The Little White 'Reception' Dress

Okay, so we know that times are hard and many of you are not thinking about buying two dresses for your wedding day. However, reception dresses can be fun & surprising for your Groom & guests. We have searched the internet to find three absolutely gorgeous little white dresses that would be great for any reception. And guess what they all are under $180.00.

Myra Kim's Shop $65.00

Maggy London $178.00

Minji's Shop $55.00

Images and pricing information from Myra Kim, Nordstroms.com & Minji's Shop

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.

Alfred Angelo Flower Dress Up Week! Receive 15% off

Alfred Angelo is celebrating flower girls, mini-maids & junior bridesmaids with a 15% off coupon vaild Saturday March 28th through Sunday, April 5th. Stop in your local Bridal Salon to enjoy the savings.

Click coupon to find participating stores in your area.

Coupon & Image from Alfred Angelo

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

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

Get Your Dream Dress at the Price You Want

Good Afternoon Budget Brides!

Here are 7 tips on how you can "Get Your Dream Dress at the Price You Want"

Image from MaggieSottero.com

1. Your Engaged!
Once you get engaged decide what style of dress you would like to wear.

2. Search & Collect
Begin to search Magazines, Websites and TV shows for the dress that are similar to what you are looking for. Make sure that you pull and save any pictures that you find so when you start to visit Bridal Salons you can give the consultant an actual idea of what you desire.

3. Choosing a Bridal Salon
Make sure you get referrals from friends on bridal salons. Not every bridal salon works the same way. So talk to your friends to find out what rules or stipulations a salon might have before you commit to buying a dress.

ie. Most bridal salons require you to make your alterations with them at an additional cost sometimes totaling hundreds of dollars.

4. Online Shopping
Never buy a wedding dress online unless you are absolutely sure that this is THE DRESS. Many online wedding stores have a policy where the dress cannot be returned or if returnable you have to pay a restocking fee. The good thing about online weddign dress shop is that you can usually find a dress cheaper than in a salon.

* Extra Tip: Make sure you have have your body measured according to the website specifications. This will help you get the most accurate size.

4. The Dress Council
Make sure you invite friends & family who know you & your style when going to search for your wedding dress. You need people who will be truthful but also understanding of your budget & style. You never want to be in a situation where you have brought a dress that you really don't like.

5. Bare Necessities & Shoes
Bring all the undergarments & shoes your going to wear on your wedding day when you are going on your bridal search. This will help you see the exact fit of the dress on your wedding day. It will also help the salon or tailor when they are making the alterations to your dress.

ie. Let's say you don't bring your shoes and the dress length is cut to short. You may have to shell out additional money to have an extension place on the dress.

6. Get the RIGHT Size
We cannot stress this GOLDEN rule enough. Budget Brides, please don't buy a dress smaller than what you are. We know! We know! Your going to lose the weight so that you can look slim & trim on your wedding day. Well here's a reality check unless your buying a wedding dress more an 6-12 months in advance you make not lose enough weight to fit into the smaller dress. Our advice is to buy the dress that the size you are at your fitting. When you go for your next fitting if the dress is to big have the salon alter the dress to your body.

7. Do Your Research
Don't just settle on a bridal salon dress. Make sure you exhaust all options before committing to one establishment or person. Search Google, Etsy, Ebay, Sample Sales and discount online bridal websites for the dress you want at a cheaper price.

ie. The Maggie Sottero - Aretha Dress above can run anywhere between $600 & $1500. Below you will find a listing of websites with this same exact dress at various prices.

Top Bridal Dresses - $315.99

The Bridal Shop of Mamaroneck, NY - $780.00

Tie The Knot Bride - $829.00

Cole Haan & Payless Launch Bridal Shoe Collections!!

Here is a post that a bride of any budget would enjoy. Two leading shoe retailers have decided to take their turn in the bridal industry.

Payless has partnered with Lela Rose to design the Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose bridal shoe collection that can fit into the budget of the most money conscience Budget Bride. Launching their bridal collection with 6 styles, Payless & Lela Rose has stayed true to the effortless and timeless look that a bridal shoe should offer any bride. For the Bride who would like to add a little color there is an option to order dyeable shoes choosing from 64 colors. For brides who like the price ($24.99 each for all 6 styles) but want to add a little sparkle visit our friends over at Absolutely Audrey to customize your look with their sparkling shoe clips. Visit your local Payless or the Unforgettable Moments website for more information on shoes & colors.

Gloria Platform Slingback $24.99


Audrey Slingback $24.99

Cole Haan is a luxury retailer who is known for its leather goods. Earlier this year, Cole Haan launched a Bridal Shoe collection with 8 beautiful styles with each shoe made with their famous Nike Air Technology. Many of the shoes come in a dyeable satin fabric for your color preference. Perfect for dancing & standing for a very long time this collection is essential for the bride looking for luxury, comfort and style. With prices starting at $298.00 - $428.00, it's a great price for a Bride who knows what she wants.

Ceci Air Rose Sling $428


Ceci Air Rouched Sandal $328

Images from Payless.com & ColeHaan.com

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

Bridesmaids Dresses for a Garden Party

Happy Hump Day Budget Brides!

Garden Weddings are definitely a trend that we see more and more as we get into the warmer months. Most brides are not daring enough to add florals to their bridesmaid dresses. However, here are some images of both floral & solid color dresses perfect for a Garden Party. The focus colors are Lavender and Yellow. Lavender is always a soft color that will bring just the right amount of softness to any wedding and yellow adds an unexcepted punch of color. By the way Bluefly.com is running a 15% off evening dresses sale perfect for bridesmaid dresses. All of the dresses below are under $300.

Maggy London Strapless Bead Bodice Dress $168.00

Slub Silk Penelope Dress $285


BCBG Maz Azria $159.79

Nicole Miller $204.00


Vera Wang Lavender Label $275.40

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture $122.39

Images courtsey of Bluefly, Nordstrom & JCrew

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

Article: Bubbles That Won’t Break Your Budget

Hello Budget Brides! I am probably relaxing on a beach in Cancun as you read this post. Here is an article that I found in the beginning of this year. So, if you are deciding to serve champagne at your wedding this is definitely an article that you want to read. Enjoy!

Bubbles That Won’t Break Your Budget
Toast the New Year with the fabulous Champagne alternatives.
By Ashley Hymore

New Year’s Eve is a night that sparkles—from the Waterford Crystal covered ball in Times Square to the cocktail dress you wear to the party. Even the bubbly you pour in your glass--for midnight toasts--sparkles. However, with these difficult economic times being what they are, it can be hard to stomach the hefty price tag that comes with a bottle of authentic French Champagne. Luckily, there are quite a few delicious and affordable sparkling wines being produced all over the world, and a lot of them right here in the United States.

You may not know it, but prestigious Champagne houses such as Möet & Chandon, MUMM, Louis Roederer and Taittenger have all made homes in Northern California wine country. These winemakers are all creating ultra-premium sparkling wines that don’t break the bank. For instance, MUMM Napa Blanc de Blanc delivers rich, complex flavors that offer elegant pear, lemon cream and cinnamon, and will only cost you $18. Most of these producers are making sparkling wines in the French tradition, so the quality is often much better than a bottle of Prosecco.

Domaine Carneros was founded by the renowned Taittinger Champagne House, and they are known for producing some of California’s best sparkling wine. Their estate is situated in the Carneros region of Sonoma, California—famous for production of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, two key ingredients in premium sparkling wine. I love their Domaine Carneros Brut 2005 ($20) for its beautiful notes of ripe green apple and lively lemon. Another great thing about Domaine Carneros? Since its inception, the winery has been helmed by the same woman wine maker, Eileen Crane. Having spent more than 30 years in the industry, she is the most experienced sparkling winemaker in the United States.

Whether you are looking for great sparkling wine, or just a great value, I say toast the New Year with something domestic! All of these bubblies will be easy to find at your local wine shop. And for a blow-out event, look for large format versions of these sparklers—called magnums. In fact, sometimes the cost of a magnum is less expensive than purchasing two bottles, and you’ll definitely have all eyes on you when you show up to a party with a bottle that size!

Mumm Napa Brut Napa Valley Prestige NV $19
Creamy, yeasty aromas mix with baked pearMumm Napa Blanc de Blanc 2003 $18
One of the most elegant sparklers out there for the priceRoederer Estate Rosé NV $26
Taste rich cherry, peach, pear and floralDomaine Chandon Brut California Classic NV $22
Apple blossom and citrus lead to crisp and creamy flavorsDomaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs $16
This award winning, top sparkler of the world gives lots of soft strawberry and spicy vanillaDomaine Carneros Brut 2005 $20
Fresh and crisp ripe apple with lively lemon and mineral flavorsPiper Sonoma Brut Sonoma County Select Cuvée NV $17
Crisp and creamy with floral jasmine and citrus

Article found on We.TV

Wedding Inspiration featuring Emplume Bouquet

I received a comment from Jen Huang at Jen Huang Photography commenting on my "Emplume: A new Spin on the Wedding Bouquet" post. She photographed the wedding of Isabelle & James and guess what mentionable item was apart of the wedding. Yes! You guest it right an Emplume Bouquet. Isabelle took a totally different spend on the color of her bouquet by choosing black & fuschia but nevertheless it was beautiful. Check out the images below. If you like what you see give a call and tell her you found her through The Budget Brides Handbook.

Images Courtsey of Jen Huang Photography