Hairspray...

Choosing your bridal hairdo is almost as important as choosing your dress. A bride’s hair completes her look. Many brides understand this, in-fact many Brides go overboard by thinking they need something different. This is far from the truth. Don’t get all caught up in hairspray, remember a classic look could just be that special finishing touch.

A few things to keep in mind when choosing your hairdo:

First, there is a hairstyle out there for everyone; long, medium and short. It is important that you be realistic when choosing your hairstyle. Certain hairstyles require longer hair. This does not happen overnight. Make sure if you have your heart set on a hairdo that requires longer hair that you make the necessary arrangements to achieve this look.


For example, giving yourself time to grow your hair out is the best option. If this is not feasible than another option is visiting your hairstylist to discuss what you need to do. Usually the only solution is hair extensions. Keep in mind that hair extensions are often expensive and a nuisance.

Second, when choosing hair accessories remember not to overdo it. A busy head will look awkward in pictures and will only give you a headache. Remember, pins and excess weight add up. Simple pins, delicate tiaras and/or flowers are the way to go.

If choosing flowers, remember to use full-bodied flowers such as roses, orchids or baby’s breath. This will help prevent wilting. Another option is to purchase a couple extra flowers and to have your florist fix them to a pin. As the evening goes on you can change your flower. A fresh flower will make all the difference in your pictures and overall feel.

Thirdly, try and remember not to overshadow your hair. Hairdressers can do wonderful things; sometimes less is more.

Yes I Can...

Make your own table décor:
- Find a wholesaler that sells vases and or creative vessels

Stores to consider are:
- Wholesalers
- Dollar Store
- Wedding gift stores
- Florist * this is the most expensive option

Making the arrangements, be they vases with floating candles, flowers, or something else can be made by you:

- Organizing an assembly wine party with the bridal party.
- Schedule your wedding rehearsal 2 days prior to the wedding.
- This will give you time the day before to assemble décor.
- Try and do this in the AM as it may take some time.

The character is in the little things. Personalize your table accessories. This is both cheap and easy to do:

Table numbers:
- You can create a mock up and bring it to the printers or print it yourself.
- This can be done weeks before the wedding

Things to put on table numbers:
- Menu
- Poem
- Cute facts about the couple
- Table number
- A design in your wedding colour
Personalized napkins:
- Fold your napkins into a pocket
- Place into this pocket
- A picture of the happy couple on plain paper in black and white.
- Make sure to keep the card stock in the scheme of your wedding colours- the bolder the better
- A personalized thank you note signed by the couple
- Remember to sign using your married name.
- Facts about the happy couple
- Menu

Beat the Rush!

When planning your centerpieces always remember to beat the rush. There is a lot you can do on a tight budget. When envisioning your perfect day start by choosing your theme. Then begin thinking about how it is you would like your venue to look. It is important that you begin this process early.



Planning early will allow you to reap numerous benefits specifically, SALES! Sales are a great way to cut costs, if left too long you are likely to miss out on great savings. Shopping end of season will not only ensure you get what you want, but that you get it at an affordable price.

Beating the wedding day rush has other advantages aside from cost, it facilitates creative thinking. Remember to get out there and look around, you may just find that perfect, creative and cheap centerpiece solution.

Decor Galore!

Today more often than not weddings lack distinction. Specifically, weddings today are less elaborate and more expensive. The question becomes, how do you plan your wedding décor in a way that is economical but still gives you that wow factor? Here are a few tips to get you on the right track. Remember, the sky is the limit!

First: You need to visualize a concept
- Choose your colours
- Choose the feel you like
- Mixed media

Ask yourself:

• Do you like big or small centerpieces?
• Do you want the venue to look romantic, fun, different, classy, in theme, funky etc…

Second: You can do it yourself!

Brides have to realize that there is a lot that you can do yourself. Start looking online for images that capture your vision.
- Start by planning your linens
- Do you want a pattern?
- Colour
- Fabric
- Get some quotes- don’t feel pressured to book right away

Third: The finishing touches

- Try and find a venue that has nice chairs. This will cut the cost of chair covers.
- You can Choose to decorate only those chairs that are seen around the dance floor.

Express Invitations

You are Cordially Invited,

For those brides in the process of choosing invitations have i got a thought for you- Business and Craft supply stores.

Yes i said it, they are the one stop shop for all your stationary needs. You can cut costs significantly when shopping at these types of stores. The selection is small, but the savings are BIG!

Some hints:

• Try the card stock section before the invitation section.
• Avoid scheduling a meeting with an invitation specialist until after you have visited your local craft store
• This will allow you to formulate an informed financial decision when deciding on your invitations.
• Invitations are costly, take your time making up your mind. Remember, most of these invitations will find their way into the recycling bin.
• Selecting a medium grade paper is cheaper and weighs less- always keep in mind that postage is determined by size and weight.
• Tent cards can be personalized by you if they are plain or you can by tent card kits that come with bows and are pre-hole punched

Seasonally Yours

A leading misconception by brides is thinking flowers are complicated and unaffordable. Flower budgets can easily get out of hand but if you take your time and do a little research it is amazing what you will find. Conducting a simple google search can save you hundreds!

First, seasonal flowers can save you tonnes. Begin by researching what flowers will be in season at the time of your wedding.

The following flowers are great options!
Spring:
Boronia * Pink * April-May
Casa Blanca Lily * White * January-October
Daffodil * Yellow * January-Early May
Delphinium * White, Blue * April- October
Hyacinth * Purple, Pink or White
Lilacs * Violet
Narcissus * White
Peony * Pink or White * Late Spring
Ranunculus * white, pink, red, orange and yellow * February-May
Star Gazer Lily * Pink and White * January-October
Sweetpea * white, pink, red/coral, and lavender/purple * December-May
Tulip * Many colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple * December-April

Early Summer:
Casa Blanca Lily * White * January-October
Delphinium * White, Blue * April- October
Peony * Pink or White * Late Spring – Early Summer


Late Summer:
Alstromeria * orange, pink, yellow and cream, other colors
Bells of Ireland * Green * January-October
Chrysanthemum * White, Yellow, Orange, Pink, other colors
Delphinium * White, Blue * April- October
English Lavender * Purple
Forget-me-not * Blue
Freesia * White, Yellow, Pink, Blue, Purple
Gerbera Daisy * Pink, Yellow, Orange, Red, White
Hydrangea * White, Blue, Purple, Pink
Iris * Purple, Blue, White
Larkspur * White, Purple, Blue, Pink
Liatris * Pinkish Purple
Lily, asiatic * White, Pink, Yellow, Orange
Lily, oriental * White, Pink
Lisianthus * Purple, White, Pink
Matsumoto Asters * Pink, Purple
Monte Casino Asters * White, Purple
Queen Anne's Lace * White
Snapdragons * Pink, Yellow, Orange, White, Other Colors
Solidaster * Yellow
Statice * Purple
Stephanotis * White
Stock * White, Other Colors
Sunflower * Yellow
Tuberose * White
Yarrow * White, Pink, Yellow
Zinnia * Red, Orange, Pink