Posted on 1 Comment

Expensive Flowers for Weddings

3

For those who have an unlimited budget when it comes to planning their wedding, expensive flowers are more than likely one of the top things that they are considering. If flowers are the area that you are most likely to splurge on, you may be interested to learn more about these specific flowers. If you are trying to save money on your wedding flowers, be sure to steer clear of these options.

Casa Blanca Lily

This is considered to be the most expensive flower for weddings. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most beautiful options as well. If this is your favorite flower and you are planning to include it with your décor, be prepared to spend a pretty penny on it. However, you can save some money by only using it sparingly and including other flowers in the arrangement as well. Red roses pair very beautifully with this flower and are a very popular addition to a Casa Blanca Lily wedding.

Gardenia

1

Not only are gardenias beautiful, they also have a fantastic aroma that comes along with them. Since they are very expensive, you may want to choose a different flower for your wedding, however. One option to think about is going with a different type of flower and wearing gardenia perfume instead.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are also a beautiful option and are extremely popular. One of the best things about them is that there is a huge variety in color options that you can choose from. However, since they are so expensive, an alternative might be necessary. One fun idea is to go with Snapdragons instead. Not only do they have a similar look as what hydrangeas offer, but they also have a good variety when it comes to different colors as well.

Lily of the Valley

2

The flowers are beautiful and there is not really an option that can replace their unique look. They also have a fantastic scent to enjoy as well. If you are determined to have them in your wedding, you may need to look for some silk options rather than real in order to save your budget.

Orchid

These delicate flowers offer a beautiful look for any wedding. They also come in a variety of colors and are stunning to look at. With expenses running high for brides who choose this flower, you may need to find some other areas in your wedding to save money on. This can help you to pay for this lovely flower so that you can still have them in your wedding.

Conclusion

There is an endless amount of flowers to choose from for your wedding. Even if you cannot include these beautiful and expensive options in your wedding, you will still be able to have a beautiful wedding. Just remember, keep your eyes open for discounts and be open to making a few changes here and there in order to keep your budget intact.

Remember; stop by Best for Bride for help with all of your wedding planning items. You will be able to save money on dresses, décor and much more when you shop in the store.

Posted on 1 Comment

Planning a Fun Wedding

lounge area
Guest involvement is one way to bring more fun into the wedding. When the guests become engaged in the activity, they are transformed from quiet spectator to feeling like they are part of the big day. Planning a fun wedding isn’t difficult. Here are some ways to turn up the fun by getting guests involved.

When all the guests feel appreciated, they are more relaxed and ready to embrace the event. Some ideas for appreciated guests before the ceremony include serving light cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks before the ceremony and a make your own corsage or boutonniere table. Give guests a chance to mix and mingle before the ceremony. For a corsage and boutonniere table, provide guests with sturdy flowers, ribbon, and easy to follow directions. This is a nice way of showing guests that they are important to you.

Set up a small table at the reception with a board that says, “Plan a Date for the Newlyweds.” Pens and something for guests to write on should be on the table. Some people have used large popsicle sticks for guests to write their ideas and then place them in a mason jar. Another idea is to use cardstock shape cutouts to write on with a decorated box for guests to put their suggestions.

An outdoor reception can be transformed to an art studio for guests to create a masterpiece for the newlyweds. A large canvas can be set up in an outdoor area with balloons attached to the front. The balloons should be partially blown up with a bit of paint inside. When setting this up, the couple should choose colors that work well together and match the room decor where the finished art will be displayed. The guests stand a safe distance away from the canvas and throw darts at the balloons.

Not all guests like to dance. If a guest attends the wedding and doesn’t want to dance, the guest is often left to sit at the table. Give non-dancing guests a comfortable lounge space for enjoying each other’s company rather than sitting at the tables like they are waiting for it to be over. Another option to encourage everyone to get involved is to hire a dance teacher to teach a simple dance to the guests. Then, guests can have fun trying a new dance together.

While many couples are banning social media from their weddings, others are embracing it. Perhaps you don’t want guests tweeting during the ceremony. Set up guidelines for including social media in your special day. By doing so, you are including guests in creating an additional record of the wedding day. Couples start a Twitter or Instagram account for the wedding and give guests the username and password. They post the information on signs encouraging guests to contribute.

A wedding should be a joyous event. Some people seem to forget that it’s okay to have fun at a wedding. Creating a fun environment is one way to make your wedding memorable. For more fun wedding ideas, browse the Best for Bride blog for ideas.

Posted on 4 Comments

Elegant on a Budget: Smart Cost-Cutting Strategies for Your Dream Wedding!

financial debt

2

Weddings are expensive affairs, but with smart planning, you have scope to cut your wedding costs. A few small adjustments that won’t significantly affect the overall picture will help you save money. Even so, you can still have the fantastic wedding you wished for.

Let us look at some ideas that will help you make this possible.

Venue and date

Weekend weddings are the costliest. Consider getting married on a weekday, and you can cut expenses. Make it a long weekend by getting married on Friday instead of Saturday.

Via Flickr
Via Flickr

Summer and spring are peak wedding seasons. Get married in fall or winter, and you can book your chosen venue at an off-peak season rate, and save up to 15%. Use it to splurge on your honeymoon. An added bonus is that it is easier to book your favorite vendors and venue, as there is lesser competition for dates in winter.

Look for venues that already look good with the available details, so you won’t have to spend too much on dressing it up. This is easier if your wedding theme is rustic or casual.

Cut down guests

Excuse children and coworkers from your wedding list, and you will cut your guest list considerably. Keep the ceremony small but meaningful by having those who really matter to you in it. Similarly stick to the essential number of attendants at your wedding. This will help you cut down on bouquet and boutonniere costs, dressing up expenses, favours, accommodation and transportation.

Look for all-inclusive or discount deals

hang-tags-234566_1280

This may not allow you to have all the details you wanted in your wedding, but remember that all-inclusive packages and discount deals are way cheaper than when you make separate arrangements for everything. If you can get a discount voucher for your wedding accessories when you buy your wedding gown, it is a good deal that will allow you to save some money.

Also check out gowns in the clearance and discount section, and find one that is cheaper, yet works. Similarly, if a wedding venue comes with an on-site co-ordinator, you can have them do necessary arrangements at a reduced cost than if you hired someone just for the job.

Opt for seasonal elements

Where flower and food choices for your reception are concerned, you can snag a better bargain by going for what is in-season and available locally. There are plenty of flowers that make spectacular bouquets and centerpieces, and you needn’t always choose the exotic varieties for it to look attractive. Think out of the box, and you may be able to create a unique statement without breaking the bank. Reduce the height of centerpieces and use colorful and cost-effective flowers like carnations that aren’t expensive, but still impress.

Master the art of DIY

painting-491849_1280

You shouldn’t attempt some things, like altering your wedding dress, unless you know what you are doing. But, you can do plenty otherwise, and save some money without hiring someone to do it for you. These include your makeup and hairstyle, finding party favors and writing thank-you notes. Ask your friends or family to pitch-in and help. Search for bargains and bulk deals for party favors, customize them yourself and avoid spending a fortune.

For more wedding tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.

Posted on 6 Comments

Capture the Magic: Compelling Reasons Why a Wedding Video is an Absolute Must-Have!

You have booked your wedding photographer, and you are pretty certain that photos are all that’s needed to capture your milestone event. Many brides who took a similar stand, now regret not having had their weddings videographed. So, before you make this decision, look at why you should consider a wedding video, even when you already have a wedding photographer.

camcorder-15944_1280

Videos capture moments as it is

However capable your wedding photographer is, photos are what they are called—Stills!

To remember and enjoy the exact moment as it was, a video is better. It also captures all the in-between moments between photos. Another thing to remember is that videos are not choreographed, and so it is the best way to capture people naturally. If you are a bride who is conscious in front of the camera, you do not have to worry about looking stiff and posed in a video, like you do in photos.

It is a keepsake of the beautiful moments at your wedding

Your father’s speech, the tears of joy that rolled down your mother’s eyes as she watched you walk down the aisle, the laughter and cheer while dancing at your reception, the commotion when you threw your bouquet—there is no way photos can recreate this like a video can. Videos have sound and motion, and hence allow you to preserve every moment of your wedding day as it occurred. It is the perfect way to remember the day as it was, and you will enjoy watching it again on your anniversary or other special days in the future.

Keep it short and it will be interesting

Your videographer may have been around for the entire day, but that doesn’t mean your wedding video should go on forever. Have him capture and edit the highlights, while also adding the special moments and interesting things that happened. Videos also allow you to remember the fun moments on the day, like the jokes you shared with your bridesmaids as you dressed up. Another factor is that it is almost impossible to get your video wrong. While the quality of your photographs depend on how talented your photographer is, you can be certain that your videos will cover it and make up for anything your photographer may have missed.

It allows you to remember everyone long after they are gone

Photos can achieve this too, but videos are the way to remember the older members of your bridal party as they were in flesh and blood, long after they are gone. Similarly, children at your wedding party would love to see how they were, long after they’ve grown up. Your video holds the key to the past, and it will be wonderful for your children and grandchildren to see all the people they’ve only heard of, when they watch your wedding video.

If you are still wondering if video is a must or a maybe at your wedding, we say go for it! After all, it is not everyday that you get married. So, capturing every moment of your big day is worth every dime you spend.

For more wedding advice and tips, visit us on Best for Bride.