Top 3 Wedding Budget Busters

Happy holiday's our fellow Canadians! We're focusing on tightening the purse strings on your wedding budget today with our top 3 wedding budget busters.

1. Stamps. Sounds kind of odd doesn't it? But, did you know that most brides don't factor in the cost of stamps into their invitation/stationary budget? Do yourself a favour and calculate how much it will cost to send out all of your invitations before you pick out those over sized invitations. Remember, the bigger the envelope, the more expensive it is to ship.

2. Wedding Dress Alterations. If you're absolute maximum  budget is $1,200 for your wedding dress, we always like to suggest factoring in the cost of your alterations into your total dress budget. Depending on what you need altered on your dress, alterations can cost you from $100 to $300 and sometimes even more.

3. Taxes. Ok, so this one really isn't a hidden cost however, we rarely take the time to calculate what the taxes would be on that $2,000 fabulous white stretched limo you've had your eye on. Remember to crunch those extra costs into each area of your budget so there are no surprises in the end.

Did you like our crash course in wedding budgeting? What are some of your budget secrets?

DIY Updo: Sophisticated Chignon With a Modern Twist

We are loving this season's vintage wedding trend, combined with DIY projects. But for those who wouldn't classify themselves as crafty brides (it's OK, just put the scissors and hot glue gun away) we have another idea on how you can save some money on your wedding day. DIY hairdo's! If you don't believe us, look at this easy Side Chignon tutorial by our favourite DIY wedding maven, Ms. Martha Stewart.

Read the instructions on how to get this look here.

Q & A: Budget Bridal Beauty Tips

Q: I can't afford facials or other pricey spa treatments. What can I do at home to ensure my complexion stays clear on my wedding day?

A: For any big, special event (especially weddings) we always recommend the following beauty regime dos and don'ts. Trust us on these tips, they're simple, timeless tricks that even our mother's and grandmother's swear by.

Image Source: Glamour.com

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.
• Never sleep with your makeup on (it can cause major breakouts).
• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize (and if you can, use a moisturizer with SPF for added protection against the sun's harmful rays).
• Don't consume alcohol or salt the night before your big event, all of that water retention will make you look puffy and swollen (not to mention it will be that much harder to fit into your outfit/dress).
• Don't be tempted to try any new beauty products the week of your event in case your skin has an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients. This goes for cosmetics, face wash, tanning, even hair dye or other hair products. Keep it simple and use brands you know well and trust.

And our number one tip to remember: Don't forget to smile, everyone always looks radiant when they smile.

For more beauty tips, check out Glamour Magazine's Top 20 Beauty Dos & Don’ts (in Two Words or Less).

Q & A: Bachelorette Party Help

Q: I'm the maid of honour at my sister's wedding and I have no idea what to plan. I'm part of a huge wedding party and everyone has an opinion on what we should do, where we should do it and how we should do it! I'm getting so frustrated and the planning is getting stressful. Do you have any ideas? I need to make a decision fast!

A: Congratulations on being the maid of honour at your sisters wedding. We understand your dilemma, it's hard enough trying to plan a girls night out that your sister will love, but having to make sure everyone else's wish list are included can add major stress to the planning process. Here are two ideas, with two different budgets, that are sure to satisfy a few pallets.

Splurge: If money isn't an issue, organize a girls only weekend in Vegas. Besides the obvious (drinking and gambling) there are tons of fun things to do like getting pampered at a spa, shopping and fun day trips.

Save: If your sister isn't much of a party animal, and Vegas is a no-go, a spa day might be just the ticket. There are many services offered at different price points making it easy to find something that fits every one's budget. From mani's and pedi's, to facials and massages, a day spa can be the perfect setting for some much needed girl time.

Tell us, what's your bachelorette party style?

New Year's Eve Printables

We're always on the lookout for cool freebies for our readers and couldn't resist sharing a free DIY printable label for your New Year's Eve party this year. We especially love these printable labels from Love the Day Blog. Click here to learn how to download.



Calling all Vancouver Brides: Past and Current

If you're a bride-to-be on a budget or you're a past bride who's looking to sell some of your gently used wedding items, listen up.

DreamGroup is hosting Vancouver's first ever Bridal Swap on Sunday, February 20.

From centre pieces, ring pillows, accessories, used dresses and veils, aisle runners, bridesmaid dresses the sky is the limit to what you will find/and or be able to sell.

Tickets are $10.00 if purchased in advance online, or $12.00 at the door (cash only). If you want to purchase a table to exhibit your used items for sale, click here.

For more information about this event visit www.dreamgroup.ca/bridalswap.

 

 

If you don't live in the Vancouver area (live in Ontario or maybe even overseas?) check out the SmartBrideBoutique.com, a free classifieds site that connects past and present brides to buy and sell used wedding items worldwide.

 

 

 

Five Things Every Newly Engaged Couple Should Do

First off, we just want to say a big, Congratulations to all the couples who got engaged over the holidays! Although an event such as this is definitely a cause for celebration, many couples get caught up with sharing the news and forget that it is important to start thinking about the big day sooner than later.

To help you get started, we have put together a list of the first five things you should do as soon as you get engaged. Let the planning begin…

1) Set A Wedding Date
There are several factors you should consider when selecting your wedding date. It is important to take into consideration the amount of time that you will need to prepare. If you recently got engaged over the holidays, but have always wanted a spring wedding, then 2010 might not be the year for you to tie the knot! Have you already laid eyes on your dream venue, heard your favourite band, or seen your ideal photographer at work? The availability of these vendors might also affect your decision, keeping in mind that many vendors/venues book up a year or more in advance. Lastly, be aware of conflicting vacations, pregnancy due dates, or other special events that your friends and family might already be committed to.

2) Decide on a Budget
This task, although definitely not the most fun, is necessary in determining the size and style of your wedding. There are some areas that you can cut back on if you want to splurge in other areas. Selecting a non-traditional date and/or time for your wedding can save you money. The most expensive times to have your wedding are during the summer months, Saturdays, and in the evening. Location of the venue is also an important consideration as weddings that take place in a major metropolitan area will be more expensive than those held in a smaller town. A final pointer: generally, the more formal and/or large the wedding, the more expensive it will be.

3) Make Your Guest List
The guest list is an important factor that will play a major influence on your budget, and the style of your wedding. Sit down and make a note of everyone that you would like to celebrate with. This will give you rough estimate as to how many people will attend. Ceremony and reception sites will usually have a minimum and maximum guest count, so it is a good idea to have a ball park number before researching your potential venues.

4) Select Your Wedding Style
Your chosen venue(s) will help set the tone for the style of your wedding day. Talk with your fiancé about the ideas you had in mind. Are you leaning towards a grand ballroom, an artsy loft space, or a more relaxed garden party? Once you have come to an agreement on the type of venue you would like to celebrate in, start your research taking into account your estimated guest list count.

5) Choose Your Wedding Party
Selecting your attendants can be a difficult task. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your bridal party is there to support and assist you throughout the entire process. Choose wisely, and don’t let someone else guide your decision.

Budget Conscious Brides: DIY to Save Money!

We understand the importance of trying to save a few bucks when it comes time to wedding planning. We're always encouraging our brides to do what they can to save money, whether it be to make your own invitations or even making your own wine or favours.

This week, we thought we'd share some ideas on making your own invitations. Before you say "No way - I'm not crafty" just hear us out! Michaels sells modern kits that are user friendly and pretty posh looking. We promise, no one will even know that you put them together yourself.

Don't believe us? Check it out...click on each photo below to learn more about each DIY Invitation kit. Not in love with Michaels? Martha Stewart has some pretty neat ideas to for invitations and save the date cards too. Click here for some ideas.

Deal of the Week: Wine on a Budget

Looking for tasty wine choices for your next party? Or, perhaps you're looking for a new wine to give away as a hostess gift? We know, it's hard to choose wine (it's so personal) and it's especially hard if you're on a budget.

The Nest has just released a great new article on the top 15 wines under $15. They rounded up a group of wine tasters to drink 6,000 glasses of wine to prove that some of the best are under $15!

Intrigued? Click here to read more.