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the perfect bridesmaids
However, chosing a bridesmaid dress that everyone will love, is about as likely as winning Lotto, but you’ll at least be able to keep some of them as friends after the wedding if you…
do give lots of leeway
If you’re having the bridesmaid dresses in the same style, allow them to choose the colour. By doing so, they’ll be able to select a shade that complements their skin tone and hair colouring. Alternatively, if you would like them to be in the same hue to match the wedding decor, let them choose the style that flatters them the most.
do be a fabric fairy
Gone are the days when a bride could force her bridesmaids to dress in a puffy taffeta creation. The designers of bridesmaid dresses are now using better quality fabrics like dupion silk, chiffon, satin, velvet and crepe. So select one that will make your party feel sleek and sexy rather than frumpy and resentful.
do consider the costs
Traditionally the attendants pay for their own outfits so don’t expect them to shell out a fortune for the honour of standing by your side. A good compromise is to consider hire as an option.
don’t shop en masse
Never take all your attendants with you on a shopping expedition, as they’ll never agree on anything and it will just cause conflict between them. Take just your maid/matron of honour - there’s a reason why people say ‘too many chefs spoil the broth’.
don’t leave things until the last minute
With all the discussions and disagreements that go with selecting bridesmaid dresses, it’s tempting to leave the decision until the last minute and then order your attendants into any old dress. However they really should be chosen at least five months before the wedding to allow time for alterations.
- If you advise your caterer of your budget, they will be able to help you work out an arrangement to suit it. Buffets are not always cheaper than sit down dinners so always ask about all your options. Prices usually depend on the price of the food that you select for your menu, not the way it is served.
- If you have already decided on the level of formality that your wedding will have, inform the caterer as this will provide a good outline for them to create a menu for you.
- Find out if your caterer uses fresh food and produce. Ask if any of the items are canned goods.
- Your caterer should be able to provide you with a timetable that will state what courses will be served and when. This will help you to structure any other events at the reception, eg: speeches, cutting the wedding cake.
- Food sometimes looks better than it tastes, so always be sure to ask for a sample of the food as this is the only way you will find out if it’s good or not.
- Find out if your caterer offers wedding cakes in their packages. Some wedding caterers may be able to provide you with one, so this will save you going to another provider.
- Find out if GST included in the quoted price or if it needs to be added on. Does the price include table linens, napkins, dishes, and glassware?
- You may want the catering staff to wear uniforms on the day, so find out if this is an option with the catering company of your choice.
- It is not uncommon that caterers will be able to incorporate your wedding theme colours into the decorations and floral arrangements of the buffet table or food station. If this is what you do want, be sure to ask if the caterer can facilitate this
Weddings are expensive! If your budget is becoming a nightmare, there are a few ways to trim the costs without sacrificing your dreams or the comfort of your guests.
The Cake
Wedding cakes can be a ridiculous expense, especially for large guest lists or if you have your heart set on an extravagant design. Renting a display cake is a popular option that could cut at least a couple hundred dollars from your budget without foregoing the perfect cake. Other couples save by ordering a small cake with an elegant design, as well as a less costly sheet cake for serving.
The Dress
Your wedding gown is often the easiest place to overspend - but also one of the easiest areas to trim costs. Take the time to shop around. Bridal discount stores, eBay, and similar locations will sometimes have your dream dress available for a fraction of the retail price!
The Menu
Food usually consumes the biggest portion of your budget. Consider finger foods or desserts instead of a sit-down meal. Backyard barbecues are a great way to save if you want to feed your guests a full menu.
Plants
Greenery is much less expensive than blooms. Decorate with ferns and foliage and save the colorful blossoms for your bouquet.
Invitations
There are several ways to cut the costs of your invitations. Besides shopping around for the best price, opt for RSVP postcards to eliminate an extra envelope as well as postage. You can also consider eliminating the liner and avoiding enclosure cards.
The Date
Wedding venues and vendors tend to cost the most on Saturday evenings and holidays. Hold your event in the afternoon, on Friday night, or on a Sunday afternoon. Try to avoid major holidays if you want to trim your budget.
The Location
Search around for free venues for your ceremony and reception. Outdoor events are often free and you’ll save on plants and flowers as well!
Favors
Especially if your guest list is large, wedding favors can add up quickly. Look for DIY favors that can be assembled quickly and inexpensively without losing sentiment or consider making a charitable donation in honor of your guests.
Music
Hiring a DJ or band for your reception can cost several hundred dollars. Many brides load up their iPod and rent speakers instead, usually trimming their budget by $200 to $300.
Local Resources
Friends, coworkers, and family members often have a wealth of hidden talents - or may have friends that do! If your cousin takes amazing photos and has a professional camera, would she give you a great deal on your photography? Enlist the help of your bridesmaids to do your makeup and hair or ask a coworker to manage the videography. New businesses are also ideal places to turn to for discounts that can cut your wedding budget.
Speed Up Your Bookings at a Bridal Show! Here is an Article!
brides and bridesmaids
groom & attendants
Many weddings will see a matching flower from the bride’s bouquet placed on the groom’s lapel. Your bridesmaids do not have to carry the same bouquet as you. For a modern twist, why not have each of your bridemaids carry a different bouquet, but have them all tied up with matching ribbon.
flowers on a budget
- An increasing alternative to real flowers are silk ones. These wedding flowers will last a lifetime and are generally cheaper than the real thing, but still look fantastic.
- Your flowers can be used more than once on the day! Use your ceremony arrangements as centrepieces for your reception.
- Where possible try to select wedding flowers that are in season as this will help to save you money. A note to remember is that flowers are usually in higher demand during special occasions such as Valentine’s or Mother’s Day. Try to avoid these dates and you will be surprised how much you can save.
- Centrepieces do not always have to be flowers. You can still achieve a classic, elegant look by using candles, potted flowers or even plants. This will allow you to have lush foliage without breaking the bank.
- Instead of having a bouquet of expensive flowers, consider using cheaper plants and foliage to fill out your bouquet. Try using ivy or baby’s breath. You will have a cheaper bouquet that still looks fantastic.
- Your bridesmaid’s can each carry a single flower instead of a bouquet. This will not only save you money, but can make a simple and elegant statement.
- If your wedding is in a garden, take advantage of the flowers and greenery already surrounding you
- Don’t overlook smaller and independent florists as they will often charge less than big chain stores.
Use these helpful Commandments and you should be off to success for your next Bridal Show, Remember Hawaii Bridal Expo at the Blaisdell Center in July 27th-29th, dont miss it!
