Gorgeous Wedding Gowns, Without Breaking the Bank

One of the number one things brides want to do is find THE dress! While dress shopping is one of my favorite parts of the planning process, it can also be very stressful. Most brides think they know what they want...until they go to try on gowns. A bride who thought she wanted simple, can often change her mind to sparkly and intricate. Whereas, a bride who thought she'd go for the glamour, ends up with a simple, yet elegant gown. Whatever you think your style is, don't decide on it 100% until you try on dresses.

That being said, once you know what style suits you best, you can start looking into some online resources. Not all brides are into the idea of "previously loved" gowns. But if you are willing to at least take a look, check out Once Wed. They offer a classified service for wedding gowns. Some have been previously worn, but others have not. Some brides order two (or three!) dresses because they can't decide. Then when it comes down to it, only wear one. So, some dresses on there are new with tags, some just never been worn. The least expensive wedding dress on there that I have seen is $60!

To Vow or Not to Vow...

Many couples wonder about whether or not they should write their own vows. Some view it as a stressful addition to a lot of planning, while some embrace it. When making this decision, you should sit down with your beloved and decide together. If your wedding is following every tradition to the letter, then writing your own vows may not be the best fit for your wedding.

However, if you are taking a more non-traditional approach to your wedding, writing your own vows is away to uniquely express your love. If you have too much to do and not enough time, but like the idea, the internet is your friend. If you Google wedding vows, you will find sites that provide wedding vows for you. Just pick and choose what you like and create your ceremony from that. Check out My Wedding Vows for ideas.

Also, some officiants will create a ceremony with you, for you. Note that not all churches will allow you to deviate from their own religious wedding vows, so make sure that you are even allowed to change the ceremony before you craft your own.

More on the Guest Book

If you can't already tell, I like to find ways to personalize your wedding. Especially some of the smaller details. Most people read through their guest book once or twice and then it collects dust on the shelf. I came across a great idea on the Snippet and Ink blog.

The couple used Blurb to custom create a guest book using mementoes from their courtship (i.e. ticket stubs, photographs, etc.) They also had room for guests to sign. You could just do photos from your relationship, have room for people to write a message....the list goes on. Starting at about $20, it is an inexpensive way to create a keepsake that you will enjoy for years to come!

Another Unique Guest Book Idea

In previous posts, I have talked about alternatives to the traditional guest book. I came across a website that gives such a unique alternative! Serendipity-Crafts offers a unique twist in the form of a platter. Guests can sign their names on the platter, giving you a usable guest book to enjoy for years to come. How does it work? Special pens are used to write on the platter. While the ink used is rated as dishwasher safe, I would recommend a careful handwash, just in case. If you don't want to use it as a serving platter, then a nice plate stand will be great for displaying your "guest book."

They offer several sizes and many different monogram styles. If you already have a monogram that you are using throughout the wedding, they will use your current monogram. In addition to monograms, they have several pictures and other styles from which to choose.

Planners Beware - Email Scam

Sorry brides, this one is for my fellow planners. A little over a week ago, I received a strange e-mail from Elizabeth Hyde Johnson, saying that she needed me for her day! She went on in a long rambling e-mail about herself and her fiance, etc. I will put a copy below. Needless to say, I responded and went back and forth a bit with her. Then today she asked for my physcial address, not just a P.O. Box to send an international cashiers check for my deposit. Here is where the scam comes in: An international cashiers check may clear your bank, but the Federal Reserve holds it for 90 days to ensure that it is legit. If not, the bank rescinds the funds. A lot of planners are getting caught in this. They get the deposit and put it in the bank. The check is "accidentally" made out for too much money. Then "Elizabeth" says that they need for you to send the extra to a different account in Africa via Western Union. Yes, some have gotten caught up in this scam. Luckily I did not, but want to warn others. Check out The Bridal Party LLC's blog to read the stories of those who did fall for it: . Below is the e-mail:


Hello ,

How are you doing? Thriving!!!

My name is Elizabeth Hyde Johnson , from Enfield in middlesex UK (England ). I will be coming to Tacoma , Washington after my shopping trip with my Husband Michael Green who's French by nature to start his new work with the Coca-cola in Tacoma , Washington . And just before then we will be getting married on the 4th of October , 2008. We need a good wedding planner to take care of our wedding both reception and ceremony.
We require the best for the best memories for we & our children in future and as a matter of fact we have budgeted 25,000 US dollars for this special event.

Also, the ceremony and reception event will be taking place in a location and we are expecting at most 50 guests on the day of our occassion because most of our families in Europe and in the United Kingdom will be present for the occassion.

However, we would like you to know the reception and ceremony will be taking place @ 1 location which the ceremony event would be in a garden location or outdoor while the reception takes place indoors, we are still about to make reservation though but we are making progress with that.
Please let us know if you're able to help .

Sincerely,


Lizzy & Michael

It is from: Elizabeth Hyde Johnson [lizzytamydoorhyde@yahoo.com]

Best of luck!

Kids Tables = Relaxation for Parents

When planning your wedding, whether or not to invite kids is a big decision. For some, the choice comes easily, but for a lot it is a lot harder. If you are on the fence, because you fear the kids might be disruptive, consider having a babysitter or a kids table.

The beauty of a kids table is that it is within sight for the parents, but still gives the little ones somewhere that is their own, with things for them to do. You can get creative, with this kids party table from Garnish. Don't have the time for that kind of creativity? Check out Kids Wedding Fun for premade buckets of activities for kids.

Think those are great ideas, but are too close to the wedding to order? All you really need is some butcher paper, available at Paper Zone, as well as many school supply stores. Butcher paper is great to use as a table cover for the kids table so they can just draw on the table! Get some crayons and coloring books, maybe a few toys from Cost Plus World Market, and a kids table is made!

Lanterns to See

Paper lanterns are making a huge comeback this wedding season! The last time anyone saw this many was the 1970's and they were not as colorful or festive! Today's brides are realizing that this is an affordable way to spice up any ceiling. The lanterns look especially good in a tent or a huge open space, like a barn.

While you have the choice of lighting them or not, paper lanterns are a great way to add lighting to your wedding if you can't have an open flame. Luna Bazaar has a huge selection at great prices. They also offer LED lights to make your lanterns battery operated, with up to 20 hours of light time. If you need all 20 hours, then that is a party that really keeps going!