Sunday Brunch: Amazing DIY Pillows for a Reception Lounge

Happy Budget Brides!!!

The weekends is a great time to start DIY projects. Just think you grab your morning coffee, weekend paper and catch a seat on the couch. As you go through you find the Michaels (or craft store coupons) in the Sunday paper you can clip them out and make your way there.

Here is an amazing DIY project from the ladies of I Love To Create Blog via Ashley from Bride on a Budget. These pillows are so cute and can be made at a low cost. They would make a great addition to a bathroom bench, reception lounge area as well as the perfect souvenior from your special day.

Check out the entire post here.

Old Navy's Annual $1 Flip Flop Sale June 30th

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!

Image via Money Saving Mom

Old Navy's Annual $1 Flip Flop sale is this Saturday, June 30, 2012 in-store only. Get there early because the lines will be crazy. Click here to find an Old Navy in your area.

Polka Dot Bridesmaid Dresses for under $200

Happy Thursday Budget Brides!!!

So I was catching up on some of my favorite blogs and found this gorgeous dress below on a post on Ruffled. Even though patterns and polka dots can be hard to pull off I think in the pictures below it was done beautifully. This bride was brave enough to think outside the box. And I totally dig it.

Image via The Dessy Group 

This dress can be found on The Dessy Group website where you can locate a retailer to find the dress or you can purchase it from House of Brides on sale for $159, originally $336.

Image via Ruffled

What do you think about using a pattern or polka dot as your bridesmaid dresses? Are you brave enough or is it too over the stop?

Blunt & Straight with Celebrity hairstylist Nikki Wright

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

Blunt and straight can work for almost any wedding. I would select this hairstyle for a wedding dress that was over the top with simple hair and awesome accessories you will definitely be a knock out. See below on how you can achieve this style.

Products needed for Brandy's Sleek Style:
Flat iron
Butter fly clips
White Sands Infinity Hairspray
Oil
CombFirst, section the hair by taking small pieces to ensure all strands will be perfectly straightened. Flat iron and spray each section with White Sands Infinity Hairspray. After all hair is bone straight, then comb and add oil to tame flyaways. www.whitesandsproducts.com

www.thewrightsalon 

Perfect Gift for a Flower Girl.... Evening Gown Barbie

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

I hope you all had a great weekend. The weather in NYC was AMAZING. Since I spent most of Sunday around small children including my own it made me think about a Pinterest photo I was tweeted last week. The "Evening Gown" Barbie is the perfect wedding party gift to give to your flower girl as a collectors item. She will love and treasure this gift for years to come. At $125.00, this gift is a bit on the expensive side depending on your budget but totally worth it when you see that priceless smile spread on your flower girl's face.

A Note from Barbie Collector

Evening Gown Barbie doll is a vision of grace and glamour as she glides through a night of exciting events.

Direct from the atelier, her feminine ensemble features an embroidered white top embellished with white beads, clear iridescent sequins and silk ribbon flowers, while a pink satin bow accents the cinch-waist. Her sheer white overskirt gently reveals a pink satin flared skirt, and alluring accouterments include pink opera gloves and cross strap shoes. For an elegant final touch, she adds silvery rhinestone floral earrings with faux pearl drop.

See additional images below...

Images via Barbie Collector

As seen on Black Bride

Affordable Wedding Day Jewelry from Made By Girl

Happy Monday Budget Brides!!

I found this beautiful bracelet below on Made by Girl. I thought is would be a beautiful addition to a gorgeous wedding dress. It came also be used as a gift for your bridal party. With a price of $14 this is a great deal. Visit Jen at Made by Girl to place your order today. Also checkout her entire site, the girl is super talented.

Image via Made by Girl

What do you think of this bracelet? Like it, love it or could live without it?

Beautiful Curls with Hairstylist Nikki Wright

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!! Here's another installment of great wedding day hair looks from Nikki Wright. I love this hair style for a more formal or cocktail style wedding. These curls are really fun and will add a touch of elegance to any formal wedding. 

  Products needed for Wendy's Bedroom Hair:
Curling Iron
Comb
Butterfly clips
White Sands Infinity Hairspray For this bed head look, take the iron and wrap around the outside of the barrel to create waves using White Sands Infinity Hairspray. This gives texture, direction, and movement. Before hair is cooled, break waves up so that they are not uniform. Then, shake out!  Budget Bride Style:

So maybe you are a BB who wants to DIY or have a friend do your hair on your wedding day make sure you have plenty of time to perform trials. You do not want it to be your wedding day and your hair is not the way you want. Make sure everytime you perform a trial to take pics so that the person who does your hair on that day has a clear and concise idea of what you want.

www.whitesandsproducts.com

www.thewrightsalon  

Wedding Hair Style with Nikki Wright

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!!

Today we are talking about wedding day hair style with some great styling tips from celebrity stylist Nikki Wright. I love the hairstyle below for a beach or garden wedding with a loose fishbone braid to the side and strands of hair falling on the sides of your face it will be absolutely breathtaking on your wedding day, Both romantic and classic this hairstyle will have your husband to be remember this special day for a lifetime.

Celebrity Hairstylist Nikki Wright suggests that you will need the following products for the side braid show above:

• Medium flat iron
• Butter fly clips
• White Sands Infinity Hairspray
• Oil

Hairstyling Instructions:

First, smooth all the hair straight with a flat iron making sure to use White Sands Infinity Hairspray on each section. Then bring all hair to one side. To create the fish tail braid, take small pieces of hair rotating each piece from one area to another. Then, secure with a hair tie at the end. Take a few thin pieces of hair out around the face for softness.

Budget Bride Style:

So maybe you are a BB who wants to DIY or have a friend do your hair on your wedding day make sure you have plenty of time to perform trials. You do not want it to be your wedding day and your hair is not the way you want. Make sure everytime you perform a trial to take pics so that the person who does your hair on that day has a clear and concise idea of what you want.

 www.whitesandsproducts.com

www.thewrightsalon


Photos Courtesy: Janice McCafferty Communications

Need a Break From Wedding Planning, Go See Any1Man

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

Many times wedding planning can be an overwhelming feeling. Where does outcast cousin Ted sit, BM Maya doesn’t like the BM dresses, the caterer cannot find the chocolate fountain and last but not least your mom is trying to turn YOUR wedding into her big day. Well take a break from all the big day stress and check out an amazing one man show called ANY1MAN.

I had the pleasure to go to a press only viewing last Thursday, where actor George A. Peters II took us on a journey through the lives of various characters of black men and boys. The essence of the play is to give a voice to some of the issues and obstacles that plague black men and if you really pay attention all men. I must that this play is a MUST SEE. It made me laugh, cry and really think about the world that I decided to bring my little one into. Please go out and support this young man with a  great message about the trials of young black men, make sure you bring someone with you and tell everyone you know about this amazing play.

(Actor George A. Peters II)

ANY1MAN

Poets Den Gallery & Theater

East Harlem

309 E 108th Street

(between1st and 2nd avenues)

New York, NY

(212) 427-1445

Running: May 17th through May 20th



  

  OFF BROADWAY SHOW EXPLORES ISSUES PLAGUING MEN TODAY New York Revival of Any1Man starring George A. PetersII to play in Harlem May 17th-20th  (New York, NY; April25, 2012) – From May17th – 20th, the Poets Den Gallery andTheater in Harlem welcomes Any1Man, a one-man show that explores the challengesfaced by every man through its portrayal of seven male characters. Written and performed by poet and actor George A. Peters II, the show,both politically sensitive and emotionally charged, examines tough issuesplaguing every man while highlighting those of African-Americanmen. “Black men face a unique set of challenges in America today.Any1Man engages difficult issues head-on,” said then Senator Barack Obamain 2006.  Any1Man is the story ofchoice and how choices made, or lack thereof; affect the outcome of the livesof each character.  The characters take on a range of personas –from biblical Adam, who was given dominion over Utopia, a lonely paradisefor any man; Willie, an angry young man abandoned by his father and damnedby his mother, who rages anger at women while desperately seeking theirattention; to Wesley, a gay artist rejected by his parents who uses hisart as an escape from the frustration he feels towards the stereotypicalconstraints of manhood. “The images of Blackmen continue to be defined by ugly statistics with our stories being told bypolarizing news outlets that seek to paint us with the very same brush. Inactuality it is the uniqueness of our individual struggles that make usbeautiful and paints the true picture of Black manhood,” says Peters. Now in its ninth run,Any1Man has been performed in Atlanta, Philadelphia, DC, Dallas, LosAngeles and returns to New York ready to enlighten audiences about thefears, dreams, and adversity faced by every man. Tickets for the show areavailable at the Poet’s Den Gallery and Theater box office at (212) 427-1445 or online Buy Tickets Here. About Any1Man:Any1man is produced by VeerGordon and written by George A. Peters II with B. Fontenont Johnson. Any1Man isa one-man show performed by George A. Peters II, portraying choices every manis forced to deal with in life. Since 2004, the show has been performed inAtlanta, Philadelphia, DC, Dallas, Los Angeles and three previous runs in NewYork.  The 2012 revival opens Thursday,May 17th – 20th for five performances: May 17th, 18th and 19th at 7:30pm, a matinee showing on Saturday, May 19th at 3pm, and an evening show on Sunday, May 20th at 6pm. For more informationvisit Any1Man.com. About Poet’s DenGallery and Theater:Located in East Harlemat 309 E 108th Street(between1st and 2nd avenues), the Poet's Den Gallery and Theater is a livingtheatrical space dedicated to the creation and presentation of performance artof every variety. The Poet’s Den Gallery and Theater hosts art and photoexhibitions, film screenings, concerts, dance performances and dramaticproductions—both original works and classics by the likes of Shakespeareand Oscar Wilde. — “Petersdisplays intuition and insight, zeroing in on the fear and anger thatfrequently motivates human behavior.”(Deborah Klugman, LAWeekly)— “Petersis an energetic, versatile, creative, and intelligent theatrical presence.There is clearly a strong intellect at work behind each of these characters anda powerful central theme that unifies the onstage action.” (HoytHilsman, Backstage)   

David's Bridal + Vera Wang = Limited Edition Vera Wang Cocktail Dress

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!!

As many of you may know Vera Wang has both a bridal and bridesmaid collection at David's Bridal. I have actually seen both collections and will say that they are amazingly affordable and well made at an up to $1500 price point.

For the month of June, Glamour magazine has teamed up with David's Bridal and Vera Wang to created a limited edition one of a kind dress. It is perfect for a summer night date or as a wedding guest dress. A bride can also think about this dress for the rehearsal dinner or early morning brunch after the wedding.

At a price point of $158 and available in sizes 0 - 14 with only 100 being created it would be virtually impossible for you and someone else to have this dress on at the same time. So head over to DavidsBridal.com to purchase this dress today and send me pictures so I can see how beautiful you look in it.

 

Paired with black booties, black clutch and jewel tone accessories this dress will go from day to night in a flash.



Available online only, get yours while supplies last.

Images from Glamour

 

Courthouse Chic

Happy Friday Budget Brides!!!

So Refinery 29 did a great pictorial article this week on couples who say their vows at the courthouse. As Mr. Budget and I continue to go over options for our wedding, city hall seems to keep popping up. One thing I will say about a city hall weddings is that the cost could be as little as $100 which in this economy is an amazing deal.

Here are three couples whose style I just loved. Check back next week for the BBH's full week of ideas for Courthouse weddings and an article with great ideas on budget savings tip from Shawn Rabideau, Bethenny Frankel's wedding planner.

This couple looks so chic and cute in their wedding day attire. It just looks so easy and fashionable which is right up my alley.

I love the look of this pic. Very simple, classic and chic. Plus, the grooms picture face is so cute.

Now if you still want a traditional look for your wedding throw caution to the wedding and rock a wedding gown. No you won't look crazy as I tell my bridal clients all the time, "it's your day which means it's your way."

Would you get married at city hall? If so, what would you wear?

images found on Refinery 29

Amazing Dancing Shoes Under $60

Happy Tuesday Budget Brides!!!

Let's Talk About FEET!!!!

Yes, Ladies (Brides) you know that when most of us wear heels when it comes to about the fourth hour we are cursing the day that we bought the shoes that we are wearing. Our feet are hurting, back maybe aching from poor positioning and let's not talk about the corns some of you get on your feet. Who wants all of this pain and anguish on there wedding day? I will be the first to say not me (when that time comes around of course).

I have been thinking about doing this post for quite sometime now. Especially since seeing
Yosi Samra ballet flats in the october issue of People Style Watch and on an episode of David Tutera's my fair wedding when a brides' briesmaid was discussing wearing flip flops on her feet started hurting in her bridesmaid shoes.

Below I have found two pairs of stylish ballet flats that won't look so horrible once you or your bridesmaid take off your wedding day shoes.




I found these lovelies from Capezo on Bona Drag. Aren't they amazing!!! I know I know you are thinking these are not so bridal. Ok maybe but with a LWWD (Little White Wedding Dress) these funky shoes would be perfect.

Retailing for $48 these flats are "so f****ing cute"*.




These awesome ladies are so cute, classic, simple and stylish from Yosi Samra. These solid color metallic flats will definitely go with any wedding dress out there for you to dance the night away with your new hubby. Retailing for under $60 and guess what they fold up in your bag.

Last but not least both of these ballet flats make great gifting items for your bridesmaids, MOB, MOG and even your ushers (if they are women, of course).

7 Way Bridesmaid Dress for Under $100

Happy Wednesday Budget Brides!!

I am extremely excited about this post. Many of you have seen the new convertible dresses that have hit the market for the wedding scene. However, I have noticed that many of these dresses

are pricing in the $250 to $400 range. So once I saw this dress from Victoria Secrets for under $100. What's even better is that you can purchase in a ruched or flowy style.

Image from Victoria Secret's

The Rouched Convertible Dress comes in 6 colors and in sizes XS - XL. It can be purchased for $79. Click here to see more.

The Flirty Convertible Dress comes in 8 colors and in sizes XS - XL. It can be purchased for $85. Click here to see more.

Maybe you want a more high-end convertible dress.

Two Birds Bridesmaid offers three collections which include Classic, Rosette and Two-Toned. These dresses also come in a variety of lengths. Pricing ranges from $270 - $295. I love the fact that TBB has a tutorial video.

Butter By Nadia also offers convertible dresses in 7 different styles, a variety of colors and one size fits all. Pricing ranges from $268 - $360.

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.

Uniquity Invitations: Get Invitations You LOVE in 5 Steps

Happy Monday Budget Brides!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Today we're going to spotlight Uniquity Invitations.

Perfect Pear Invitation

Uniquity Invitations is a company that has the budget conscience bride in mind by providing templates of wedding invitations and accessories that can be purchased through the company's website and printed on the Bride's home computer potentially saving the bride hundreds of dollars. What's great about Uniquity Invitiations is that once you pick the invitation that you desire you can customize the color and wording of the invitation to your specifications. This company makes the process of printing your own invitations so easy by providing a list of instructions and materials to complete your project. The template package includes matching invite, rsvp, place cards, favor tags, table numbers, menus and programs all just for $79.

Follow these 5 Steps to get invitations you LOVE:

1. Once you have visited the website, choose the invitation that you would love to have for your wedding.

2. When at the ordering page choose of all of the necessary components you will need for specific wedding and make your purchase.

3. After your purchase you will receive an email with the PDF of your chosen template for you to edit.

4. Once you have received the PDF template make the neccessary font and color changes to customize your wedding invitation.

5. Finally print the invitations and cut accordingly.

Budget Brides Tip: Typically, wedding invitiations from a one-stop shop can be very expensive since you are paying the company for their creative and the production cost that it takes to create the invitations.

Get a FREE Save-the-Date template from Uniquity Invitations by signing up for their newsletter.

Below are more invitations that we love:

Grace Invitation

Grace Invitation Detail

Hailey Invitation

Hailey Invitation Detail

Sand Invitation

Images from Uniquity Invitations

Style Shake - Customize Your Bridesmaid Dresses

As we continue to search high & low for new designers, services and products to bring to our Budget Brides, we are always amazed when we find that Wow Factor.

Style Shake is a British company that has taken the art of creating your own look to all new heights. This company gives women the opportunity to create a perfect dress all on their own. Great for Brides & Bridesmaids who are looking for more than the status quo in the bridesmaids dress department. Bridal Parties can sit down in front of a computer and create a dress uniquely for a special wedding day in about 20 to 30 minutes or depending on how creative one wants to be. Style Shake will send Brides a sample of the fabric and colors that they are interested in to ensure a perfect wedding day. Typically dresses start at $59.00; however, please email Style Shake for their bridesmiads' dress pricing at info@StyleShake.com.

Style Shake is offering a 10% discount on the entire order with the purchase of 3 or more bridesmaids dresses.

Below you can find a few designs created by the wonderful staff at The BBH.

Images created on StyleShake.com