Love Shots No. 7 Peek A Boo

Happy Saturday Budget Brides!!!

I saw this image before on another blog, don't remember which one but if you do let me know so that I can give credit, and I was absolutely in awe of the boldness of this bride. Only if I had the body and confidence to pull something off like this. Mr. Budget would be shocked but ah so incredibly happy.

So Budget Brides, what do you think about this dress/photo? For a wedding? Maybe even a trash the dress photo shoot?


I would love to know your thoughts. It's Mr. Budget's b-day weekend so later ladies.

Image via The Sartorialist

In the Know: Michael C. Fina Sample Sale

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!!

The lovely people over at Michael C. Fina sent us some information about their engagement ring sample sale where you can save up to 70% off of select merchandise. Happy Shopping and Enjoy!!


Sample Sale Information:

Date: 8/4 & 8/5

Time: 11am to 8pm

Where: 545 5th Avenue, New York, New York 10017


Press Release:

Second Annual Designer Engagement Ring & Wedding Band Sample Sale

To Be Held at Michael C. Fina

New York, NY - (July 28, 2010) Renowned retailer Michael C. Fina will be hosting their second annual Designer Engagement Ring & Wedding Band Sample Sale at their store, located at 545 Fifth Avenue, August 4 - 5, 2010 from 11am to 8pm.

Discounts of up to 70% off retail prices will be taken on nearly every sample designer engagement ring and wedding band in the showroom.

The hundreds of rings available range in style from classic to modern, romantic to vintage and are available in platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and titianium.

For more information and restrictions, visit: www.michaelcfina.com/2010SampleSale.html

So Budget Brides have fun and be there early so you can get the best of the best.


Source: Michael C. Fina

Image via Michael C. Fina

Guess Who Has Enter The Bridal Jewelry Market?

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

Neil Lane has partnered with Kay Jewelers to entered the bridal jewelry market . Yayyy!!

With 36 vintage-style engagement rings grouped into themes such as Energy, Essence, Harmony and Timeless, he is bringing his celebrity loved jewelry to Budget Brides like you and me. Each of the designs feature period influences with historical references to art and architecture.

With prices in the Neil Lane Bridal Collection ranging from $2599 to $7,799 any Budget Bride can feel like a celebritiy.

Some notable stars who have commission engagement rings from Neil Lane are Nicole Ritchie, Tori Spelling and Jennifer Hudson.

Here is a quote from Neil Lane on his partnership with Kay Jewelers: "I was influenced by over 20 years of design for some of Hollywood's lengedary stars to create a collection with Kay Jewelers that is authentic, glamorous and romantic."


Source via Celebrity Bride Guide and National Jeweler Network


Image via Kay Jewelers Neil Lane Bridal

Sunday Brunch: Totally Cool Engagement Proposals

Happy Sunday Budget Brides!!!

Longtime No Write!!! I know I have been away from all of you budget brides, but I have some lovely topics, finds and fashion tips this week. As you all know Sunday is the one day of the week that most people take as their day of rest. Since it is 90 degrees today my suggestion is to grab the future-hubby, sunblock and head to the beach. If the beach is not an option for you head straight over to your to do wedding to do list and check off some items. Since it is so hot most people will be out doing recreational activities and not in the stores.

But before you head out, take a moment and reflect on how you were proposed to and check out how these amazing men proposed to their special ladies.

Check out this great MSN Video: Street Magic Wedding Proposal


Here is another proposal called Street Art. Click here to view it.

What do you guys think about this these proposals?

Have a great summer Sunday!!!

Budget Bride Tips: To Tip or Not To Tip

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

Welcome Back Budget Brides!!! I know that many of you are just getting back from your Fourth of July vacations but let's get down to all things WEDDINGS. Yesterday I posted '10 Things Every Bride Needs To Know...' which discussed what brides may need to know when they embark on wedding dress shopping.

Since that was our topic yesterday I was pondering on the subject of tipping. I really wonder what people think about tipping their Wedding Dress Consultant for the time he/she has spent with them during their allocated appointment time. I know many of you maybe thinking, why should I tip if they are already getting paid? Well let me put you on pause and give you a few reasons why it is to provide your consultant with a tip.

1. Wedding Dress Consultants are providing you a service the same as a waiter or taxi driver. Would you go to a restuarant and order a ton of food and not tip the waiter for the service he/she provided?

2. Many of you make a million appointments at every bridal shop in town? (Only God Knows Why!) Wedding Dress Consultants typically work on commission which means their time is very valuable. If you are taking up precious time when you know your heart is set on another dress in another store you are preventing the WDC from making a possible sale.

3. Wedding Dress Consultants have the tasks of carrying the 15 dresses that you want to try on, helping you in and out of the dresses and possibly picking the dresses up off the floor after some of you with no home training have thrown them down like last night leftovers.

So Budget Brides, what do you think? Would or have you provided your Wedding Dress Consultant with a tip once she has provided you with a service? If yes, why and if no, why not.

10 Things Every Budget Bride Needs to Know...

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!I know that all of you are in different stages of your wedding planning process. However, I thought that this would be a great time to provide all of you guys with a list of suggestions you may need to know when going Bridal Dress Shopping.10 Things Every Budget Bride Should Know When Going Bridal Dress Shopping1. Before you step into any bridal shop do your homework. Google the stores you are thinking about visiting read other's comments on their experience. Also note their rules, there are many bridal shops that you cannot take pictures in the dresses. This will prepare you for what you may encounter during your appointment.2. When scheduling the appointment make sure that you ask about the time allotted to you for your appointment. Many brides don't realizae that your usually allotted between an hour to two hours for bridal appointments. Which is not a lot of time. So have a fifty person party full of indecisive people is not the way to go. In most cases, you will leave the bridal shop frustrated and confused. Bring the people who A) are paying for the dress and B) people whose opinion you highly respect. 3. Come to your bridal appointment with pictures (from magazines, the internet, etc.) so that the consultant has a clear understanding of what you are looking for. There is nothing like have an idea in your head that you cannot describe to someone else. Pictures always help to bridge that gap.4. I know that many of you may shy away from this tip but allow the consultant to go in the room with you and help you in and out of the dress. This is the time that the consultant takes to learn more about you, your wedding and the dynamics that is keeping it all together. This will help her/him to help you find the dress of your dress. When you have a friend or family member help you it waste valuable time that the consultant can be using to pinpoint the right dress for you.5. In most cases, know that the consultant is experience in helping brides find there perfect dress. Take note of the suggestions she makes about dresses that fit your silhouette or compliment the type of event that your going to have. For example, you maybe a bride who wants a mermaid dress but you do not have any hips. The consultant will probably suggest an A-line or ball gown dress that may work better for you.6. KNOW that you need SIX to NINE MONTHS in order to find, select, order your dress and make alterations. Many brides wait till two or three months before the wedding to purchase their dress not realizing that they are not allocating enough time to receive the dress from the manufacture plus the time it takes for alterations. (If you wait too long there many also be a rush shipping fee that you may have to pay which may take you over your budget.)7. Some bridal shops charge a fee for you to make an appointment so make sure you find that out upfront. This will allow you to visit the bridal shops who do not have a fee first. You never know you may find your dress there and will not need to lose money or feel obligated to go to those pay upfront appointments.8. If possible before purchasing a dress always ask for alterations to come and give you an estimated price on what alterations will cost you. This will help to give you an over all view of how much you will actually be spending for the cost of your wedding attire.9. Some bridal shops also offer discounts on the days that you purchase your wedding dress. BUY the accessories the same day. It does not make sense to lose free money in discounts thinking I can find it somewhere cheaper. Listen Boo, you cannot get a bling - out veil and tiara for $50. It will make your whole wedding day ensemble look cheap and tacky. Like Nike says, Just Do It.10. Be very conscience of your timing!!! Timing is a huge issue in wedding dress shopping. Don't be caught out there spending at the minimum $65 (rushing shipping $40 and alterations $25) because you procasinated or could not make up your mind). This is $65 before you purchase the dress or made an alterations appointment.11. YOU ARE NOT FAT!!! Ok I Know I Know.... every woman is self conscious about something but this is definitely not the time to be. If you have to go two sizes up to a dress that actually fits then do it. You will potentially spend more money in exchanging the dress or hospital bills because you passed the hell out since you could not breath in that too small dress. It is better to always go bigger and have alterations than to go to small.So Budget Brides, what do you think about my suggestions? Do you have some suggestions that you can include to help other brides?

Sunday Brunch: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

It's the 4th of July!!! Whoo Hoo!! Don't you guys love it? The fireworks, BBQs and the family get togethers. So you guys know I have started a facsination with colored cakes, this time around I am featuring a Flag Cake. It is a perfect conversation piece for family get togethers when you and your fiance are trying to co-mingle your families.


So without further to do I won't bore you with more of my talking here is the recipe.

All Images via 17 and Baking, via From Marriage to Motherhood