Making Your Wedding Budget

Originally written for stationery company's wedding blog. The blog was meant to be a one stop information resource for people involved in planning a wedding for themselves or a loved one. Blogs were often written and broken into parts by an editor to stretch post count.

Making Your Wedding Budget

The first step in your wedding planning should be setting your budget.

But how do you decide what mount you will spend? How do you decide how to divide the total amount into sections for different expenses?

Here is a quick guide to help you set the budget that works for you.

Come up with a grand total- Take into account your wedding vision and your available funds. You will also want to take into account any money that others will be contributing. Your vision may not match your available funds but you can find ways to save money and trim expenses later. Establish what is important to you and your fiancee. Neither of you may want a huge wedding cake, and wedding flowers may be most important to you while your fiancee has his heart set on a ballroom wedding reception. Decide whether you want a sit down dinner or a buffet. Do you want a 50 person guest list or 150 guests? Making big decisions even in such a general sense will help a great deal in determining your budget.

List your priorities- Each of you should make a list of your top priorities. This way you can communicate to each other what you really don’t want to compromise on when it comes to the vision of your perfect wedding day. These are the areas where you will want to invest the most money and budget into your total first. Even inexpensive priorities such as a certain type of aisle runner should take priority in your wedding budget. After you have your checklist print some checklists from online and cross out some things you don’t want. This will help you get a better idea of where your money will be spent and what traditional expenses the two of you can do without.

Allow yourself plenty of time to plan- A general rule in wedding planning is that the more time you allow yourself to plan the more money you can save. Not only can you take your time to make smart financial decisions, but you can "lock in" vendors at their current prices. Many vendors raise their prices a little each year t cover rising costs. Make sure you get the prices written into your contract so they are the prices you pay and not whatever the vendors’ rate is at the time of your event.

Meet with the people who are paying- After you have a general vision and your priorities in order you should meet with anyone who is contributing to the wedding costs. If they cannot afford what is in your vision, you can choose to alter the vision or foot the difference in the bill yourselves. Make it clear that your plans are going to follow the vision of you and your fiancee regardless of who is footing the bill. Don’t spend money that you haven’t received yet. Your parents may offer you 3000 dollars but expenses may arise that lower that amount in the future.

Finalize your budget- Now that you know who is contributing what finalize the total amount you are going to spend. Be sure to keep track of every little expense related to the wedding so you can stick to your budget and allow extra money for things expenses you may not have expected.

Fall Wedding Flower Guide

Originally written for stationery company's wedding blog. The blog was meant to be a one stop information resource for people involved in planning a wedding for themselves or a loved one. Blogs were often written and broken into parts by an editor to stretch post count.

Fall Flower Guide

Over and over brides are simply told to get what is in season to save money on wedding flowers.  This leaves them with no idea of what flowers they will have agreed to use by the end of their first meeting with a florist until that meeting happens. Here is a very simple and basic guide to fall wedding flowers to arm fall brides with a head start when scheduling meetings with florists.

What Is In Season?

Flowers in season during Fall include:   

Chrysanthemum- These flowers are readily available in white, yellow, orange, pink and a few other colors. They are round flowers and are available in a variety of sizes. Some chrysanthemums are fuller others are more flat and disc like.

Dahlia- Dahlias are available in many different colors. Most types of dahlias produce very full blooms.  They are available in bright colors like pinks and yellows as well as more muted colors.  Many breeds of dahlia have more than one color present in the bloom.

Marigold- Marigolds are widely available in yellow, orange and red. Many people will remember these as the seeds grown in cups in grade school and taken home for mother’s day. These flowers are very hearty and can be gorgeous. They do not do much for bouquets as they are small with short stems.  They are great for table arrangements and even as using the entire blooms as a substitute for rose petals on the aisle. The vibrant fall colors look wonderful.

Statice- Statice are purple flowers with many tiny blooms clustered together.  They are great in clusters for a natural look and also do well paired with other blooms.

Zinnia- Zinnias are available in some bright colors, predominantly red, orange and pink.  They are also round flowers available in a variety of sizes.  There are single toned zinnias as well as dual toned zinnias and even tri-colored zinnias are available.

Fall Foliage- Shrubs that bloom in fall, ivy, dried leaves and all the other things that make you think fall is here can be cut and arranged into vases or baskets to be carried or displayed.  If someone has an extensive enough garden this can be done the morning of the wedding without the help of the florist.

Produce- Pumpkins, apples, acorns and other fall produce and the like make for great table arrangements and centerpieces.

Fall Colors

Play on the vibrant oranges, yellows and reds throughout the wedding.  

Pair all these bright colors with one simple shade like lilac or khaki for bridesmaid dresses. 

For a more uniform palate a chocolate brown can be used or even a cherry red. 

Use the color chosen throughout the wedding to provide a solid base for all the bright fall flowers and all their color variations.

Fall Display Methods

Fall flowers, foliage and produce can be displayed on pedestals, in baskets or bowls or in vases just like can be done with any season. How about having the bouquets wrapped in newspaper for a vintage look? Newspaper print tissue and wax paper is available or just leave a piece of newspaper laid flat for a few days to be sure the ink is dry.  Wrap the flowers in the paper like you would have seen done at a corner flower vendor and tie with twine.

Fall is not a season of tulips and lilies though they are still available and can make for gorgeous fall displays. Sticking with flowers that are in season locally will cut costs and the environmental impact of the wedding flowers, but it is obviously not the only option.  Fall is a beautiful season and is being chosen for more and more weddings.  Embracing the season fully by using fall flowers can be a gorgeous touch.

Origami- The New Wedding Decoration Trend

Originally written for stationery company's wedding blog. The blog was meant to be a one stop information resource for people involved in planning a wedding for themselves or a loved one. Blogs were often written and broken into parts by an editor to stretch post count.

Origami- The New Wedding Decoration Trend

Origami cranes are a Japanese tradition that has recently been borrowed by brides of every culture. Some brides have them cascading down from the ceiling or trees at the wedding venue. While others choose to use them as place cards holder or just simply scattered about within the decor. These tiny additions add a lovely touch to any style wedding. But of course Japanese infused weddings just can not go without these beautiful paper creatures.

Cranes can be folded in shades of paper that fit in with your wedding colors, in a rainbow of various hues, or on paper printed with intricate designs.

Japanese folklore reveres the crane as a mystical creature of beauty and peace. Folklore also goes on to say that a person who folds 1,000 paper cranes will receive a thousand years of happiness and prosperity. You may yourself not want to take on this task with all the other things you have to do for the wedding. Fear not though, because luckily for busy brides the legend also states that someone may give the gift of a 1,000 paper cranes thereby wishing the happiness and prosperity on to the recipient. This nimble fingered friend will not be left out either as they are also to be granted one wish.

Bridesmaid's Gifts

Originally written for stationery company's wedding blog. The blog was meant to be a one stop information resource for people involved in planning a wedding for themselves or a loved one. Blogs were often written and broken into parts by an editor to stretch post count.

Bridesmaid's Gifts

Be sure to show your girls that all of their helpfulness and hard work was very appreciated by giving them thank you gifts that they will truly enjoy.

Cosmetic Bag
Consider purchasing this hanging cosmetic bag that comes in very handy for your friend who always seems to be traveling because it is so convenient and light-weight. You can even hang it up at work for quick touch ups before meetings or use as a space saver in a small bathroom. This item has several colors to choose from and the choice of name or monogram help make this item easy to personalize.

Personalized Stationery
Consider personalized stationery for those people who seem to be always writing themselves a note. Help keep your friends organized by giving them printed memo pads. Personalized notepads are a handy gift for that friend who is constantly on the go. Visit our sister site AmericanStationery.com where many memo pads and note cards can be personalized in a variety of ways to fit every maids personality.

Personalized Pajamas
Your girls will love to put on a pair of warm pajamas embroidered with their name or monogram. You can find these in a multitude of designs and colors. Options range from warm and cozy fleece in shades of soft pink or lavender. To flannel multi-colored polka dots. Maybe include a package or two of instant hot chocolate. Fleece is a very warm material sure to keep them warm on cold snowy nights.

Beauty Supplies
You know how hard your best gals work so give them something indulgent. You can create your own home spa package or buy one from a beauty supply store. Many smaller boutiques and department stores carry pre-assembled spa kits. These packages are typically filled with things like bath fizzies, lotions and small bottles of bubble bath. Add in items like a loofah, a face mask and a candle of a complimentary scent.

Cooking Supplies
For friends that love to cook a fun cookbook with some heart shaped measuring spoons are a delicious gift idea. You can also look for silicone baking dishes in fun shapes like hearts or flowers. Purchase a cookbook that is full of quick and easy meals that look and taste gourmet. Or a copy of the original Betty Crocker– a book no chef should be without.

Jewelry
Think about ordering engraved bracelets. Of course, you can never go wrong giving the gift of jewelry. These bracelets can be personalized with an initial and they are offered in a variety of different colors. This way each maid can have a bracelet in her own signature look while still matching with everyone.

A Valentine's Day Wedding

Originally written for stationery company's wedding blog. The blog was meant to be a one stop information resource for people involved in planning a wedding for themselves or a loved one. Blogs were often written and broken into parts by an editor to stretch post count.

A Valentine's Day Wedding

Are you planning on having a Valentine’s Day wedding but are being hassled on how cliché’ and over the top childlike Valentine’s Day weddings can be? Or you are being told that your anniversary will be meaningless as it will take place on Valentine’s Day which is a day that everyone shares?

Stop worrying; there is nothing wrong with a Valentine’s Day wedding. It is after all a day set aside for love! So why not choose this day to celebrate the love you have not only for your mate but, for your family and friends as well.

We agree that Valentine’s Day weddings can seem overdone or cheesy so we would like to offer some of the best ideas we have for a beautiful and elegant Valentine wedding.

Hands down the best way to begin planning a Valentine’s Day wedding is to begin meditating on the word subtle.

Simply add touches here and there that reflect your theme. Be careful when choosing shades that are in the same family as typical colors you see around this holiday.

Try a romantic color palette like deep crimson red and soft pearl accents make a clean and simple statement. A great way on how to use this palette is by mixing crisp pearl colored linens with deep crimson table runners, keeping things elegant and romantic instead of your mother’s fears that a Valentine’s Day wedding is going to appear like a third grade classroom on the day you pass out Valentine’s cards.

For a more fun look choose an array of several shades of rich pinks, roses, and wines fused together accompanied with accents of a bright white. Group together various pink shaded Zinnias in your bouquet and tie off with long flowing silver and white ribbon.

Simple touches to add a V-day reflection would be:

- Bright red shoes for you
- Red sashes on crème dresses for your maids
- A bright red crinoline (for those daring brides out there)
- Red Chuck Taylors (for whomever)
- Silver heart shaped lockets for your maid’s jewelry
- White candles tied with red ribbon

As far as your flowers are concerned unless you have a pretty big floral budget roses may not be the best choice. Yes, these are the Valentine’s Day flower and yes, of course they are beautiful but this time of year the price for roses jumps through the roof. You may want to take into consideration Zinnias which come in several different shades of red, wine and pinks. Or tulips which also come in beautiful shades of pink and red.

For a Valentine’s Day wedding, we challenge you to resist hosting a candy bar or dessert table. This is the time of year when your sweet-tooth is honored– nay encouraged. So go wild and place truffles, and other delectable treats like petit fours on top of white dollies. Or opt to offer up a grown up style candy shop. Display candies from your childhood or several candies displayed in your wedding colors


For favors you could give out heart shaped measuring spoons with a recipe for your favorite sweet treat. You could offer small heart shaped boxes of candy. Or send them home with individual packets of coffee along with chocolate dipped spoons. If you don’t think everyone will enjoy coffee you can send them out with hot chocolate packages and heart shaped marshmallows.

Wedding Cake Alternatives

Originally written for stationery company's wedding blog. The blog was meant to be a one stop information resource for people involved in planning a wedding for themselves or a loved one. Blogs were often written and broken into parts by an editor to stretch post count.

Wedding Cake Alternatives

There aren’t any hard and fast rules stating that you must have a traditional wedding cake. What if you and your guy don’t like cake or think the idea of a traditional tiered wedding cake is overdone? If this is the case or you are just looking for an extra way to sneak in some sweets, we have a few different ideas for you.

Assorted Dessert Table
Many couples are opting to host a dessert table instead of presenting a large wedding cake. Typically in this case the bride and groom will cut one small ceremonial cake and then the guests can visit a dessert table. The tables are filled with several different flavored pies, tarts, cupcakes, and cookies.
You can even go with a theme at your dessert table by choosing desserts that help reflect the season. Pumpkin pies and apple dumplings would be perfect choices for a dessert table at an autumn wedding.

Chocolate Bar
Another dessert alternative is to set up a chocolate bar. Place one of those beautiful chocolate fountains in the center of a table. Then around the fountain place several different trays and fill them with different things to be dipped. Terrific ideas would be large chunks of fresh fruit, graham crackers, cubes of cheesecake, and marshmallows. Place Popsicle sticks out to be used as dippers and pretzel rods also! Be sure to have personalized napkins for guests to catch any drips with.

Build Your Own Crepes
Work with your caterer to set up stations where servers place the batter onto the griddle and once done, your guests can select from different bowls with what they would like placed on their crepe. Fill bowls to the brim with different fruits such as fresh berries, cherries, and slices of banana. Other bowls can be filled with things like chocolate chips and small candies like mini-kisses or M&M’s. Guests can also pile their crepe high with things like cool whip, and maple or chocolate syrup. Don’t forget to include a plate with butter as well.

Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Another fun build your own dessert is an ice cream sundae bar! There are even catering companies who actually specialize in setting up sundae bars. Fill the tables with various toppings ranging from chocolate syrup, candies, marshmallow fluff, cherries, etc. Ask to have the servers dress in old fashioned soda shop attire. Weddings are about love and happiness and playing soda shop is sure to bring back all those fuzzy feelings from when you were a kid eagerly awaiting that giant sundae!
Setting up stations or buffets for the desserts offer a great way to for your guests to mingle outside of their comfort zone, giving them a chance to chat with other guests they may not know.

Shell-shocked by abbreviations and TXTSPK? Should we get with the program or try to save formal communication?

Text speak seems to have flooded all sources of our connectivity. In today's hyper connected world, especially here in the United States, that means more and more people are using abbreviations and texting shorthand who seem unlikely candidates for such practices. As a writer, I swore off text speak when it first started emerging. I managed to resist it for a long time. Alas, my downfall was my gaming habit. Well known and understood shorthand cuts down the time I need to type during a crucial part of killing that epic dragon over there.

Here is me all dressed up for a night of dragon slaying. Excuse the low res!

Ok so once I started slipping into abbreviations, I found I was totally lost with the abbreviations other people were using. Considering they all spring from someone deciding to type a phrase they use frequently in a lazy manner, it is probably pretty impossible to stay abreast of every abbreviation and slang and lingo you will encounter!

Some TXTSPK abbreviations I use often in game include:

LOL - laughing out loud/ laughed out loud, ironic because at most I usually only chuckled quietly. I tried to get CQ to catch fire, but that didn't go so well!

IRL- In real life, usually referring to the mundane world I live in, as opposed to my character.

1337 or leet - meaning "elite". Odd again, because I am usually being sarcastic and the person or thing being CALLED elite is usually far from it! Oh the wonders of online anonymity!

LFG/LFR - looking for group/raid. Usually useless to throw out there!

Then of course every zone has an abbreviation and sometimes the developers even name DIFFERENT zones names that have the SAME abbreviation!!! Is SS skyshrine or sinking sands??? NEED MORE CONTEXT!!!

Game was kind of easy to slip in to the abbreviations. You have a cap on how many characters can go in one channel message and really EVERYONE uses them. But then I caught myself using them IRL... erm I mean in real life.

People in my networks would ask me to like a new page for a venture or contest. I was already a fan but instead of saying: "Hey Jane! I am already a fan of your page and I love it! Good luck with expanding your awesome business!", I was now commenting simply: "AAF! Good luck!".

I catch myself doing this more and more and I still pause when I see myself do it. Has our communication gotten so fast and hurried that we do not have the time to type out a simple sentence? We have gone from handwritten letters to emails and now to 160 character texts or 140 character tweets. You know all those super sweet stories you read about letters being found written between separated sweethearts or famous people? Ever hear a story about a letter found in a pocket in a thrift store that was written 50 years ago to a soldier from home? How about the diaries they find written by famous people, do you like those stories?

It seems our generation will leave fewer and fewer of those stories for future generations. We don't keep diaries, we blog. (more irony since you are reading mine!). We don't pen letters, we email and Facebook message.

While this is worth a sad moment of silence, there is a bigger tragedy. We seem to be losing the ability to communicate with each other on a personal, thoughtful level. We don't take a full 20 minutes to devote to updating someone on what is happening. We don't have to wait for a reply and give it our undivided attention to read every page before replying.

An acceptable answer to a well thought email is now "k". Could you imagine if we still had to use a stamp to reply to people? Would you waste a stamp to say "k"?

Tell me what YOU think of the TXTSPK trend in comments. How can we focus more on meaningful interactions? Should we bother or should we just get with the program?