Cozy Socks for Bride, Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

I saw these knee socks on The Unbride and thoughts they were such a good idea for a bridal party gift bag. As many of you may know the night before the wedding is usually a big slumber for the Bride, Maid of Honor(s) and Bridesmaids. These socks look so cozy and just right for a night gathered around telling stories and calming the Bride's nerves.

Image via The Unbride & Kate Headly

So I decided to do some research to see if I can find these socks on sell anywhere. Guess what?? I did!! Below are some of the websites I found the socks on as well as the prices.

Image via Wedding Things

Wedding Things - Cost $16.00

Advantage Bridal - Cost $16.00

Before The I Do's - Cost $14.50

So Budget Brides, what do you think about these socks? Good Idea or Bad Idea?

Great Price + Luscious Lip Gloss = Glazewear Lip Gloss from Avon

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

So last week I received this amazing little package in the mail from Avon. The package included three lip gloss from the Glazewear Lip Gloss line. The three colors that I was sent was ice pink, mirage and intense plum. I love them all. Glazewear is not like your typical lip gloss as that it is not thick and heavy on the lips. This is a major plus in my book. I hate walking around feeling like I dipped my lips in butter. Whew!!!







Avon is currently running a sale on their Glazewear Lip Gloss line with the original price being $6.00 and the sale price being $1.99. Yes, you read it right ONLY $1.99. Be sure to visit Avon.com or your local Avon Representative (everyone knows at least one, right?) to enjoy this sale before it ends on May 31, 2010.

I didn't receive any compensation for this review. However, I did receive product in order to provide an honest review to my readers.

Let's Eat Colored Cake....

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

So I never ever heard of a rainbow inside of a cake. But when I saw this picture I thought this cake looked both intriguing and yummy. Ok so I really am not a sweets type of gal but this cake looks so delicious especially with the fruit on top. My mouth is watering as I am typing this post.

I cannot wait for a perfect occasion to try making this cake. I just don't know who I can make this for just yet. But I am definitely plotting on someones special day. So I cannot remember where I found this picture. So if you know please inform me so that I can give a photo credit. Also if you want to try a similar recipe visit Whisk Kid. She has an amazing recipe and was even featured on the Martha Stewart Show.

Update: Image via I Am Baker


This cake also gave me a great idea to incorporating it into your wedding planning festivities. Maybe this recipe can be used as a wedding cake (your wedding colors), shower cake (her sorority's colors) or even a groom cake (his favorite sport's team colors). With the recipe being so easy that you can make it at home you will save a ton of money when it comes to dessert and your creation will be the talk of the day.



What do you think about this cake? Would you try it for a special event?

Wedding Style Deal = Lucky Magazine + HSN

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

I hope all of you had a great weekend. Yes, I know that blogging was a little light last week. I am still getting used to this crazy work schedule. However, I hope it was worth the wait since I have found an amazing Wedding Style Deal from the ladies of Thread, HSN and Lucky Magazine. Every year Lucky Mag. ask a few designers to create designs for an afford cost that can be sold on HSN. This year the talented Beth and Melissa the masterminds behind Thread Bridesmaid and Thread Social. With dress prices reaching upwards of $400 to $5oo it's a pleasure to be able to purchase a stylish dress for under $100. Below you will find two styles that would be great for an engagement party, bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.

Thread 3/4-Sleeve Chiffon Shift Dress

Sold in 5 colors

HSN Price: $89.90 or $44.95 for 2 installment payments

Thread Ruffle-Front Jersey Dress With Shirring

Sold in 5 Colors

HSN Price: 79.90 or $39.95 for 2 installment payments

Below is a dress I absolutely feel in love with from Thread Social Spring 2010 collection. It is being sold for $485 which is not a style deal. But a girl can dream can't she.

So what do you Budget Brides think of these fashions? Would you purchase any of them for your wedding style needs?

Image via Lucky Magazine and Thread Social

A Note From The Editor: Ten Things About Me

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

I hope all of you ladies had a great weekend. I have been looking over this blog lately to see where I can improve and make this blog better for myself and my readers. By the way I LOVE my readers!

I also noticed that this blog really doesn't say much about me. So I have decided to compile 10 items to let you all into the crazy world of me.



1. I am an emotional eater and shopper. Let my emotions get out of whack, I will gain about 5 pounds and my bank account will be empty.


2. My fear is failure. I am definitely scare to go out on a limb because failing will devastate me.


3. My favorite shopping places are Loehmanns, Home Goods, Target, Marshalls/TJ Maxx (post layoff). Pre-layoff: All the stores listed above including Lord & Taylor and Banana Republic.


4. Mr. Budget is my best friend. He loves me unconditionally even when I smack him in the jaw while he's tickling me.


5. I will be a Nittany Lion till the day I die. Go Penn State!!


6. I have declared 2010 the year that's all about me. Not in a conceded way, but I am going to do what makes me happy because when it is all said and done I have to be happy.


7. I am lusting for a pair of Louboutins. Red soles are just so sexy.


8. While being unemployed I gained about 30 pounds. Depression is no joke.


9. God is my beginning, middle and end. He is my everything.


10. I LOVE BUDGETS, BLOGS & WEDDINGS.

Love Shots No. 4... Amazing Wedding Cinematography from Joshua Smith

Happy Saturday Budget Brides!!

As you all know I am a blog stalker, always looking for new blogs to follow and new ideas to bring to my readers. Last week I stumble upon a blog called Confessions of a Indecisive Dramatically Chic Bride. I love her blog along with her witty writing style. As I scrolled through her blog I found this amazing video from the amazing Joshua Smith of Cinematic Bride. It is the wedding of Melanie & Chris of Atlanta, Ga who were married October 2009 at the Biltmore.

This is truly a Love Shot worthy post.

Enjoy!!

Melanie & Chris - ND-SDE from Joshua Smith on Vimeo.

As seen on Confessions of an Indecisive Dramatically Chic Bride

Fresh Fruit and Flowers Centerpiece for Under $20

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

Here is another great budget friendly centerpiece from Project Wedding. There's nothing like fresh fruit and flowers. I can just imagine the scent coming from that table.

Click here for the entire process.

Images via Project Wedding

Would you create a fruit based centerpiece for your wedding? What are your thoughts on this idea?

As seen on Jo My Goodness

Budget Bride Meet Invitation Box

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

I was recently introduced to an amazing invitation company called Invitation Box. They have lovely pre-made invitations that you can add your own wording to. With invitations coming in a variety colors and themes you will definitely find something just right for your wedding. I personally love the Butter Scroll and Pink Damask. Below you can find some great tips from Invitation Box for the Budget Bride.

Butter Scroll

Invitation Shopping Tips:

1. Set a budget for your wedding intvitation ensemble prior to browsing, remembering to include the cost of postage. As different invitation manufacturers have different card stock qualities, (which will greatly vary by price,) it is a good idea to know where to start when looking.

2. If you have chosen your wedding colors, try incorporating them into your wedding ensemble. This creates consistency from the beginning to end of your event and will also give your guests a bit of a preview of what is to come.

3. Let your personal style, or 'couple style', shine through your invitations, as your wedding is truly a reflection of your love for one another. If you're a fun, adventurous type of couple, choose bold, vibrant colors or patterns that reflect this. You may want to choose a more comtemporary design with ribbons or a pocket. More conservative couples may want to choose a more subtle design with embossing, tattered edging, white or ivory hues.

4. When searching for invitations, don't be afraid to ask your invitation vendor for what you are looking for. Some invitation vendors may have alternate options that are not shown online or inside an album. This can include alternate color choices, layer cards, designs, ink colors, fonts, motifs or monograms. If you have a vision in your head of your perfect invitation, go ahead and ask. Most invitation vendors are more than willing to work with their brides in creating a dream wedding ensemble.

Pink Damask

Images via Invitation Box

Check out Invitation Box wedding selection and tell me which invitation is your favorite.

Wedding Style Deal: J. Crew's Principessa Gown vs. David's Bridal Galina 9ES9808

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

We all know that your wedding style does not have to break your budget below are two great dress at very different prices. Both of these dresses are perfect for a beach or garden theme wedding. You decide which on you like the best.

Image via J. Crew

The Prinicpessa Gown is an updated version of the Genevive Gown coming in at $1950.

Images via The Knot

The David's Bridal Galina 9ES9808 is priced at $399 for sizes 0 - 16 and $449 for sizes 14W to 26W.

Which dress do you like? Would you buy the David's Bridal version because it is cheaper and very close to the J.Crew gown?

Sunday Brunch....Christian Siriano + Payless = A Wedding Must Have

Happy Sunday Budget Brides!!

Sunday is a great time to do a little shopping. Whether it is flea markets, the mall or yard sales. The weather is getting better and better as the calendar flies by. Do you love shoes as much as I do? Here is a post you will need to mark your calendars for.

I had to hold on to this amazing find for 7 whole days. So as we all know Christian Siriano has collaborated with Payless on a venture to bring fabulous shoes to budget brides and fashionistas everywhere. Well as I was going about my sunday routine of find new blogs to follow I stumble upon this amazing blog. I can't wait for Fall 2010 to roll by so that I can be the first to have a pair of the beauties below. This shoe is absolutely great for weddings, engagement party, rehearsal dinner and really just absolutely all things weddings. I think that for a bride on a budget this shoe can definitely rival the SJP Manolo Blahnik pumps from the first Sex in the City movie.

Image via Payless On The Runway

The shoe above is called the Cabriole and will be available this September exclusively at Payless. Not quite sure what the price will be but in looking at Christian's previous collection must of his shoes are under $34.99.

Definitely go to Payless.com and sign up to receive emails so when this great shoe comes to the market you'll be the first to get them.

As seen on P.S. I Love This

Have a Great Sunday!!!

Love Shots No. 3

Happy Saturday Budget Brides!!

I found this amazing photo here. As soon as I saw this photo my mind just started turning on how I can transform this idea into an jaw dropping event design for a wedding. This photo was shot during a Vogue Italia photo shoot in September 2009 by the amazing Tim Walker.

Click image to view larger Image via Coute de Coute by Tim Walker

What do you think about this design? How would you incorporate it into your wedding decor?

As seen on The Cinderella Project

Real Budget Wedding: Sharon Boone & Darren Wright

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

A couple of weeks ago I went to the New York Magazine bridal show. I was able to score a New York Magazine Weddings Issue Summer 2010 which is an amazing resource especially if you live in New York. Take a look at the Real Wedding below featuring Sharon & Darren.

Image via New York Magazine Weddings

The Couple
Sharon Boone & Darren Wright

Wedding Date: October 16, 2009

Location: The W Hotel, Hoboken (Ceremony) & Amanda's Restaurant, Hoboken


The Goal
A tiny cocktail party with a Rat Pack-y feel.


The Dress
Sharon bought her dress from Dolly Couture, a site that specializes in fifties-inspired styles. I customized the design online - short with a drop waist - and gave my measurements. They sent a sample of the fabric. It was $520. Darren got a very nice charcoal suit at a department store in England for the equivalent of $300.


The Venue
The most important aspect was a view of New York. At the last minute, our guest list doubled from 12 to 24, because my extended family decided to come. We had the WOW suite at the W. The usual rate is $2,500 per night; I asked for a discount and got it for $1,000. The hotel provided glasses, napkins and extra chairs; I brought in loads of tea lights.


The Food & Liquor
I supplied the wine and Champagne; I'd been collecting bottles all year. My parents bought crackers in bulk at Costco, and I went to the Garden of Eden for fruit and cheese. After drinks, everyone went to Amanda's for dinner. We got a cozy private room and had a great menu for $40 per person, and they let us bring our own cake. Ours cost $75 dollars; the bakery (Giorgio's in Hoboken) delivered it to the restaurant.


The Flowers
Flowers were not a big deal to us. I had a bouquet, Darren had a boutonniere, and we got corsages for our moms. We kept it local and got everything at Beethoven's Veranda in Hoboken for $350.


The Photographer
Our photographer was Kat Bryant. She was just starting out doing weddings, so she gave us a great rate of $500. But we didn't have her stick around for the reception.


Where Else They Saved
Forgoing the officiant was our biggest saver; they charge at least $400. They all said, "But we get to know you!" I thought, I am paying you to become my friend? So we had a friend get ordained online. We hosted on a Friday night. And we had no paper - programs, etc. - or D.J.; I just filled up my IPod.

Budget Breakdown

Original Budget $3000

Wedding Attire: $820

Venue: $1,000

Food & Drink: $1,115

Flowers: $350

Photographer: $500

Actually Spent $5,000

Do you have a wedding that you pulled off on a budget? Email us at realweddings@thebudgetbrideshandbook.



Article Found in the Summer 2010 issue of New York Magazine Weddings Pg. 108 or here

I Can Write a Blog. I Have Thoughts. - Graphic Illustration Print by LCY Graphic

Happy Wednesday Afternoon Budget Brides!!

I received a comment from an awesome reader about one of my last weeks post. So like every great blogger, as soon as I see a new name I go to their blog to see what there all about. As I was browsing through Fabulously Dirty Martini's, I saw Jillian's post about a contest she had won through LCY Graphics. As soon as I saw this image I fell in love. I just had to have it. At $18.75 including shipping and handling, I didn't feel guilty buying it. Now off to the clearance sections to find the perfect frame. Hmm I just may have to cross the GWB (George Washington Bridge)for an Ikea run.

What do you think about this graphic illustration? Are you drooling over it like I am?

Images via LCY Graphics

Graphic Found Here via Here

Wedding Style Deal: Get the Christian Louboutin Look For The Baker's Price

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

This is a Wedding Style Deal for the ages. A couple of years ago the Christian Louboutin Prive 120 Glitter Slingbacks was all the rave. To this day many bargain hunting brides are still looking to score these shoes at an amazing price. Well Baker's Shoes has done all of us a huge favor and created the Maxy Platform seen below to rival the Prive.

About $700

Image via My Christian Louboutin Shoes

Most Budget Bride's in this economy in this economy cannot afford to dish out over $700 for one pair of shoes so the Maxy Platform from Baker's Shoes is a great Wedding Style Deal at about 90% cheaper than the originals.

Selling for $69.95

Image via Baker's Shoes

Selling for $69.95

Image via Baker's Shoes

So here's the question for you ladies, would you pay $700 for the Christian Louboutin Glitter Prive Slingbacks or price conscience version Baker's Shoes Maxy Platform? Which shoe would you prefer to wear and why?

Post idea developed from here

Free Invitation Downloads

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

I stumbled upon a great website that gives free invitation downloads. There are many there to choose from and the website is updated very frequently.

DIY invitations can be a smart way to go. If you can find a free download or template that you have fallen in love with. I would suggest that you try the DIY route. You can go to a website like Envelopments, Paper and More, Vistaprint, etc to find paper, envelopes and even printing services. In finding your own paper and envelopes this gives you the opportunity to print at home or go to a printer for something like raised printing.

So check out Download & Print to find a wedding invitation just for you. Anna Skye has really created a jewel that I know many Budget Brides will love.

Image via Download & Print, Lemon Love

Find the matching RSVP Card here

Image via Download & Print, Framed Monogram

Image via Download & Print, Scroll Frame

Find the matching Recipe Card here

Found Download & Print here

DIY Modern Centerpiece.... Utterly Engaged, Lindye Galloway & Aimee Grover

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

Here is a great DIY video for making a modern day centerpiece. I love this idea. It is so modern and chic. What's so wonderful about it, is that you can create it well in advance before your wedding day and don't have to worry about any flowers dying. Also great for environment conscious brides who would prefer not to use flowers.

Take a look and tell me what you think. Would you create a centerpiece like this for you wedding?

DIY Centerpiece Modern Glam Utterly Engaged from Lindye Galloway on Vimeo

Sunday Brunch...

Happy Sunday Budget Brides!!

Today is such a beautiful day in NYC. I have a couple of things to do and Mr. Budget worked overnight last night so we won't be able to enjoy much of the day together. But hey that is the way the cookie crumbles. I saw the card below here and thought it was such a cute idea. The wedding planning process has always been an event that completely takes over your world until that special day. Now you throw in blogging brides and a bride may never get the time just to sit back and relax. I thought this was a cute card to invite your hubby - to - be on a Sunday picnic. You can find this card on Etsy made by Lovely Little Nest.

Image via Lovely Little Nest

Planning a wedding is such a stress process take sometime today to spend with your fiance. Maybe visit a museum, take a walk in the park or get massages. Whatever you do leave the planning at home and just make it a day to enjoy each other.

Have a Great Sunday!!

As seen on A Girl in Pearls & A Boy with Toys

Love Shots No. 2

Happy Saturday Budget Brides!!

I just love this image. It just shows that even though the wedding day can be crazy taking the time to observe your surroundings puts it all into perspective.

Image via Monique Simone Photography

Monique is a photographer from Canada who does amazing work. Check her out here.

Have a Great Saturday!!!

In the Know: Contests, Events, Freebies and Promotions

Happy Saturday Budget Brides!!

Contests

Make A Toast.... Enter for your chance to win a pair of custom engraved 6oz champagne toasting flutes from I Do Budget Weddings and PictureIt Creations, LLC. Deadline to enter contest is 11:59pm PST on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Click here for more information.

Tap Your Inner Peacock... Brenda's Wedding Blog along with 9 other creative vendors have pulled together a great giveaway for one lucky bride to win $1000 worth of personalized peacock wedding stationary. Deadline to enter contest is 11:59 EST on Monday, May 10, 2010. Click here for more information. Found on Ten 23 Designs.

Jewels For You & The Girls... Swanky Tables is giving all of you Budget Brides a chance to win $100 Gift Certificate of amazing jewelry from Stella & Dot. Deadline to enter contest is Midnight PST on Friday, May 7, 2010. Click here for more information.

Put A Ring On It... On your ring bearer pillow that is! Weddings Unveiled has partnered with Blooming South for an amazing giveaway for a beautiful ring bearer pillow. A winner will be chosen randomly on Friday, May 7, 2010 at noon. Click here for more information.

Post It... Bicoastal Bride along with Online Poster Printing is giving away a 18 x 24 poster print of your choice. Deadline to enter contest is 12 noon EST on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Click here for more information.

Freebies

Wedding Day Countdown... Free wedding day countdown widget from Wedding Planning Advice.

Free Engagment Photos... Threshold Visions Photography in NYC is holding it's 4th Annual FREE spring engagement day on May 15, 2010. Click here for more information. Found on House of Paperie.

Enjoy!!