Sunday Brunch: Flowers + Mugs = Country Chic

Happy Sunday Budget Brides!!!

As you run your Sunday errands and have brunch with the girls. Think about the little touches that will make your wedding unique and perfect. Here is an image that I found on Snippet & Ink that I just loved.

See below the image for where you can find these fabulous treats.....





Find these beautiful mugs at Anthropologie for $6.00.

Where to use this great idea....

• Escort Card Table
• Guest Book Table
• Centerpieces on Cocktail/Coffee Tables

Source

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Amazing Dancing Shoes Under $60

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

Let's Talk About FEET!!!!

Yes, Ladies (Brides) you know that when most of us wear heels when it comes to about the fourth hour we are cursing the day that we bought the shoes that we are wearing. Our feet are hurting, back maybe aching from poor positioning and let's not talk about the corns some of you get on your feet. Who wants all of this pain and anguish on there wedding day? I will be the first to say not me (when that time comes around of course).

I have been thinking about doing this post for quite sometime now. Especially since seeing
Yosi Samra ballet flats in the october issue of People Style Watch and on an episode of David Tutera's my fair wedding when a brides' briesmaid was discussing wearing flip flops on her feet started hurting in her bridesmaid shoes.

Below I have found two pairs of stylish ballet flats that won't look so horrible once you or your bridesmaid take off your wedding day shoes.




I found these lovelies from Capezo on Bona Drag. Aren't they amazing!!! I know I know you are thinking these are not so bridal. Ok maybe but with a LWWD (Little White Wedding Dress) these funky shoes would be perfect.

Retailing for $48 these flats are "so f****ing cute"*.




These awesome ladies are so cute, classic, simple and stylish from Yosi Samra. These solid color metallic flats will definitely go with any wedding dress out there for you to dance the night away with your new hubby. Retailing for under $60 and guess what they fold up in your bag.

Last but not least both of these ballet flats make great gifting items for your bridesmaids, MOB, MOG and even your ushers (if they are women, of course).

Rain Rain Go Away..... Preparing for a Rainy Day Wedding

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

It is a rainy day here in NYC. I thought that this would be a great time to talk about weather prepartion when planning your nupitals. Many Brides plan there wedding not taking the weather into high consideration. However, let's think about it. Every bride plans their wedding day with the thought of a sunny morning, birds thirping at their windows and fabulous wedding day pictures.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and we're back to reality. This may not happen for you so below are a couple of websites and pointers you can use to help you plan for the weather on your wedding day.



Here are two websites that every bride should use in her wedding day planning prepartion.

United States Weather Pages

Farmers Almanac

Remember to be prepared for anything and always have a Plan B.

• If your having an outdoor wedding, ask your revenue if they have an indoor place in case of bad weather.
• Research indoor options for photography sessions after wedding ceremony.
• If it is supposr to rain on your wedding day, have fun with it. Buy a pair of rain boots. Make sure you cover your bridal party as well.

If you have any additional questions on how to work with a rainy day, email me at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com.

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Ban.do Donating % of Sales to Haiti

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

So Ladies I hope you had a great 4-Day week and definitely celebrated the MLK holiday by doing something great for others. So oh how pleased I was this morning when I woke up with a wonderful message in my inbox from the Ladies of Ban.do. Now who doesn't love a compnay who gives back to the less fortunate. Check below on how you can help Ban.do, help the people of Haiti.

A Letter From The Ladies of Ban.do


Hi Friends,

As you can imagine, like most, we have been trying to find a way to bring some hope to those that are suffering in Haiti. We wanted to let you know that 25% of all sales between January 18th - January 22nd will be donated to the people affected by this devastating earthquake.

xo
Jen & Jamie

Fabulous Wedding Day Survival Kit... Mojuba Weddings

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

(In my Sophia from "Golden Girls" voice)

Picture it it's the day of your wedding, you are in a room full of women who love you. The music is playing softly, your getting your hair and make-up done and very thing is going marvelous. Then in a spit second everything goes wrong your dress keeps shifting, your photographer is stuck in traffic and your bridesmaid just broke one of the buttons on your dress. Now your sweating, screaming and crying all at the same time.

WAKE UP!!! It's just a very bad dream.

I ran across Mojuba Weddings on another wedding blog: however, this bag is so fabulously cute that I just had to present it to all my budget brides.

Mojuba Wedding carries a collection of wedding day survival bags for both the bride & groom. The Mojuba Wedding Day Survival Kit is a compartmentalize handbag that can hold over 200 wedding day essential items to help brides make sure their wedding day runs smoothly. Created by Jackie James (a former Chicago wedding planner) the Mojuba Wedding Bag is a perfect bridal shower gift .

What's even more fabulous about Ms. Jackie and her fabulous bag is that you can add this wonderful item to your wedding registry.

Here is a short description from Mojuba Wedding about their wedding day survival kit.

"Mojuba is a sophiscated, chic bag that unfolds to reveal one exquisite item after another, from essential everyday items to indulgent necessities for the bride and her bridal party. It has a built - in mirror and is easy to throw over a shoulder or carry on the arm. Also tucked inside each Bride Mojuba bag is a little something to make you smile: a thoughtful, unique gift from Jackie herself."

View Survival Kit Contents Here

Also available is Mojuba Groom to keep your Groom emergency free.

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In The Know: Contests, Events & Promotions!! Plus, A Special Edition to Help Haiti

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!

Contests

Get 57 Grand..... Always a Blogsmaid & 57 Grand has teamed up to offer all of you wonderful bridde's a chance to win 3 bridesmaid dress. Click here for information on how you can enter to win.

Get Married..... The Budget Brides Handbook has 10 copies of the Spring 2010 Get Married magazine for 10 lucky winner. Click here for information on how you cna enter to win.

Events

Meet David Tutera.... David Tutera and the W Hotel have teamed up for the launch of his new book, "The Big White Book of Weddings". Meet David at the W Hotel -Times Square on Wednesday, January 20, 2009 from 7pm - 9pm. RSVP at nyhappeningsrsvp@whotel.com.

Promotions

Save With J. Crew.... J. Crew is offering an extra 20% off final sale items as well as free shipping on orders of $150 or more. Use code EXTRA20 at checkout and sale ends on Sunday, January 17, 2010.

Give Back

In honor of the tradegy that hit the country of Haiti, I am adding an additional section to In the Know this week. Below are a listing of credible agencies that you can donate to.

American Red Cross

Soles 4 Souls

Yele

CARES

Doctors Without Borders

I know that many of us are going through our own personal situations; however, many of these organizations will allow you to specify the amount you want to give.

It's not about how much you give it's about equal scarifice.

Giving Back On Your Wedding Day!!

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

After hearing the news about the earthquake that has shaken the country of Haiti, it made me think about the ways we give back to our community and organizations. Hence, this post about donations made to charitable ogranizations as gifts to your wedding guests. Many brides and grooms rack their brains about what type of favors to gift to their guests at the wedding reception. It has become a growing trend that many couples are making charitable contributions on behave of their guest as wedding favors.

I have created some wording below to help you in notifying your guests of your charitable contribution.

We want to thank you

for all of your love and acts of kindness

on our special day.

As a token of our appreciation

we have made a donation in your honor to

(Name of Charitable Organization).

Love, (Names of the Bride & Groom)

Looking for a charity to make a donation as your wedding favor, check out I DO FOUNDATION. The I Do Foundation is an organization comprised of a group of non-profit leaders who have created a new avenue of support to charitable organizations by linking engaged couples with a host of charitable options for their wedding day.

Although, I know that the earthquake in Haiti is a very recent tragedy. If you are getting married this year or in the future, you can make a donation to many of the organizations that are making efforts to help the people of Haiti.

Below are a few notable organizations that you can donate to:

American Red Cross

CARE

Yele Haiti

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Win a Spring 2010 Get Married Magazine

Good Afternoon Budget Brides!!

As promised here is your chance to win a free Spring 2010 Get Married Magazine. I have had the chance to go through the magazine and there are some greats deals as well as inspiration to make your wedding amazing. See below on how to enter to win.

Psss...... We have 10 magazines to giveaway.

Here how to enter to win:


1. Subscribe to receive updates from The Budget Brides Handbook. (See banner on the right.)

2. Become a Fan on Facebook.

3. Follow us on Twitter.

4. Leave us a comment letting us know what the theme is for your wedding as well as what inspired you to created that them.

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

All entries must be in by Monday, January 18, 2010 at 11:59 EST.

The winners will be chosen on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.


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Want to be on a bridal show.... that's not Bridezilla

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

I received this press release below from Get Married looking for brides for their tv show. I know that many of you would be perfect for this show. So read the press release below to learn more about Get Married and how you can get involved.

GET MARRIED SEEKS REAL BRIDES FOR ITS NATIONAL WEDDING PROGRAM

Casting call for brides-to-be to appear on Get Married's show on WE tv

ATLANTA, January 11,2010 - Get Married's national wedding program is looking for passionate brides to appear on its television show. Throughout the half-hour program which airs every Saturday at 9:30am ET/PT on WE tv. host Stacie Francombe - Get Married's CEO and founder - helps brides identify and match their personality in inspiring challenges with wedding professionals and experts.

Interested brides-to-be are encouraged to apply by visiting www.getmarried.com/omg where additional details are posted. Brides across the country could be saying "OMG! I'm going to be on TV!"

"Get Married's show is all about the bride. By incorporating real brides in every episode we make a connection with our audience, showing them that every wedding element is attainable regardless of your style," said Stacie Francombe, CEO and founder of Get Married Media. "Get Married's show helps brides create the ultimate wedding that reflects their unique and personal style."

Get Married's television show on WE tv, a women-centric network dedicated to the wedding genre, is among an audience of brides seeking bright, innovative ideas and inspirations. Available in nearly 74 million homes, WE tv is the premier source for women looking to satisfy their curiosity with fascinating, original stories and entertaining content. The series will also simulcast to an additional three million on Wedding Central, a 24/7 multiplatform, interactive programming services devoted to weddings, dating and romance.

Check back later on this afternoon for your chance to win a free Spring 2010 Get Married Magazine.

Source - Press Release from Get Married
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Real Weddings: October Bride '09

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!!

Here is wedding recap from a Ingrid. Ingrid is a Budget Brides Handbook reader who won our "How I Saved My Wedding Budget" contest.

Click here to view Ingrid's winning entry.

Our late October wedding was even more womderful than I'd imagine, largely due to the efforts of Sharise FInley of The Budget Brides Handbook. I first met Sharise after winning her "How I Saved My Wedding Budget" contest. The topic of my essay was I'd found a red Chinese dress at a New York City thift store for my big Catholic/Chinese wedding.

The red dress ended looking great. One of the highlights of the evening was when my husband, Alex and I danced to "Lady in Red" after I changed into it. Everyone loved my white gown, too, and nobody could tell it was from David's Bridal.

Clothing was just one area where we kept our budget in check. We cut cocktail appetiziers after we realized that people were going to get plenty of food during the 10 - course Chinese banquet.

We also saved money by serving cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine instead of a traditional wedding cake. Both adults and children got a kick out of the cupcake tower, the wedding guests enjoyed being able to taste different flavors of cake to bring their cupcake home with them.

Sharise had other suggestions for how to keep our budget in check. Alex and I were considering an open bar, but Sharise told me, "I always tell my brides it is not there job to get their guest liquored uo." We ended up serving just beer and wine, and the Golden Unicorn chinese restaurant where we had the reception let us bring in the beverages. Our family and friends seemed perfectly content with Heineken and Yellowtail.


Our fabulous florist, Ella Myer from Limelight Floral Design, helped us keep the number of arrangements to a minimum to keep the cost down. We didn't need centerpieces at the reception because the food was going to be in the middle of the tables, but Ella decorated the cupcake table and set up two tall vases of flowers at the banquet hall. For the ceremony, she created simple yet elegant pew decorations - gold paper cones with just a few flowers in each one.


Although we did manage to stick to our overall budget, there were some items that ended up costing more than we'd expected. Alex who loves antique cars, had his heart set on a Rolls Royce. Sharise helped us find limo companies outside of Manhattan that had better prices than companies in the city, and Alex figured out which one had the best deal on the vintage Rolls Royce. Ecstasy Limo in Queens was great, and riding in the Rolls Royce ended up being a lot of fun. A couple of tourists even snapped photos of me and my dad as we got into the car outside of the hotel. (Maybe they thought we were famous, although if that was the case, I don't know why we would have been staying at a Best Western.)








Another splurge was the wedding band. Having a band cost more than a DJ, but we really wanted live music. The band, Soul Revival, added a lot to the event. They did a great rendition of our wedding song, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" by Frank Valli and the Four Seasons, and other songs. My crazy college friends made it their mission to get everyone up and dancing. By the end of the night, everyone from Alex's little cousins to his grandmother had hit the dance floor. Our wonderful wedding photographer, Erik Guzowski of Exhale Photojournalism, documented the celebration. We decided that it was worth it to hire him for an extra hour at the end of the night.


After the wedding, a couple of people told me and Alex that we should become wedding planners. I was flattered by this comment, but things wouldn't have gone never as smoothly wothout Sharise's help. Sharise made sure things stayed on schedule, and she went out of her way to make sure people were happy.


Now that Big Day is over, I'm back focusing on things I know I'm good at, such as writing. Also, while we were getting ready for the wedding, Alex and I discovered that we enjoyed taking ballroom dance classes. We we're thinkging about using our newly found free time to take more dance lessons together.




Submitted By Ingrid

Images provided by Ingrid

7 Way Bridesmaid Dress for Under $100

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

I am extremely excited about this post. Many of you have seen the new convertible dresses that have hit the market for the wedding scene. However, I have noticed that many of these dresses

are pricing in the $250 to $400 range. So once I saw this dress from Victoria Secrets for under $100. What's even better is that you can purchase in a ruched or flowy style.

Image from Victoria Secret's

The Rouched Convertible Dress comes in 6 colors and in sizes XS - XL. It can be purchased for $79. Click here to see more.

The Flirty Convertible Dress comes in 8 colors and in sizes XS - XL. It can be purchased for $85. Click here to see more.

Maybe you want a more high-end convertible dress.

Two Birds Bridesmaid offers three collections which include Classic, Rosette and Two-Toned. These dresses also come in a variety of lengths. Pricing ranges from $270 - $295. I love the fact that TBB has a tutorial video.

Butter By Nadia also offers convertible dresses in 7 different styles, a variety of colors and one size fits all. Pricing ranges from $268 - $360.

Be Safe: Insure Your Wedding Jewelry

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

Can you believe that today is the first Monday of 2010? Now that the holidays are over we have to get back to the business of ALL THINGS WEDDING. Many of you are continued readers of this blog; however, some are you are new. Welcome!!! So I wanted to start the new year off discussing insurance. Getting engagement ring insurance is so important to the wedding planning process.

We all know that we live in a world where caterers are always on time, flowers are never damaged and thieves never break into our homes...... Sike!!!

It is for all these reasons and a thousand more that you should insure your wedding jewelry.

Engagement & Wedding Ring Insurance

Q. What is engagement/wedding ring insurance?

A. Engagement/Wedding Ring Insurance is insurance to cover you in case of theft, damage or lost that can occur.

Q. What does this insurance cover?

A. You should want your insurance to cover damage, lost, theft and mysterious disappearance.

Q. If my jewelry becomes damaged, lost, or stolen will the insurance policy replace or repair my jewelry?

A. Depending on the jewelry insurance company that you choose, some companies will replace or repair your damaged, lost or stolen jewelry.

Note: In replacing or repairing your jewelry some insurance companies will only repair jewelry to the condition that it was originally and will only replace your jewelry to the likeness and quality that it was originally.

Q. I already have homeowners' or renter's insurance should I purchase jewelry/ring insurance?

A. I would suggest that you call your insurance company and request reading materials for adding jewelry/engagement insurance to your policy. I would also contact a couple of jewelry/engagement ring insurance companies for reading materials. Compare your findings and determine which is best for your individual situation.

Note: No one can tell you what type of insurance you should acquire. Everyone has different circumstances and situations. It is best to obtain all the information possible and make an informed decision. Homeowners insurance usually covers up to $1,000 of your jewelry lost while renter's insurance usually covers up to $500.

Q. Typically, how much is jewelry/engagement ring insurance?

A. According to my research, jewelry/engagement ring insurance cost about 1.25% - 1.75% of the appraised value of the ring each year.

Note: If your ring cost $15,000 then your insurance cost will be between $187.50 - $262.50.

Here are some questions The Knot advises you to ask before committing to an insurance policy:

Is the ring covered if you lose it accidentally, or only if it's stolen?

How will the company replace the ring? By check or will they require you to obtain a replacement through a specific jeweler?

What if it is a vintage ring or other unique piece? How will the quality and size of your diamond, and that of a replacement if needed, be documented?

Is the ring insured to full cost or a fraction of it?

How will you need to prove the ring vanished if you need to prove a claim?

Are there any circumstances that are not covered under the policy?

Jewelry/Engagement Ring Insurance Companies

Jewelers Mutual - Specializes in personal and retailer insurance coverage. Jewelers Mutual offers repair and replacement coverage. All jewelry must be appraised before the application is approved. Policy is not available for unset stones, antique jewelry and previously damaged items.

The Chubb Group - Specializes in a few different types of insurances; however, they have policies for jewelry specifically. You can obtain a policy through independent insurance agents or jewelry retailers. The Chubb Group recommends jewelry appraisals for all jewelry but only recommends jewelry appraisals for items worth $50,000 or more. Coverage does not include loose diamonds.

Sources include About.com, Jewelers Mutual, The Chubb Group and The Knot

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Happy New Year!!!! Let's Welcome 2010.....

The Budget Brides Handbook

wishes all of you much

success and happiness

in the New Year.

May this year bring you

much joy during your

wedding planning process.