Tag: wedding budget
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 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
Erica and Brett Weiss made the best out of poor circumstances and proved not even hurricane forces could stop their love! (photo courtesy of Michael Duva via CNN.com)
Since the dawn of local and national news programs, natural disasters and potentially fatal epidemics have been at the forefront of reporting, and it’s no wonder why. With the general public always looking for a cause to panic – don’t lie, you know we do – it’s not unusual to see how the media can turn even the smallest molehill into a retro-grade sized mountain.
Hurricane Irene, however, is no molehill. In fact, its estimated damage totals over $10 billion! That’s a whole lotta cheddar for one storm, especially when you consider the amount of immeasurable damage it caused in its path. And being the hopeful romantic I am, I couldn’t help but be concerned how the hurricane’s havoc affected all the couples planning to take the plunge during its debut.
And affect the pre-nuptial plungers, it did.
According to theknot.com, there were over 6,031 wedding planned for August 26th through the 28th in areas affected by the invasion of Irene; several of which were located in pricey, upscale areas like Manhattan. (We’re talking $70,000+ wedding budgets here, people!) And with several venues closing down and wedding days being put on delay, there were a whole lot of bridal budgets being crushed by gail force winds… literally!
And while “rain on your parade” seemed to take on a whole new level of understanding, for one couple in particular, Brett and Erica Weiss, there was still cause for celebration. They decided not even a hurricane could stop their big day from taking place. CNN reports that this brave, see-the-glass-half-full duo decided to turn their frowns upside down when they transformed their rehearsal dinner into their wedding day! Dressed to the nines in a pressed tux and a well manicured dress and veil, Erica and Brett made the first steps to wedded bliss in front of the 100 family and friends still able to be in attendance, and the results were nothing short of a dream come true.
Even after natural disastrous damage and 36 hours of customer service calls and rescheduling threatened to dampen their day, the couple remained in high spirits. Erica was even reported saying, “if rain on your wedding day is good luck, then I think we’re starting off in a pretty good place.” (CNN.com)
Um, can you say gold star bride? Love it, love her and love the attitude!
After all, the potential for wedding day disaster is always going to be there… probably why our wedding coordinator just kept saying, “Even though things may go wrong, at the end of the day, you’ll still be married.” And isn’t that what’s most important? We’re ingrained to believe that a wedding day is supposed to be our happily ever after, but when potential disaster strikes (and I mean real disaster, not your aunt decided to get drunk and ‘be somebody’ on the mic), pre-nuptial couples are often times forced to make split decisions that will completely alter over a year’s worth of planning. I’m just glad to know that even during the most desperate of times, true love can still conquer all :)
Big kudos to Erica and Brett for braving the weather and making the best… you now have a new wedding fan in the Midwest who will be toasting to many, MANY years of happiness!
August 30, 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
Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice. (courtesy of geektyrant.com)
Firstly, if I can provide any ease of mind to a nervous bride-to-be dreading her soon-to-be man’s bachelor party, it’s that men – as a whole – are pretty sad planners. No offense dudes, but many of you demonstrate lackluster skills at best when it comes to gathering and executing a well oiled plan. And after seeing firsthand how my Mister’s bach party debacle developed slowly only to and unravel quickly, I feel safe to say that the notion of poor planning is one explanation how many of these testosterone driven myths are crushed.
The other? The chivalrous men attending said bachelor party, duh! (See, fellas, I knock your planning skills, but totes believe in gentleman mojo!) Of course when movies like the Hangover (part I and II) or the 80′s classic Bachelor Party are setting the standards, it’s easy to see why so many soon to Mrs. get their undies in a bunch beforehand. But fear not, my little chick-a-dees, for there is hope beyond the Hangover!
According to an MSN report on Bachelor Party Myths, here are 10 Myths every bride should know about their man’s last fling before the ring:
Myth #1: The party must take place in Vegas. As much as most men would probably love to celebrate in Vegas, it’s not always fiscally possible. So, they will often times opt to make merry a little closer to home. Some party it locally at their favorite hot spots. Some take it back to nature for a manly weekend of roughin’ it and not showering. Still others will even choose a night in playing cards and drinking brews with their best bros.
Myth #2: Strippers are always involved. Believe it or not, ladies, some men simply don’t enjoy strippers. Shocking, right? But it’s true. Many men feel – especially as they age – that strippers aren’t a necessary part of having fun. In fact, they can think of several other things they’d rather use their moolah on than a half naked, uncomfortable dancer.
Myth #3: Everyone will get severely intoxicated. Speaking from experience, not everyone can party like a rockstar. (Especially one who’s been outta the college game for 5+ years. Oy vey.) Plus, most men have responsibilities. Even if they don’t have a wife and kids waiting for them at home, they more than likely have jobs, bills and chores or their own. All of which become increasingly harder to do when you’re milking a two-day hangover.
Myth #4: The groom-to-be will fool around with the “entertainment.” Okay, am I the only person that thinks this “myth” is too ridiculous to even be considered a myth at all? Maybe I’m just naive, but I can’t think of one guy friend, family member or otherwise that even took this into consideration. I mean, doesn’t that completely negate the point of getting married? And if that’s his interest, why propose in the first place? Silly.
Myth #5: The event is exclusive. Often times, wedding guests have to be cut to solve other issues – the budget’s too big; the venue’s too small; etc. But that doesn’t have to be the case for the bachelor party! If you’re a groom who’s only inviting family to the big event, it’s not necessary to only include them on the BP invite list. Most dudes branch out, especially if there were people knocked off because the wife-to-be wasn’t a fan.
Myth #6: Guys will lose a ton of money gambling. Again, just like Myth #1 was busted for not always being fiscally responsible; the same goes for Myth #6. Not every bachelor has dollars burning a hole in his britches, but even if he did, he’s not always willing (or wanting for that matter) to spend it on gambling. It’s a total preference thing.
Myth #7: The group will show up at a club and throw money around. Does anyone else see a pattern forming? Haha! Not all BP’s are high roller events, and even the ones that are, aren’t going to necessarily make it rain $20 bills just because they can.
Myth #8: Guys don’t do anything buy drink and ogle women. While drinking and some ogling may be standards at some, not all bachelor parties feel the need to only do that. In fact, some won’t do either at all. While my cousin’s bach party had booze, they definitely didn’t have women. They spent a whole day on a golf course playing teams and vying for King of the Green. (Go ahead, be jealous – haha!)
Myth #9: A guy only goes to the party to get out of the house. Um, I’m not even justifying this myth with a response. Everyone knows there’s 1000′s of reasons :)
Myth #10: Guys don’t miss their significant others. Aww, how sweet is this myth?? It’s true! Most dudes out on the town do at least at one point or another miss their lady half. In fact, many would even admit to sending sweet messages here and there just to remind them how much they mean. Love love love this one! See, how much nicer is it to believe in the good of guys, rather than they’re all cheating, drunk lunatics who steal, gamble or otherwise destroy their lives in one night? Much, muuuuch nicer :)
June 7, 2011
photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com
Who said you have to spend a fortune to get a bundle? Um, not this pretty little lady – that’s fo sho! Here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we make it a point to serve up trend-tastic goods for the budget savvy bride! After all, does anyone really want to ‘shop til they drop?’ Eeesh. Sounds painful.
Instead of dropping – be it physically yourself or things off your list in order to save – why not simply spend smarter and get more bang for each one of your hard earned bucks?? Ha! I knew you’d be on board!
I know one area that snuck up on me (and added up SUPER fast) was the inevitable rush for attendant gifts… It’s not that I ever had an issue about spending moolah on the beautiful people me and the Mr. love the most, but I just felt like we put it off until last minute; so, when we started factoring in bridesmaids gifts, groomsmen gifts… gifts for the mothers and grandmothers, the fathers and grandfathers, the flower girls and ring bearers… ushers, guest book attendants… I think you see where this is going… I started to panic juuuuust a touch.
Obviously, being partial to all my ladies, I wanted to get them something fiercely fabulous, while still leaving a little somethin’ somethin’ for the all the dudes – haha! Good thing I work at a place that could provide me just that!
<Enter Stage Right> Personalized Bridesmaids Gifts Under $25! Unheard of, you say? Too good to be true, mayhaps? Nope :) Priced with you in mind and personalized free of charge, our entire line will have your wallet looking up and asking, “Does this custom gift make me look fat?” Yes, wallet, it does, and we couldn’t be happier :)
Happy shopping, ladies, and cheers to many MANY years of happiness!
March 10, 2011
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