Thursday, October 28, 2010

A Splash of Color

            When you think bridal, what is the first color you think of? If it isn’t white, you haven’t been to enough weddings.

            A common wedding stipulation that has been the trend for years is that brides must wear white. In regards to achieving bridal elegance, I would agree that white is the best color choice, but as any girl could tell you, no two brides are the same.

            Personalities, like anything, will never be one size fits all. Most brides want a wedding that reflects their personality, and for some brides white just doesn’t cover it. I understand completely, because I am one of those brides.

            If you’re anything like me, you’re into all things color. But how do you mix personality into your wedding without making it look less like a wedding and more like a Luau? Here are some areas where a little color will make a big impact:

1.      Say Yes To The Dress:
I’ve never been a believer in colored dresses. You want your wedding to say “Here Comes the Bride” not “Lady in Red”.  However, by adding one element of color, such as a sash, necklace, shoes, or a hair flower would add just the right playful touch. Remember, all things in moderation: against all that white, a little will go a long way.




2.      Strength in Numbers
Rather than having one big sea of color, you’ll pull off a softer effect with small splashes of color in multiple areas: colored napkins, and flowers add more flavor than entirely colored place settings. To add bolder color, give your bridesmaids patterned dresses instead of solid, or make your cake yellow with white flowers instead of white with yellow flowers.



            Weddings should be unique to the bride, so never be afraid to do something different. What's my point?  Don’t just live in color, get married in it too!

Monday, October 25, 2010

The Money Factor

Let's be honest, every couple would love to win that fantasy wedding on a beach in Barbados- the flights, the hotel, all wedding related costs- all expenses paid. For most of us, however, this is not reality. In fact, most couple's do their best to cut costs wherever they can afford to do so. After all, there is life after marriage.
According to recent studies, the average amount spent on a traditional American wedding is$22,000. Seem like a lot? Just wait. A total of $72 billion dollars is spent on weddings annually in the U.S. and $8 billion on honeymoons.
Here are some sure-fire ways to help you save a couple bucks on your wedding.

1. Utilize Your Friends Zone
  • Only 19% of brides hire a wedding coordinator. Why? Because you are completely capable of doing it on your own. Or, that Type-A friend from school that you couldn't fit in the wedding party- just the spot for her.
  • The average bride and groom spend close to $1,000 on a DJ who will probably mispronounce their names at some point during the evening. Everyone has a friend who is capable of following a play list and occasionally making a sappy speech. Renting the equipment for a close family friend will cut 3/4th's of the cost.
2. Just DON'T Do It
  • Most weddings also include over $400 on wedding favors. Unless your favor is something near and dear to your heart-cut it. No one uses the tacky personalized koozies or key chains- In fact, you won't just be saving yourselves money, but you'll be saving your guests from another useless wedding knick-knack to go in there junk drawer.
  • The average reception includes a $2,286 beverage bill. We all know soda and iced tea don't add up to that. Dry weddings are becoming more and more popular. Whether you cut the open bar for religious purposes or just simply to cut costs, one thing is certain- No unruly guests will be hitting on the mother of the bride and the dance floor will remain child friendly.
Budgeting your big day in advance is the best way to keep it from going overboard. Know your limits, and you will be much less likely to splurge on those crystal tiaras for the flower girls. Not having to finance a wedding that would cover the National Debt is a good start for newlyweds. You're getting a marriage, not just a wedding.

Wedding Stats

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Monday, October 18, 2010

All About the Bling

Every dating girl spends countless hours researching, pricing, and daydreaming about that pride left hand possession. Criers, screamers, and jumpers alike all have the same temporary euphoria when they catch the first glimpse of that gleaming beauty.
            But girls, let’s be honest: to any boy ring business is nothing more than “blah, blah, blah.”  They have never, not once, caught themselves daydreaming about what shiny piece of metal will become an addition to their wardrobe. They replace a woman’s want list of size, shape, and sparkle, with simplicity and comfort.
Their list, although easier on the pocket book, is always made out to be an impossible feat by the female. As women, we have this insatiable desire to buy our men the most expensive, unique rings in the store. We care not that they will, at some point, misplace it, if not lose it altogether. We want to be creative and thoughtful in our purchases, failing to realize that our one-of-a-kind finds, are often the arch enemies of our beloved beaus.
Granted, some men like their rings to be flashy with diamonds, two-toned, or uniquely designed, but 9 times out of 10, these pricy additions cancel out their one standing requirement: comfort. So girls, here’s my advice: a happy man is a man who gets to have his say. So, buy him the plain titanium band he’s been asking for. Personalize the inside if you wish, but this way, he has a ring he’s happy with, and lost or stolen, you’re only out 100 bucks. Now that is bang for your buck.


See something you like? Leave me a comment,  and let me know how you found your man's ring!