Your local craftstore is your friend people!

www.michaels.com
www.acmoore.com

You may already know this, but in case you don't, this could save your budget! Your local craft store is loaded with DIY (do it yourself) goodies and treasures. They usually have a few isles that are solely dedicated to weddings. Personally, I have grown up loving crafts and little projects, so this creates a fun opportunity to make my wedding more personal and really put myself into it! It's a great opportunity for bonding with your mama and/or bridesmaids as well. I really like the idea of doing my own invitations. I am going to pick them out at Michaels this weekend. You buy the kits, totally adorable, download the program with the fonts and format on your computer, and print the invitations at home. It's easy and sounds like a blast. I'm also starting to try and think of cost-effective, yet very unique and personal favors for my guests. I am trying to think of something from Florida. My fiance and I were raised in NH but now live in Florida together. The wedding will be back in NH where all of our friends and family are, but we want to give them a piece of our new life in Florida! Pet flamingos? Gator purses? Just kidding. :)
Anyways, another idea- bridesmaid gifts! If you're tight on money because you've spent it all on the catering and flowers, you may forget about this relatively small, but important expense. Thank your girls by giving jewelry, made by YOU! The craft store has all kinds of gorgeous beads and complete kits. It'd be sentimental and re-usable. I'll keep you updated!

Green, black & white!

I think these colors are so cute- a very modern take on retro, if that makes sense! Well-suited for the off-beat bride with some flare. I think a few pink accents would be gorgeous. I picture the bridesmaids in bold green dresses with these white flowers with black centers.

The bride could have a bouquet of pinks. The reception tables could have pink blooms as well, on top of a green and white patterned table runner.

Greylikesweddings.wordpress.com

This blog is absolutely amazing! I found some gorgeous photos that really inspired me in my wedding planning! I still haven't chosen my colors but I know I'll be checking greylikesweddings.wordpress.com often!

Discounts at your dream venues!

If you are a budget-minded bride, Saturday evening at the Plaza in June may not be you... (see Bride Wars for more on that!) But remember, you can have a few priorities to splurge on if you are willing to cut back in other ways. For example, Corey and my friend, Peter, is an amazing photographer! He is just starting up his photography business, so he is willing to give us a low rate of $750 for his services, the cd and prints. Since we got such a great deal there, I spent a few hundred more on my dress!

Back to what I was saying about the venue...

If your dream is to marry in a cathedral and have the reception in a grand ballroom, that can be done! You just have to explore some of the less common options. Perhaps consider getting married in the winter. If it's a destination wedding to South Florida, the weather is 50's, 60's, 70's and absolutely perfect. If the wedding is in the snowy mountains of New England, your special day will have a magical, winter wonderland feel to it that you and your guests will never forget. It can be absolutely stunning with shades of blue and silver or red and gold! I have found that many venues offer special rates and discounts for winter weddings. Many advertise it, and those that don't may still be willing to offer you a low rate so they can fill the spot. They're not getting as much business in the winter and are more likely to be flexible with your wishes AND budget!

But in my case, our wedding will be in the summer because Corey will have one more year left of his undergrad and will be heading off to medical school right after that. So... summer's really the only option for us. So how can you save money in such a popular season? Two words: NOT SATURDAY. Every venue I have looked at and met with offers discounts for days that are non-Saturdays! Ours is going to be either a Friday or Sunday. It's still the weekend, right? Some offer 20% discounts and others just have lower rates that are sometimes HALF the cost of a Saturday reception. Some venues also offer lower rates for daytime receptions. Just a few things to consider! Wishing you a romantic and calm planning,

Anna

Colors that look effortlessly classy and warm

A Summer Dream- Coral, Ice Blue and Buttercup

Color inspiration: 2 ways to pull off pink and green!

Non-floral centerpieces!

So, maybe you were dreaming of fluffy peonies crowding your tables with bits of freesia poking through, maybe a few garden roses and cloud-like domes of hydrangeas. If you make all your floral wishes come true, just keep in mind you may have to sacrifice in other areas like the food or drinks. It's up to you to prioritize what the top must-haves are on your wedding wish list.


One way to cut costs dramatically is by opting for non-floral centerpieces. They can be just as chic and eye-grabbing, and show more personality! Martha Stewart has a plethora of glitter crafts on her website if you're looking for that evening glam. Candles are romantic and classy and can be dressed up with glitter, beads, unique containers and colors. For a daytime playful look, try button flowers, fabric flowers, trees/bundles of sticks with handing beads, fresh fruit (or fake fruit!), baskets, tissue paper and fresh greens!


Your guests will be delightfully surprised and your wallet (or your parent's) will thank you.

Where the magic began...

He got down on one knee and I said yes without hesitation. I spent the rest of the day with my eyes fixated on the glimmering ring. And now the magic continues, croscendoing toward August 2011!

Let me introduce myself...

I'm Anna, soon to be Anna Walker. I started this blog for one reason- to help each other find the best deals!

My fiance's name is Corey, and he is just everything that I could ever want and more. We think alike in so many ways, almost like a twin connection, and yet we are complete opposite in other ways. He's my best friend and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else.

Yes, it is a real-life fairytale. It was only fitting that he proposed to me in front of the castle in Disney World March 8th! But like I said, this is a real-life fairytale. My wedding budget is $10,000. The average wedding today cost nearly $30,000! So I will not be getting married at the Grand Floridian in Disney, or the Breakers, or Ritz Carlton, or Omni Mount Washington Resort, or Mountain View Grand, or Wentworth-by-the Sea. I will not be wearing a designer dress (unless it is used).

What I will be doing is... getting creative! My wedding will be stunning, breath-taking and elegant. There will not be a dry eye in the house when we say "I do" and the reception will be nothing short of a complete blast. They will wonder how we afforded it, but really it's no secret. There are hidden gems in every state, just waiting to be found! Ladies, it's time to become the masters of DIY (do it yourself), bargaining, treasure hunting, thrifting and sharing ideas! We can do it. :)