Alternatives to Flowers

Have you priced fresh flowers in your area???? (in my Chandler Bing voice)

Flowers are EXPENSIVE. These vendors have got to be making a killing!

I refuse to have fresh flowers at my wedding. For one, they die in two days. For two,  I am not going to spend 1/4 of my budget on something that will not last. A year from now, who is going to remember what flowers I had in my bouquet? So, an alternative you ask... I have just the ticket.

Here are just a few alternatives to having fresh flowers:

1. Paper Bouquet

If you'd like to try your hand at this DIY project check out this website: Origami instructions


2. Brooch Bouquet

You can find these on Etsy.com pre made. But, if you'd like to DIY this project go to your local thrift store every week to discover new treasures. 

3. Baby's Breath Bouquet

How charming is this?? You do NOT need a florist to make this for you. All you need to do is going to your local florist and pick these stems yourself, wrap a decorative ribbon around them, and whala! a beautiful addition to your wedding. These could also be used as aisle runners and/or centerpieces. 

4. Hand Fan's

This is my absolute favorite, and will be doing this for my wedding. It is such a classic look. And, think of all the photo opportunities!
Here is a website that I absolutely LOVE. You can get them for just the bridal party, or as favors for your guests.


5. Parasol's

Parasol's make for great photo opportunities as well. You can also decorate the ceremony and reception site! Think of the possibilities!! Check out this blog for more ideas.

6. Ribbon Bouquet

You can find these pre-made on Etsy.com. But, I'm sure if you are YouTube savy you could find some easy tutorials to get your feet wet.

So, what do you think?? These are some fabulously wonderful cost saving ideas, yes? And, who wouldn't want a fun prop during pictures?

Happy Planning!!

Onward.

Wedding Planning Notebook

It has been quite some time since I've posted! At the request of my cousin, I am going to begin a new section  entitled: DIY Wedding. Which sure is fitting because... I'm GETTING MARRIED! Let the countdown begin to September 14th.

So, if you're like me, a DIY, penny pincher, you are going to want to plan everything- as well as MAKE everything. This first blog is to get you organized. You're probably asking yourself, "where do I start?". Don't you worry your pretty little head. Here are links to FREE PRINTABLES. All you have to do is keep these organized in a notebook, and you're off!

Item number one: Pinterest. Need I say more? If you don't already have one, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!? This will inspire your every detail. Trust me, you'll have more ideas than you'll ever need.

My Pinterest Board

Item number two: Organization! Get yourself a binder and dividers. You'll need roughly 10-15 tabs for each section, depending on your organization style. I have labeled mine in the following manner:
- Important
- Budget
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Guests
- Attire
- Photog
- Rehearsal
- Vendors
- Appointments/ Calendar
- Day of Wedding
- Honeymoon

Then, to help you stay organized here are the printables for each of your tabs:
Wedding Party Contact Sheet
Vendor Contact Sheet
Wedding Timeline and Checklist (This link has EVERYTHING you need to plan your wedding. Emergency check list to reception seating plan. Print what you like, as many times as you like after reviewing the .pdf file)


If you'd like more information and ideas, I found this website useful. http://russellandhazel.com/category/wedding

Item number three: Create a wedding website. You friends and family will be able to read about the wedding party, view photos, and sign a guest book. It's a great resource for 'all things wedding'. There are several websites to use, so choose the one you feel most comfortable with. I used mywedding.com. Go ahead explore!

Next on the list, booking a ceremony and reception venue. Consider having this at the same location for simplicity on the day of your wedding. These venues might also offer you a deal if you book your rehearsal dinner at the same location.

Happy Organizing!!

Onward.