedding day organizer that Russell + Hazel is currently selling on their website for $75.00. However, if you can't afford it swing by Staples or Target, get at least two sets of dividers, a cost efficient binder and a dozen or so pens.
So it's your choice pay $75.00 plus shipping or spend under $10 for your very on binder.

Girl Bye, you know my choice is the DIY. LMBO

Images, wedding templates & pricing information from Russell + Hazel

New DIY from Love, Maegan: Yves Saint Laurent

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

We know we have been in & out for the last couple of weeks. We have been working on the wedding of Thompson & Berti which should go off without a hitch this saturday. Whoo Hoo. We're almost at the finish line.

So to keep you ladies with fresh ideas here is another great DIY idea from Love, Maegan. Now who wouldn't want the Yves Saint Laurent look at up to 90% of the orginial price.

YSL Caged Metallic Sandals

These sandals would go great with a little white wedding dress or a funky reception dress. The Caged Sandals shown in metallic silver are currently on the YSL website for $1499 originally, $799 on sale. Wouldn't it be lovely to get the same look within your price range.


Don't we all Love, Maegan get the look here.

DIY YSL Caged Metallic Sandals by Love, Maegan

Photos & DIY information from Kaboodle & Love, Maegan

HELP US WIN!! WeddingChannel.com Blog Awards!

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

We have some exciting news today!! We are in the final 3 for the Best Budget Wedding Blogs on the WeddingChannel.com. Unfortunately, we have gotten a late start since we just found out this evening that we were in the running. So we are in deseparate need of your help.

We know that you love reading this blog. Why? Because your reading it now.
Below you will find two links where you can vote for us. One of them will be for the Best Budget Wedding Blogs finalist and the second will be for Best Wedding Blog Overall. You can go to these two links and vote for The Budget Brides Handbook as many times as your heart desires. Voting ends July 21st at midnight.


Vote for Best Budget Wedding Blog


http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/bridal-blog-awards/articles/awards-best-budget-wedding-blog.aspx



Vote for Best Wedding Blog


http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/bridal-blog-awards/articles/awards-best-wedding-blog.aspx

Let's all cross our fingers and pray that we'll win.

Real Candy Bar: Kristen's Bridal Shower

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

Well we finally were able to get the Candy Bar pictures from Kristen's Bridal Shower that occured on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Even though there was some quick decor redesigns because it was raining cats and dogs the shower was a hit.

The Candy Bar was made up of Yellow & Strawberry cupcakes with Buttercream icing sprinkled with purple and lavendar sugar. The candy jars were filled with Grape & Coconut jelly beans, Grape & Natural pop rock lollipops, Grape fruit slices, Raspberry stripe candy sticks, Grape Laffy Taffy and Grape & Mint gumballs. There were purple chinese boxes that were giving out to help guest hold their sweet treats.

Let us know what you think.

Real Wedding of Thompson & Berti

Happy Wednesday Afternoon Budget Brides!!

Here is a continuation of the wedding process of our wedding couple Thompson & Berti. Their wedding will be held this month at the Chapel at Sandy Hook in New Jersey. The wedding ceremony & reception will be held in the same location. The Bride and I went to the last site visit this Monday and I was truly amazed at how beautiful the venue truly is. Sandy Hook is a coastal/beach community who continues to have its natural beauty because the island has not been penetrated by franchises and various companies. Sandy Hook is very accessible from New York City either by driving or public transportation and they even have a 45-min. ferry shuttle that runs from New Jersey to New York. This is a great venue if you live in New York City and would still like to have a wedding in New Jersey. View the pictures below and let me know what you think.

The Chapel at Sandy Hook

Side View of the Chapel at Sandy Hook

Another side view picture



Beautiful Scenery

Inside of the Chapel

Inside the Chapel

Another inside the Chapel picture

This bench was in the ladies room and I thought it was cute for the decor.

Introducing the Real Wedding of Claudine & Andrea

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

We would like to introduce our clients Claudine & Andrea. We met Claudine back in December 2008 at a local hair salon in NYC. I saw Claudine sitting under the dryer reading some bridal magazines and walked up to her and explained my business to her. Needless to say, we exchanged business cards and the rest is history. Below you can view Claudine & Andrea's save-the-date and wedding invitation.

Claudine & Andrea's Save-the-Dates

Claudine & Andrea's Wedding Invitation

Claudine & Andrea's Response Card

Claudine & Andrea's Direction Card Side 1

Check back later to view the ceremony & venue site.

Wed In Style with Style Shake

Happy Monday Afternoon Budget Brides!!

We received this awesome email from a custom dress company from across the Atlantic. If your having problem finding the perfect dress to fit all of your bridesmaids then let Style Shake create custom made dresses for your entire party.

Style Shake is offering a 10% discount off the standard price on your entire order when you buy 3 or more Bridesmaid dresses.

Image and information from Style Shake Email

DIY Florals with Flower DIYvas

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!


We hope all of you had a great 4th of July weekend. While on our patrol of find all things wedding, we came across this wonderful company called Flower DIYvas. See before for our profile on this company.

Flower DIYvas is the brainchild of two Southern California floral designers named Christine Saunders and Dawn Hansen. "FlowerDIYvas is an interactive, fun, and educational hands-on workshop for brides to practice doing their own flowers before the wedding day – Should you DIY or hire a pro?" The DVD takes you on a journey of Sarah's wedding day where you'll follow the Flower DIYvas to the Los Angeles Flower District, follow along as they design all of the pieces for Sarah’s wedding at the studio, and join her friends while they set up her ceremony and reception for her. Lastly, you will learn insider tips and tricks on how to recipe designs, create your shopping list, and plan your pre-wedding schedule. This DVD is the answer to any Bride who is looking to cut cost in the flower department for her wedding day.

Visit the Flower DIYvas website to Pre-Order one of two DVD packages now.

Package 1 includes:
Sarah's Wedding for just $29.95, and as a bonus, you will receive a FREE pair of clippers with your DVD, a value of $9.95!


Package 2 includes:
Sarah’s Wedding DVD, the apron with the FlowerDIYvas logo (valued at $29.95), and the FREE clippers – all for only $49.95!


Here is a YouTube snippet that we found for you to view of the DVD.





Photos

Photos & Information from Flower DIYvas & Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses