Posted on 1 Comment

Wedding Accessories 101: Clever Tips for Shopping and Making the Perfect Choice!

Jewelry and accessories play an essential role in your bridal look. It is thus vital that you plan your shopping well, so they enhance your overall bridal look. For only then will all the elements come together cohesively and enable you to look gorgeous.

Although jewelry and accessories are an important part of the bridal outfit, most brides consider them an afterthought. This is one of the first mistakes to avoid. Plan your look well instead of just going shopping and picking up something that you think will work well with your dress. Think of the different options to enhance your features, show off your dress and complement the theme. This will help you narrow down your jewelry and accessories choices better.

Here are some clever tips to help you understand how to choose the right wedding jewelry.

Always buy your jewelry and accessories after the dress

It isn’t uncommon for brides to end up buying a dress that is totally different from what they envisioned. In fact, we have lost count of the number of times a bride comes shopping with a definite idea of what she wants and walks out with a dress that she never imagined she would buy. This is why we suggest you shortlist the features you want to see in your dress. You can then look at dresses that satisfy most of your preferences if not all. Remember that you may end up going on an unending search to find a dress that satisfies every one of your requirements unless you have it tailored. Hence we suggest you first pick the dress, and then move on to looking at jewelry.

Let your dress be the guide when picking jewelry and accessories

The right type of jewelry and accessories work with the wedding dress, not against it! Brides who strike the right balance between the dress and the accessories look amazing. So, as a general rule of thumb, choose simple accessories if your dress is opulent. Heavy and flashy accessories are suitable if your dress is simple with few features that stand out. Look at the neckline, sleeves, how heavy the skirt is and work in the bodice to decide what would look appropriate to balance out your look.

Look online before you go to the shops

Most jewellers and accessories vendors list their inventory online. You can also find plenty of inspiration on the internet, on Pinterest and on bridal websites. It is a good idea to browse through the different available designs and identify the options you like most. Since you may not be used to wearing elaborate head pieces, veils and tiaras before, gathering information on what would suit your style, facial features and taste is a good idea. An online search will help you understand what is available. Visit various jewelry websites to use offers and discounts that will help you get a better deal for the money you spend on your accessories.

Choose your outfit properly when you go wedding shopping

The neckline of your dress is a significant factor to consider when picking jewelry. The entire effect will be ruined if your accessories clash with the neckline. To avoid this, wear a dress or top with the same neckline as your wedding dress when shopping. This way, you can understand how the necklace, earrings and veil will look with the wedding dress neckline. Also choose a light or white coloured top, to get the actual picture of how the jewelry will look against your dress. If you wear a colourful dress, the colour of the stones will show up differently than it would against white.

You needn’t buy if you would rather rent

Just like wedding dresses, wedding jewelry isn’t cheap. If you are a person who loves jewelry and will most likely use your wedding gems after your wedding day, it is a worthwhile investment. However, if you don’t usually wear jewelry, renting is a better idea. Many wedding dress rental shops also rent out wedding jewelry. You should be able to find accessories that match your wedding dress with this option. The shop you rent from may ask you to put down a deposit when you take the jewelry away. However, it is the easiest way to look great on your special day, at minimum cost.

Match the stones and metals

What we mean by this is that you should keep the effect cohesive. When you shop for wedding jewelry you will have various options like rhinestones, pearls, colored gemstones and more. Try to achieve a cohesive effect by choosing the same type of stones for each of your accessories. Similarly, be careful about mixing different metals as it can look cluttered. Don’t mix and match too much or you will ruin the overall effect. Even if the pieces look good on their own, they will not contribute to your look if they are all too different.

Know the best combinations for the white of your gown

Wedding gowns come in different shades of white. There’s bright white, champagne white, ivory, candlelight and ecru. Other metals look good with the different whites mentioned here. Pearls and metals with silver finishes are best with pure or bright white. Off-white colors like ivory and candlelight work well with gold and silver. Champagne looks good with rose-gold embellishments and jewelry. Ivory and ecru have yellow undertones and are good with yellow gold. You can also look at the embellishments in your gown, as a guide. If your gown has crystal and silver embroidery, choose the same colors in your jewelry. Similarly, if it features gold or pearls, following the same in your gown for a cohesive effect is best.

Re-purpose traditional jewelry for a contemporary look

If you have heirloom jewelry that doesn’t entirely appeal to your taste, accept it saying it doesn’t fit your style. Nonetheless, don’t wear it as it is if you aren’t fond of it. Instead, consider whether you can re-purpose it to suit your modern taste. Many jewelry shops offer this service. So, you can transform your family heirloom into a modern design with their assistance. Decide what you want the heirloom piece to be transformed into. Don’t limit yourself to making small changes. Brides have changed necklaces into earrings and bracelets, and strings of pearls into hair accessories. Ultimately, the important factor remains that the sentiment is still there, while you can wear jewelry that is more your style on your special day.

You don’t have to wear one of every accessory

The last thing you want to do is look cluttered with gems. Too many accessories and jewelry will make you look too busy. The different things you wear will then drown in sparkle and not be visible. The better option is to wear just the pieces that are actually necessary. It is a good idea to have one focal piece of jewelry and one or two more pieces to complement it. If your wedding dress is simple, make your focal piece big and bright for more sparkle. If it is an ornate gown, keep your jewelry simple and light to get the look right.

Please think of how photogenic your gems will be when you choose them

Although your accessories may look fabulous to your eye, it isn’t necessary that they will photograph equally well. Specific stones may have a dull finish with an old and faded look in photos. And intricate finishes may not show up in pictures. So, pay attention to how your jewelry and accessories will reflect on the camera. We suggest that you take some pictures to test how they look when clicked and only then make your final decision.

Be bold, go for color

Although there are many options, not all brides are comfortable in anything but a white wedding gown. If you aren’t sure but love colour, explore the variety of colourful gems to add that pop of color to your outfit. Take a chance with color, and you may be pleasantly surprised. Colored gemstones accentuate the beauty of any outfit. They are a perfect choice for the bride, especially if your wedding has a color theme. Colored gems allow you to incorporate the color theme into your wedding attire. Choose sparkling stones like sapphires, emeralds and rubies for a radiant effect and gems like jade, turquoise and coral for a casual wedding theme.

Don’t forget to check how you look from every angle

Don’t focus entirely on how you look from the front when choosing accessories! Remember that you will be facing away from your guests during the ceremony. So, use this opportunity to show off some extra style. Use dainty hair accessories that pack a punch from the back, or include a sash that has a beautiful tie-back that will impress. Additional accessories can help you look good from all angles. So, choose wisely.

Avoid extreme trends

Your wedding photos are images that will be frozen for eternity. Your generation and future generations will never forget you by how you looked on your wedding day. Don’t appear dated in them by choosing jewelry that is too trendy and will go out of fashion in no time. Classic styles are always fashionable and, hence, a safe choice. However, if you want to try out contemporary designs, do so by all means. Just ensure that they aren’t entirely new styles on the wedding fashion scene.

Make the most of package deals

The bridal ensemble takes up a huge chunk of the overall wedding budget. One way to make your money go further is to opt for package deals that give you more value for the money you spend. For example, bridal shops often have big discounts on jewelry and accessories if you buy it along with your dress. This will allow you to find the accessories for your big day without breaking the bank. At Best for Bride, we often have deals on accessories purchased with the wedding dress. The alternative is to have a flat percentage off the dress price. When you compare both options, you will realize that buying accessories as part of the package will help you save more.

Everything depends on your personality

We mentioned a number of rules here. However, no rule is set in stone and everything finally boils down to what you like. If you want to bring on the bling, do so! Or if you aren’t satisfied with the just one statement piece, wear all that you like and plan the rest of your outfit to balance it out. If you don’t favor jewelry, keep it simple and find basic pieces that suit your taste. You should be comfortable with the choices you make, as this is what will reflect on your wedding day. As long as you love what you see, you won’t regret your choices later.

So, tell us how you have planned your wedding day look? What are the accessories you chose and what did you base your decision on?

At Best for Bride, you can find amazing wedding gowns as well as superb accessories to enhance them. Everything from the veil and tiara, to jewelry and shoes are available in-house and online, so you can pick your choice easily. Check out our website to learn more about what we have for brides like you. Additionally, you can also find out about the special package offer we have on accessories that are purchased with the wedding dress. For more wedding tips and advice for brides, stay tuned to our blog page.

Posted on 1 Comment

How to Find an Amazing Wedding Dress on a Small Budget: Step-By-Step Guide

How to Find an Amazing Wedding Dress on a Small Budget: Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting wedding planning tasks for a bride. After all, the wedding dress is the focal point of your bridal look. When you get the dress selection right, you will look gorgeous on your wedding day.

Although nothing beats the thrill of discovering “the dress” from numerous available options, it isn’t always possible for every bride to buy a brand new dress. A new designer wedding dress is always expensive. Fortunately, it is possible to get married in a beautiful dress even if you must work with a small budget. All that you require is early preparation and flexibility with the best options available.

A budget wedding dress will trim your overall wedding expenses. According to the article on Project Wedding, couples should allocate no more than 10% of their total wedding budget to their outfits. This amount doesn’t include just the bridal dress. It should include the groom’s tux too. Unfortunately, not all brides can find their dream wedding dress as well as fit all related extras like accessories and alterations within this limit. 

Nonetheless, it is no big deal if you are ready to go the extra mile and find a budget-friendly dress. When you do, the good thing is that you can allocate the remaining funds to bigger priorities like the menu, entertainment or venue. So, the benefits are many.

Continue reading How to Find an Amazing Wedding Dress on a Small Budget: Step-By-Step Guide
Posted on 1 Comment

15 Twists on Wedding Traditions

Most couples take the traditional route when planning their weddings. After all, practices that have been passed down generations are usually the safest option to ensure your wedding progresses smoothly. The chances for complaints are few when your guests get exactly what they expect. So, you are most likely to receive a thumbs up from the older generation when you stick to the traditional format when planning your special day.

Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong in adding your own unique spin on at least few age-old traditions. What makes this special is that it allows you to still honor the tradition, while adding a personal flavor to your big day. Don’t you think this idea of giving a modern update to something classic is interesting? It will make your wedding memorable, even while you keep the essence of the tradition alive.

If you are wondering how you can do this, we have good news! You can add your own spin on almost any traditional ritual, practice or wedding task. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Your engagement ring

emerald-1137411_640

For a long time now, diamond rings are considered synonymous with engagements! This simply goes on to say how common it is. You can always take this standard route and splurge on an ostentatious solitaire that will be impressive. However, how does the idea of finding another stone that is perhaps even prettier sound?

Visit your favorite jeweler and you are bound to find beautiful a variety of gemstones that are more interesting. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds have the same impact as a diamond. I think that a gemstone like sapphire set within a band of thin diamonds is much prettier than a traditional diamond ring. Don’t let tradition cloud your preferences. Wear it on your finger and see for yourself!

The wedding invitation

invitation-907771_640

It may be too extreme to adopt the paperless route and opt for an e-invite. This certainly doesn’t have the same charm as the hard copy of a wedding invitation sent via snail mail. Instead, switch from the paper stationery on card stock with several sheets of paper to an eco-friendly, yet functional alternative.

There are so many ways in which you can make a unique statement. From recycled paper invitations to plantable papers and even soy-based ink for the print, there are so many choices. This will allow you to invite your near and dear ones to your special day in a special way. Take a look at this article on the Ethical Bride for more ideas. 

Something old, something new and Something blue

The charming Victorian bridal rhyme goes

Something old,something new,something borrowed,something blue.” 

Almost all brides continue with this practice of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue as part of their wedding outfit. These are believed to be tokens of good luck. The something new is pretty simple—it could easily be the new wedding dress or accessories.

Traditional brides usually wear heirloom jewelry or veils as their something old or something borrowed and incorporate the blue as their wedding garter. 

Now, here are some ideas for modern twists on the “something old, something borrowed and something blue.”

Something old: Forget the old jewelry and heirloom veil. Get creative with your something old. This article on the Bridebox website has some excellent ideas. My favorite is the idea of re-purposing a piece of family jewelry into an entirely different accessory. How wonderful would it be to wear a bracelet of pretty pair of earrings made from an old out-of-date necklace?

bracelet-women-866492_640

Something borrowed: The Borrowed and Blue blog suggests sewing a meaningful cloth or fabric item into the lining of your wedding dress. I find it to be thrilling and exciting.  You must visit the link to see how unique you can make this look.

Something blue: Don’t hide the blue in a garter. Instead, show it off! Pick a pair of beautiful blue heels for your wedding shoes. Not only will this be a beautiful accessory that you can use and re-use after the wedding, it will create a statement look for your beautiful bridal feet.

stilettos-463767_640

Switch out the white wedding dress

From the time Queen Victoria introduced brides to the white wedding dress, it is the signature wedding dress color for brides everywhere. Many brides occasionally opt for a wild and bold colorful alternative to traditional white. This is easier nowadays. Many designers bring out with wedding dresses in soft, muted hues that do not deviate too far from white every year. So, it is now easy to add a touch of personality to your wedding outfit with a small dose of color. Consider light pinks, blush, blues or even grays for an alternate look. This allows you to avoid a color that is too bright for a bride.

Or wear something other than a dress

If you are a bride who must wear white on your wedding day, your options to shine are still numerous. There are plenty of different bridal attires that are not exactly wedding gowns. There are little white dresses to choose from or even bridal pant suits, which are a big trend these days. While the color remains white, you can choose an attire that reflects your personality and style. Designer collections not only carry dresses with shorter hemlines, you can also find two-piece wedding dresses, well tailored pant suits and even loosely structured jumpsuits.

Unique party décor

candle-584448_640

Flowers are staple wedding décor. At most weddings, we see everything from the entry to the aisles and centerpieces with floral décor. Although flowers have an exquisite charm and are perfect as wedding party décor, they can be pricey. It is also so common, and your options to make it stand out are few.

Instead choose alternative décor elements, and the entire setting will be more memorable. Seasonal fruits and foliage are an attractive alternative. You can also opt for candles, crystals, statues and other unique décor items to make a statement. Not only are these non-perishable, you can also reuse them in your new home afterwards. And if you must have flowers in your décor, why don’t you replace cut flowers with flower pots? These are a sustainable, yet attractive option. There’s an added bonus—after using them as décor, you can even have them do double duty as party favors for your guests.

Do away with the traditional guest book

wish-box

If you feel you must have a guest book for your reception, you ought to think otherwise. Instead of a guest book that will later be stashed somewhere in your storage, opt for an attractive which you can display in your home. You can either have your guests sign notes and drop them in a pretty container, or have them share their wishes on a poster, picture or even vintage globe. There are some brilliant guest book alternatives here on the Brides website. From messages on vintage postcards to pretty pebbles, these are unusual ways to create a keepsake with your guest’s wedding wishes.

Skip the bubbly

alcohol-1282234_640

Champagne is hard on the pocket. However, few people enjoy it despite its expensive price tag. Yet, most couples keep it for their reception. The wedding toast is a tradition that is worth keeping. However, you can do it without champagne. Choose another drink for the purpose.

It is highly unlikely that your guests will miss the champagne, and are more likely to enjoy the switch. Make it more personal by choosing your favorite drink for the toast. Or, you can also make it a prettier option by serving a range of cocktails. Not only will the scenery be visually interesting, your guests are likely to enjoy this drink better than an expensive glass of bubbly.

Creative cakes

cupcake-791117_640

The wedding cake is a towering display that serves little purpose at the wedding. Many of the cakes are amazing to look at, but all that fondant and flour do not taste great. In fact, few guests have the appetite to enjoy a whole slice of cake after their main course. So, the bigger your cake is, the more quantity gets wasted. Although a classic wedding staple, I think it is high time brides and grooms chose a better option to end their wedding feast with.

One way to keep the tradition intact is to opt for a scaled-down version of a couture cake to use for the cake-cutting ceremony. Serve a variety of more appealing deserts to the party. The other option is to switch the cake out. Instead, choose from more appetizing deserts. For a whole list of options, take a look at this previous post. I am sure there is something to satisfy every bride and groom’s choice in there.

To have or not to have a different dress for the reception?

Traditionally, the bride dances in the same dress she is wed in. Nevertheless, many brides choose a new look for the reception, both for a change of style and also for practical purposes. Although getting married in a heavy ball gown or mermaid dress looks great, it isn’t the ideal choice for dancing at the reception. The modern update is the two-in-one wedding dress. It features an overlay skirt which you can remove after the ceremony, to reveal a modern slimmer silhouette beneath it. This has to be the ideal wedding dress in terms of budget and functionality.

Skip the garter toss

garter-792114_640

In the garter toss, the bridegroom removes the brides garter and tosses it at the bachelors at the party. The one to catch it will be the next to marry. To be honest, not everyone is one hundred percent excited about the garter toss. If you aren’t so pleased about it yourself, we think this is one tradition you should skip.

I like this idea on this blog of tossing something else, like a soft teddy bear or candy to the guests. Invite everyone, not just the bachelors, to be involved in the fun. 

Or if you must toss the garter, how about adding a creative twist? Place it around a soccer ball and throw it instead. That ought to elicit a few laughs from the crowd! Here is a sample. 

Same with the bouquet toss

flowers-260897_640

This is the cringe-worthy counterpart of the garter toss. It is highly likely that modern spinsters would not be happy to stand in line to catch the bouquet. Instead, save your wedding bouquet to be preserved as a keepsake and have the ritual with the teddy toss we mentioned about earlier. Or, you can even dedicate the bouquet to somebody special. You can thus follow tradition and give it away. Both options are undeniably more elegant than the throw-and-catch alternative.

Find something unusual instead of the getaway car

trim-1132638_640

The couple must exit in style. Nonetheless, it doesn’t always have to be in a vintage car. There are many other ways in which you can make it more interesting. Be creative and find a way to show off your personal style and fitness. How romantic would it be if your husband were to ride away with you on a bicycle. Deck it up with a flower basket in the front and a “Just married” floating balloon at the back. It will be a picture of perfection.

At Best for Bride, we enjoy both traditions and modernity. Hence our collection caters to brides with a penchant for tradition or modernity. With a vast inventory of wedding dresses of all types, shapes and sizes, finding the right choice for your special day couldn’t be any easier. So, step in to one of our stores and tell us what you seek. Our trusted and talented bridal consultants will help you realize your wedding vision in the dress of your dreams. Or if you would like to preview what choices are available to you, take a look at our website which lists the entire collection we carry in our stores.

Posted on 1 Comment

Common wedding budget mistakes most couples make

wedding guest accessories

The wedding budget is the single entity that determines everything about your wedding. Everything from your beautiful wedding gown to the florist, caterers and even wedding favours depends on the funds you put aside for your wedding plans, and how you distribute it among different components.

When stepping into the new chapter of your life as a newlywed couple, you certainly do not want it to be with debt that you will struggle to settle. Unfortunately, many couples have a grand wedding and later struggle with their finances. Then there are also occasions when couples find themselves spending much more than they anticipated on their wedding. This is because of a lack of proper planning. Plan the wedding budget sensibly, and you can avoid this situation.

Let us take a close look at the common wedding budget mistakes many couples make and how you can avoid them.

budget

Not fixing your priorities

Every couple wants a fantastic wedding. Nevertheless, you have to make at least a few compromises, if you are on a budget. Nonetheless, you can plan the best possible options for your budget by fixing your priorities. First, settle on a realistic wedding budget. For this, you may have to do some research on the average cost for each wedding planning aspect instead of just picking a number at random. Next, list the order of preference for each of them. This way, you can allocate more funds to those at the top of your list and be thrifty about the ones at the bottom.

Not figuring in the smaller, but essential items

A real bride reveals in this article, that one of the biggest mistakes she made at her wedding was overlooking the small items that were still essential to the overall wedding picture. She isn’t alone, as many brides who do most of the planning themselves forget to factor in certain items. It isn’t easy when they later have to find the funds to meet these expenses. Even the smallest dollar purchases will quickly add up. So, you shouldn’t overlook any factor when calculating your budget. Checklists are a big help in this situation. Make comprehensive checklists for every single item you can think of, for your wedding. Cross-check with ready-to-use checklists online and also have someone else take a look at them, just in case you may have missed something. Factoring in every likely expense will help you avoid going over budget.

Not figuring in the extras for bigger purchases

tab-pics-bridal -accessories

For many items like your wedding gown, the price on the label isn’t the final figure you will pay for. There are extras for alterations, accessories, inner-wear and sometimes delivery charges. When you allocate a budget for such an item, make sure you account for these extras as well. Obtain a general idea of how much the extras will cost. Plan the actual budget for the main item after deducting these charges, and you will not end up spending more than you actually intended to.

Last-minute shopping and bookings

The closer you book venues and vendors to the date of your wedding, the higher the cost you will incur. Start your planning early, and you will have plenty of time to scout around for the best deals. You will also have time to research and weigh options and find the most budget-friendly ones. Booking early will also allow you to get the best vendors and deals for your wedding. Where wedding dresses are concerned, rush charges are significantly higher and you will again have to pay extra for alterations at short notice. Once you know your wedding day, don’t delay wedding dress shopping. Make sure you shop for your dress at least six months in advance. Similarly book your venue, band, caterers, photographers, florist and other vendors as soon as you finalize the wedding theme and decide on what you want.

Trying to save with DIY but ending up with more than you can handle

One thing many brides tend to overlook is the scale of the wedding. Although they may be capable of handling DIY details or have friends and relatives who are good bakers, florists or venue decorators, they may not have the resources or abilities to handle the task on large scale. When a DIY disaster occurs at the last possible moment, the only option is to get the available alternative, usually at a very high price. Avoid this costly mistake by being realistic about what you can actually handle. Also, exercise caution when entrusting a wedding task to someone you know. Make sure that they are capable of handling it before handing it to them.

Not paying proper attention to vendor contracts

flower-634526_640

Never ever assume anything on a contract, but clarify every single doubt. Also, make sure that you dedicate enough time to reading every detail on your contracts, and avoid overlooking anything essential. Different vendors offer different services in their packages. So, although one vendor may offer delivery and set up of your cake, another may not for the same price. Similar extras are wine corkage charges, cake serving charges, taking down of décor and clearing tables. The same applies to your photographer and band too. It is always best to clarify all these little details before you sign the contract and book the vendor. Make sure you know how many hours or what all services are included in the package, so you don’t end up paying extra to get the service you want, at the last minute. Here is a list of the common hidden costs that you may want to consider seriously. 

Picking vendors and services without comparing rates

Unless you are absolutely particular that you must have a certain vendor for your wedding, you should check around for the best deals for your budget. Compare deals, packages and service quality to find the right deals that give you what you want. Although you shouldn’t compromise on quality for the price, save the greater chunk of your budget for your priorities and adjust with what will fit the bill for the rest. If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, make sure you consider the pros and cons before making your final decision. Don’t be too hasty to fix a deal. Negotiate the prices, look for discount options or referrals, and you can make your budget work further for your needs.

Giving in to pressure

Many couples end up spending more than they should, just because people advise them that they need something that they really do not. This can be a budget-buster. So, rather than giving in to pressure, do your research and know what you want and whether it is needed to realize your wedding vision. There are few “must-haves” in a wedding, and these should be what are actually important to you. Unless the people who push you into inviting more guests, putting up a photo booth or splurging on expensive wedding favours are actually contributing to the cost for it, you do not have to oblige.

Buying more than you actually need

cakes

It is always safer to have a little extra than you actually accounted for, but don’t take it to the extreme. Although a few extra invitations and wedding favours may be a good idea, you do not need extra hundreds of them, just in case. Think of every aspect thoroughly, so you do not make a mistake when calculating numbers. For invitations, think of how many families will be attending, rather than the total number of people. You do not need separate invitations for members of the same family. So, think of such relevant details and you can save yourself quite some money on these unnecessary expenses.

Last-minute changes to the plan

If there is one thing that every couple should do, it has a clear idea of what they want before they set out to do it. Vendors may suggest changes, and friends may encourage you to take things a little further, but only you know what you want and what you can afford. Avoid falling for temptation and making last-minute changes that will cost you dearly. You can be flexible and make small variations down the line, but don’t go for a major overhaul as the unexpected expenses in such cases will quickly add up and turn out to be disastrous.

A guest list that gets out of hand

Your wedding expenses are directly linked to the number of people who will attend. So, have a good grip on your guest list, and you shouldn’t go over budget. One of your first wedding planning decisions should be the number of people you can afford to have. Not only should you factor in your wedding priorities when distributing your funds, you should also consider whether this type of wedding will be meaningful to you. Once you arrive at a decision, stick to it. You don’t have to be extra-generous to satisfy your friends or family, nor do you have to feel guilty about having the wedding you can afford. Some decisions are tough, but you have to put your foot down where it is necessary for your own good. This is one such situation.

Not exploring your options

cocktail-857393_640

There are many ideas that will take your budget further. It is unfortunate that very few couples explore such options. Simple ideas like serving three-fourth portions instead of full cake slices, or having a selection of local wines instead of an open bar will make a small difference in the overall impact of the wedding. However, it will help your savings even while you can achieve similar results. You can also look to your vendors for creative but thrifty solutions to your various needs. As professionals who have worked at many weddings before, they should have plenty of ideas. Wedding planners are usually experts who can come up with creative and budget-friendly solutions for several wedding planning aspects. Look around for budget-friendly options, at least for your lower priorities. Your guests are less likely to notice the difference, and you can have the wedding you desire for much lesser.

Always choosing the safe option

When you are on a tight budget, it may be better to think out of the box than go with the conventional (expensive!) choice. If you are ready to take the risk, it is likely that you will find several good deals in unexpected places. One instance is where your hair and makeup are concerned. You can always have your hair and makeup was done by a professional artist. However, you can also consider booking your appointment with a beauty school and enjoy the same outcome. Similarly, you do not need an expensive vintage car to leave your reception in. Instead, deck up any car with some creative décor and it will be just as impressive. One of the best things about thinking creatively is that it allows you to have unique wedding elements that will make your wedding memorable.

Forgetting about tipping vendors

Many things about weddings still follow certain etiquette rules. Wedding tipping is one of them. Although it is now largely considered a personal decision, tipping is customary. Unless a vendor’s service charge includes gratuity, or the person performing the service is the owner himself, it is common practice to tip the people serving at your wedding. Similarly, delivery drivers are also normally tipped for their service. This should give you a good idea of how much you should allocate for this factor. 

Avoid these common mistakes and your wedding should progress without too many hassles in the budget department. For budget wedding dresses, and great deals and offers to make the most of your wedding dress budget, visit this link to our clearance and sale section on Best for Bride—the one-stop shopping destination for today’s bride.