Look for Less... Amare Stoudemire's Engagement Ring

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!!

So at the beginning of this month New York Knicks Captain Amare Stoudemire asked for his longtime girlfriend's hand in marriage with a gorgeous engagement ring that the comes in at the $1 million dollar mark. Crazy Right?? As beautiful as this ring is let's get real only the 1% can afford it.

via People Style Watch

Here are 3 looks for less that will make all your friends swoon in envy.

Fortunoff $5,995

Vera Wang Love for Zales $10,499

Neil Lane Diamond from Kay Jewelers $5,599

What do you think about Amare's engagement ring? What is your dream ring? Want to send pics.... Send us your dream ring pics at thebudgetbrideshandbook@hotmail.com.

THIS JUST IN... New Vera Wang Dress at David's Bridal: 7 Gorgeous Styles

David's Bridal has just released the next collection of Vera Wang dresses. I am so drooling at my desk. Can't wait to see them in person. Do you think David's would invite me for a private viewing? Hmmm... I am so in love already.

What do you think of these styles? Would you wear them?

images via Glamour

In the Know: Contests, Events & Promotions 3/27

Happy Friday Budget Brides!

Here is your weekly dose of In the Know: Contests, Events & Promotions

Invitation Image from Izzy and the Bean

Contests

Win a Free Day of Wedding Coordination! Enter to Win The BBH's "How I Saved My Wedding Budget" contest and win a FREE Day of Wedding Coordination from the Budget Bride Consultants. Valued at $800. Click here for original posts.

Learn How to Relieve Wedding Stress! Enter to Win The BBH's "Take Back Your Wedding" contest and win 1 of 5 'Take Back Your Wedding' books from author Elizabeth Doherty Thomas. Click here for original posts.

Support Ebonee Monique & Marvin! Vote Marvin as Brides.com Groom of the Year. Help these to lovebirds when a dream honeymoon. Click here for original post.

Events

Tie the Not! The Not Wedding is hosting another impromptu wedding event in Atlanta, Ga on April 5th. The doors will open at 4, the ceremony will start at 5 and the reception is at 6. Tickets are $25 and can only be brought online. This event is limited to 350 so don't be left out & purchase your tickets today. Admission includes food, drink and a gift bag.

Promotions

Salon Services Discount for NYC Brides! Le Salon an exclusively organic salon in NYC is offering 10% discount for brides. Call Ashraf at 212-949-6693 for more information or to make a consultation appointment.

Calling All San Franciso & San Jose Bay Area Brides! Recession bumming you out? San Jose Wedding Consultants can help! We can save you money, and bring you peace of mind on your wedding day. Book a Day Of Coordination Package and receive 25% off our regular rate of $995.00! Let them know you found this promotion on The BBH.
Offer Expires June 1, 2009

10% off from Izzy and the Bean Design! The Husband & Wife graphic design team of Izzy & the Bean is offering 10% off any order of 100 or more invites or save the dates from Izzy and the Bean Design.

Spring Break for Tampa Bay Area Brides! Meant To Be Wed is offering 20% off planning and day-of coordination services. An extra 5% off for those engaged on Valentines Day!

Must book by April 30, 2009.

Still Need Bridal Party Gifts? The Gourmet Gift Company is offering $20 off any custom order of $100 or more. Use coupon code 24CUPCAKE at checkout. Coupon expires 06/30/09.

The White Gown: Anjolique & Joli Trunk Show

This post is especially for our NYC - Tri-State Area Budget Brides or our brides who will be in the NYC area April 4th or 5th. The White Gown bridal salon in Brooklyn is hosting a trunk show to showcase the wonderful designs of Anjolique & Joli. If you are still undecided on your wedding dress round up your dress committee and head down to The White Gown.

Please remember to call (718.222.GOWN (4696)) or email (whitegown@gmail.com) to book an appointment and if emailing please add your name, telephone number & your wedding date.

Image from The White Gown

Anjolique Bridal & Joli Bridal Trunk Show

April 4 - 5, 2009

Location:

The White Gown

69 Jay Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

www.thewhitegown.com

SPECIAL OFFER: Take advantage of the special discounts during this event! Come in for your FREE wedding gift bag including wedding essentials, pearl jewelry, and coupons toward your wedding bands!

Images for The White Gown & Information from The Knot

NY Daily News Article: 5 Caribbean Escapes for less than $1,000

Hello Budget Brides!

I found a great article in the New York Daily News about inexpensive getaways to the caribbean. The article is titled "5 Caribbean Escapes for less than $1,000". I know that many of you do not live in the NYC area so you may not receive this information so I thought it was our duty to pass it on. The information in this article would be great for honeymoons or a weekend with the bridesmaids.

5 Caribbean Escapes for less than $1,000by Michael Nassar
The Caribbean is a lot closer, and cheaper, than you think. As one of the areas hardest hit by the economic meltdown, the Caribbean is having a serious sale. Even some of the region’s most notoriously exclusive resorts are putting up vacancy signs and making no bones about the deals and discounts being offered to lure timid travelers to the sun — everything from free airfare and free hotel nights to free meals and free spa treatments.
Which means if you’ve been dreaming of a weekend escape, you can make it a reality — and for less than a grand.
Here’s our guide to five quick and easy getaways that will have you on the beach before lunch and being treated like a princess or a prince without making you a pauper.
Sophisticated St. Martin
The Radisson St. Martin Resort, Marina & Spa is nestled on Anse Marcel, one of French St. Martin’s best-preserved and most secluded coves. It’s only four hours nonstop from New York City to an oceanfront resort that’s a quintessential island hideaway of brightly colored plantation-style buildings, lush gardens and lazy afternoons under the swaying palms.
Take advantage of the resort’s comprehensive enrichment program, highlighted by cooking classes with executive chef Bruno Brazier, French lessons and evening tastings of local rums and spirits. Or, head into the nearby village of nearby Grand Case, considered by many to be one of the culinary capitals of the Caribbean. Or both.
As part of the inaugural 2009 season, you’ll save up to 36% with a Winter WarmUp Sale if you book by Feb. 28 for stays through April 18. Rates from about $321 per night include daily breakfast at Le Marché. www.radisson.com/stmartin.
If you go: $107 each way via Continental; http://www.continental.com/.
Bask in the Bahamas
Music lovers will get together and feel all right at the Marley Resort & Spa, the former family vacation home of Bob, Rita and the whole Marley clan.
Undeniably cool, the resort is an elegant microcosm of African and Caribbean style, located on a private stretch of famed Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas.
Generations of Marley music infuse the entire resort, and each of the 16 themed suites centers around Bob Marley’s song titles, including Kinky Reggae, Nice Time and Kaya, among others. With sculptured hand-carved doors, mosaic tiles and intricate stonework, the accommodations and amenities are as beautiful and unusual as the setting.
Tropical rain showers and sumptuous whirlpool tubs come standard, as does unparalleled service that begins the moment you’re greeted at the airport.

Take advantage of a 50% savings with the Royal Welcome package — starting at $250 per night in a Deluxe Room — and get treated to an Akwaaba Welcome Touch Foot Ceremony for two. The foot massage with rose petals and Royal Rita bath brew will get every visitor jammin’ to the right vibe.
Valid through Oct. 31, excluding holidays. http://www.marleyresort.com/.
If you go: $99 each way via JetBlue. http://www.jetblue.com/.
Awesome Aruba
The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino contains Aruba’s only private beaches on its exclusive Renaissance Island — a 10-minute boat ride via private launch from inside the hotel’s lobby. Flocked with curious pink flamingos on one side and giant iguanas on the other, the island also has a man-grove-hidden Spa Cove that’s just right for side-by-side massages at sunset.
The Sexy & Sultry Package, good through Dec. 21 at Renaissance’s adults-exclusive Marina Hotel, offers a 40% savings — and every third night is free. Also included: a $50 credit at the in-house casino and $50 in cocktail credit, which might come in handy while you watch the sun set at the out-door pool overlooking the harbor.
After dark, the Miami-inspired martini bar lights up to complement the house specialty: blue martinis. Should you accidentally overindulge, a onetime hangover breakfast for two is also part of the package. Rates start at $424 per night through April 16; $245 per night from April 17 to Dec. 20. http://www.renaissancearuba.com/.
If you go: $97 each way via American. http://www.aa.com/.
Seductive St. Lucia
It might be cold outside, but there is one “freeze” you’ll cheer about: the price freeze and rate rollback to be had at the luxury, eco-friendly Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in luscious St. Lucia. Couple that with “Sun Dollars,” a daily resort credit in effect on all new bookings through Dec. 20, and the savings climb to 50%.
Spread across 60 acres on an island known for its rainforest preserves and soaring volcanic peaks, Windjammer is celebrated for dramatic sunsets over a crescent-shaped, white-sand beach. Yet it’s also an ideal spot for families, featuring two children’s pools, specially designed menus for smaller guests, and a teen program where teenagers and adults can engage in recreational activities together.
Sun Dollars can be used for food and beverage, spa treatments at Serenity Spa, a sunset sail or zip-lining through the rainforest. Lily Suites, with four-poster beds and private terrace or sun deck, are $260 per night (previously $350) with $130 in resort credit. http://www.windjammer-landing.com/.
If you go: $190 each way via American. http://www.aa.com/.
Mayan Hideaway
Cocooned on a private beach and entwined in a tropical rainforest, the Tides Riviera Maya inhabits a pocket along the Yucatán Peninsula coast that’s as lush as its name: Playa Xcalacoco, which in the lyrical Mayan tongue means “twin coconut palms.”
With a select number of private villas, hypnotic spa and cuisine, and one of the best stretches of beach in Mexico, this secluded outpost is full of surprises like personal plunge pools, open-air showers, handmade hammocks and lush jungle flora blooming outside your terrace.
As if that’s not enough to seduce you, a Fly Free package will really get you in the mood. Book a minimum four-night visit by April 30 for stays through Dec. 18, and get a significant reimbursement on your airfare: up to $500 per person (that’s almost enough for business class!).
Simply present your airline ticket at check-in and the credit will be deducted from your bill at checkout. Limit two people per room. Lagoon suites from $570 per night. http://www.tidesrivieramaya.com/.
If you go: From $88 each way via American. http://www.aa.com/.

Article Courtsey of the New York Daily News & Image Taken by Sharise Finley

Wedding Inspiration from the 2009 Oscar Awards

Happy Monday Budget Brides! So as all of you know the Oscars were on tv last night and you know that I had to watch the Red Carpet show on E! to see who was wearing what. It seems like the tone for the night was all in the white/ivory family which is also perfect for any wedding. Here are some pics of The BBH best dressed and some not of pricey looks for less.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Haute Couture Allure Wedding Dress at Best Bridal Prices $498

Penelope Cruz in Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Mia Solano Couture Bridal Gown from Best Bridal Prices $987

Jessica Biel in Prada ABS by Allen Schwartz from Nordstrom.com $438

Taraji P. Henson in Roberto Cavalli BCBG Max Azria at Nordstroms $298

Melissa George in Dolce Gabbana Winnie Couture Bridal 08 Collection $1500

Swank Productions Sample Sale

Calling All Budget Brides! If you are in the NYC area Swank Productions is having a sample sale this Friday, February 6th. This would be a great opportunity to find items to decorate your wedding.
What: Swank Productions
Why: The event and design production firm has nowhere to store their old party stuff — so they’re selling it. Find crystal chandeliers, pillows, candles, and tons more on the cheap.
When: Feb. 6. Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m
Where: Union Square Ballroom27 Union Square W., b/t 15th & 16th Streets
(212-645-1802)
Cash only

Information Courtsey Daily Candy & Swank Productions

PreOwned Wedding Dress Contest - $1500 Dress

Good Evening Budget Brides! Here is an exciting contest from preownedweddingdresses.com that I am sure you will love. Below you can find all of the details of the contest. Good Luck!!

We’re celebrating the New Year by giving away a wedding dress!

Want to wear a free Vera Wang or Melissa Sweet wedding dress on your wedding day?

Would you rather spend your money on your honeymoon instead of your wedding dress?

With the PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com Wedding Dress Giveaway - the winner could.

From January 1st 2009 - February 28th, 2009, you can enter to win a wedding dress valued at up to $1500 USD. On March 2nd, a winner will be selected at random from all entries received by the contest deadline.

How it works: Enter with our online entry form. There is a limit of one entry, per email address, per day.

The prize: You can win any wedding dress available for sale on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com. If the winner’s selected wedding gown is up to $1500, we’ll pay for it! If it is over $1500, we’ll pay $1500 to the seller and the winner will be responsible for the remaining payment.

The details: Contest is open to legal residents of the US and Canada (excluding Quebec) only. See our terms and conditions for full contest rules and regulations.

All contest veribage & images from preownedweddingdresses.com

Update from the Behind the Veil Bridal Expo

Good Morning Budget Brides!! I hope you had a great weekend. On Sunday, I visited the Behind the Veil Bridal Expo. It was a wonderful event and I had a great time meeting all of the wonderful vendors there displaying their services. Of course I snapped some pictures for my girls so that you can get an inside look on the best of the best in the New Jersey/New York Bridal Industry. Take a look through the pictures below and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Images Courtsey of Laurelwood

Images Courtsey of Laurelwood

Images Courtsey of Laurelwood

Images Courtsey of Laurelwood


I just loved the look of the floral & table decor created by Laurelwood in Washington Township, NJ. They took the pink & brown trend to a whole new level. Who would have thought to use tree branches, hanging candles and flower bunches to dress up the table.

Images courtsey of Laurelwood

Images courtsey of Laurelwood

This purple floral & table decor is another showstopper from Laurelwood. The team over at Laurelwood does an excellent job at taking color and applying it in a way that does not feel over done or gaudy.

Laurelwood

201.664.3304

http://www.laurelwoodesigns.com/

Image courtesy of Black Eyed Susies

This beautiful centerpiece arrangement was created by Black Eyed Susies a wedding & event floral design company in New Jersey.

Black Eyed Susies

201.225.0772

http://www.blackeyedsusies.com/

Image courtsey of A Touch of Elegance

Image courtsey of A Touch of Elegance

Image courtsey of A Touch of Elegance

I just loved this beautiful pink table from A Touch of Elegance. The pink & gold theme is just perfect. I loved the way the floral designers chose a broad range of pink flowers to decorate the table and the pink chandelier is amazing.

A Touch of Elegance

973.584.8300

http://www.njweddingflorist.com/

Image courtsey of The Empire Club

Image courtsey of The Empire Club

Here is another elegant table from The Empire Club. This is a full service catering company that provides everything from delicious dining to elegant decor.

The Empire Club

201.641.2892

http://www.theempireclub.com/

Image courtsey Carlo's Bakery

Image courtsey Carlo's Bakery

Image courtsey Carlo's Bakery

Image courtsey Carlo's Bakery

Here are two gorgeous cakes from Carlo's Bakery. I actually had a small sample of their cake and it was amazing. Carlo's Bakery also specializes in custom creations like luxury handbag and shoes cakes. Visit their website for all of their wonderful creations.

Carlo's Bakery

201.659.3671

http://www.carlosbakery.com/

The next set of images is all about the attire. The bridal gowns, attendant & engagement attire was provided by Demetrios at Macy*s. The men's suits were provided by Biltmore Tuxedos.

Tonight we will be at The Great Bridal Expo so don't forget to check back tomorrow for an update.