Advantages When You Plan Your Wedding

Like I mentioned before, when you plan your wedding you get to have your hands in it, and have fun doing all those little wedding tasks that really make you feel like you’re a part of everything.I have friends who have hired wedding planners, made a couple of the larger decisions and then left everything else to a wedding planner – and she didn’t have nearly as much fun as I did because her wedding was much less personal to her than mine! But not only that, you can save a lot of money when you plan your wedding instead of hiring a wedding planner. Many wedding planners are pretty expensive – and if you’re on a tight budget it just doesn’t make sense. The savings that they’ll provide may not be anywhere near what you can do when you plan your own wedding.

How to Plan Your Wedding

Anybody who has been reading my blog for any amount of time knows that I think every bride should plan your wedding. But many times the task of planning a wedding can be overwhelming. So once you decide to take the plunge and plan your wedding, how do you even get started? It’s easy. First of all, sit down and decide how much money you have to spend on the event. Talk to family members on both sides of your family to see who wants to contribute what, or if you want to pay for the whole thing yourself. Then, create a budget of what you have and be sure to track every penny. Do your research and get the best prices for what you want in your wedding. But how can you get the best prices if you don’t know what the best prices are? Here’s a hint – they’re never the first price that your vendors toss out at you – and most of your vendors will be in the same ballpark if you try and get lots of quotes. So what’s a girl to do?

I’m here to help brides save money. I’ve planned my own wedding, I’ve been there. I didn’t know nearly as much about weddings and getting the best prices then as I do now, and quite honestly – there are things about my wedding that I would go back and change if I had the chance. But here is where you can learn from my own experience and wedding knowledge to plan your wedding for less – on any budget.

So don’t spend more than you have to – check this out for more information.

a

Plan Your Wedding

Black and White Wedding Dresses are Un-Traditional

Admittedly, I haven’t lived that long, but I’ve never seen one event in people’s lives which is as steeped in tradition as weddings are.

Even without the religious background and beliefs around weddings, you’ll find rhymes for good luck, superstitions and other crazy beliefs that will bring a marriage good luck and love. So if you’re thinking about black and white wedding dresses, be sure that you will have some naysayers about the dangers of wearing black to a wedding, much less the bride wearing any black at all. But the fact remains that your wedding is your wedding, and a simple thing like a black sash or bow on your wedding dress will not give you a short or unhappy marriage. It’s just a sash, so don’t let someone talk you out of black and white wedding dresses just because it isn’t the traditional colors. If you’re an untraditional sort of girl, then black and white wedding dresses may be perfect for you.

Popular Combinations for Black and White Wedding Dresses

For me, it’s always amazing to see how brides choose to decorate black and white weddings. If its through the use of fabrics, candles or other decorations, there’s not really any place where you can go wrong when decorating black and white weddings. But when it comes to black and white wedding dresses, there is quite a few things you can do to create your perfect look for your wedding day.   Perhaps the most popular style for black and white wedding dresses is a strapless wedding dress with a black sash around the top of the dress. But other popular styles of black and white wedding dresses include a black and white swirl pattern, or a white wedding dress with a black corset.

I’ve heard that it can be difficult to find black and white wedding dresses, so make sure that it isn’t something that you put off for very long. There is no right or wrong style for black and white wedding dresses, but you do need to make sure that you get the perfect wedding dress for you. Remember, your wedding day is all about you, not about what everyone else wants for your wedding.

a

Black and White Wedding Dresses

Myth: All Used Wedding Dresses Were Worn at Someone Else’s Wedding

I hinted at this in the introduction about used wedding dresses, because I knew that it would pique some interest. It sure did with me anyway because I figured that used wedding dresses were just that – used. Did you know that when you go to a bridal boutique to try on wedding dresses, and pick out the one you love, you don’t go home with the exact dress that you tried on? Never! They order you a new one that no other bride has worn tried on before in fitting rooms, and put their floor sample back on the racks for other brides to try on. So many of the so called used wedding dresses that companies sell aren’t really used how we think about them, but floor samples that brides used to try on before they purchased their own.  Many times these used wedding dresses are hundreds of dollars cheaper than having a new one – so be sure to ask the bridal boutique if they have separate floor sample prices. Also, one thing that I found when shopping for wedding dresses was that many brides who had already purchased and altered their wedding gowns for their wedding days, and then called off the wedding before it occurred were selling their wedding dresses as used – even though they had never been worn at a wedding but were altered from it’s original state – thus unreturnable to the store.

How to Find Used Wedding Dresses

There are lots of great ways to find used wedding dresses in your area. One great way is by purchasing someone else’s used wedding dress once they are done with it, as in, after they wore it in their own wedding. Many brides these days want to recoup some of the money they spent in their wedding, and don’t want to hold onto their wedding dress for years to come in case one of their children down the line want to use it. They’re typically willing to charge anything they can to get rid of it – since they know many brides don’t like to wear used wedding dresses.  Another great option for finding used wedding dresses is the Internet – which is pretty much a good source for finding anything you need. Auction sites like Ebay will grant you some excellent choices, and some real finds, but make sure you get some good pictures of the dress in the event of any stains or tears that weren’t disclosed. There are also some sites that cater to women wanting to sell their used wedding dresses to interested parties, which is another great place to look. Also, most communities have consignment shops where you can go to find a selection of used wedding dresses, but again, check for stains and tears before purchasing.

Used wedding dresses can be a real find if you know where and how to look, and nobody will ever be able to tell that you have a used wedding dress. So if money is tight, be sure to check them out, they could save you a lot of money.

a

Used Wedding Dresses

Attributes of Celebrity Wedding Dresses

It seems whenever a celebrity announces an upcoming wedding, designers all jump at the chance to design a celebrity wedding dress just for her. A true celebrity wedding dress has never been worn by anyone else, and are known for their aesthetic as well as monetary value. Celebrities in their wedding dresses have their pictures snapped and viewed all over the world, so it’s important for them to get it right.  Sometimes celebrity wedding dresses are so visually appealing because they have diamonds, pearls or crystals sewed directly into their wedding dress to help them stand apart from everyone else. But again, if you’re planning a wedding on a budget, like most brides are these days, how does looking at celebrity wedding dresses help you out anyway?

Whats so Great About a Celebrity Wedding Dress?

As I mentioned before, looking at pictures of celebrity wedding dresses is a great way to get the pulse of the fashion industry when it comes to wedding dresses, and you can use that in your own wedding planning. Some brides look at celebrity wedding dresses to find a nice design that they like to copy themselves, or to find a wedding dress that looks very similar. Sometimes it’s all about finding  a cut or style of celebrity wedding dresses that you like and that flatter your figure before you really start shopping for a wedding dress. Many times, you can find replicas of some celebrity wedding dress for purchase that doesn’t cost tens of thousands of dollars like an original would.

Celebrity wedding dresses can be very complex, and of course, very expensive. They are the closest that we have to royalty here in the United States, and people are always interested when their favorite celebrity is planning a wedding to see what kind of wedding dress she will be wearing. At the end of the day, a celebrity wedding dress will be remembered more than what kind of food was served, how many flowers were in each lapel  of the groomsmen, or even that the napkins were passion pink instead of romantic pink. Celebrity wedding dresses can be some of the most intricate and delicate dresses you’ll ever see – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t  have one that ’s similar.

a

Celebrity Wedding Dresses

What are Cinderella Wedding Dresses?

Cinderella wedding dresses can be either a ballroom wedding dress, or a Renaissance style Cinderella wedding dress. In my opinion, the ball gown Cinderella wedding dress is the most popular, so I’ll focus on that style in this article. This Cinderella wedding dress typically has long sleeves or short puffy sleeves accompanied by long white gloves. If you don’t want to wear white, another classic Cinderella gown is the blue ballroom gown she wears in pictures. Also many of the Cinderella wedding dresses will feature elaborate accents made from crystals, beads, metallic threads and embroidery and will have varying lengths on trains from a long chapel train to a cathedral or detachable train. Also, Cinderella wedding dresses are typically made from materials such as satin, silk, velvet, organza, tulle and other fine fabrics. Whatever the features your Cinderella wedding dress had, you’re sure to look like a princess.

Body Types for Cinderella Wedding Dresses

There are several silhouettes with the ballroom wedding dress that be flattering to any figure. From a strapless neckline, to A-line and princess cut Cinderella wedding dresses, the possibilities are out there. The fact is, you can find nearly any ballroom wedding dress styles for your Cinderella wedding dress that will flatter your figure from any angle, so try on as many gowns as you can to find the one that fits you perfectly.

Cinderella wedding dresses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and no matter what body type you have, you’re sure to find one that will make you like a princess on your wedding day. Here’s to your wedding day being the fairy tale dream that you’ve always wanted, and some great tip for finding a Cinderella wedding dress to complete the look is all you need!

a

Cinderella Wedding Dresses

Wedding Cake Stands with Pillars

Just as there are lots of different kinds of wedding cakes, there are lots of different choices when it comes to wedding cake stands. Wedding cake stands with pillars are one of the most popular kinds of wedding cake stands. A wedding cake stand with pillars means there are pillars and bases between each tier of your wedding cake. Wedding cake stands with pillars can really give your wedding cake some height, and has a really elegant look than a stacked wedding cake. The pillars you use between the layers of your wedding cake could be glass balls, wine glasses, decorated wire and any number of other possibilities.

Tower Wedding Cake Stands

Tower wedding cake stands are a lot like wedding cake stands with pillars, but there is only a single column in the middle of each layer of your wedding cake. Wedding cakes with a central column that this wedding cake stand provides the look of a majestic tower for any wedding cake. Many brides who choose tower wedding cake stands will many times fill in the space between the layers of their wedding cake with flowers or fruit for a really elegant look.

A Floating Wedding Cake Stand

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could get the layers of your wedding cake to actually float? That would be really cool. But since we can’t all defy gravity, we’ve got to do the best we can. A floating wedding cake stand is one where there is a central piece that holds the layers of the wedding cake above one another which gives the appearance that the tiers of the wedding cake are floating over each other. I had a hard time picturing this until I saw one in person. It looks a bit like a long piece of metal, with arms that come out and hold each layer of cake. The end effect is beautiful by the way. A great option for wedding cake stands.

A Plateau Wedding Cake Stand

Another popular kind of wedding cake stands are one that is really just a raised cake plate. It’s simple and elegant, and still gives your wedding cake some height to really make it stand off the table and give an impressive appearance.

Some bakeries will supply wedding cake stands with the purchase of your wedding cake, others will charge you a small rental fee, and some others will ask you to supply your own wedding cake stands.  But when it comes down to it, there is no right or wrong wedding cake stand, just so long as it provides adequate support to your wedding cake.

a

Wedding Cake Stands

Wedding Cakes Toppers are Memories

One thing I love about wedding cakes toppers is that you can keep them around the house after the wedding, which will serve as a constant reminder of your wedding, and wedding cakes toppers are just something that you’ll want to keep forever. You can reuse them for anniversaries or other special occasions. Personally, I still have our wedding cake topper in a drawer, and plan on using it for anniversaries, or just an elegant presentation for an everyday cake, but then again, our wedding cake topper is slightly different from the standard figurines of a bride and groom.

Popular Wedding Cake Toppers

Wedding cake toppers used to be the standard bride and groom standing side by side in their wedding dress, but that is no longer the case. Of course, if you’re going for this more retro look, these figurines are still widely available, but now your options for wedding cake toppers are much wider. Perhaps the most popular kinds of wedding cake toppers that you can find these days feature the initials of the bride and groom, or just the initial of couple’s last name. Other popular wedding cakes toppers include crystal figurines, flowers, and humorous wedding cake toppers. Some of the humorous wedding cake toppers that I’ve seen are the standard bride and groom figurine with some variation, such as the groom with a ball and chain around his ankle, or the bride with a cell phone and shopping bag in her hand. Also, wedding cake toppers that go along with a certain wedding theme are also popular, and you can find any kind of unique wedding cake toppers to go with any wedding theme as well.

Wedding cakes toppers are really the perfect way to personalize your wedding cake, and the right topper can make your cake look extra elegant and luxurious, humorous, or any other way that goes along with your wedding theme or preferences. If none of the ideas for wedding cake toppers have helped you decide, then try to go with something that you both love. There are so many options for wedding cake toppers that you can find nearly anything to match just what you’re looking for. NO matter what kind of wedding cake toppers you choose to use for your wedding, they’re sure to make your wedding cake memorable for everyone involved.

a

Wedding Cakes Toppers

Vera Wang Wedding Dresses – the Beginning

Back in 1989, Vera Wang was planning her own wedding, and found herself getting frustrated by the lack of inspiration in the wedding dresses that were available at that time, and wasn’t able to find her dream wedding dress. So she designed her own, which then prompted her to start designing wedding dresses.

This was her inspiration: to start designing wedding dresses for brides who wanted a more modern, stylish and sophisticated wedding dresses. Now, just a few years later, Vera Wang wedding dresses have surpassed many other famous designers, and Wang is now recognized as an authority on wedding dresses. Many celebrities have donned Vera Wang wedding dresses for their nuptials, including Jennier Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Uma Thurman, and many more. But not only have Vera Wang wedding dresses adorned the stars, but they have grown to be the most sought after designer wedding dresses brides go to.

How Much do Vera Wang Wedding Dresses Cost?

Okay, so back when I was planning my wedding, I admit that I didn’t know as much then as I do now. Looking at a tag of $7,000 would have sent me running in the other direction, but not all Vera Wang wedding dresses require that much of an investment. For the most part, Vera Wang wedding dresses retail for between $2,000 – $12,000 and more. So some of her lower priced wedding dresses are not much more than what you’d purchase a wedding dress for in a local boutique. A lot of people say that since Vera Wang wedding dresses cost thousands of dollars, that you’re not going to find one for $200 online, but that isn’t the case. You can find excellent deals online on second hand or Vera Wang wedding dresses that are a few years old.

How to Fake Vera Wang Wedding Dresses

So this is a wedding money saving blog right? I’m not telling you that the only way to get a wedding dress that looks like a Vera Wang wedding dress is to buy one. Of course, if a Vera Wang dress is one place in your wedding where you want to splurge, then go for it, but if you can’t afford it, then make a few small detail changes to make any wedding dress look like it came right off the runway. So look at current pictures of Vera Wang wedding dresses, and take notice of any little features that they have, such as a colored bow around the waist, or accessories like roses made from tulle. Make or find similar accessories to add to your own wedding dress, and you’ll instantly have a more fashion forward wedding dress.

Vera Wang wedding dresses are simple, elegant and sophisticated, and an excellent choice for fashion forward brides. What I’m trying to let you know in this article is that even if you’ve always dreamed of a Vera Wang wedding dress, they can be affordable, and many times you can create a great copy of Vera Wang wedding dresses with a minimal amount of effort.

a

Vera Wang Wedding Dresses

Find Vintage Wedding Dresses in Your Attic

Nearly every bride I’ve ever known still has her wedding dress packed away somewhere for nostalgic reasons. This includes our parents and grandparents. Perhaps the first place you want to look when searching for vintage wedding dresses is in your own family. Ask your mother or grandmother if they still have their wedding dress, and then if you can use it for your wedding. Some minor alterations may need to be made, but you can have a gorgeous wedding dress with a charming history for your wedding for nearly no cost at all.

Find Vintage Wedding Dresses in Thrift Shops and Online

Another great place to find vintage wedding dresses are in thrift shops, and other second hand stores. Some people may get mad at me when I say this, but you can find great vintage wedding dresses from the 70’s and 80’s in some of these stores that have a style all their own. Sometimes you can even find vintage wedding dresses that are much older than that in some of your local thrift shops as well, so be on the lookout. You may even want to give some local thrift shops your phone number in the event that new vintage wedding dresses show up in their store. Also, you may want to check the internet for great deals on vintage wedding dresses. These days, what can’t you find online? Seriously. Online auction sites and some stores have a small variety of vintage wedding dresses for you to choose from, and even new wedding dresses that are made in some of the older styles that you might like.

Vintage Wedding Dress Warnings

Always be careful when you are looking at vintage wedding dresses, and be sure to examine them very closely. You need to avoid vintage wedding dresses that are missing buttons that can’t be replaced, obvious stains or huge tears.  You need to look for vintage wedding dresses that have been lovingly cared for during the years.

Vintage wedding dresses not only have a fabulous historic and aesthetic appeal, but they show off an extraordinary craftsmanship and detailing that many of the wedding dresses today just can’t compare with. So if you’re just looking for a wedding dress that is out of the ordinary, or one that goes great with an older times wedding theme, vintage wedding dresses may be just what you’re looking for.

a

Vintage Wedding Dresses

When to Wear Tea Length Wedding Dresses

Tea length wedding dresses can be the perfect wedding dress length for an afternoon wedding, a casual or informal wedding, and especially a beach wedding. The great thing about tea length wedding dresses though is that they still look great whether they’re outside in an intimate garden wedding or at a beautiful cathedral wedding. Another great time to wear tea length wedding dresses is during the spring and summer months, when the temperature is warm and people’s moods are cheerful. Also, the time of your wedding can be important as well. A morning or afternoon wedding is another great time to wear tea length wedding dresses. Evening weddings tend to be a little more formal, and many times a tea length wedding dress just won’t go with the evening.

Tea Length Wedding Dresses are Stylish

As I mentioned above, tea length wedding dresses are becoming more and more popular, and were really stylish during the 1950s and 60s. With the older styles coming back into style, tea length wedding dresses are a sophisticated and contemporary look. Your wedding dress should reflect your personality, so if you’re into that kind of classic style elegance, then tea length wedding dresses could be perfect for you. These shorter wedding dresses can be one of a kind, and can be a great expression of your personality.

Tea Length Wedding Dresses Show Your Shoes!

When I was planning my wedding, I always thought it was silly to spend a lot of money on wedding shoes when you were going to be wearing an ankle length or floor length wedding dress. No one but you would really see your wedding shoes, and it would just kind of be a waste. But with tea length wedding dresses, everyone can see your beautiful shoes! It seems like a silly reason to choose a shorter wedding dress, but it is definitely an advantage.

Choosing what kind of wedding dress you’re going to have can be a really overwhelming decision to make. Any final decision that you end up going with should be done with great care and patience. You can find some great tea length wedding dresses in many local bridal shops, or have them made to fit your preferences. Whether you’re having an afternoon or spring wedding, a tea length can be the perfect kind of wedding dress for you.

a

Tea Length Wedding Dresses