Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta... things are about to get steamy

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

Today I introduce to you Rashidah Ferguson of Beyond Black Beauty. Rashidah is a very good friend/media wizard who has been so kind as to update us on some very exciting news in the wedding tv world. Checkout her guest blogger post below and don't for to check her out at Beyond Black Beauty.

via TLC/Say Yes To The Dress

Move over Kleinfield July's edition of SAY YES TO THE DRESS, the signature Friday night show on TLC, will premier in HOT-lanta with a whopping 12 episodes.

Just like we did with NY Kleinfield's, we can fall in love with the staff and brides at Bridals by Lori. Should we order some sweet and southern fried chicken to watch the southern twist of the popular show?

Set in one of the largest and busiest bridal salons in the south - Bridals by Lori - SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA takes viewers behind the scenes as each particular and strong-willed bride sets out to find her perfect wedding dress. These southern belles keep the staff on their toes in order to ensure they get exactly what they want for their important day. With high expectations, southern brides are well-informed on their favorite bridal designers and expect each of the consultants to be on top of their game.

But for some of us who can't get enough of the New York version, Kleinfield bridal salon in New York will return with all new episodes on Friday, April 23. From Goth brides and beauty queens, to mother/daugther altercations, Season 5 continues to feature brides with an array of dramatic and entertaining back stories. Consultants even lend a helping hand this season as one bride-to-be gets a surprising proposal in the dressing room. To top it off, there is also a healthy dose of friendly competition between consultants.

Source TLC

Rashidah Ferguson has a strong interest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and consumer brands. She started her blog, Beyond Black Beauty, as an avenue to merge mass-consumer companies with ethnic women who want to look and feel their best. When she is not researching material for her blog, you can find Rashidah on the phone with top national and local editors, producers and journalists as a media relations specialist. Rashidah received her Bachelors and Master's degree in Communication Studies, specializing in public relations at the college of New Rochelle. She currently resides in New York City.

Checkout Beyond Black Beauty for daily beauty advice, tips and product reviews.

The Joys of a Great Wedding Planner Within Your Budget

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

Today's guest blogger is Ashley M. and she is going to share with us her journey of finding her wedding planner.

via Zazzle

I can still remember my first wedding I planned in 4th grade to none other than George Clooney and the gorgeous ceremony we had. Unfortunately, it did not last too long because he decided Italy was the place for him and I still had to get through middle school! In all seriousness from the moment I looked through my first wedding magazine, I knew that one-day I was going to make weddings apart of my everyday life.

In December of 2008, my fiance proposed to me on the Southern beaches of Alabama. It was a beautiful proposal, but immediately my mind popped into planning the big day. Since I am in my senior year of college and planning a long distance wedding I decided to hire a wedding planning because I did not want all the extra stress that we all know goes along with planning a wedding. My orginial planner was a very well established event planner and seemed to know exactly what to do: however, as the months passed I was not receiving any contact from her (no phone calls, emails, texts, nothing). I was very stressed and concerned about what was going on. I finally worked up the courage to say "I need to know whether or not you are in this until the end". The good news is that she decided to move on and finally I was able to find a planner that was perfect for what I needed.

My new planner Haley Hooper (Barefoot Productions) is young, active and very creative. She has been everything and more that I imaged my wedding planner to be. When I got engaged the best advice I received was to "enjoy every minute of planning because it goes by so quickly". After my experience with one wedding planner quitting and while searching for Haley some planners were quoting me $5,000. I was shocked. What could they possibly offer me that was worth $5,000?

In all the hunting and getting quoted outraegous amounts I knew I needed to get into business. I started my company AMH Something Borrowed and can work on any aspect of the wedding the bride would like. I am the perfect planner for the bride on a budget because I am that same bride. We should not have to pay 20% of our budget to a wedding planner who may up and leave or continue to try and plan their own wedding.

Fellow brides when searching for your wedding planning find the one that is right for you because on your wedding day your planner is going to be your best friend. She should know you so well at that point that if something does go wrong you will not even know it happen because she would have solved the problem the way you would have.

Find the right planner that is right for you and your wedding. Remember that you are hiring us and we are going to cater to you. Ultimately, we want you, your groom and families to enjoy one of the most special moments in your lives. So here are my tips for finding the wedding planner that is right for you.

Tips:

• Does she live up to your expectations of what you want your wedding to be?
• If your planner has other weddings that day - MOVE ON. You need to be her only focus because the day is all about you.
• Meet at least 3 different planners before picking one. All planners have their own style so, you want to make sure you find one that fits your style and needs.
• Your wedding is very personal, so make sure you connect with your vendors. The better you get to know one another, the better your chances of ending up with a wedding that feels true to who you are.

Ashley M. is in her senior year in college at the Arizona State University majoring in journalism. She is currently planning a budget savvy destination wedding of her dreams. In response to her love for wedding planning, Ashley has launched AMH Something Borrowed to help other budget savvy brides achieved the wedding of their dreams within their budget.

Looking for wedding services in the Alabama/Arizona areas, checkout AMH Something Borrowed.

How to be a Calm Bride

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

This is the kick-off to our week of Guest Bloggers. We have some amazing bloggers coming to you this week from the Bride Bloggers to Industry Professionals. Today we will start with Ashley from Bride on a Budget.




How to be a Calm Bride
by Ashley from Bride on a Budget

Trying to stay calm before your wedding is definitely hard. Most brides work or go to school while they're planning their wedding, so that just adds on to the stress. I just recently had my own wedding, so I know how hectic your schedule gets in the past two weeks.

So, how can you stay calm in the weeks leading up to your wedding without spending a ton of money to go to the spa?

1. Go to a yoga class. A lot of studios offer your first class for free or if you're already a member of a gym check out the group classes they offer. This will make you feel centered and connected with your body. Both of which are prefect for right before your big day.

2. Take a walk in the park. If you have a dog, let them join you. This will give you time to connect with nature and clear your head. This time of year is the perfect time to head outside, so go and get some fresh air.

3. Go on a date night with your fiance. Go out to your favorite restaurant and talk about everything but the wedding. You probably haven't gone on many dates since you've been saving for the wedding, so go and enjoy yourself.

4. Have a girl's night. Go out with your girlfriends for drinks. This will loosen you up and you'll forget all about the wedding.

5. Do something you love. You don't have to do anything special to relax. If you love playing tennis, gather up your racket and hit the court. If you love scrapbooking, dedicate a whole day to an album.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to enjoy yourself and don't focus on the wedding. Getting your mind off the wedding for a few hours will help you be even more dedicated and focused when you get back to the grind.

Ashley is the editor of Bride on a Budget. She is a newly wed who just married the love of her life on last Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Florida. When asked why did she decide to start her wedding blog, she stated, I started this blog because I thought it would be fun to share my wedding planning with other brides. Ashley loves to provide brides with budget wedding tips and great ways to have
their champagne wedding on a beer budget.


Checkout Ashley on her blog, Bride on a Budget. I am sure she will have some great wrap-up posts from her wedding.

Budget Brides on Vacation to Wedding Capital of the United States

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

I hope all of you had an enjoyable weekend. First & foremost I want to give a big applause and congratulations to Eboni Monique from Becoming His Mrs. (married 3/4/3010) and Ashley D. from Bride on a Budget (married 3/27/2010).

Secondly, for the next week I will be in the wedding capital of the United States, (Yes Las Vegas Baby), taking in the sites with my youngest aunt. She has been a god send because this is an all expense paid trip that is really needed. So I put a call out to all of The Budget Brides Handbook readers and Facebook followers to see who wanted to be a guest blogger. Well I received many responses back and have chosen the following wonderful bloggers and business owners to post in my absence.

Below the image you can find a schedule of who will be guest blogging.

via Here

Monday Afternoon
Ashley D. from Bride on a Budget
Topic: How to be a Calm Bride

Tuesday
Ashley M. from AMH Something Borrowed
Topic: The Joys of a great Wedding Planning in Your Budget

Wednesday
Rashidah F. from Beyond Black Beauty
Topic: Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta... things are about to get steamy

Thursday
An Announcement From The Budget Brides Handbook

Thursday Afternoon
Sara from
Budget Savvy Ideas for Welcome Bags

Friday
Julie L. from Locked Heart Wedding and Event Planning
Budget Savvy Ideas for Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Attire

We wanted to give a big THANK YOU to all our guest bloggers. You have made it extremely possible for me to make this trip of relaxation.

Now of course, you know I will not leave Vegas without pictures of most things wedding. So check back next week for the recap of my trip.

Sunday Brunch: Budget Saving Ideas With Aluminum Can Centerpieces

Happy Sunday Budget Brides!!!

The weather is getting more and more gorgeous outside. But let's face it, it's still pretty much freezing (at least to me) in NYC. So not every Sunday is going to be the chance to relax in the park or have an amazing brunch with friends. But one thing a budget bride can do when trying to save money for the big day is cut cost in the floral centerpiece department. I found this beautiful idea why blog surfing on one of my favorite wedding decor sites and I just fell in love.

via Martha Stewart & Fete Fantic

Yes!!! Budget Brides the idea of using either decorative or plain silver aluminum cans is amazing. They are a budget friendly opportunity to add a little character to wedding day decor. Now this may not be a Sunday where you can relax and enjoy the weather but it's an excellent day for a scavenger hunt.

via Chic Maps by Nikki & Fete Fantic

Here are some tips on where a budget bride can collect aluminum cans:

• Start at home.... Anytime you use an aluminum can rinse it out and save it
• Spend a Sunday going to your community restaurants and ask them for their unused aluminum cans
• Visit a soup kitchen and volunteer in exchange for a few aluminum cans
• Call all of your friends and family asking them to save their unused aluminum cans
• Lastly, walk through your neighborhood on garbage night and look through the recycling bags for unwanted aluminum cans

Here is an article from ehow to help you along the way.

Idea Source

Sunday Brunch: Find Ways to Personalize Your Wedding

Happy Sunday Budget Brides!!!

Even though the last couple of days have been gorgeous in New York City, every budget brides can find a little time to find inspiration. Find ways that you can personalize your wedding to make it your own. I found this picture on Facebook through a friend's page. When I first saw these personalized Converse, I just fell in love. They are so cute!!! Right??

In what ways have you personalized your wedding? Was it through a monogram, theme, menu choice, attire or food? I could go on forever; however, if you have not found ways to personalized your wedding take sometime to go to the park during this wonderful weather and brainstorm. I am sure you will come up with some great ideas.



If you like this idea head over to Converse.com to customized your every own pair.


Image: Found Here

99 Cent Wedding Gown Design by Kathy Jacob

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!

I hope you were not to shocked by today's post title. While I was playing around on this thing we call the internet somehow I stumbled upon a blog post on The Wedding Decorator blog about a 99 Cent Only store giving away a 99 Cent wedding to 5 special brides. Yes, budget brides the brides who won this unique opportunity had their entire wedding created using materials only found in the 99 Cent Only store including the wedding dress. Yes, you read that last portion right INCLUDING THE WEDDING DRESS.

Click here to read the post about the 99 Cent wedding

Yes, this dress was made from materials from the 99 Cent Only Store.

Note: Materials included in the making of this dress include t-shirts, dollies, tablecloths and loofahs make this Chanel inspired wedding (wedding dress in small inset) a option for a bride within a certain budget.

So my question to all of you Budget Brides, if you had the opportunity to have a full expense paid wedding by the 99 Cent store would you?

Looking for Guest Bloggers!!!

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

Once again the time has come for me to take a mini vacation. This time the destination is Las Vegas. My wonderful aunt is taking me on an all expense paid trip so yes I am so excited. With that being said I am currently looking for guest bloggers to create post for the week of March 29th through April 2nd.

I know that many of you are thinking, why would I want to be a guest blogger?

Well here are some excellent reasons:

• Increase your exposure to new audiences
• Increase traffic to your website
• Increase your ability for SEO (Search Engine Optimatization) & SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
• Ability to link back to your own blog

When it comes to topics I am not picky so you can write about anything that deals with weddings, budgets and the overall planning process.

So if this sounds interesting to you, please send me an email at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com with the subject line Guest Blogger.

Amazing Budget Saving Deals at Beau-Coup

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

Here is another addition to our Wedding Style Deals segment. Beau-Coup is offering great deals for 4 days only. So for all of you budget brides who are still looking for wedding favors, gifts and supplies check it out before it is gone. With Beau-Coup offering from 15% to 25% off everything in their store, what budget bride wouldn't love this amazing deal?


Sale Details:

• Sales expires March 18, 2010 at midnight est
• Offers cannot be combined
• Discounts apply to merchandise total only

So check it out and let me know if you found anything amazing.

Image: Found here

Personalized Wire Hangers on a Budget from Lila Frances

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

As I was doing my daily blog rounds, I stumbled upon this little jewel on a blog that I frequent pretty regularly. These personalized wire hangers are so cute and chic. What bride would not want them? They would make an excellent addition to any hanging wedding dress picture.

The Original Silver Lingerie, Wedding Dress Hanger (shown below) can be personalized with your future married name, you & your fiance's name as well as simple phrases such as love, sexy and forever. Amazing right!!!


Details on personalized wire hangers:

• Handmade
• Measured approximately 15 inches across the bottom
• Spaces & dashes are not permitted
• Up to 14 characters
• Allow 8 to 10 weeks before product is shipped
  

Lila Frances is the original designer/inventor of the Original Personalized Wire Hanger. These personalized wire hangers are made to fit any wedding day budget at just $25 dollars it is a perfect keepsake that any budget bride can keep for the rest of her life. So checkout her shop on etsy.com, I am sure you will fall in love with them just as I did.


Source: Found here & here
Image: Found here

Budget Ideas for a Ring Bearer Pillow from David's Bridal

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

Send Your Ring Down the Aisle in Style!!

While planning your wedding, there are many details when shopping around for your wedding party. Many brides get excited when shopping and cooridnating the bridesmaid and flower girls dresses. But it is important to not forget about the little man carrying your ring down the aisle. The ring bearer has a very important role and he needs to look sharp. There are different ideas and options for what the ring bearer will use to carry the ring, most opt for the traditional ring bearer pillow. Instead of a traditional all-white pillow, try customizing to match your bridal party. You could even accent one of the styles below by adding your own personalized touch of flowers, patterns or charms. Don't worry; it is not out of your budget. Styles like the one below cost as low as $14.50 at David's Bridal and are great are very budget.




For a more non-traditional option for your ring bearer pillow, think of the theme of your wedding. If you are doing an outside/garden wedding, try a dandelion covered pillow or a bird's nest tied with ribbon. Having a ceremony by the ocean? You could decorate a large seashell to hold your wedding for a more beachy touch. There are other innovative ideas for sending your ring bearer down the aisle. Is he too young to walk on his own? How about on of your bridesmaids pulling him down in a wagon or decorating a tricycle for him to ride up to the altar? There are many ways you can make this part of your ceremony memorable, just have fun and be creative!


Image from David's Bridal

Wedding Style Deal from Yoshi Samra

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

So since this is a budget website for all things wedding I decided to start a new segment called "Wedding Style Deal". Wedding Style Deal with give all of you budget brides first hand knowledge of deals & steals for all things wedding.

Vendor Note: If you are a vendor reading this blog and would like to be apart of this segment please email me at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com. All segments will be FREE for now so get your product or service promoted because all good things must come to an end.

Yoshi Samra is currently given all InStyle readers 20% off there colorful ballet flats. Enter style10 at checkout. Promotion valid February 8th through March 31st.

Here is where we first profile Yoshi Samra.

Source

Image

Win an Amazing Dress from Get It Girl Style & Shabby Apple

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!

I have information on an amazing giveaway from Tam Styles over at Get It Girl Style. Tam has collaborated with Shabby Apple to gift one lucky reader with the amazing dress you see below. I had an opportunity to visit the Shabby Apple website and I must say that the dresses are amazing. They are so tranferable from work to after work cocktails and even appropiate for a Rehearsal Dinner dress. Oh yeah did I say that these dresses are uber affordable. Most dresses are priced under $100 for all of you frugal fashionistas. Can I say that I love the Fifth Ave....

Okay Okay enough rambling visit Tam at Get It Girl Style to learn what you need to do to WIN and don't wait the wonderful readers over there have already been submitting their entries.

Oh yeah before I forget Shabby Apple is offering Get It Girl Style readers 10% off on all orders at checkout when you enter code tamstyles10off valid for 30 days so become a follower today. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 8, 2010.






Details on Dress: Dress is called 90 Word Per Minute and retails for $64.00. Such a steal right!!
Made with jersey material anyone would look hot in this dress.

Details on Get It Girl Style: Get It Girl Style offers ALL lovers of style a pinch of flaor to inspire them in the way they dress, decorate their pad and stylize their mind.