Money Matters

A Truly Memorable Wedding Experience

June 20, 2010 By dena Leave a Comment

What makes a wedding truly memorable? Is it the food, the music, the atmosphere? Is it the good times had with family and friends? When you look back at your own wedding, what do you want people to remember the most? I came across a blog post called "Power of Purchases" at 59 Seconds that got me thinking about creating a wedding people will always remember. Here's what he has to say: Psychologists Leaf Van Boven and Thomas Gilovich examined whether increased happiness is associated more … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Money Matters, Wedding Planning Tagged With: buy, creative, experience, fun, goods, memorable, memory, money, original, wedding

Bridal Bouquets: The Look You Love for Less!

March 8, 2010 By dena Leave a Comment

Have you seen a bouquet you crave as your own, but can't stomach the price tag on it? Take a look at these photos and see if you can tell the difference between the budget bouquets and the pricier deluxe versions. Then head on over to Brides.com to see how they did it! Can you tell the Difference? Can you tell the difference between the affordable and deluxe bouquets? Head on over to Brides.com to test yourself! They'll also give you some good tips on what affordable flowers you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Money Matters, Wedding Planning Tagged With: affordable, bouquet, bride, cheap, deluxe, difference, flowers, InStyle, money, price, replace, wedding

Making Love Last: Advice from Grandma

February 10, 2010 By dena Leave a Comment

We tend to get so caught up in the merchandising of Valentine's Day that we forget what the holiday is really about: Love. When Erin Bried was interviewing grandmothers for her book, How to Sew a Button (and Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew), she asked each one for their secret to making love last, decade after decade. Watch this video to hear the advice of these wise women, each happily married for over 50 years! And if you're looking for more every-day wisdom, you should … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Getting Engaged, Marriage & More, Money Matters Tagged With: advice, Erin Bried, grandmothers, How to Sew a Button, love, money, saving, Valentine's Day, Video, wisdom

DIY Wedding Catering: Is it possible?

February 3, 2010 By dena Leave a Comment

Catering your own wedding?! That seems like a monumental-- if not impossible-- feat, but if it's something you're thinking about doing, FoodServiceWarehouse has just made it a lot easier. FoodServiceWarehouse provides restaurant supplies and equipment, but they just recently put together a new catering resource loaded with information about equipment and supplies, photos, and educational articles. If you want to learn more about catering your own event, this might be a good place to start. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Money Matters, Wedding Planning Tagged With: bake, buffet, catering, centerpiece, chocolate fountain, decorate, DIY, event, food, Food Service Warehouse, how to, menu, own, reception, wedding, wedding cake

Budget-Slashing Wedding Planning Tips

January 12, 2010 By dena Leave a Comment

Martha Stewart Weddings presents 65 Ways to Trim Your Budget... and who's budget couldn't use a little trimming, right? Here are some of their best wedding planning tips. If you have any other great budget-slashing ideas, please add them in the comment section! Save on Alcohol Instead of providing a full bar, serve a signature drink, such as punch or a favorite cocktail, instead of providing a full bar. Another option is to limit alcoholic beverages to wine and beer, choices that will … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Getting Engaged, Gowns, Groom's Page, Money Matters, Wedding Planning Tagged With: alcohol, bar, budget, centerpieces, champagne, downsize, dress, favors, flowers, food, friends, gown, ingredients, Martha Stewart, money, save, season, tips, trim, wedding, wedding cake, Wedding Planning, wine

Wedding Vendors Provide Free Service to Deserving Couples

November 8, 2009 By dena 4 Comments

Much can be said about the big, bad, greedy wedding industry, determined to separate brides and grooms from their hard-earned money. So it's nice to know that some wedding vendors out there are showing a softer side, providing services free of charge to those who deserve it most. Bridal salons, photographers, florists, and ordinary citizens who want to do a good deed... there are more of them out there than you might be aware of! Photo from Jamie Collins Photography Free Gowns for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Getting Engaged, Gowns, Groom's Page, Money Matters, Uncategorized Tagged With: cancer, couples, deserving, free, Local Vendors, needy, services, US army, wedding

Inexpensive Date Ideas

September 30, 2009 By dena Leave a Comment

You don't have to be dating to go on dates. Spending quality time together as an engaged or married couple is important to maintain a healthy relationship. Just because money's tight doesn't mean you can't go out for a night on the town... or spend the weekend doing something new and fun. So get out of your pj's and check out these budget-friendly date ideas from Marie Claire. 1. Rent bikes and go for a ride in the park or by the beach. Pack a picnic lunch or grab hotdogs at a nearby … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Getting Engaged, Marriage & More, Money Matters Tagged With: cheap, date, fun, ideas, inexpensive, marriage, relationship

Find your Signature Wedding Cocktail

September 9, 2009 By dena Leave a Comment

Why should you pick a Signature Cocktail? Having a signature cocktail at your wedding can serve several functions. First off, it enhances your theme or color selections. Although one type of drink is plenty, you may choose a couple more to compliment your theme, says the New York Wedding Guide. Another advantage of having one or two signature drinks is that it's economical. Instead of having an open bar with a wide variety of alcoholic drinks available, you can have a cocktail hour with just … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Groom's Page, Money Matters, Wedding Planning Tagged With: alchohal, bartender, beverage, cocktail, drinks, signature, wedding

How to Negotiate with Wedding Vendors

August 24, 2009 By dena Leave a Comment

According to The Knot, it's worth negotiating with even the hottest vendor in town, especially if there's a good reason: like having the wedding on a less-popular Friday night. Here are some more crucial pointers: Know the market Find out what other vendors offer for the same price point, and use this as leverage. Ask about every single thing that's included in your package. Then find out in advance what extras are going to cost -- and whether those costs can be waived. Stick to your limit A … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Features, Groom's Page, Money Matters, Wedding Planning Tagged With: bargain, budget, cost, negotiate, vendor, wedding

Submerge your Flowers for Chic (and Cheap!) Centerpieces

June 30, 2009 By dena 40 Comments

You've just discovered that the centerpiece of your dreams is totally out of your price range. No matter, says InStyle Weddings! Jung Lee of Fete, an N.Y.C. planning, suggests replacing the more expensive flower with something similar but cheaper. Consider the color, height and texture you'd like and ask your florist to suggest a couple other options. French tulips may be your first choice, but gladioli would give you a similar look for half the price. And to cut costs even further, display them … [Read more...]