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

Rescue kits Aka Emergency Kits

Of course you want your wedding to be perfect but in reality sometimes things can happen. Its better to be safe on your wedding day than sorry-we know you will have a great day, but every bride and groom should have a rescue kit on their big day just in case. Rescue kit saves the day for the couple and the bridal party in case a tuxedo gets stained or a dress unsnaps- the possibilities are endless.
These kits should be stored in your venue location.

We’ve come up with a list of all those “just in case” items to include in an emergency kit:
1) Sewing Kit
2) Hair Spray
3) Tylenol, Midol, Benadryl, Tums
4) Hand Lotion and Anti-Bacterial Lotion
5) Tide Pen
6) Ace wrap/Ice Pack- in case a bride or a bridesmaid wears the highest heel then slips and falls
7) Johnson & Johnson Kit- Bandaids, Alcohol Pads, Gauze
8) Petal Covers for the Breast Area
9) Sole Cushions for high heels
10) Clear Lip Gloss
11) Breath Mints,
12) Snacks to keep your hydrated and fueling your energy- chocolate bar, granola bar, water, bottles of Orange Juice
13) Bobby Pins
14) Krazy Glue
15) Scissors
16) Sanitary Napkins
17) Nails- Nail file, polish remover, a light pink nail polish and white nail polish (in case you break a nail)
18) Corsage Pins
19) Contact Lens Solution
20) Extra earring backs
21) Static-Cling Spray
22) One miniature bottle of liquor for the groom along in case he is too nervous to walk down that aisle or say his vows
23) Tissues
24) Deodorant for Bride and Groom
25) Hair Comb
26) Flower Girls and Ring bearers-giving them a coloring book, a puzzle, gummy bears. A prize is a huge incentive for a child who doesn’t want to cooperate on the day of the wedding, such as not walking down the aisle. Offering them a prize will ease their tension and they will be focused to make sure they do a great job so they can get that “prize”!

Budget, Budget, Budget! Ways to save money!

You are engaged and you are getting ready to plan your wedding? The glitz and glam of weddings are whimsical to a couple, but the reality is that planning a wedding can be expensive. Planning your budget and knowing your limits can be difficult when you are planning a memorable occasion for you and your guests.

If money is a concern for you and you are paying your own dream wedding, you should think about what is important to you and how much money are you willing to spend in that particular area, then stick with the plan! If family members are contributing to your wedding include that in your budget.

We’ve compiled a list of our top 18 My Bridal Budget Ways to save on wedding costs. You’ll also get the most bang for your matrimonial buck.


1) Plan your wedding on a Friday or Sunday to save money
2) Plan your wedding in an off-peak season
3) Cut the guest list. Better method is most invitation companies sell invitations at a set amount-let that amount be the formula to control your guestlist. By cutting the guest list you will save on invitations, floral centerpieces, wedding favors, and catering costs
4) Ask Guests to Reply Online or by Phone: You can use an online service for RSVP’s and simply include the web address on your invitations, which will save the need for RSVP cards and extra postage. Or, you can include a phone number for your guests who might not have Internet access.
5) Have your ceremony and reception in one location. This will cut travel expenses that your vendors can charge
6) Customize your menu- in most catering halls they offer so much food, such as the cocktail hour & dinner reception. Cut the appetizer from your dinner menu or one to two sauté/chafing stations from your cocktail hour.
7) Buy Flowers that are in season, stick to one or two flowers for your centerpiece.
8) Use non-floral props as your centerpieces like hurricane lamps, candles, or photo framed box centerpieces of guests, friends, family who are attending the wedding
9) Something Old and Borrowed- Nowadays anything vintage screams out chic, add a sentimental touch by wearing your mother’s gown, veil or jewelry or you can rent your favorite designer’s wedding gown (http://www.rentabridalgown.com/, www.weddingdressmarket.com, http://renttherunway.com)
10) Reuse your ceremony flowers for your reception flowers
11) Hire a band or a DJ to perform in your ceremony and reception
12) If you are not having a destination wedding or a holiday wedding, then do not send save the dates. Save the dates is a superfluous expense when it is not needed.
13) Cut the extras- with everything from photography to transportation- never surrender to the upsell. An additional custom photo album or cable TV in your limo might sound like a good idea at the time, but if it is not at the top of your priority list, chances are you can live without it.
14) Hire a My Bridal Budget Pro ;0)- Hiring a wedding coordinator to save you money sounds counter-intuitive, but sometimes you have to spend a little to save a little. Once you’ve set a budget, a wedding coordinator will work with you and their network of preferred vendors to make your dreams come true within your budget
15) Be Creative- Make your own place cards, table numbers and menu cards with cardstock and print it out from your computer
16) Give out one wedding favor per couple
17) Decorating a cake – adorn your cake with real flowers, instead of sugar flowers
18) Do Research- Visit this helpful site www.costofwedding.com Enter your zip code so you can see how much couples spend in planning their wedding in your zip code area.


In addition, by giving yourself ample time to plan, you won’t feel rushed at the last minute and forced into using services and products that are more expensive. By having more time you’ll be able to shop around for the best deals, and not get stuck with what’s available at the last minute. Plus, if you have a credit card that accumulates airline miles or points for travel, you’ll have time to use this card so you can use the rewards to cut prices on your honeymoon travel.

Happy Planning!

Planning a Bridal Shower?

Hi Bridal Party! Are you stumped on how to plan your Bride a fabulous Bridal Shower? Well, be creative and think outside of the box. Think about your bride’s taste, style, and her sense of enjoyment. She may not want to sit on that white bridal/baby shower chair in a hall, or wear gift bows on a paper plate from presents on her head! (Try a tiara to make her feel like a beautiful princess)

Skip tradition and plan a gathering that she will remember. Perhaps, a garden theme bridal shower (a friend or relative’s backyard can be held for a garden theme), cruise bridal shower, tea party or spa bridal shower. Generally, wedding showers are exclusively for women. However, these days, many couples decide to have co-ed parties for all their friends.

Begin planning the event 6 months before the bridal shower, so you can discover the theme, budget the event, double check the guest list, choose the venue, and send out invitations. The bridal shower should be 2 months before the wedding.

Customarily the Maid of Honor and the Bridemaids host the party. Strict etiquette said that it was not appropriate for the mother to host the shower because the parents would host the wedding. However, these days, the rules are greatly relaxed. It is quite usual for relatives to hold the wedding shower. Even if the family is not hosting the shower, they can help share the cost by chipping in for the venue, décor and food.

The average shower has between 10 to 30 guests. However, this can reach 40 to 50 if you are holding a co-ed shower. Bridal showers are usually more intimate than the wedding, so invite the couple’s friends and relatives. In advance, request the bride her guest list for the bridal shower. Remember it is a bridal shower, not a wedding, so your guest list should be limited- Think Budget!

Be creative with what you have available. Fill a basket with garden flowers, add ribbons to house plants (buy house plants from Home Depot), inexpensive table runners, throw petals around the tables, candles in vases, or memorable pictures of the couple in a frame- that can be a centerpiece. You might want to try do-it-yourself decorations to lower your expenses in décor. The possibilities are endless-so have fun with your bridal party while planning this occasion. I’m sure your Bride will be surprised with your efforts!

Check out the above picture for decor on a Moroccan Theme Bridal Shower. More pictures are seen in Facebook. Please join MyBridalBudget Facebook to see fabulous pictures!