So this weeks tip comes from my funky and fun bride, Niki, of Niki and Shaun. In this economy, her tips could not have come at a better time. Niki had a gorgeous, intimate wedding at the Waterworks Restaurant. The most important things for her wedding was Shaun, the photography, good food, great service and everyone having fun. Niki also chose a wonderful florist and worked her budget so she could have beautiful and interesting bouquets and saved with simple table decor.
“I did so much DIY for our wedding… and it truly was a cost-saver. From the invites that everyone raved about to the packaging of our thank you gifts, I spent countless hours tying bows, folding boxes, stuffing chocolates into boxes, printing envelopes and invites. We received more compliments than I ever, ever expected for all of the items I did myself. Gotta love Michael’s Art Store! You can find everything you need to have wonderful, one-of-a-kind ‘stuff’ for your wedding if you are willing to put in a little elbow grease. Additionally, last seasons items go on deep sale so you can often find amazing stuff for a fraction of the cost.”
Remember, Niki only had about 50 guests, so printing invites was not as bad as if you have 150 guests. Buying things in bulk can help. One bride found it more cost effective to buy fabric and design the bridesmaid dresses than to buy off the rack and alter them. Another bride bought big candles in bulk and covered the tables with them. Don’t blow all your money on the shoes and party favors because they were so cute, if having good music is really important to you. See what you can live without, what you can borrow or get on ebay. Give yourself some breathing room on the things that are really important to you and be really strict with the not so important things. Ask your vendors for cost effective ideas and ways you can have some things without compromising quality or service. Maybe put in a little elbow grease and creativity. Bring over mom and the girls and have a festive girls night; tying bows and stuffing envelopes. Remember what happens to the little things like a favor or gift bag. It gets unwrapped and thrown away. Also be realistic with your time and know your strengths and weaknesses. If crafts are not your thing then leave it to a professional. A lot of times, the professional will have great suggestions you would never have thought of.
Here are those fab favors and table tents that Niki spent so much time on.
gczyul Hi! IÂ’m just wondering if i can get in touch with you, since you have amazing content, and iÂ’m thinking of running a couple co- projects! email me pls
When I do the math ~ that would be 7000 jipumng jacks to lose one pound!! 2 jipumng jacks = 1 calorie. 1000 jipumng jacks = 500 calories. 500 calories x 7 (which would be 7000 jipumng jacks) = 3500 calories. Which would equal 1 pound!!!
thanks sofia! yes with a small group it was definately the way to go, but for 100 people? that’s a lot of dedication. 🙂 hope you are well, sorry we missed the opening!