Yes, I Am Back Again.... Getting Hitched!

 

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

 

 

image via zazzle.com

 

It's been such a long time since I have blogged. I know that I have popped in and out always saying that my posts will comeback more frequently. However, now I have decided to commit to at least 3 posts a week. So leave a comment letting know what you would like to read about and I will do my best to create content around those interests.

 

I will also blog about my own wedding process since I was recently engaged in November. This is an exciting time for all of us. So let's share experiences and enjoy the journey.

 

If you would like to contribute to this blog as a guest blogger. Please leave a message in the comments and I will be sure to reach out to you.

 

xoxo, Budget Bride

 

A is for Announcement

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!!   In this post I would like to take the time to announce my engagement. Yes, Mr, Budget asked me to marry him the day before Thanksgiving and of course I said yes. After five years and a beautiful son, I would love nothing better than to make it official so that we can become family by law.

All pictures in this post belong it The Budget Brides Handbook, please do not use them with out permission.  Announcing your engagement can be tricky in knowing who to tell first. So here is how I did it: * I text my brother a crazy guess what message and then followed it up with a picture of my ring. * I called my best friends and let them know the good news. *Since both of my parents are sickly and don't do well with phones I waited until I was in front of them to give them the news. * I tried to notify all the people that I could think of before I actually posted it on any social networks *About 2 or 3 days after the proposal, I decided to tell the world on social media. Boy Oh Boy was this a process. But now we are engaged and here comes the craziness. Hopefully, it won't be that bad. Remember to check in periodically as I start this new adventure to the altar on a $25k or less budget.

xoxo

Budget Bride

  

Celebrity Wedding Tips: Editing Your Guest List

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!

image via lauren conrad blog Here is a great article that Lauren Conrad wrote about editing her wedding guest list as she plans her big day.  Some snippets we love: * if I haven't had a sit down dinner with you in 2 years, your not invited * plus ones: if your not married, engaged, long-term relationship or don't know anyone else at the wedding you don't get a plus one. "Who knows, they might meet someone special…"
That last one had me cracking up. But hey you never know.
Checkout the full article here.

xoxo

Budget Bride

Brides Magazine Launches New IPhone App.

Happy Monday Afternoon Budget Brides!!!

I received this press release from Brides Magazine today announcing another way to get all things bridal 24/7. Checkout the press release below.

BRIDES LAUNCHes FIRST EVER BRIDAL MAGAZINE IPHONE™ APP

IPHONE App available october 12

October 12, 2009 – NEW YORK, NY

Beginning TODAY, wedding dress shopping will meet the age of technology as BRIDES magazine launches Brides Dressing Room, the first ever wedding dress locator of its kind on a mobile device.

Through BRIDES Dressing Room, users will browse a variety of wedding and bridesmaid dresses, and sort by silhouette, designer or price - then check availability, and schedule an appointment with a local bridal shop for consultations and fittings. Users of the application can also email a photo of a wedding gown or bridesmaid dress to friends to get their feedback. BRIDES is the first magazine in its category to launch a mobile application.

BRIDES Magazine is once again leading the charge in the bridal industry as it forges new ways to match consumers with bridal fashion and accessories. Through this new technology, BRIDES will provide another key outlet for advertisers to reach consumers at the moment they are actively engaged in the wedding planning process.

Consumers can download the app by going to iTunes and searching for BRIDES Dressing Room.

BRIDES Dressing Room is being created by NearbyNow, a unique digital shopping concierge service that empowers consumers to search online -- from their computers and via innovative mobile applications -- for the most convenient local source for their favorite products and brands. Founded in 2005, NearbyNow is headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company is privately held, with funding from Draper, Fisher, Jurvetson and Norwest Venture Partners. Additional information can be obtained by phone at (650) 967-0940 or by visiting the Company’s Web site at www.nearbynow.com.

The Knot Book of Wedding Lists Giveaway

We have made it to the one year mark last week on October 6, 2009. I cannot believe this blog was started one year ago today. As I write this post making myself late for work. I think about the joy of writing this blog and sharing within this great community. We have another exciting year to come with a site update in the upcoming year, as well as entries from the Budget Bride Community.So to kick off our second year we are hosting a giveaway of The Knot Book of Weddings List by Carly Roney and the editors from The Knot. There's also a little inscription inside from Carly.

Here's how to win:

1. Subscribe to receive updates from The Budget Brides Handbook. (see right hand side)

2. Follow us on Blogger

3. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook (Search Name BudgetBrides)

4. Make a comment about your how you can better organize your wedding planning activities

5. Send us an email stating you did all of the above to contest@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com. All entries must be complete by October 21, 2009 12:00 am EST. A winner will be pick and announce on October 21, 2009.

It's A Wrap....... For Elegant Bride & Modern Bride

Monday was a sad day in the Wedding Magazine world as two great publications have been closed for good by its parent company Conde Nast.

Conde Nast has announced yesterday that it is closing 4 publications including Elegant Bride and Modern Bride. Many of us have combed through these pages looking for inspiration, ideas and vendors for weddings and blog ideas. According to the Wall Street Journal, the main reason for the cut in publications was due to a decrease in advertising dollars from retailers. They have also decided to cut Cookie magazine as well as the print version of Gourmet magazine while retaining the digital and tv segments of the Gourmet business.

Production on these publications has stopped immediately and most positions at these publications will be vacated today Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

Our prays are with everyone who is effected by this great lost to the bridal industry.

Tell all of your friends, family and brides not to subscribe to these publications. For those of you who already have subscriptions, I am pretty sure they will give you the opportunity to redeem your money or switch your subscription over to a similar publication.

Looking for a new bridal publication to subscribe to?

Click here to sign up for your free Get Married Magazine.

Click here to read Wall Street Journal Article

It's Our Anniversary!!!!

Happy Anniversary to The Budget Brides Handbook!!!

We have made it to the one year mark. I cannot believe this blog was started one year ago today. As I write this post making myself late for work. I think about the joy of writing this blog and sharing within this great community. We have another exciting year to come with a site update in the upcoming year, as well as entries from the Budget Bride Community.



So to kick off our second year we are hosting a giveaway of The Knot Book of Weddings List by Carly Roney and the editors from The Knot. There's also a little inscription inside from Carly.

Here's how to win:

1. Subscribe to receive updates from The Budget Brides Handbook. (see right hand side)

2. Follow us on Blogger

3. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook (Search Name BudgetBrides)

4. Make a comment about your how you can better organize your wedding planning activities

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

All entries must be complete by October 14, 2009 12:00 am EST.


A winner will be pick and announce on October 14, 2009.

In the Know: Contests, Events, Promotions 9/11

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!

Here is our next installment of In the Know: Contests, Events, Freebies & Promotions. We strive to inform you about contests, events & promotions from mainstream companies as well as companies you maybe less known. See below for all of the entries that we received for this week.

Enjoy!

Image from Ideeli.com

Contests

Shop Til You Drop With Your BFF.... Ideeli is hosting a $2,500 Shopping Spree Giveaway. The winner receives $1,500 and their BBF will receive $1,000 to shop along with them. Click here to enter.

Events

Clean Your Closet & Save.... Nine West & Sole4Soul is sponsoring a shoe drive where customers can drop off a gently used pair of footwear at any Nine West Specialty Retail store between 09.09.09 thru 09.24.09 and you'll receive a 15% off coupon.

Promotions

One-Stop Shopping.... Ideeli is hosting a ton of sales this week including BCBG and Lenox. Click designers to enjoy the savings.

Credits:

Nine West

Ideeli

Daily Candy

Mark Your Calendars.....

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

Here are two great in-store events that you can include your fiance or bridal party to help you in creating your fantasy registry.

Bloomingdale's NYC 59th Street

Bloomingdale's and Martha Stewart Magazine are inviting you to an evening this Thursday of wine, hor d' oeuvres, cake tasting while creating the ultimate wedding registry for your big day. Come and meet some of the best and brightest in the wedding industry like wedding gown designer Monique Lhuillier, cake master Sylvia Weinstock and bridal salon owner Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, editorial director Darcy Miller as well as many others.

Enter to win a 3-night stay at Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos Islands when you sign up for a registry.

Click image for more information including date and time.

Crate & Barrel @ Store Nearest You

Crate & Barrel invites you to a morning of food, drinks, music and advice from the experts.

With three dates on the calendar you have no reason not to make at least one.

September 13th, October 4th and 18th from 9am - 11am

Credits:

Information from Perfect Bound amd Fete Fanatic

In the Know: Contests, Events, Freebies & Promotions 9/4

Happy Friday Budget Brides!

Here is our next installment of In the Know: Contests, Events, Freebies & Promotions. We strive to inform you about contests, events & promotions from mainstream companies as well as companies you maybe less known. See below for all of the entries that we received for this week. Enjoy!

Image from Bettina Johnson Jewelry

Contests

Diamonds Galore! Preownedweddingdresses.com is hosting a $2500 jewelry rental giveaway from Adorn Brides. Click here for entry form. Contest ends Oct. 31st & winner drawn on Nov. 2nd.

Events

Every Girls Addiciton... Kleinfield is hosting their September Bridal Sample Sale. Save up to 70% on select gowns from top bridal designers. They are only accepting one hour appointments only for September 13, 2009. Call (646) 633-4300 today for your sample sale appointment!

Experience the Vineyard.... Visit a Priscilla of Boston salon near you from Sept. 10 thru Sept. 14 to view the Vineyard Trunk Show. View Vineyard Collection here.

For the Fans.... Are you a Kenneth Poole or Christos Fan? Well here is your chance to checkout their 2010 collections. Kleinfield's is hosting a Christos & Kenneth Poole Trunk Show September 11 - 13, 2009. Visit Kleinfield's for more details.

Freebies

Bookworms Unite.... P.S. it's in the details has this amazing idea of creating fabulous bookmarks. Here is a link to a freebie bookmark. Perfect favor idea for the bookworm Bride on her wedding day. I would contact Patty directly if you want a custom bookmark.

Promotions

Glitter in Diamonds.... Adorn Brides is offering $50 off jewelry rental when using coupon code: MODERNBRIDE50

Amazing Bridesmaid Dresses! Sash & Bustle is running a fall promotion of 15% off their Coren Moore Bridesmaid Collection from now until October 30th.

Sophiscated Gifts & Accessories! Save up to 75% off shoes, apparel & accessories at the Kate Spade Sample Sale.

Rings & Bobby Pins! Bettina Johnson Jewelry has just launched their Fall 09 collection and they want to give you 20% off any order from Sept. 1st to Sept. 15th. Use code: ANYSAVE20

Make It Personal! Kiwi Embroidery is offering a 10% discount off your order. Use Code: ETSYITUP. Even more fabulous is that there is no expiration date.

Credits:
Information - The Knot, Bride on a Budget, A Hot Pink Petticoat

A is for..... Attendants

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

Today is the kick-off of our ABC's of Weddings series. We will start right at the beginning with the letter A. A is for Attendants, you know the most important people in your life that you would want to share your special day with. We will go over 4 important aspects concerning your attendants also known as the Bridal Party which are attendant selection, attendant duties, attendant attire and attendant gifts.

Image from The Knot

Attendant Selection

Matron of Honor - Your Matron of Honor is usually one of your closest family members or friends who is already married. They will usually be the person you confide in or consult when you go through the highs & lows of your courtship and marriage. Typically Brides only have one Matron of Honor; however, if you have more than one person who fills this role for you then have two. Our suggestion would be to keep it to one but no more than two.

Maid of Honor - Your Maid of Honor is a single friend who you are extremely close with and have shared imitate life experiences. Most Brides usually opt to have a best friend or sister for their Maid of Honor. I have also seen Brides who do not have this type of connection use this position for a male that they are very close to renaming the title to Man of Honor. As with the Matron of Honor title, we suggest that you do not have no more than two Maid of Honors especially if you don't have a Matron of Honor.

Best Man - A Grooms' Best Man is usually your fiance's best friend, college roommate or brother. The BM is the person that your fiance has gotten into the most trouble with and had the most fun with. As with the Man of Honor title, I have also experienced women holding the title of Best Woman. Typically, men are a little less complicated than women so they usually only have one Best Man. But if your situation does not fit the norm then I would suggest no more than two.

Bridesmaids - Bridesmaids are the Brides closest friends who she should cherish as lifelong friends. Often times the bridesmaiad position is also given to siblings as a way to include all family members in the wedding process. Many brides opt to have junior bridesmaids in their wedding to include pre-teen and teenage family members in the wedding as well. When it comes to the number of Bridesmaid you can have as many as you would like. However, I feel that weddings with over six Bridesmaids is a bit much and you can definitely find other roles for those additional people to fill.

Mini Bride & Groom - The mini Bride & Groom is an Italian tradition. The mini Bride & Groom can be portrayed in the ring bearer and the flower girl but it can also be two separate children altogether. They are also usually many replicas of the Bride and Groom.

Groomsmen - Groomsmen are usually close family and friends of the groom. When it comes to the quantity of Groomsmen, I will give the same suggestion as I did for the Bridesmaids. Less is more and you can find other ways to include the additional people into the wedding.

Ring Bearer & Flower Girl - These two titles are usually held for young children under the age of 8. However, you can have Ring Bearers & Flower Girls of any age.

Ushers/Greeters - Ushers are usually family or family friends who greet all guest to the ceremony and reception.

Ok so we're done with the Attendants Selection. I think that this was alot of information for today.

Stay Tuned.....

Tomorrow we will try to finish up the letter A with more information on Attendant Duties, Attire & Gifts.

We're Back and in Full Effect......

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!

We know that we have been pretty relaxed in posting during the summer months but September is here and we're back in full effect. Whoo Hoo!!!

In celebration of our full-time return to the blogging world we have decided to embark on a challenge of bring to our readers everything weddings from A- Z. We will also continue with our Sunday Brunch & In the Know segments as well.

We are asking that all vendors who have budget conscious products or services as well as Brides who want to share their stories of how they have achieve their dream wedding within their budget contact us at info@thebudgetbrideshandbook.com so that we can feature you on the website.

Credits:

Image - LaFetra Bridge Club

Save Big on Stylish Honeymoon Clothing with Help from Cynthia Rowley

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

After visting some of my favorite websites, I stumble upon this little find. Wouldn't it be amazing to have amzaing fashions for your honeymoon that you created with a little help from Cythnia Rowley. I don't know about many of you but I hate to walk down the street and see a mirror image of myself. Well, Cynthia Rowley & Simplicity Patterns has come to rescue with cool patterns to help you create the perfect outfit. Pricing for all 4 patterns below is $16.95 is a great value since you have 4 styles per pattern. This find is simply amazing, I wish that I could sew so that I could start creating my one of a kinds. Below you can find 4 patterns from the Cynthia Rowley Collection.

*side note* The pricing of $16.95 is from the Simplicity website be sure to search around for a better deal.

Credits:

Post Idea - Heart of Light

Images - Pattern Review

Free Custom Fonts from Fonts for Peas

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

This weekend we were visiting other blogs and we stumbled upon this website called Kevin & Amanda. Amanda is actually the contributor to the website and she does an amazing job of taking your handwriting samples and creating fonts from them. Yes, you read the last sentence right. Fonts for Peas is a unique font website because they take your original handwriting and create a font for it. I love this idea, what Bride would not want their own handwriting printed on their wedding invitation. Best of all this service is FREE!!!!

Checkout the website and let us know what you think!!!

Here are some of the fonts we love....

Click here for instructions on how to start the custom handwriting fonts process.

Images from Kevin & Amanda

Sunday Brunch: Get Mrs. Obama Auguration Dress For A Steal

Happy Sunday Budget Brides!!

In this segment of Sunday Brunch, we will take a look back Mrs. Obama auguration dress created by Jason Wu. So as we were looking for dresses to share with you for another post when we were stopped dead in our tracks when we saw a remake of the dress by ABS by Allen B. Schwartz. ABS by Allen B. Schwartz is known in the fashion world for recreating red carpet dresses from every event from the Oscars to the Grammys. This is definitely a must have dress for a bride who is looking for a whimiscal flare for a laid back wedding. While Jason Wu's evening dresses sell between $3000 - $6000 the ABS dress is an amazing $495.

"Beauty is not defined by a dollar amount"

Mrs. Obama in Jason Wu

ABS by Allen B. Schwartz sold at Bloomingdales.com

Images & Information from Bloomingdales.com & Liver Pool Daily

Save Thousands With Your Own Photo Station

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

As we continue our journey of recaping the Thompson-Berti wedding here is a project that the Bride thought of to have some candid but fun photos of her wedding guests. Many Brides opt to have a photography and rent a photo booth to create an element of fun to their wedding day.

Photo booth rentals can run into the thousands of dollars and in the economic climate that we're all living in it maybe an added touch that many couples may forego. However, the Bride in the Thompson-Berti wedding took this challenge head on and thought of ways to achieve the same goal for under $500. She decided to buy a polaroid camera off of E-Bay for under $150 along with the appropiate film which cost about $25.00 per pack.

Photo Table

The now Mrs. Berti decided to buy 10 packs of polaroid to allow her guests to take pictures for themselves as well as the happy couple. To decorate the photo table the Bride and Groom combed through their family pictures to find photos that were representative for themselves growing up, immediate family members and also paid homage to relatives who had already passed. The table was also decorate with repurpose flowers from the ceremony and photo boards that allowed the guests to tack their pictures to. We think that this was a wonderful way to achieve her goal of fun time photos and saving thousands.

We should do love that!

See below for more pictures of the photo table.

Photo Table 2

The guests raved about the table as they came by to take pictures and fill out the guest book. Many of them took some very outgoing and fun pictures all in the spirit of the night.

Photo Table 3

What an Amazing Night!!