Tag: bridal budget
The royal engagement ring, first shown on Diana with Prince Charles, then on Kate with Prince William. (courtesy of weddingdresscolection.blogspot.com)
Alright, Kate Middleton, you win… again. According to recent findings, sapphire engagement rings are becoming all the rage in 2012, and while diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend — a sapphire makes for an awfully close second and not mention, one heck of a ‘something blue.’
Penelope Cruz showing of her sapphire bling. (courtesy of since1910.com)
Due to their conflict free, less pricey existence, as well as their Princess, Duchess and Penelope Cruz support staff, these true blue ‘Will you marry me?” details have wedding trend watchers on high alert and with good reason.
They can be found just about anywhere — from eBay and Overstock to antique jewelers, department stores and more; many collections of sapphire stocked engagement rings are popping up all over the grid and it’s no wonder why.
While mainly known for their brilliant blues, sapphires also have a wide range of colors, varying in shades of pink, yellow, white and even green, but it’s not necessarily their colorful personality that has brides’ heads turning… it’s their beautiful meaning.
According to Gemstone Gifts, Sapphires are symbolic of sincerity, faithfulness and truth, and what is more perfect than those three things to accompany you on your marital journey??
But no matter what rock you choose, just be sure it’s backed by the right man ;)
January 10, 2012
courtesy of brandonkidd.net
One of my favorite parts of a New Year is all the new bling that starts popping up amongst family and friends. With the gift giving season picking in December, it’s no wonder that so many young men choose this time to get down on one knee and ask the four words so many women long to hear, “Will you marry me?”
While I love love loved everything about my wedding day, and the marriage has been one increds journey… I must confess that there was something sooo special and exciting about the planning process. I like to tell brides it’s kind of like a 12-18 month long Christmas Eve. With all the anticipation swimming around the talk of the big day, one can’t help but feel butterflies of excitement on the daily! And according to theknot.com, here are the top ten things newly engaged brides-to-be should do:
- Start a Wedding Planner. Create a beautiful keepsake to house all your favorite engagement memories… from the down-on-one-knee story to favorite photos, inspiration ideas, to-do lists, favorite designers, venues, caterers and more! Trust and believe, by taking a little time here and there from the beginning to end, you’ll easily have one of the best memory books evs!
- Plan an Engagement Party. Whether you choose to throw one for yourself or let others take on the celebratory task, having an engagement party is a great way to officially announce your nuptials to family and friends, all while rejoicing in your love. Plus, it’s one more reason to get out some pre-wedding partying!
- Pick a Date. First things first. You can’t start reserving venues or hiring vendors without knowing the date you’ll need them; so, be sure this is one of the first things you check off your list.
- Set a Budget. Along with selecting a date, setting a budget is key in planning your big day. After you know what kind of finances you’re working with, you’ll know what kind of wedding day to plan for. From the most elaborate and over-the-top to the simply chic, DIY shindigs, all weddings must first start with a feasible price tag to work around.
- Find a Reception Site. Generally speaking, a couple uses over 50% of their overall budget on their reception; so, it’s important to find the one that works best for you and reserve it right away!
- Make a Wedding Website. This is a great way to keep track of all your to-do’s, as well as provide information to family and friends as plans come along. This is an especially useful tool for out-of-towners you hope to attend who will need to make transportation and hotel reservations.
- Consider a Consultant. Many brides-to-be like the thought of hiring a professional to help ensure their big day goes off without a hitch, but if this isn’t in your budget, consider taking advantage of your family friends – especially moms and already wed maids – to help cross your t’s dot your i’s. It’ll make them feel important and help take some of the stress off you!
- Start a Guest List. One of the biggest factors in planning your wedding (and maintaining a budget) will all come down to the number of people you invite. By merging two sets of family and friends, it’s important for everyone to have a voice and make sure all their A-listers are included!
- Find a Wedding Dress. YESSSS! One of the BEST parts of being a bride is of course the wedding dress. Try on lots of styles. Search lots of websites, and have fun with it. Most of us (hopefully) only want to do this once; so, make sure you make it count!
- Plan for Pro Engagement Pictures. While the wedding day and all the days leading up to it will come and go, the photography will live on forever. So, it’s oh so important for every couple to find their perfect photographer and get in a pre-wedding practice round with engagement pictures before the big day. These can also be the shots your use for everything from your newspaper announcement to invites and more!
January 5, 2012
People always ask us… what are your best sellers?? Whether they’re concerned for trend purposes or overall styling, our Top Sellers can fluctuate throughout the year.
But as it stands today, the numbers are in! Here are our top selling porducts for 2011! Feel free to check them out, send them on to a friend or purchase one for yourself :)
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
December 20, 2011
courtesy of onewed.com
Who doesn’t love the holidays? The gathering of family and friends. The music. The food. The fun. The laughter. The extra time off work (wink, wink). ‘Tis true, my friends. The holiday season really is “the most wonderful time of the year!”
Therefore, I would like to encourage all my lovely ladies in waiting to use this time of year to rev their wedding planning engines into warp speed. Take advantage of all the small pleasures the holidays bring and use them to start checking things off… after all, Santa’s not the only one making a list and checking it twice… you are too!
So, before things get too crazy, consider using some of the following tactics to make the most of your season’s greetings:
- Because the holidays create a time to gather all your loved ones in one area, you can easily get and share advice with other / former brides-to-be. Ask family and friends for their top do’s and don’ts; so, you know what to look for and what to avoid.
- If you find yourself hosting a party, take this time to test out potential caterers, florists, bakers, etc. It’s an ideal time to “try out” who will have what it takes to impress all your guests!
- Since many people vacation during holidays, get with your bridesmaids and go dress shopping. Not only will they provide an honest reaction to your wedding gown options, but you can also start to see what bridesmaids’ dress styles will work for them.
- Take time to practice wedding day hair and makeup. Whether you’re doing it yourself or getting it done, chances are it’s going to be something fancier than usual; so, what better way to show off a fabulous look than when surrounded by family and friends?
- Even benefit from bad weather. After the holiday shopping rush is over and snow is still on the ground, people tend to snuggle up and stay in. I say, “Get out!” Go exploring for interesting ceremony and reception sites, and don’t be afraid to try something new… it just might end up being your ideal location.
- On a tight budget? No problem! There are innumerable post holiday sales that you can gobble up, which will surely help you get the most bang for your buck!
- If anything, use the holiday season to get organized. If you’re sending out holiday cards, you’ll more than likely have a list or people and addresses that you’ll need for invitations. Keep this list handy and be one more step ahead of the game!
Thanks for stopping by and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
November 29, 2011
Haven’t you heard about the bird? I said a bird, Bird, BIRD! BIRD is the word!
It’s that time of year again… to give thanks for all we appreciate! And here, at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, there’s nothing we appreciate more than you — our fabulous fans and loyal customers!
So, in order to say thanks properly, we’d like to send the savings on to you with an exclusive $25 coupon! Whoop, whoop!
Thanks for all your support and have a blessed and WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2011
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Maybe it’s the brilliant designs or the standout color blocking… perhaps it’s the fun, graphic schemes or simply the epically b.e.a.uuuuutiful photography (whaddya say, Lindsey K!)… either way, there is no if’s, and’s or but’s about it… I love love love our new table runner designs!!
Available in a variety of colors and designs to match any taste, each runner can be personalized at absolutely no cost to you! Simply choose from one of our hot color options, fill in the overhang with your names, monogram or initials and see how many ‘ooh’s and aww’s’ will be gasping the day you say ‘I do.’ Don’t believe me? Well the proof is in the pudding, my friends; so, grab a spoon and enjoy these tasty creations!
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Personalized Table Runners cover a lot of ground and create a lot of drama, and they are extremely simple and easy to use! Printed on durable 100% cotton, our fabric table runners feature a polymer coating for a soft, canvas like texture to produce superior draping.
Because bold colors and schematic patterns cut down the need for decorations, you’ll be able to save on extra costs by simply adding your place settings and centerpieces to the already well fashioned tables.
November 17, 2011
courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography
Everyone knows that weddings are nothing more than a numbers game. Okay, so maybe they’re more than just that, but consider this… Everything from the amount set for the budget to the number of guests who’ll be invited, your future nuptials (as anti-romantic as it may seem) really do come down to numbers.
Which is precisely why this upcoming weekend is such an exciting weekend in the wedding world!
Both consecutively perfect and numerically chic, this Saturday will mark the second most popular wedding date of all time! Taking the silver medal only to the ultra lucky 07/07/07 wedding date, 09/10/11 will see over 37,000 couples exchange vows in front of family and friends, and according to theknot.com, this large bridal boo yeah comes as no surprise. September is already a super popular month to marry, but with the date creating such a consistent rarity, it’s almost become a downright phenomenon.
So, raise your glass, stretch out your dancing shoes and prepare to celebrate! This weekend is going to rock them all!
Other Popular Wedding Dates:
- 11/11/11. Even though it’s on a Friday, couples simply can’t resist the sequential sexiness of this mid-November date!
- 2/10/2012. Alright, math nerds. Who can tell me why this date is such a popular one? And no, it’s not because it’s my dad’s birthday, even though he’d probably like to this so :) That’s right. It’s a palindrome! The same backwards as it is forwards.
- 12/13/14. Also falling on a Saturday, this is the last chance for couples to get married on an increasing count wedding date!
September 8, 2011
This is as LEGIT as it gets, ladies. One of our most popular bridesmaids’ gifts ever – the Personalized Zebra Flask - is our featured deal of the day. But at 40% OFF its suggested retail, I’d say it’s more of a steal than a deal! (Yeah, I took it there.)
Because attendant gifts are generally bought in multiples, it’s always great when a bride and groom can find amazing gifts at affordable prices. And this personalized flask has stylish safari savings every bride will go wild about! (Pun intended.)
Click the image below to experience total savings all your bridesmaids will love! Cheers!
August 9, 2011
It’s no secret that a wedding day is all about the bride (and groom… I guess… hehe), but that doesn’t mean wedding guests should feel the need to take liberties on their appearences simply out of spite. In fact, unless instructed otherwise by the bride, there are several do’s and don’ts when it comes to dressing for a wedding, and it’s important that those in attendence are aware.
Why? You may ask.
Well, we all know that fashion – to oh so many people – is a form of expressive art. Everyone from the goth gurus and boho chic chickies to the prep-tastic pretties and casual cuties knows a thing or two about showing the world who they are through clothing. Fashion, after all, can be a truly powerful thing.
But with great power, comes great responsibility, which is precisely why I’ve assembled the following photographic collage (shown below) to assist you in using that power. You may think all eyes are on the bride… but not when heinously clad guests choose to use their powers for evil, instead of good. So, unless given the direct go-ahead from the future Mr. and Mrs. themselves, it’s safe to say the following DON’Ts should be advised and executed accrdingly:
1. DON’T (try to) Upstage the Bride. You could end up looking like an idiot. Just ask Fergie’s daughters. Yikes.
Whatever you do, don’t try to pull off what the daughters of Prince Andrew and Fergie did during their "look-at-me" arrival for the Royal Wedding. I mean, really?!? What I can’t understand is they are both girls; so, why didn't at least one of them think to ask, "How do I look?" before leaving the safety of their homes? Not good, ladies, not good at all. (photo courtesy of people.com)
2. DON’T Wear White. Because “pure” will be the last thing anyone thinks of you… unless that pure is followed by an evil. Just saying.
Let the bride have her day, and stray away from white. Don’t see how it could be a distraction? Well, just ask Jane Fonda when she looked all kinds of ridiculous as JLo’s mother in law in 2005’s ‘Monster in Law.’ 5 syllables: In-uh-pro-pre-ate. (photo courtesy of wwwcinemastyle.blogspot.com)
3. DON’T Sport Wardrobes that may Malfunction. Because I don’t care how HAWT-to-trot you are (or think you are), no one needs it trotting in their faces.
Chances are there will be some down and dirty, reception dancing, and regardless of how down or dirty you’re planning on getting, you don’t need to wear something that would reveal either. Nobody wants to be caught on Facebook or YouTube pulling off their best Janet Jackson impression – eek! (photo courtesy of bizofshowbiz.com)
4. DON’T do anything Lady Gaga would Do. Trust me. She’s the only one who could pull it off, and sometimes – just sometimes – I’m not 100% convinced even she can…
Back! Get back, evil doer! Between the Kermit the Frog get up and the one you could literally ‘pop’ to this ^^ disaster, I think it's pretty safe to say that "statement" fashion should be left to Lady Gaga and the red carpet... Not your cousin's wedding. (photo courtesy of deepbottle.com)
And last, but ceratinly not least — in fact, this beaut should be the #1 don’t…
5. DON’T get too Drunk & think You’re ‘Somebody’. Over intoxication looks good on no one, no matter what outfit its accessorizing.
I mean, who wants to be the person talked about in past tense? ‘And to think I USED to have a crush on her… My, my, my, wasn’t she like the cutest thing ONCE?’ I’m all for having a good time, but outta control, hot mess should never be the way one goes about it. Right, Linds? (photo courtesy of picpiggy.com)
June 16, 2011
Yep. It's only appropriate given the cost. Gag.
Everyone knows the big names when it comes to wedding registries: Bed, Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale’s, Crate & Barrel, JCPenny, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Pottery Barn, Target, etc. Of course, there are others, but I don’t have a single doubt that everyone reading this has either A) registered their wedding or B) bought for another wedding at one or more of these retail registry giants.
However, with more and more couples (Grandmothers, cover your ears!) living together and playing house before the big day, there has been a significant increase in couples looking to register elsewhere. Because they have several of the essentials perhaps already taken care of, brides and grooms are looking for less traditional ways to register… and my oh my how the selections have grown! Check below for the Top 5:
- MyRegistry.com. No need to worry about fitting the proper bridal mold of sticking to the 2-3 store registry limit. MyRegistry.com - like its slogan states – features “all stores (under) one registry.” Simply install the “Add to MyRegistry” button to your search engine tool bar and shop any store, anytime, anywhere. It’s a win / win for couples looking to expand their home into specific directions… without the burden of being specific to one store. Can anyone else say boo and yeah :)
- HatchMyHouse.com. Featured on b&g favorites like dailycandy.com and Brides, HatchMyHouse.com gives couples – looking forward to home owning – the chance to build their dream diggs with the help of their guests. After logging onto their site, couples have the opportunity to design their virtual home and giving their guests the opportunity to either donate or buy specific parts for them! Um, hello??? Love love love this! What do you buy the couple who “has everything?” What about a terrace overlooking their conveniently located lake? Purrrrrfection.
- HoneyFund.com. Already got your cabinets stocked with fine China and toasting treasures but would really like a place to honey*swoon? Well then, why not let your guests be a part of the post nuptial planning! By clicking on HoneyFund.com, soon-to-be newlyweds can register for their dream vacation and let their hair down in true, wedded bliss. I mean who needs a blender, when the margaritas are already on tap? Haha!
- IDoFoundation.org / JustGive.org. For the more charitable couple looking to do good during the “I do’s,” websites such as IDoFoundation.org and JustGive.org provide the opportunity for newlyweds to give instead of receive. Talk about generosity at its finest! Instead of registering for a bunch of appliances and dishware, why not give to a cause in need? Because if it’s truly in giving that we receive, couples registering at these locations will surely get the greatest gift of all :)
- MerciRegistry.com. Looking for something that’s totally you? Well then, peep out MerciRegistry.com and let your wedding gifts become just that. By choosing from one of their well crafted themes, brides and grooms can design, dinker and decorate their very own wedding registry website and pull in items from all over the world. Of course with greatness, there is sometimes a price, and in this case, subscriptions start at $65 :)
May 17, 2011
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