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
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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!

Bride & Groom Spotlight- Mr. and Mrs. Gil -Wedding 7/18/10

I had a pleasure working with the newlywed couple Mr. and Mrs. Gil about a year ago when My Bridal Budget started. They are dear friends of the best man, as well as mine. I helped them get started on their big day such as customized their budget, tackled all the “to do’s” on their wedding timeline, searched their venue/vendors and reviewed their contracts. It was a long journey! But it was well worth it! The couple is beautiful inside and out, as well as comical and I appreciated every minute of it. They enjoyed their beautiful wedding with their loving families and friends- it was all what they’ve expected. The food was amazing at the Stony Hill Inn- Hackensack, NJ, which is a Dutch colonial manor restaurant. This venue customized a delicious Latin cuisine station for the cocktail hour (i.e. yucca, plantains, Bacalao (stewed fish), Arroz con Pollo). The ambiance was intimate. LJDJS rocked the house with Latin upbeat music (merengue, bachata, salsa), colored uplighting, monogram lighting, and text messaging featured on a plasma TV. Finally, to save the best for last, the surprise of the night for the Bride was the Brazilian Samba performance from Anna World Shows- that was a hit!
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Gil- My Bridal Budget wishes you everlasting happiness, joy and love filled in your marriage! Enjoy your Hawaiian Honeymoon!

Want to customize your menu?

Maybe you are the type of person who loves and appreciates authentic dishes- we all have unique palates, some are comfort foods, spicy, and/or sweet. If you want to tweak your menu-substitute the typical “Chicken Marsala” reception dish with an entrée that can wow your guests. Here are some suggestions that can add some zest to your cocktail hour or reception dinner-

Caribbean-Latin flair
*Jerk Chicken with pineapple chutney
*Arroz con Pollo
*Seafood Paella
*Chorizo or Scallop wrapped with a plantain
*Churassco with Creole sauce
*Fried Garlic Chicken
*Peruvian Lomo Saltado (Stir fry Shredded Steak with Potatoes, Tomatoe, and Onion
*Jamaican Roti Station

Southern Comfort Food
*Mashed Potato Bar (toppings: sour cream, bacon, cheese, onion, scallions, chives)
*Mac & Cheese Station
*Burger Station- Create your own burger
*Honey BBQ Chicken
*Jambalaya
*Honey Glazed Salmon with Collard Greens or Kale

Japanese/Thai/Chinese
*Hand Rolled Sushi
*Sashimi
*Pad Thai
*Beef or Chicken Maki
*Spring Rolls
*Scallion Pancakes
*Vegetable or Pork Steamed Dumplings
*Happy Family (Beef, Chicken, Shrimp)

Indian/Middle Eastern
*Curry Chicken or Lamb
*Vegetable Couscous
*Tandorri Chicken with Basmati Rice
*Falafel
*Chicken Kebabs

Mexican
*Taco, Enchilada & Fajita Station
*Guacamole, Salsa & Nacho Station

Dessert
*Crepe Station (fillings-, nutella chocolate, strawberries, bananas, peanut butter)
*Sundaes
*Candy Buffet (Reese peanut butter cups, M&M, cotton candy, snickers, skittles, cracker jacks- All candies that children love!)
*Chocolate Covered Strawberries
*Candied Apples
*Muffins, Cupcakes
*Breakfast Station (for after reception parties-omelettes, pancakes, hash brown, bacon, sausage)

Speak to your catering hall to see if you can customize your menu!

How to write a Maid of Honor & Best Man speech?

Hi Maid of Honor & Best Man!
Congratulations you have been chosen to accept the role as Maid of Honor or Best Man in your friend’s special day. In addition to planning the bachelor (ette) party and helping your special friend plan their big day, includes the infamous toast!

The day might be approaching near; you have no idea what you are going to say for that memorable toast. Let me share a story with you- I remember when I was Maid of Honor for my best friend’s wedding I was very nervous once we reached the reception venue. The serenity of the wedding turned into panic and sweaty palms. I didn’t know my toast was scheduled after the bridal introduction. It was too soon! The wedding planner didn’t let me know when I should speak; she just rushed to give me the microphone. I was the first speaker!! I had no choice but to suck it up and read my poem from an index card. Luckily, I wrote a poem a few weeks before the wedding. Indeed, I cried and I don’t think everyone heard me but as long as the Bride and Groom heard me that’s what mattered. The poem I wrote was a hit, my dear friend started shedding tears. I was glad that I wrote my thoughts prior, instead of winging it at that moment.

This is the toast that your dear friend will always remember. Keep in mind it is recorded by their videographer, therefore your special friend will continue to repeat that moment as the years go by. The toast takes place right after the reception bridal introduction and the first dance/parent’s dance. It is a good idea to prepare in advance in what you are going to say. If you are an inspirational speaker, or a public speaker this may be a piece of cake for you. However, for those who are shy and aren’t used to speaking in front of the public, this can make you anxious.

Here are several techniques that may work for you:
-Decide what you would like to express. Write it down a few weeks before the wedding, so you can have time to compile, review and edit.
-Your speech should be no longer than 5 minutes and it shouldn’t last for a second!
-Take your time; write down memories that you have shared on an index card. Make sure they’re not embarrassing ones or private secrets!
-Congratulate that special person that has married your friend. Acknowledge the person who is marrying your special friend by saying a few kind words to them. You don’t want to exclude that person.
-Decide if you want to express your humor in your speech or just sticking to the more sentimental type.
-Practice makes perfect- share your speech with a friend to make sure it sounds acceptable and upbeat.
-Do not intoxicate yourself during the cocktail hour to ease your nerves– you don’t want to sound drunk, slur your words, or say something unkind. (Have one drink or one shot- to calm your nerves if needed)

Remember, if you shed a tear or two. It’s okay! Take your time while speaking and don’t rush your moment. No one will judge you; instead they will enjoy and embrace the words that are coming from your heart.

Bride and Groom Spotlight Mr. & Mrs. Maritza & Trig Asderik June 27, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Maritza & Trig Asderik June 27, 2010

Congratulations to Mr. And Mrs. Trig Asderik! Since last year, I had the pleasure working with this beautiful couple on their wedding plans. Throughout this journey I saw their display of love, happiness and joy that was shared with each other. Omar Lopez (the officiant) recited their special ceremony and constantly reminded the couple to "Breathe" at the altar. They shared their vows and it was a definitely a tear dropper. The couple had an amazing time- it was everything that they dreamed of and more! The Bride looked stunning in her Mori Lee dress. Towards the end of the evening she changed her dress into a red dress to honor the Asian culture- both danced to their last song Lady in Red. Best Wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Asderik- Enjoy your Mexico Honeymoon! - My Bridal Budget, LLC

Please check out their photos at My Bridal Budget Facebook- Pictures will be displayed soon on www.mybridalbudget.com
Venue- Leonards of Great Neck- Dolce Vita
Officiant-Omar Lopez
DJ- Party Thyme DJs
Make up Artist- Zoraida Orellana (www.zoraidaorellana.carbonmade.com)
Bridal Salon-My Party Boutique
Bridal Dress Designer-Mori Lee
Bridal Party Dress Designer- Mori Lee
Maid of Honor Dress- Watters
Photographer- Denovo Weddings
Videographer-Joe DiFranco
Cake- Angela’s Bakery
Tuxedos- Mens Wearhouse
Florist- Pedestals
Centerpieces/Menus- DIY- My Bridal Budget, LLC
Wedding Coordinator- My Bridal Budget, LLC