Bridesmaid dress for a steal!

If you are having a small bridal party, such as one maid of honor in your bridal party or you don't have the time to order dresses from your bridal salon before your big day- visit your nearest mall and you may find a dress that you like.

Here is a suggestion from Jcpenney-This gorgeously Grecian one shoulder gown will help to unearth your inner goddess. This dress can compliment your purple themed wedding. It is only $89.99. Strappy sandal silver shoes or bronze shoes can look very elegant with this dress. Perfect for a holiday dress as well!

Happy Shopping!

Source: http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=1954406&DeptID=70656&CatID=73760&PCatID=70656&SO=0&CatSel=4294943554%7cbridesmaid&Ne=4294957900+6+5+29+3+585+596+966+1031+904+18+949&CatTyp=FEA&Dep=WOMEN&N=4294943554&Pcat=WOMEN&Cat=Wedding+Shop&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70656|80145|73760

Holiday Fusion Drink

I visited this sushi fusion restaurant called Hashi located Inwood Manhattan. I had this great drink that was mixed with Pomengrate Juice, Absolut Pear Vodka, Mint, and simple syrup (1 part of sugar and 1 part of water). This mixology recipe is definitely a recommended signature drink for your holiday event!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

Holiday Placecard & Wedding Favor

Looking for a great combination idea for a place card holder and a wedding favor at your holiday wedding? This snowflake placecard holder is destined to fit your winter themed table décor. Guests will enjoy this holder because they can use this as an ornament for their Christmas tree at home.

Source-http://www.momentsofelegance.com/catalog/snowflake-place-card-holderornament-p-1922.html

Budget Friendly Engagement locations in NYC

Tis the season to be in love! It’s the holidays and unexpected surprises can occur during the holiday season- such as getting engaged! If you are thinking of proposing to your girlfriend or boyfriend and can’t think of location to pop the big question, here is list of suggested engagement spots in New York City (budget-friendly locations):

1)Central Park (take a ride with your beau in a horse carriage ride)
2)Brooklyn Bridge
3)Botanical Gardens (Brooklyn or Bronx)
4)Your favorite restaurant (preferably a restaurant you and your beau went on your first date)
5)At home (decorate your home with rose petals, candles, and tune into your favorite romantic love songs)
6)Empire State Building
7)Times Square (New Years Eve)
8)Bronx Zoo
9)Coney Island (take a ride on the Wonder Wheel)
10)Rockefeller Center (pop the big question near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
11)Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)
12)Bryant Park (Ice Rink)
13)At your beau’s job (surprise her or him at work and pop the big question)
14)South Street Seaport
15)Circle Line Cruise (dinner cruise around the city)
16)Staten Island Ferry
17)Train Stop at the Subway (you can ask a street vendor musician to play your favorite song before you pop the question)
18)Backyard of a public school (if you are high school lovers, you may want to go back in time where you first met)

Congratulations!

Holiday Jewelry Trunk Show 12/15/10

I’d like to announce that I’m a Stylist with Stella & Dot Jewelry. In addition to my love for planning weddings, I love jewelry- nothing like a “statement” necklace to add to a dress! Stella & Dot offer a wide range of custom jewelry. Stella & Dot’s NY team in Soho creates the jewelry designs; celebrities such as Penelope Cruz & Jennifer Love Hewitt have worn these stylish collections.

Stella & Dot have a fabulous Bridal collection for you and your bridal party, as well as if you want to update your attire with trendy jewelry styles. Every season, Stella & Dot updates their collection to create fresh new looks, also half of their collection is $50 and under!

What I like about Stella & Dot is that you can host a jewelry trunk show at your home, job, anywhere and invite your girlfriends to shop and treat themselves to fabulous jewelry, also as a stylist I will bring in the fabulous jewelry and “look books” to display on your table. As a hostess you can get great perks based on your guests’ orders, such as FREE jewelry for you or maybe a nice jewelry set to give to your bridal party-Perfect way to spend girls night at your home! Or Perfect theme for your Bridal Shower – Jewelry Bridal Shower-!

Please check out the fabulous jewelry collect at www.stelladot.com/mybridalbudget Today! Contact me so you can host a trunk show at your home or become a Stylist!

SAVE THE DATE! In addition, there will be holiday trunk show on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 6:30pm. Location TBD. I will keep you posted soon! Please join us for holiday bites, and jewelry!!

Happy Shopping!

Last Minute Thanksgiving Decor

Do you need last minute decor for your tables? Instead of going to the mall to find napkin rings that are most likely going to be $5 and up or not finding anything at all since most folks are rushing to purchase their last minute items- You can use twine and colorful napkins. Roll the napkins and wrap it with twine. It's simple, rustic and affordable! You can purchase twine at your local discount 99 cent store!

My Bridal Budget would like to take this time to wish each of you and your families a very joyful and Happy Thanksgiving!

Wedding Salon

Last Monday the Wedding Salon hosted a bridal show of the year at Manhattan Center. It was a sold out event! Indeed, it was packed with brides searching for the perfect vendor for their wedding. Beautiful earthy table/florist décor and entertainment trends were displayed for brides to be inspired to add unique touches to their day. Various vendors showcased their design, such as, Bridal Reflections, Shawn Rabideau (Bethanny Frankel’s Wedding Planner), Sugar Flower Cake Shop served a heavenly delicious cake sample of Pomegranate Chocolate Cake- yum! -The list goes on!

Please visit My Bridal Budget Facebook to see more pictures of this event.

Source: Images from Wedding Salon site

Source: Candid Pictures from my camera Featured on My Bridal Budget Facebook

Lights, Camera & Fun!

This week’s vendor spotlight is We Love Photobooths. I had the opportunity to interview Guy Ambrosino from We Love Photobooths. Photobooths are ultra popular now these days- it’s a unique form of entertainment for your guests, as well as a fun souvenir to display on their office desk, home, or facebook to remind them of this fond memory. This has become a new “must have” trend. Read the Q & A below to learn more about We Love Photobooths services and Please contact Guy Ambrosino from We Love Photobooths to reserve your booth today!

www.welovephotobooths.com

Q: How does the photobooth work?
A: The We Love Photobooths booth is a self-operating mini studio that we set up at your party or event. You can choose from among our favorite backdrops or buy your own fabric.

Q: What inspired you to start up a Photobooth business?
A: We have always ducked into photo booths at train stations or in bars in NY. Finally we decided to make one of our own for an up coming wedding. The bride and groom loved it, as did the guests Time and time again, we were amazed to see how integral the booth became to the life of the party.

Q: What makes a photobooth unique in a wedding or a festive event?
A: People seem to hit the dance floor and then the photo booth, and then the dance floor and the photo booth, over and over until all creativity had been exhausted and the caterers are clearing out the coffee and dessert plates.

Q: What is the difference between an “open booth” and a “closed photo booth” (such as what you see in a movie theatre, or in a mall)?
A: The We Love Photobooths booth is an open booth. We initially wanted to do a closed booth but as a proto-type we brought our open booth to a few events and instantly we saw that the open concept was much more fun because more people can be in the pictures and everyone can watch and laugh and generally be part of the action. We like that!

Q: What are the requirements for the photobooth at an event? Can a photobooth be held outdoors?
A: Our photo booth takes up about 8x10 feet of floor space. It's a good idea to leave a couple extra feet around the printer table to accommodate crowds! Yes, we can do the booth outside, but would ask to have a tent available in case rain appears!

Q: How about if there is not enough space to have a photobooth in a reception ballroom- is there suggested alternatives?
A: Being in the reception area is the most ideal, but we have had it in the area just outside of ballroom and that has worked well. Once people see the prints, they seem to search out the booth!

Q: How many photographers are needed to have a photobooth?
A: We Love Photobooths works with a small team of qualified photographers/operators to bring our photo booth to your event. Only one operator is needed per booth.

Q: Do you have props, wallpaper to enhance the image? Can you customize the photobooth according to the client’s theme?
A: Yes, the booth is very customizable! We Love Photobooths has an extensive list of backgrounds to choose from and also some couples choose to get their own material and we use that as a background for them. Also, we can have the photos print out in Black and White or color and have the couples name and date on each print. We do not provide props, but many couples provide their own, which is nice because they can have props that are speciific to their wedding or family.

Q: What is the most rewarding experience about providing your services to your clients?
A: The best part about providing the photo booth is that people are literally super happy after having done the booth. We get email after email from couples and their guests about what a great time they had.

Q: Lastly, What is your favorite event?
A: We Love Photobooths love weddings best, of course. The mix of family and friends having a great time can't be beat for good booth photos!

Source Above Images From We Love Photoboohs

Fall Cider Signature Drink

I’ve come across this yummy Apple Cider Martini recipe-perfect for the fall season! This can be a great signature drink for your fall theme wedding or for your thanksgiving shindig at your home.

Apple Cider Martini Recipe!
1.5 oz.-Cinnamon Clove Infused Vodka
.25 oz.-Apple Cider
Ice
1.5 tsp.-Apple Brandy
Apple Slice

Chill martini glass. Rinse martini glass with apple brandy and dump it out. Combine vodka, apple cider and ice in a martini shaker. Strain liquid mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice.

Source: http://gonewengland.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=gonewengland&cdn=travel&tm=22&gps=310_439_748_393&f=10&su=p284.9.336.ip_p531.51.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.martinilovers.com/applecider.html

Cheers!

Hot Deal on Shoes!

If you are looking to fulfill your “something blue” tradition, check out these navy sparkly shoes from Nine West for $79.00. You can wear these shoes with your white bridal gown to give your attire some “pop” or you can show these fabulous shoes to your Bridal Party for their attire. These sparkly shoes can flatter your pictures so well. After the wedding, you can wear these shoes with a black dress to go out with your beau! These shoes were featured on the November Edition in Bride Magazine.

Hurry to buy these fabulous shoes!

Check out the Nine West site:
http://www.ninewest.com/Escher/4534364,default,pd.html

There is other colors such as: Taupe, Dark Red, & Black to compliment your color scheme.

Cost of Wedding in Your Zipcode

You’ve just got engaged, now its time to plan your wedding! However, you may or may not know how much a wedding cost. Today’s average cost of a wedding is approximately $23,657 (not including the engagement ring or the honeymoon. As you search through vendors and venues you will come across different packages that are offered within your budget or over your budget. To get an idea of what is a “wedding budget vs. real wedding cost”, please visit www.costofwedding.com. This site shows couples in your zip code area in how much they spend on a particular category- such as caterer, entertainment, florist, photographer, invitations, bridal attire, etc.

This is a helpful website that can give you an idea of what is out there in the market and this can be used as a guide to better assist you in your cost of wedding. Please note this site is based on how much average couple spend, not vendor rates.

Please take the survey below to find out your cost!

Source/Image-www.costofwedding.com

Powered by: CostofWedding.com

Bride & Groom Spotlight- Mr. & Mrs. Folkes- 10/15/10

My assistant and I had the pleasure coordinating Mr. & Mrs. Folkes wedding at Jericho Terrace. We felt so much warmth from the bride and groom’s families-it felt as if we knew them for along time!

It was an elegant and sophisticated wedding that displayed the couple’s love for music. During cocktail hour, a saxophonist played jazzy selections from Steve Wonder to Alicia Keys, and during the main course guests enjoyed romantic and classical selections from a violinist and cellist ensemble.

Throughout the evening, Eleganica Entertainment had everybody on their feet! The bride and groom and their guests danced the night away with upbeat Haitian music. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Folkes! My Bridal Budget wishes you an abundance of blessings and love in your marriage! We hope you’ve enjoyed your honeymoon at Antigua!

Please visit My Bridal Budget Facebook for more pictures of this memorable event.

Images Source: Studio Soma

My Bridal Budget had the pleasure to work with great vendors-Please check them out!
Photography: Studio Soma www.weddingsoma.com
Florist: Flowers by Brian www.flowersbybrian.com
Venue/Caterer: Jericho Terrace www.jerichoterrace.com
DJ: Elegancia Entertainment www.elegancia.com
Violinst & Cellist: Variety Music Inc. www.varietydj.com

How to include your pet in a wedding?

Pets are like family! We love our pets, and we often see them as our “bestfriends”. They have seen you experience good and bad times- they’ve always put a smile on your face. Why not have them part of your wedding?

Here’s how to have your furry friend be part of your wedding:
*Make sure you ask the catering hall and/or ceremony site to see if pets are allowed.
*Make sure you speak to your officiant, in case he/she has pet allergies.
*You can give them the honor to be a ring bearer to walk down the aisle or have your flowergirl hold a leash as she walks down the aisle with your dog.
*You can include your pet during the bridal introduction at your reception.
*Designate someone to watch your pet during the ceremony. Make sure the person you choose is willing to accept this duty.

It all depends what kind of pet you have and of course if they are able to be comfortable and happy during your ceremony and/or reception.

Woof Woof!

Rescue Remedy for the Anxious Bride & Groom

Instead of consuming alcohol, energy drink, or popping an aspirin when feeling anxious before your walk down the aisle- I’ve came across a great remedy to calm your nerves- that is called “Rescue Remedy Spray”. Rescue Remedy Spray gives natural relief from the stresses of everyday life. It is easy to use and you can slip it easily into your bag or pocket. Bring the spray nozzle up to your mouth and apply 2 sprays on the tongue. The natural ingredients in this spray are a combination of five flower essences.
*Rock Rose-adds courage of presence of mind in the face of terror or extreme fear.
*Clematis-helps you live more actively in the present rather than in the future or in your own dream world.
*Impatiens-helps you cope calmly with irritating problems or people.
*Cherry Plum-helps you act rationally and think clearly with a calm and balanced mind when you fear losing control.
*Star of Bethlehem-softens the impact of shock, grief or fright.

They call this product the “Yoga in a bottle”- that’s how calm and centered you will feel. It’s fast acting! You can purchase this product at your nearest Whole Foods for $14.39 (20ml).

Source: http://www.rescueremedy.com/

Great way to sit back, relax and enjoy your wedding!

The Do’s and Don’ts in Wedding and Guest Etiquette

This is your first party that you are hosting as husband and wife, as well as a memorable occasion involving dear special people in your life- treat your guests as how you would like to be treated. Here are the following Wedding & Guest Etiquette tips: (also this is a helpful tip for Guests who are attending a wedding)

Don’t have your ceremony location further away from your venue location. It should take guests no longer than 30 minutes to drive from the ceremony to reception site. Be considerate of those guests who are traveling from out of town, even the guests who live locally.

Don’t have your reception begin an hour or more after the ceremony. Your guests will feel hungry, and they will have to figure out making plans in between that break, such as going back home, or making a pit stop to grab a bite right before your reception.

Don’t have a cash bar. Guests will attend your wedding and offer monetary gifts to you. If you can’t fit a premium open bar in your budget, consider serving wine, beer and soda only.

Don’t-Guests shouldn’t have side conversations during the ceremony- be attentive and respectful to the couple’s memorable moment.

Don’t-Guests shouldn’t take photographs during a ceremony- your flash may interfere with the professional photographer.

Don’t seat battling family/friend rivals together at the table. It will feel awkward and there will be minimal conversation at that table.

Don’t play upbeat and fast dancing music during dinner. Guests will not be able to enjoy their meal, instead they will go to the dance floor.

Don’t-A guest should not wear a white dress to a wedding- remember this is a Bride’s special day, please honor it.

Don’t-If your parents are divorced and haven’t been acquainted for several years, its best to sit them in separate tables to avoid awkward moments.

Do-Make sure with your catering manager that d’houvres are constantly replenished during your cocktail hour (If you are serving liquor during your cocktail hour the more food in your guests’stomach the less chance they will get tipsy).

Do-If you don’t want children attend the reception, please note on the bottom of your RSVP card “Adult Reception”.

Do-Include a separate enclosure card of hotel accommodations & rates inside the invitation, in case a guest needs to stay in a hotel during the wedding weekend.

Do-Include a separate enclosure card of directions to the ceremony and reception venue inside the invitation

Do-Send out thank you cards to your guests at least 3 weeks after your wedding. Also you can kindly write a personal note as to what you are planning to do with your guests gift- if it is a monetary gift you can write “Thank you for your gracious gift. Alvin and I will use this in purchasing our new home” or if it is a gift you can write, “Thank you so much for the beautiful stemware you sent to us. I know it will look wonderful on our table and we can't wait to invite you to dinner!

Do-Remind your wedding coordinator or Maitre’d to advise guests to turn off their cell phones during the ceremony.

Do-Guests should RSVP as soon as possible — the couple has decisions to make based on numbers. If you have to cancel, do that immediately, too. If you have submitted your RSVP checking that you are attending and your mind changes last minute, please kindly notify the bride or groom.

Do add a vegetarian option to your menu- in case a guest is vegetarian.

Do make sure you have enough servers at all tables and bartenders- you do not want a long line for drinks and/or a long line if you are having a buffet dinner.

Do-If your wedding is cancelled or postponed you need to inform all your guests so they can change their travelling arrangements. You can write a letter to inform them of this change or you can call them.

Do have reserved seated rows for your immediate family during the ceremony.

Fall Wedding Favors- Candied Apples

The air is cool and crisp, leaves are turning into autumn colors, apple & pumpkin picking outings- its time for the fall season! Do you want a great and unique wedding favor for your fall wedding? A great treat to give as a favor for your guests are candied apples. You can wrap the candied apples in a cellophane bag tie it with your wedding color ribbon and attach a gift tag with your initials and wedding date.

Source:
Where to Buy- http://www.daffyapple.com/c-4-wedding-favors.aspx
Price- starts under $2 per apple!
You can order the apples in a case
Flavors: caramel with pecans and dark/milk chocolate, caramel with peanuts, caramel with festive sprinkles- YUM!

Vendor Spotlight (Tips/Advice on Photography)

For those of you searching for a photographer, and need helpful tips/advice your selection- search no further! I had the pleasure interviewing Joe Sanfilippo’s experience and passion in photography. Please read My Bridal Budget’s interview with Joe Sanfilippo. In addition, please visit www.joesanfilippophotography.com to see his albums and to read his blog. Contact him to learn more about his packages and rates & Book your 2011 event today!

Q & A
Q:Give a description of your background- such as education, professional organizations, and how long you have been in this field?
A: I have been photographing weddings professionally for 3 years now, and I truly cannot think of another job I would rather have. I always tell everyone I have the best job in the world!
I have been a photographer for as long as I can remember, I remember taking photos with my father’s cameras when I was kid, then going in his darkroom and developing the film with him. Since then, I have studied photography while attending online courses, workshops, but got most of my experience while assisting other wedding photographers throughout the years.

Q: What advice can you give to a couple when they are in the process of selecting Photographer?
A: So many variables go into choosing a wedding photographer- price, style, options, etc. But to make your wedding photographer selection go smoothly, try to follow these steps below!
Start with selecting photographers who has a style you absolutely love! Then try to find one who is within your budget, your photos will last forever so try to keep that in mind when budgeting!
Once you know what you want and what you can afford make sure you do the following:
a) Meet with your photographer and see if you like his or her personality. You will be spending a good part of your wedding day with your wedding photographer and if your personalities don’t mix, it will show in the photos and you and your photographer will be very unhappy.

b) Make sure he or she is insured and carries back up equipment!! There are no do-overs on your wedding day. Also, most venues require your vendors to carry liability insurance.

c) Book your photographer early; we tend to book up quickly. It is something you don’t want to have wait until the last minute and then get stuck with a photographer you are not happy with.

d) ALWAYS Remember that your photos are the only thing you have to look back on after the wedding day! Make sure you are totally happy with your decision before you sign a contract!

Q: What is the difference between photojournalistic and traditional shots?
A: The difference is mainly the way the shot is captured. Basically a true photojournalist is going to be following around the bride, groom and guests waiting for moments to unfold while trying to blend in with the crowd and go unnoticed throughout the day.

Traditional shots are usually posed or even staged. Some traditional style photographers will shoot off of a list for the entire day making sure every shot the bride and groom requests is taken. I always tell my clients to refer to their parents wedding album to see some traditional photography.

Q: What do you consider your photography style to be?
A: Artistic Photojournalism.

Q: During a ceremony and/or reception, how do you know when to capture that “perfect shot”?
A: My job during the wedding is to keep my eyes peeled always looking for the “perfect shot” or what I would rather call the “perfect moment”.. But, How do I know when to capture the moment? Its mostly instinct and trying to anticipate what’s going on (not easy to do), having my finger ready on the trigger, I also like to get to know my clients before the wedding so I have a good idea of how they will act on their wedding day!

Q: In today’s economy, some couples may not choose photography for their wedding because of their limited budget, why do you think it is important to have a photographer for a wedding?
A: I think out of any service that would be cut, photography should be the last thing to even think about removing. After the food is eaten, the band has played, the flowers died and your dress is packed away; photos are the only thing you will have left to remember all of the details and thought you put into this big day!!

Q: After the event, what is your turn around time to give photos to a client?
A: I am pretty quick with my turnaround time. I have given clients their photos in as little as a week, but during busy times of year it can take up to a month. But this year, 2 weeks has been my average turn around.

Q: How much direction or posing do you do during the day of the event?
A: Not much. I usually will put the bride and groom in a position that feels natural to them and have them interact with each other and do their own thing while I capture the moments and natural emotion in between. Most couples are not used to being in front of a camera all day long, they are not models, and so I don’t treat them as such.


Q: Are you willing to have a couple’s input on the photos that they want?
A: As an artist, I see a shot and I take it! If a client asks for a specific shot on the wedding day, I have no problem taking it, as long as I get all of the shots that I know I need to get. I want my clients to have enough trust in me to know I am going to get the right shots!

Q:Do you think updating photography technology & equipment is necessary in your field?
A: I wouldn’t say its necessary in an artistic sense. There are still guys out there shooting film, not many, but they are out there. It’s the photographer’s vision, and technical knowledge that makes the photo the camera is just a tool.

While the technology advances today are not 100% necessary, they do offer us many more creative possibilities when it comes to wedding photography and that alone is reason enough for me!

Q: Have you handled events of any type and size before?
A: I have shot events of all types and sizes. My preference has always been weddings though. I have shot backyard weddings of 50 people total, with my largest wedding ever having 400+ guests.

The small weddings are nice and intimate and really allow you to be a part of the wedding day; while the large weddings have so much going on in every corner of the room you never know what’s going to happen!! I love this Job!!

Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Décor

Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Décor

My Bridal Budget had the opportunity to coordinate a baby shower for a dear friend of mine, as well as one of my photographer vendors. Janelle (Asst. coordinator) and I worked effortlessly to create a vintage modern & non-traditional baby shower that displays the soon-to-be Mom and Dad’s personality- and we succeeded! I’m not a hard core “DIY-er”, although I love surfing the web for great ideas. However, I tapped into the creative and DIY side of me, I absolutely truly loved it! It takes time, patience, and a creative eye to delve into DIY. Because of what I envisioned, I was able to execute this baby shower in a budget-friendly style!

The color theme of this shower was brown and baby blue vintage- (It’s a boy!) Since I ordered invitations from Tiny Prints - see image above “Love Grows”- …I wanted to compliment the theme with brown and baby blue from the invitation.

The centerpieces that we created were blue vintage mason jars! We didn’t buy the mason jars in blue, but we managed to create a different look, which I’m sure you will be inspired. I found this inspiration from -http://bridalbuzz.blogspot.com/2009/01/glass-jars-turned-vintage.html
1) Mason Jar- 12 Jars- 12 @99cent each- Source Jacks 99 cents store, love this place! It’s a gem and it has everything you need to embellish a party
2) Vitrea 160- Turquoise dye 4.99 for one small bottle (Source: Michaels)
3) Vitrea Thinner- 4.99 for one small bottle (Source: Michaels)
4) Twine – 99 cent – Source: Jacks 99 cent store
5) 12 baby blue Diaper clips – 99 cent – Source: Jacks 99 cent store
6) Mixed Flowers- 12 bouquets@ 11.99 each (Casablanca lilies, Iris, Poms poms, carnations) – Pathmark Grocery Store- 11.99 each)
Total cost for 12 centerpieces: $167.72
Divide that cost into 12 centerpieces = that is $13.98 per centerpiece- WOW!

Baby Blue Mason Jar Inspiration-refer to picture above
Source: http://bridalbuzz.blogspot.com/2009/01/glass-jars-turned-vintage.html
The website above-Follow these directions and the comments from other DIYers in how to create this baby blue mason jar. This was a very easy project. You mix the dye and thinner and paint it with a fan brush onto the mason jar. You let it dry for 24 hours, and then you bake it in the oven for 40 minutes at 375 degrees F (it may give off a strong smell- so be sure to open your windows). After it cools, you may see brush strokes-it doesn’t matter if you see brush strokes on the jar, it will not be seen when you fill the jar with water and flowers. We wrapped twine on the rim of the jar twine, and added 2 baby blue diaper clips in the center of the knot.

Decorating the Table- refer to picture aboveI wanted to add some décor to the table- so I purchased table runners that had a brown/white damask design.
6 table runners- $3.99 each (6 tables with 8 guests)
Source: www.tableclothsfactory.com/Table-Runner-Flocking-White-Chocolate-p/tab_flk_run_choc.htm

I thought I was completely done with my vision- but I got addicted to adding more embellishment! I thought baby blue shoes around the table would be a perfect fit- I added 6 baby blue shoes per table and filled it with blue, brown and white M&Ms.
Source:http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?requestURI=processProductsCatalog&sku=42/1262
$4.99 for 12 baby shoes

To match the invitation- I added 2 mini silver frames (one on each end), the silver frame has engraved message “Little Angel” and I inserted the picture of the baby's sonogram. This was a cute keepsake for families and friend to take home.
Source: Frames- Lotless (99 cent each- Can you tell I love a bargain?!)

Baby Shower Favors- refer to picture aboveI decided to choose a conventional souvenir that guests would actually use in their homes- and that is Baby Feet Blue Soap ;-). I placed it on each plate setting – it actually gives it more décor to the table.
Source- http://www.babyshowerstuff.com/babshowfav.html

Baby Shower Guest book-refer to picture above
I wanted a guestbook that is not ordinary, so I checked out Guestbookstore.com. I loved the guestbook pages because the guest can write about their relation to the soon-to be mom, and draw pictures - which totally fits because the soon-to be mom and dad is very artiste. We added embellishment to the book, so we wrapped a blue/brown polka dot ribbon and glued on 2 mini baby raddles
Source: Ribbon- Michaels $3.99 and mini baby raddles- 99cent- 99 cent store
Guestbook- www.guestbookstore.com

Clothing Line-refer to picture above
From the leftover twine we had, I decided to make a “clothing line”so we can add onesies and bibs to the clothing line. We used laundry clothespins to hang the clothes and the cardstocks. In between the clothing, I created a different color card stock that spells out “Baby Evan”.
Source: Card Stock- Michaels $3.99
Source: 12 Laundry wooden clothespins- $1.00 – Target

Mother Chair-refer to picture above
We wanted a modern look for the mother chair, not the tired traditional, wicker white 1980s chair. Since, the soon-to be mom has a comical personality, we decided to tape angel wings and mylar ballons behind her chair.
Source: Party City
Assorted baby shower ballons-5 ballons in a pack- 15.99
Angel Wings with Halo- 13.99

Cake- refer to picture above
We created a design of blocks that spells out “Evan” with animal and sport figurines. Taryn from Sweetfavorsrus executed our vision to life! And made a delicious creamy dulce y leche (Dominican cake). Around the cake- there was a mini candy buffet (canisters of different sweets- such as blue cotton candy, mixed chocolates, Twizzlers- Guests relived their childhood memories when they saw candy and created their own baggie!
Source: Cake- http://www.sweetfavorsrus.com

As you can see, you can have a lot of fun becoming a “DIY-er” at a lesser cost! More pictures of this inspiration are on My Bridal Budget Facebook!

Artistic Expression in your Champagne Toasts

A year ago, my boyfriend and I traveled to Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia)- I must say Spain is a beautiful country with immense culture and most of all delicious food! - After a year, I’m still raving about it. During my sightseeing, I went to a Wine Bar in Madrid- I decided to have a glass of champagne. The bartender put this Wild Hibiscus raspberry gel inside my flute glass- it looked like a mini octopus with the tentacles. He poured champagne inside the glass, miraculously the raspberry gel turned into this beautiful Wild Hibiscus flower. I was amazed! I had to take a picture of it; also I wanted to search for these raspberry gels when I returned to the states so I can serve it to my guests. I thought this would be a unique concept in celebrating a memorable event- such as serving it to guests for wedding champagne toasts. I searched online everywhere, and I finally found it! Read below the research tips. It’s a small bottle of 11 raspberry gel flowers (one per guest); also there is a larger bottle. It adds a perfect touch to your flute glasses! As well as it is picture perfect! You can give it as an engagement gift, bridal shower gift or a wedding gift. Cheers and Enjoy!

Above-Pictures of the wine bar in Madrid, Spain as the bartender serves a glass of champagne!

Visit the product site-
http://www.wildhibiscus.com/

You can order it online-
http://www.amazon.com/Madura-Wild-Hibiscus-Flowers/dp/B000QFPY8C

Or you can visit Citarella’s –
2135 Broadway at 75th Street (cost $11.00 for a bottle of 11 flowers-if you have 10 tables in your reception venue that will cost you $110.00)

How to re- use your bridal party bouquets?

Instead of purchasing another floral arrangement for your sweetheart table, cake table or giftcard table- after the ceremony, you can place your bridal party bouquets on the sweetheart table, cake table or giftcard table. You are basically recycling, reusing, and not spending! Also if you have a mandap, chuppah, canopy arch for your ceremony, or cocktail hour floral arrangements, instead of tossing those beautiful arrangements- a better idea is to transfer those arrangements to your sweet heart table, or the bar area.

You can lay these bouquets flat on your sweetheart table or if you want to be creative, you can insert the bouquets on a 7 1/2 inch cylinder vase that can be placed on your sweetheart table. Visit dollar tree to purchase these cylinder vases- its $1 for a cylinder vase! (sold in a case- 12 vases in one case) You can’t beat that! And you can embellish the vase, wrap an organza ribbon, glue crystal stones to the ribbon, and VOILA! You’ve created a fabulous DIY budget friendly project!

Visit Dollartree:
http://www.dollartree.com/catalog/alt_image_popup.jsp?entityId=9889&entityType=product&isAlt=true&index=2

Images- Source from Dollar Tree & Blossom Atlanta

Bride and Groom Spotlight- Mr. and Mrs. Kletter. Garden Themed Wedding 8/28/10

I had the pleasure to be hired as the day of coordinator for Katharine & Justin’s garden themed wedding at the Caramoor. This beautiful couple shared their vows at this enchanting garden called the Caramoor. My assistant coordinator Naoual compared this enchanting venue to the latest Alice in Wonderland 3D Movie- that’s how magical this venue is. Their wedding was amazing by far! Their details of their wedding plans were well chosen, such as the décor, flowers, food, cake, officiants, band, photographer. Most of all the weather was outstanding! No rain or humidity-a perfect weather for a perfect couple. Great Performances catered their event- guests enjoyed the food during cocktail hour and reception. The presentation of the dinner plates looked superb and the décor of the linen, plate chargers, chivari chairs complimented to their theme colors, which were navy and blush pink. The beautiful bride had on a Jim Helm wedding gown-, which looked breathtaking on her and appropriate for an outdoor summer wedding. The matrons of honor had a simple strapless Ann Taylor blush dress. In lieu of wedding favors, the gracious couple made a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, and gave flower seed packets for guests to plant. The happy couple including their families and friends danced the night away, jamming to the southern rock sounds of Jim Neville Band by Hank Lane. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Kletter. My Bridal Budget wishes you an abundance of bliss in your marriage. Enjoy your Cabos Honeymoon!

P.S. I had the pleasure to work with great vendors-Please check them out!
Venue-Caramoor- www.caramoor.org
Caterer-Great Performances- www.greatperformances.com
Photographer-Photographer-Joe Sanfilippo- www.joesanphoto.com
Makeup/Hair- Marina Vance-www.marinavance.com
Jim Neville Band- Hank Lane-www.hanklane.com
Le Gateau Suisse Bakery- www.legateausuisse.com
Forever in Bloom- www.foreverinbloomonline.com

P.S.S-Please visit My Bridal Budget Facebook to see pictures of this wedding in courtesy of Joe Sanfilippo Photography.

Unique and Comical Cake Toppers

Besides the monogram cake topper or sugar flowers adorned on your cake, maybe you want to display you and your fiancé’s comical personality on top of your cake or your groom’s cake. Check out these cake toppers- they are affordable as well!

Check out Wedding Accessories.net link!

http://www.weddingaccessories.net/-strse-Wedding-Cake-Toppers-cln-Funny-Cake-Toppers/searchpath/415572/start/31/total/53/Categories.bok

The most bang for your buck-$40 for a 1 Hour Massage

Ladies! I have another treat for you especially if your wedding is near and you need to release the tension from your body! Lately, I’ve been indulging in self-care, such as yoga, facials and more. The latest discovery that I’ve experienced is called the Tui-na massage. It is an Asian form of bodywork. It is similar to a Swedish massage, such as a deep tissue muscle massage, but it restores your energy. It is so comforting! Lily & Raul provide massages exclusively for women only, however you can invite your beau to have a couples session. This is not your typical fancy spa that has a sauna or facials- it is strictly for massages. Lily & Raul is located in Midtown. How ironic that I found this place in Midtown? It is a relaxing & clean location. The massage therapists are excellent; you can let them know the comfort range of how you would like your massage. It is very quiet when you enter the massage room, you enter into a divided light dim room, and during the massage you are listening to soothing sounds. They totally take out all the tight knots that you are feeling tension in, such as your head, neck and shoulders. Literally, they massage your body from head to toe! The great part of this massage it is $40 for 1 hour! Yes I repeat $40 for 1 hour!! You can’t bet that!

Please visit their website http://www.lillyandraul.com/ and schedule a massage today!

Mind & Body: Budget-Friendly Yoga- A treat for you!

Ladies we may not have time to work out, or “center” ourselves in the midst of planning a wedding, juggling a job and family. However, it is crucial to make the time for yourself! It’s important to feel calm on your special day. There is so much to do for a wedding, such as sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, guest seating, the list is endless- we can lose ourselves in what seems to be chaotic for a special day, and easily forget the purpose of marriage and most importantly not taking care of ourselves. The anticipation can easily overwhelm a bride; therefore an outlet needs to be created to release that tension when it arises. As a Wedding Planner, also I need an outlet to release the tension-this year I found a workout that I admire so much and that is Yoga! Yoga concretes on the emphasis on breathing and body awareness. Yoga rewards you with clarity and making decisions not based on anxiety, but based on your intuition. In addition, it rewards your body with a toned physique. Yoga tones your arms, your core (abs), legs- all the areas that we need to look fabulous and feel great in a dress!

If this is a practice you’ve been seeking, but your wedding budget hinders you from taking a yoga class- well I have a treat for you!!! - “Yoga to the People”: Based in New York City’s East Village, this donation-based studio also has satellite studios in Berkeley and San Francisco. Instructors who are qualified to work with students of every level teach classes. The suggested donation is $10 (last class I gave $5 ;0))), a bottle of water is $1 and Mat rental is $2. The studio is spacious, but it can get crowded- however your practice is shared with others that have positive energy and when you leave from the studio you will feel light as a feather physically and mentally. Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early for class to ensure you have a spot in the studio.
Visit this link for more information and schedule of classes- www.yogatothepeople.com

Let yourself go! And Namaste!!!

Summer Signature Drink

Hilton Pearl River served this yummy summery drink to the guests at the last wedding I coordinated. The signature drink that the bride and groom chose was called Honey Mojito- it was indeed refreshing and a hit! All the guests enjoyed it! So I thought I would share it with you all if you are thinking of a Summer Signature drink idea for your wedding, dinner party at home, or even when you need to unwind from a long, hard day at work!

Here are the ingredients of Honey Mojito:
- 1 1/2 oz light rum
- 4 or 5 mint leaves
- juice of 1 lime
- 4 of club soda
- 1 oz honey simple syrup*
Garnish: lime wheel
Muddle mint leaves with honey simple syrup in a mixing glass. Squeeze limejuice and add rum to shake with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with lime wheel.
To make honey simple syrup, mix 4 parts honey to 1 part hot water.

Cheers!!!

Bride & Groom Spotlight Indian/Western Wedding 7/31/10

A beautiful traditional Indian wedding with a Modern Twist- I had the opportunity as a Day of Coordinator to work with Vivian & Aadi Desphande in their joyous and detailed occasion shared by their loving family. The Bride’s cultural background is Chinese and groom’s cultural background is Indian. Their wedding was held at the Hilton Pearl River venue. They started off their day with a Tea Ceremony in the Bride’s family home honoring the Chinese Tradition followed by a Hindu Mandap Ceremony (lavished with orange & fuchsia drapes and adorned with orange orchids provide by Lee Vazquez Floral Design-LadyBugLee) and lastly a Western Outdoor Ceremony embedded with hot pink and yellow rose petals lining the aisle. Inspired by old and new traditions that both families admired-the Bride had a beautiful Indian Sari then changed into her White wedding gown. Moghul Caterers catered this beautiful event- with plenty of Indian authentic courses and desserts that was served to their guests. Also, a refreshing signature drink “Honey Mojito” was served to their guests. Definitely an event to be remembered! My Bridal Budget, LLC (Fouzia and Naoual Elidrissi) wishes the newlywed couple everlasting love and happiness in their marriage!
P.S. A few candid shots that I took from camera are posted on My Bridal Budget Facebook. Visit our Facebook page to see the beautiful decor of this wedding.

Which Nail Polish?

I love manicures- a nice way of pampering yourself. Also, lets not forget brides to plan a manicure/pedicure date before the big day! The best polish that has a lasting shine, quick dry and no polish chips is OPI Nail Polish. Most brides have a French manicure or a light beige/pink nail polish to compliment their dress and bouquet. But, some pink nail polishes are either too pale that you can hardly see the color on your nails– Try out these recommended colors from OPI to complete your Bridal style!
OPI H36 - Is Not that Precious? (A Preciously pretty light pink)
OPI H37 - Pink-a-Doodle (Oodles Of Shimmery Pale Pink)
OPI H38 - I Think in Pink (And I Think I Love This Pop Of Pink!)
OPI H39 - It’s a Girl (And I Adore This baby Pink)
OPI R43 – Catch the Garter (A touch of warm pink)

P.S. You can purchase your OPI nail polish at your local Sephora or Duane Reade. Make sure you purchase your nail color and store it in your emergency kit; in case you chip a nail, that way your Bridesmaid can readily apply the quick fix on your nails.

Welcome Gift Bags

Welcome gift bags are such a gracious way to greet your guests to your wedding or other special events, especially if they traveled to your joyous occasion. You may be having a destination wedding in the Caribbean or guests are traveling to your home state for your wedding- either way, these gift bags are helpful for guests in case if they are thirsty or if they forgot their essential travel items. You can place these welcome gift bags at the hotel’s front desk so your guests can receive it upon check-in or you can place it their room.

Here is a list of suggested items for your Welcome gift bags:
Bottle of Water (you can create a monogrammed label)
Crystal light (different flavors that can be mixed with water)
Mini bottles of wine (chardonnay or merlot)
Coffee Packets
http://www.favorideas.com/shopping/prod/DD-1032.htm?trafsrc=CNT-pagelkd
Tea Packets
http://www.favorideas.com/shopping/prod/dd-1035.htm
Folded Fan for the outdoor ceremony
Cookies, tea biscuits, mini muffins, bag of pretzels, granola bars
Mints
Personalized Lip chapsticks SPF 15 (for the hot weather)
Travel size sunscreen lotion
Travel size toothbrush/toothpaste (a lot of guests forget to bring their toothbrush)
Travel maps (attractions & activities- enclose a couple of brochures such as hiking trails, spas, Broadway shows, museums)
Guests Traveling with children-Include a few magnetic games like checkers, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, crayons, coloring books
And lastly insert a personalized thank you note- thanking your guests for sharing their weekend with you

You can place these creative items in a jumbo canvas tote bag or a jumbo Chinese take out box. If you are a budget/DIY savvy bride, you can purchase solid color gift bags with tissue paper resembling your wedding colors and create a personalized monogram label- this won’t cost a lot and it is easy DIY project!