Creating a budget for your wedding is the most important thing you can do as an engaged couple. Why? Being a financially responsible married couple is one of the most important things you can do together. You need to start being financially responsible together for your wedding. Even if your budget is $100K, you need to manage it so that you won’t accidentally spend $150K! Starting your marriage off in debt is not a good way to start. Let me give you 5 tips for creating a budget and sticking to it, so that you can have a happy jump-start to your marriage.
1. Figure out what your budget will be
Who is contributing to your wedding fund? Bride’s parents? A set of grandparents? The bride and groom? A combination of people? This can be an uncomfortable conversation for some people, but it’s necessary. Find out who is going to contribute, and try to get the best estimate of the amounts that will go towards the wedding. Then, you’ll know what your budget is! 2. Break down the budget by percentages
I’m not going to say that you should spend 50% of your budget on this and 10% on that because everyone’s wedding is different and unique. I will, however, give you a rough estimate. Remember, this may not work for your wedding, so keep this in mind when referring to this list. 45% – 50% – Reception
This includes your catering, venue, décor, alcohol, cakes, rentals, parking and almost all expenses that will be part of your reception. Start with your venue and caterer. Then fill in the holes of this budget with the other aspects of your reception. 10% – Photography
This includes any prints, engagement shoots, and wedding videography. 5% – 10% – Attire
This includes the bride’s dress, shoes, jewelry, veil and alterations. This also includes the groom’s attire. 10% – 12% – Flowers
Bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral décor makes up this category. 5% – 10% – Entertainment
The reception DJ or band makes up this category, as well as your ceremony musicians. 10% – 20% – Miscellaneous
This includes wedding planning, wedding rings, stationery, gifts and any other additional items you’ll want to personalize your wedding. 5% – Cushion
This is a MUST, no matter what your wedding budget is. You need a little wiggle room in your budget, so make sure you budget for 5% of a cushion.
This list does not include any expenses related to the Rehearsal Dinner, Honeymoon, or any other wedding related events like showers or luncheons. 3. Re-evaluate after you’ve booked your venue
For some of your wedding professionals, you will need to include a tip. Budget to spend an additional 5% to 10% for those vendors. These vendors could be your florist, caterer, waitstaff, entertainers, and others.
Since the venue is probably your largest expenditure, you’ll want to review your other budget categories before you go dress shopping, cake tasting, and sample catering.
You may have to change some of your plans. That’s OK! If your dream wedding consisted of elaborate and ornate floral arrangements, but your wedding budget won’t allow these ideas, work with your florist to find a happy medium that fits in your budget. Spend less on your bouquets or have your wedding party carry single stem flowers to allow for more ornate floral centerpieces. Find alternative ways to make your dreams come true. Pinterest can become your best friend for finding cost effective alternatives. 4. As you spend, keep track of your wedding expenses
Creating a budget is great. But what good is it if you don’t know how well you stay on track? As you spend for your wedding, keep a log of your expenses. If you want to have a pen and paper, go for it! If your style is more electronic, do what works for you!
Log your expenses as you go. Waiting until the month of your wedding to see how well you’re staying on budget could be a scary moment! It may seem tedious at times, but you will thank yourself when it’s all said and done. 5. Use Wedding Under Control which has the template you need!
Did you know that there is a company out there that provides a budgeting tool and it helps keep track of your expenses? And it will show you how well you’re staying on budget at any given time. You don’t have to recreate the wheel and try to figure out a template! Head on over to Wedding Under Control and see which affordable package will be right for you and your wedding.
At the end of the day, your wedding is the jumpstart of your happy marriage. Finances can seem unromantic, but how romantic will you feel when you know that you aren’t starting your marriage off in debit or feeling stressed financially? Stick to these 5 tips, and you’ll be able t have a wonderful wedding without feeling the weight of stress from overspending!
Winter weddings are no longer unusual or nerve-wracking. There are plenty of brides who choose to get married in winter, making the most of the discounts during this off-season and thus having a fantastic wedding at a fraction of the original cost.
Nevertheless, winter weddings involve a certain level of planning, since the harsh weather may throw up some extra challenges. The bride has to choose her attire and accessories so that they are both practical and good-looking. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there to consider.
If you are a winter bride, you do not have to worry about compromising your style. Instead, you can look fetching and perhaps even more glamorous than a spring or summer bride, when you plan your look properly. Here are some cool winter accessory suggestions we are sure you will love.
Winter wedding hair accessories
Elegant winter has a cool and crisp white charm to it. To make an impact in this striking white canvass, you need some sparkle. So, your winter wedding jewelry choice should essentially sparkle and shine. This is the right time to go with oversize wedding necklaces and earrings and not look overwhelming. Crystals, zirconia and diamonds are all options to consider. If you want to nail the fairy tale look, don’t hesitate to choose a tiara as your headpiece. Winter is one season when the tiara looks right, and it isn’t everyday that you can walk around wearing it. So, make the most of it when you can.
Here are two suggestions from our accessories collection at Best for bride.
This dazzling beauty is a head piece that can be considered a crown. With one that is so spectacular in size and details, you do not even need a veil to accompany it. Whether you pair it with your hair let down or with a bun, we think it will undoubtedly be a beautiful accessory. Find out more about this beautiful tiara by visiting this link.
If you felt the first one was a little too sparkly for your taste, here is a headpiece that is elegant and sophisticated, but much smaller in size. This headpiece features both sparkling stones as well as pearls, thus bringing together two different elements to fashion an elegant and pretty design. With this design, you can pair it with a matching necklace and ear studs as is featured here and complete your look perfectly. Check out this headpiece by visiting this link.
Winter Veil
Though not all brides choose to wear veils today, winter is a time when you should really consider this wedding accessory, simply for the added impact it can create. A wedding veil that is placed beautifully can transform you into a snow queen, and once again this is the season when even the longest and thickest veils will not look out of place. We love layered veils, not just for the added material it contains, but for the layered look that is so mysterious.
Here is a short double layer veil from our collection at Best for Bride. Simple in its structure, but with huge impact from the ruffled up layers in it, this is a beautiful choice that will complement almost any wedding gown. Whether you pair it with a sparkling headpiece, or wear it by itself, it will be an attractive accessory that will improve your overall bridal look.
Boleros or jackets
When you get married in winter, there will certainly be few minutes during the day when you will have to step out in the cold. It could either be during your entry into the venue from your vehicle, or when you go outdoors to take photographs in the cold. However brief the time spent outdoors may be, you will have to cover your shoulders and arms to keep from feeling too cold.
Many brides choose full-sleeve wedding dresses for winter weddings, as these usually cover up the shoulders and arms. However, there are brides who do not like this look at all. If you are a bride who has your mind set on a strapless or sleeveless design, do not worry. You can still wear this dress, and simply find an accessory like a bolero or jacket that allows you cover up when outdoors. A bolero is a short jacket that basically covers only your arms, shoulders and upper back. A jacket is longer and gives more significant coverage. It would be a good idea to choose either of these in white, as it will go well with your wedding dress.
Take a look at the jacket with this dress from our in-house collection at Best for Bride. The strapless satin gown can be worn by itself, or with this beautiful jacket that adds instant style to the otherwise simple design. With full-sleeves that start high at the neck and extend into a Juliet-style sleeve that later flares out at the base, this jacket is a beautiful accessory. Don’t you think it is a great choice for a wedding in the cooler months, when that little coverage is essential to stay away from the chilly breeze? If you want to check out this wedding dress and accessory, you can do so by visiting this page.
If you would like to look at something warmer and a little more dressy, we also have this beautiful fur cape with fine Tulle lace lining the sleeves and Peter Pan collars and further covering the edges along the entire length. The neckline can be drawn close with the little woolen tassels and keep you smug for as long as you have to spend in the outdoors. It is a great choice to wear with both lace wedding gowns and satin gowns, as the style works well with both vintage and modern styles alike.
Stylish wrap
Some wedding dresses have elaborate and exquisite detailing in the neck and shoulder regions, that wearing a jacket or bolero may conceal it completely. Another factor is that boleros and jackets aren’t very versatile, and there are very few ways in which they can be styled. If this factor makes jackets and boleros less attractive to you, the winter wedding accessory you should consider is a stylish wrap. Just as warm as a jacket, but one that allows you a lot of flexibility in the way you wear it, a wrap is perfect for a winter bride. It can be worn around the neck and shoulders, and the accessory can be used to keep the arms warm when outdoors. Depending on the fabric and thickness, there are different ways in which it can be worn. Wraps can be styled either as shawls or as scarves, and are a functional as well as good-looking accessory.
Featured here is a fur wrap, that is very comfortable and cozy to wear on a cold snowy day. The other options you can consider are wraps in materials like silk or made from pashmina, that are warm but not too bulky. It is a good idea to match the wrap to your wedding dress color, as this will add to your overall style.
White wedding boots
One of the most important things to remember when choosing your wedding shoes is that they should be comfortable. You will be spending long hours standing in them, and it should keep your feet snug and warm. In winter, you can always go with the traditional wedding shoe styles. However, they may not really be cozy if you have to spend even a short amount of time outdoors. The better option is to choose shoes that are appropriate footwear for the cold weather. Don’t worry that you’ll have to skimp on style because of this. There are great choices in white boots that are both fashionable and practical too.
Shoes like the ones featured in the picture here are very stylish, and they can make sure you look gorgeous from top to toe. The special button-up design featured in the front makes it exquisite and attractive, and nobody could possibly question your fashion sense when you choose a pair like this. While you can always change into a pair of boots when stepping outside and wear your regular wedding shoes for the rest of the time, we think that you needn’t even do that when you have a splendid pair like these. There are also shoes that are lined with fur and can keep you warm.
Glittering ear pieces and bracelets
We’ve already mentioned about how sparkling jewelry is a must-have for a winter bride who wants drama and glamour. Here, we should specially mention over-size ear pieces and bracelets, as these are necessary to creating the perfect bridal look with maximum impact. Chandelier earrings, drops and large hoops are all great choices for winter wedding accessories. When the sparkle is not spared in any way, the effect is really beautiful and noticeable.
Take a look at the accessories this bride has chosen for her winter wedding day. The oversize earrings have a striking effect, and they work well with the dazzling neckline of the wedding gown, also scintillating from the intricate crystal elements scattered over it. All these details make it a good idea to skip a necklace for this dress, as it could create a cluttered look. Instead she has chosen to wear two bracelets, again with plenty of sparkle, to dress up her slender arms. We think it is altogether fantastic, don’t you agree? If you decide to skip the oversize earrings and choose something subtle, like a ear stud, don’t hesitate to add more sparkle to your overall look with a beautiful necklace. We have also found that jewelry with deep dark gemstone looks particularly grand in the winter wedding scene. Stones like blue sapphire and deep red rubies are perfect to create this effect.
Glamor with gloves
Just like we found warm and snug winter boots to warm your feet, you need something to cozy up and keep your hands warm too. Bring back the charm of vintage style with a pair of fantastic white gloves, that will double up by keeping you perfectly snug. Whether you choose to wear them throughout the day, or only when you step outdoors, it will still be a ravishing style statement. You can choose them in material like suede, leather or even fabric, depending on what matches your style. If you do not want to cover your entire wrist and hand, you can also consider wrist warmers that leave your fingers exposed. You can wear this throughout the ceremony, as it is possible to use even during the exchange of rings.
If you want something truly vintage, forego the modern short glove that ends at the wrist, and instead choose long gloves that extend all the way from your fingertips to the elbows. Imagine how classic the pairing of these style of gloves would be with a strapless or sweetheart neckline.
We hope these ideas will help you accessorize your wedding dress to stay warm and still stylish at your winter wedding. To select from an extensive collection of accessories that are just perfect for your personal style, visit our online shop at Best for Bride and choose your favorites. We also have bridal dresses in all sizes and from leading design houses, wedding party outfits, décor, photography, cakes and more to offer you. Find out all about the different wedding services we offer, by visiting our website today.
Valentine’s Day, the official day when love and lovers are celebrated worldwide, is almost here. Could there be a more romantic day for a couple in love to be married on?
This article on History.com discusses the many legends about St. Valentine. One of them suggests that this day is celebrated in memory of a saint who defied Emperor Claudius’ rules that outlawed marriage of young soldiers. He took it upon himself to conduct the weddings of young lovers in secret, thus defying the law. So, you do understand that there is a tale that associates this day with weddings. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that this is one of the most romantic days ever, and you do not need a reason whatsoever, to get married on this special day.
If you are indeed planning, or even considering getting married on Valentine’s day, here are some ideas to perfect your special day. So, here we go.
Celebrating with your nearest and dearest is at the heart of most couples’ wedding days and if you’re lucky enough to have everyone you love there, then you are truly blessed. Sadly, for many of us, we may have lost a parent, relative or friend who we wished could have seen us walk down the aisle and live happily ever after.
While nothing can replace a loved one being at your wedding, there are a few lovely ways that you can include them in your big day. Paying your respects in a way that is fitting to you and the relationship you shared with the person you lost will be more genuine and heartfelt than doing something completely out of style or character, so to help you out, I’ve put together a list of 8 different ways you could include them in your wedding, from subtle and sweet to quirky and unique.
Save them a seat
Some couples choose to leave an empty chair at the ceremony or reception as a tribute to a lost loved one, perhaps even placing their photo or a single flower on the seat. This makes quite a big statement and would be a fitting tribute to a deceased parent or sibling but may be very emotional for you if your loss is still very raw, so consider carefully how you’ll feel about seeing the empty chair and how that will affect your day.
Incorporate their favourite flowers
Flowers have the ability to evoke emotions in us and the combination of the sight and smell of your loved one’s favourite flowers are sure to conjure up happy memories while you walk down the aisle, eat the wedding breakfast and dance the night away. I always remember my nan loved Lilies and I still think of her when I catch the scent of them in the supermarket now. More subtle than an empty chair, this is a way for you to honour your loved one a little more privately.
Hayley decided to incorporate flowers in a different way; her granddad always carried Lavender in his pocket, so Hayley ordered one of my Lavender hair pins and a matching buttonhole for her mum as a tribute to her granddad. She also had a pin made in blue, for her “something blue”, which I absolutely loved!
Incorporate a piece of their clothing
There are lots of lovely ways that you could incorporate items of clothing. You could stitch a small scrap from a shirt into your wedding dress, use one of their handkerchiefs to wipe away happy tears (I surprised myself by how weepy I was on my wedding day!), wrap one of their ties or silk scarves around your bouquet or even have their wedding dress refitted and restyled for you to wear yourself. A couple of nice buttons from a shirt or jacket sewn on to the handle of your bouquet, dress or suit would make a lovely subtle tribute too.
Wear a piece of their jewellery
Wearing a piece of their jewellery, particularly something sentimental like their engagement or wedding ring is sure to make you feel their presence, plus it doubles up as your something old and something borrowed, so a win-win all round!
Carry a brooch bouquet
And if you don’t want to wear a piece of their jewellery, why not incorporate it into your bouquet? Brooch bouquets are growing increasingly popular these days and can take a variety of forms, with some including a mix of fresh or artificial flowers and a few brooches, to complete vintage works of art, crafted from pieces of costume and antique jewellery. The beauty of brooch bouquets is that they last forever and you could even have a go at creating one for yourself if you feel like getting creative!
My favourite thing about designing brooch bouquets for brides is hearing all the lovely stories behind the pieces of jewellery they ask me to include. Katie’s grandparents had sadly passed away before her wedding so she sent me pearl necklaces and her grandfather’s cracked watch to put into her bouquet; They added a sentimental and vintage element to her bouquet and Katie said that she felt like her grandparents were with her on her wedding day – how lovely is that?
Dedicate a song or reading
Did your loved one have a favourite poem or song that you could include in your wedding? Save them a dance and twirl around the dancefloor when their favourite song comes on or use their favourite poem as part of the ceremony (depending on the nature of it of course!) or speeches, or even before the wedding breakfast to start the celebrations. Again this can be as subtle or obvious as you like and gives you a chance to honour your loved ones privately or publically.
Display photographs
Displaying photographs of your loved ones at your wedding is another way to include them. Go big and bold and create a display showcasing your happiest memories together or keep it subtle with a memory locket or bouquet charm.
Kelly’s dad sadly passed away when she was little and she wanted to carry a locket with his photograph attached to her bouquet. Her fiancé, Dan, wanted to honour his granddad too, so they sent me some photos of the two men and I resized them using Photoshop to fit inside a locket and a pair of cufflinks. I love this idea as it’s something you could easily do yourself with a bit of photo editing software to resize your images and you can pick up blank lockets and cufflinks from craft stores or online fairly inexpensively too!
Include them in your cake toppers
This is slightly offbeat, but an idea I love nonetheless! If you’ve decided to have a personalised cake topper, you could include elements that remind you of your lost loved one. Meg and Jerry did this beautifully; Jerry’s dad had sadly passed away and so he and Megan decided to pay tribute to him in their cake topper. Jerry wore a cap in honour of his dad, so we added that to the cake topper, along with the football gear that Jerry himself wore in his college football days.
However you choose to honour your lost loved ones, I hope it brings you a sense of comfort and a feeling of their presence on your special day. What ways do you plan to include those you’ve lost in your wedding? I’d love to hear your ideas so feel free to leave a comment below!
About the author: Sarah is the owner of Elsa Rose Boutique and spends her days designing wedding accessories for brides that are looking for something a little different. From bespoke hair accessories and brooch bouquets to cute cake toppers, she captures the personalities of her brides and grooms and makes the sentimental details sparkle to create lasting keepsakes that will be treasured forever. Find out more at elsaroseboutique.com
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