All of us want to buy the best for our special wedding day and reception ranging from the best gown to the best food to the best possible wedding party favors. However, most of us are not lucky enough to have an unlimited amount of money to spend on our weddings and a budget has to be considered when planning a wedding.

Executing a good wedding with a limited budget always requires a lot of enterprise and planning, be it asking for a discount from your designer or getting a special deal from your caterer in order to get more for less. Wedding party favors are no exception to the rule, and you will only be able to provide favors that are cheap without looking it only after you spend some time and effort in planning your favors.

A smart bride can get away with giving away wedding party favors that look classy and cute for the same budget that a dumber bride will spend on getting tacky and cheap favors; the key here is to plan well in advance and determine your budget. When planning your wedding, list out all your expenses ranging from the wedding dress to the caterers and decorator’s fee in order to get the amount that is left for wedding favors. If you do not have an idea about how much everything will cost, then setting a budget of one to two dollars per guest for wedding party favors should be able to provide for gifts that look good without being expensive.

You can be the smart bride who manages to give classy wedding party favors without over exceeding your budget by considering the options given below:

Personalized Chocolates And Candies:  Giving out chocolate with custom printed wrappers is not just costly, it is also passé. Instead of getting your names printed on chocolate wrappers, buy small sized candy and chocolate like Kisses or MnMs in bulk and wrap them up nicely in cute looking gift packs. Use either gold or silver tulle, ribbons and wrapping paper for a classic wedding or use colors from the wedding theme to wrap up your chocolates in style. Creating these self wrapped chocolate wedding party favors will cost you somewhere around $1 including the packing, but your guests will still love them as much as professionally packed costly chocolate selections.

Plants and Flowers:  A potted plant or herb has no monetary value attached to it because it can last for years and years if it is taken care of. You can buy potted flowering plants or herbs like lavender, rosemary and sage etcetera for less than two dollars each from your local nursery or plant wholesaler. If the pots are not good looking enough, wrap them up in foil or tulle or hand paint them in colors from the wedding theme. You can also stencil in a design or a quote with your names and the date of your wedding on the pots to give them a personal touch.

Candles:  Good quality candles, big or small always come across as being classy wedding party favors. The best part about these candles is that you can also use them as table centerpieces at your wedding reception. In order to get good candles for less, buy them wholesale. If they do not come with nice wrappers, then wrap them up yourself neatly in tulle and ribbon to make them look costlier than they actually are.

Keychains:  Personalized keychains with the names of the bride and groom and the date of the wedding embossed or printed on them not only make for useful wedding party favors, they are also economical to boot. You can buy keychains that suit the theme of your wedding, for example, buy autumn leaf designs if you have an autumn wedding and get them engraved with the details. If you buy and get these key chains printed in bulk, you will not only have a good looking wedding party favor for less; you will also be giving your guests something that is practical and useful.

DIY Wedding Party Favors:  These could include making anything that you are good at, ranging from handmade candles to home made cookies. Making things yourself with favor supplies not only ensures that your wedding party favors cost less, they also make them unique from everything else. If you are good in the kitchen then you can consider making home made jams and preserves and presenting them in nicely wrapped jars. Cookies and cakes wrapped in silver foil and tulle also make for tasty and classy wedding party favors.  

Theme Based Wedding Favors:  Wedding party favors that go well with your theme never look tacky. Instead they always seem well thought of and classy. You can buy nice theme based wedding party favors by jogging your mind a little. For e.g. if you are having a beach themed party, giving away small bags of sea shells or shell shaped chocolates always looks good. A fairy tale themed wedding can have small poly-stone prince and princess figurines as wedding party favors while potted plants and flowers are perfect for garden weddings.

Other ways in which you can save money on party favors is by giving away one wedding party favor per couple instead of giving favors per person. This would help you give out costlier items without looking cheap. Some gifts that you can give out to couples are potted plants like orchids and small board game sets etcetera. Just make sure that you also buy something equally good for your single guests.

Another thing that you should definitely do in order to get your wedding party favors cheap is to buy them only from wholesalers and at sales. If you already have your wedding planned six months ahead, then you might be able to find good sales at craft and gift stores. Otherwise, it is also a good idea to collect gift store coupons and then buy your wedding party favors in bulk at discounted rates.



Thanks to Sandra Canfield for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:

Unique Wedding Gift Ideas

Did you know that?

? That September is the most popular month for weddings? 14% of couples choose this month for their wedding day.

? October is the third most popular month for weddings. 12% of couples select October for their wedding day.

? 6% of weddings take place in November.

When you total this up, 30% of weddings take place during a fall month. There must be a very good reason for so many couples selecting this time of year for their weddings. What do you think it is? Many couples tell us they prefer this time of year over warmer, stickier summer months. Also many couples became engaged at this time of year and want to have their wedding during the same month.

If you’ve decided to get married at this time of year and are searching for some creative wedding ideas, you’ve found the right article. This is absolutely one of the most breathtaking times of the year for weddings - and decorating has never been easier if you take advantage of the fall season as a backdrop.

If you’ve selected September or October or live in an area where the weather is still nice outside, you may want to have your wedding outdoors. Choosing a relaxed outdoor wedding theme will not only take the pressure off you, but is guaranteed to have your guests feeling relaxed right from the beginning.

Outdoor fall weddings are very easy to decorate for and contribute to the relaxed feel of the day. Consider hay bales for seating or to hold the beverages placed in metal containers with ice. The coolness of the days will make the ice last longer than during summer months.

This is the time for harvests so be sure to use the flowers and vegetables that are plentiful at this time of year in your fall decorating ideas. Sunflowers, mums, squash, pumpkins and more are all in abundance. Place beautiful sunflowers and mum is unique containers for the table centerpieces. Choose squash and pumpkins to accent your buffet or serving tables, the bar, and gift tables. These fall wedding decorations are not only beautiful but quite inexpensive to boot.

When selecting fall wedding favors, you should also keep the time of year in mind. There are many party favors that any guest would love to receive that are also fall themed. For edible favors, take a look at chocolate with personalized wrappers. These wrappers may be personalized in fall themes plus have the couples name and date on it for that extra special touch.

Another great eco-friendly favor option are wildflower seeds. Wildflower seeds are not only perfect for spring events but tie very nicely into fall events also. Choose wildflower seed favors that you can customize with a fall theme label. For more practical fall party favors, how about a photo frame that can first serve as a place card holder then be taken home to be used later by your guests? This year, there is a very nice fall photo frame designed in beautiful branches in a lovely bronze color. Another great option for a fall party favor is any favor in a gorgeous fall color such as orange, red, yellow or brown. Choose candles, soaps, and more in these beautiful colors.

Fall wedding party decorating has never been easier - or more affordable.



Thanks to Denise Sanger for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:

Wedding Hair And Makeup

In today society people are starting to think about the environment more and more and now people are even considering a unique wedding idea ?a green wedding. There are a number of different ways that you can plan and implement an environmentally friendly wedding. The first thing that you should consider is having an outdoor wedding in a natural location where you enjoy that can add beauty and tranquillity to your wedding celebration. The wedding reception can be held at the same location.

 

When buying a wedding dress you should consider a recycled wedding dress. This means that you should shop around and look into buying a vintage wedding dress or you can look at resale shops. There are a number of dress shops online that specialize in selling dresses that have been donated or sold back to the store when brides that no longer need them. Vintage wedding dresses are the cheapest wedding dresses on the market and in most cases you will find them at old clothing stores or thrift stores. These dresses are not easy to find and it often requires visits to several thrift stores to find a dress like you like.

 

There is a new trend going through the wedding dress industry and this is the increase in the demands for organic silk or hemp wedding dresses. These dresses are slightly more expensive than vintage dresses as they are not a usual find in a wedding dress stores but if you look hard enough you can find the material that you need and you can have one made or you may be able to find a reasonably priced dress online. If you are wondering how to get this type of dress you might want to ask around at your location organic store to see if they have any ideas. If you cannot find a vintage dress or one made of organic silk you should look for a dress that you can wear again.

 

To have a green wedding you should consider sending out invitations that use as little paper as possible. If you are really trying to be environmentally conscience then you might want to consider sending out electronic invitations. If this is something that you do not want to consider then you can send out paper invitations in which the invitations and reply card fold together and the address can be printed on the back. These types of invitations do not require envelopes and the reply cards can be detached and they act as postcards and a simple stamp is attached. You can also ask people to call to say if they will attend or not rather than sending the reply card back.

 

People are always concerned about the wedding favours and great way to make your green wedding complete is to make a donation to your favourite environmental organization in the name of your guests. If this is not something that you think is appropriate you can give each of your guests a small tree that they can plant in their backyard or somewhere else of their choosing. This is a great way to help the environment.



Thanks to Ling Tong for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:

Planning A Cheap Wedding

To prepare for a wedding can be very expensive because there are lots of wedding elements which are obviously needed and often come in relatively expensive cost. Ranging from the bride’s and groom’s wedding wardrobe, wedding reception to the wedding ceremony itself can totally leave the pocket empty. However, for those who opt for inexpensive wedding idea, there are also affordable option that are available mostly at discount stores and online stores. Just make sure that cheap ones doesn’t compromises the quality of the wedding essentials.

First, the preparation should focus who are to be the guests. Next is how you will inform them, this is where the wedding invitation play its role. Invitations are piece of paper that include the total involved in the nuptial, of course the date, venue and reception are included too. Though this may come in a piece of paper but its selection can cause too much. To be exempted, why not settle for cheap wedding invitations? After all, they can be very stylish, perfect for any types of wedding. There are cheap wedding invitations available with different themes like fall, winter, beach and destination themed invitation.

Wedding gifts for participants like gifts for groomsmen, bridesmaids, maid of honors and more can cost too much also. But of course, there are also cheap options, the best among them are personalized items. You may find this simple and cheap yet very meaningful if you add a personal touch. Inexpensive personalized choices for groomsmen include engraved pocket knives and watches, picture frames, hats, monogrammed wallets and the like. For bridesmaids, choices can be engraved compact mirrors, monogrammed purses and tote bags or cosmetics. There are lots of selection you can find, consider browsing the net or read some bridal magazines for more practical and cheap ideas.

Not only your wedding participants deserve something to bring home, your guests will appreciate favors too. Literally, favors are of different variety to choose from. You can find elegant and expensive but there are beautiful choices also that comes with affordable prices. You may consider a “For You” Scented Heart Soap Wedding Favors, these soap favors are scented with refreshing and romantic fragrance of soft rose petals. The soaps are are molded in a heart shape and rest on a nest of white paper thread. These favors are tied with a sheer organza ribbon with subtle metallic details. Another affordable choice are ‘Calla Lily Elegance’ Vase Shaped Candle Wedding Favors. These are displayed with small white flowers and sprigs of green leaves, perfect accent particularly in a garden-themed wedding. Just ass simple glass vases filled with calla lily flowers along with long tapered candles-there you go, a nice, affordable wedding favors that can match your table centerpieces.

Indeed, affordable wedding souvenirs like soap favors and candle favors can make your big day worth to be remembered. Although these favors were literally made out of cheap and simple items but adding extra design and creativity turns them into a beautiful, one of a kind wedding remembrance!



Thanks to Janet R. for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:

Making Money Online

Today’s weddings are all about options that reflect your personalities and style. Here is a list of top picks for non-traditional or unexpected wedding ideas to incorporate into every aspect of your big day.

Ceremony Ideas

1) Location -

If you don’t host your ceremony in a house of worship or in the same location as your reception, you can get creative with your ceremony location and exchange vows at sunrise on the beach or at sunset from the rooftop of the tallest building in your metropolitan area. Get more ideas for unique ceremony sites.

2) Refreshments -

Use the season or your location as an opportunity to greet guests with a refreshing drink. Lemonade and sweet tea will quench your guests’ thirst while gathering in the blazing sun, or serve hot apple cider to warm your guests during chiller months.

3) Grand Entrance -

Make your entrance especially grand by being escorted by your pet dog or by arriving on a white horse.

4) Vows and Readings -

Not a new concept, but speaking from the heart by writing your own wedding vows or incorporating personalized poems and weddings readings into your ceremony will surely grab the attention of your guests.

Flowers & Decor Ideas

5) Color Scheme -

Try pairing a few uncommon colors together or featuring varying shades of the same color throughout your space.

6) The Food Pyramid -

Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Oranges, lemons, and limes have been done so try a unique, more contemporary look with mangos or coconuts or tie it to the season with texture-rich earthy vegetables like husked corn, acorn squash, or artichokes.

7) Au Natural -

Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves, pinecones, even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or scatter amongst pillar candles for added ambiance.

Lighten Up -

Floating candles in a shallow bowl adds lighting and elegance to your tabletops. Or arrange multi-level candles on a mosaic of mirrors or tiles and surround them with seashells or flower petals. Placing coffee beans or red hot candies at the bottom of a vase or bowl to hold the candles steady also adds an aromatic effect.

9) Consult your Inner Child -

For the kid at heart, fill decorative bowls with your favorite candies – such as jellybeans and M&M’s - in your wedding colors.

Find even more inspiring ideas for unique wedding decorations in this complete guide to wedding flowers.

Entertainment Ideas

10) Ceremony Music -

If “Here Comes the Bride” doesn’t suit your style or personality, choose a song that does. There is no written rule that states you can’t make your grand entrance to a rendition of your favorite Beastie Boys’ song.

11) Non-traditional Instruments -

If you desire live music over a DJ, consider tying your musician selection to the theme or location of your event. A beachside bash naturally lends itself to the sound of steel drums, while a trumpet quartet will sound impressive in an elaborate cathedral.

12) Themed Music -

Take it one step further and zone in on the music that is indigenous to your wedding location. Guests attending a Mardi Gras-themed event in New Orleans will bask in a cocktail hour of Dixieland jazz.

13) DJ and a Band -

Can’t decide which you would rather have? Have both to ensure that all types of music are represented throughout your day to please both your 85-year-old grandmother and your 21-year-old cousin.

Photography Ideas

14) Photojournalism

More and more brides are leaning toward hiring a photographer who specialized in a photojournalistic style. These photographers shy away from posed shots and aim to capture all of the candid moments that you’ll always want to remember or may have never seen.

15) Creative Shots

Hire your photographer to follow you throughout your entire day (leading up to the “Do Not Disturb” sign, of course). While it may make you feel anxious to have someone photograph you as you get ready, these shots will help you to remember the joy and anticipation of every part of your big day. Read more ideas for creative wedding pictures

Cake Ideas

16) Minimal Adornments -

Some brides believe in the “less is more” adage. A simple cake minimally ornamented can make a bold statement.

17) Square Tiers -

Looking for a subtle way to break away from the ordinary? Square tiers make a modern presentation. Whoever said “it’s hip to be square” must have been in the cake business.

18) Cake-free -

If cake isn’t your favorite dessert, then don’t feel the need to serve it to your guests. Apple crisp, peach cobbler, pumpkin pie, cupcakes, or even glazed doughnuts are a hit at the dessert table.

19) Sugar-free -

The end-of-meal offering doesn’t have to be made of flour and frosting. Think savory instead, and visit your local cheese shop to have them construct wheels of cheese in tiers and stacked to look like traditional wedding cake.

Attire Ideas

20) Wardrobe Change -

Today’s brides are opting to wear not one dress, but two! Wear an elegant gown while you exchange vows, then slip into something a little more comfortable to round out the evening.

21) Anything but White -

A white wedding dress symbolizes innocence and purity, but if that’s not your style, feel free to bring out your colorful personality by adding a splash of color to your attire. You can be as subtle as a colored sash and jewels or as bold as a fuchsia-colored dress.

22) Something Borrowed -

Anything retro screams chic these days. So why not consider donning your mother’s vintage gown as a tribute to a family legacy. A few alterations can make it your own.

Stationery Ideas -

23) Ethnicity -

If your heritage is important for you to represent on your big day, do some research and find a stationer who offers multi-cultural invitations and announcements.

24) Creative Touch -

For more intimate, casual gatherings, request the honor of your guests’ presence in an innovative and entertaining way. Here’s an idea - have your invite printed on a balloon so guests have to blow them up to receive the message.

25) Programs -

Do something a little different with your programs by including personal photos or by printing them on something that serves a dual purpose - like a fan.

26) Storybook -

Get the most bang for your program buck by including stories of how the two of you met, who introduced you, and your relationship to everyone in the bridal party. Think of all the time you’ll save by not having to explain all of this to your husband’s childhood neighbor during the reception!

Transportation Ideas

27) Grand Entrance -

If the size of your bridal party doesn’t warrant a stretch limousine, consider arriving on horseback, on the back of your husband’s motorcycle, or in the passenger’s seat of your dad’s antique car.



Thanks to Cori Russell for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:

Beach Wedding Photographer