Cutting Costs Without Cutting Class

On July 2, 2012, I was featured as a guest blogger on Golden Financial Nuggets!
Thank you again, Rianka, for the amazing opportunity :)
Below is my post! Enjoy, lovebugs --

For many, there isn`t much not to love when it comes to weddings and all the fun details that come along with them! From seasons to color schemes, dresses to jewelry, flowers to décor, and food to cakes, the options are truly endless. But what about one of the most important details of all? Yes, it even rivals the coveted wedding gown. I`m talking about the WEDDING BUDGET! While not as fun as a cake tasting, as artsy as playing with invitations at your local craft store, or as shiny as shopping for wedding bands, it definitely should NOT be overlooked or taken lightly. Your budget establishes the framework for every point between your engagement and “I Do”, and should be regarded seriously as a point of reference prior to all financial decisions. Of course it`s tempting to want to throw it to the wayside or constantly increase the budget threshold as you plan, but

what are some ways you can maintain your budget by cutting costs without cutting class or coining yourself a “cheapskate”?

Consider my Top 10:

• Tip #1: When selecting florals, choose flowers that are IN SEASON.
They will be more readily available to your florist and minimize overhead costs related to shipping/flying the flowers in from other locations.

• Tip #2: Reuse and repurpose!
Consider using some or all of your bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces for your reception! Flower balls are a great alternative to the traditional bouquet, and look beautiful as toppers on tall glass vases!

• Tip #3: Choose your wedding date and corresponding venues wisely!
Beware of choosing dates around federal Holidays and other popular times of year (i.e. Valentine`s Day, or Disney World in the winter months). Situations like these give venues more power to raise their prices, because they know they will get many competitive bids for their business! Aside from the cost-factor, being mindful of Holidays is also more courteous for your guests and wedding party.

• Tip #4: Consider marrying on a day other than Saturday!
Many venues host their big events on weekends (with Saturday being the heaviest day for event traffic), so marrying on a different day could give you more haggling power with your venue! They need your business on their lighter days.

• Tip #5: Make your venue work for you!
Does your ceremony or reception venue have candelabra, greenery, linens, or any on-site rental equipment? USE IT! Even if they charge you a nominal fee, it`s still probably cheaper than going through an event rental company or an external caterer. If you like the colors of your event spaces, consider choosing wedding colors that match or compliment.

• Tip #6: Be crafty with your cake.
A plain sheet cake from a local bakery is much cheaper than a tiered, elaborately-decorated cake from a cake decorator. Therefore, purchase a smaller pretty cake for your cake cutting (which is the main reason for having a cake in the first place), but have a sheet cake in the back ready to be cut and distributed to your guests! This way you have a pretty cake and another that tastes good to satiate your guests, and you have a few extra dollars in your pocket!

• Tip #7: Cut the favors.
If you`re purchasing favors just to say you had favors, forget it. If you`re purchasing favors that are symbolic to your wedding or to your lives as a couple, there are still a few alternatives. Consider using seed paper for table cards with your guests` names on them. After your wedding, they can plant their table card and watch it grow, thinking of you with every bloom! Another alternative is to ask guests to make donations, and write a check to a cause or charity on your wedding`s behalf.

• Tip #8: Save the money on your save the dates!
Consider electronic save the dates/Evite announcements and leave the snail mail pretty postage for your wedding invitations! Websites work well too for all of your wedding details and updates.
$0.44 x 150 guests = $66.00 SAVINGS :)

• Tip #9: Invitations – mail what you need.
Wedding invitations can get pricey quickly. Have you ever seen those box sets of invitations at your local craft store? Many of them come with ample inserts and extra decorations. All that stuff = added weight, which also = added postage! Just because the kit comes with 8978235 inserts, don`t feel obligated to try to find a use for every single one.

• Tip #10: Rethink your alcohol.
You don`t have to get rid of it entirely, but consider limiting your wine/liquor selections. An easy workaround for this is to work with your caterer to create a signature drink for your wedding day for your guests! Another option is to have a wedding and reception earlier in the day when heavy alcohol consumption isn`t as much of an expectation. The later in the day you host your reception, the heavier your food choices need to be, and the greater the expectation becomes that alcohol will be present.

Weddings can still be beautiful without putting you in debt. Instead of trying to outdo every couple who has married before you, consider focusing more on what your marriage is REALLY about – two soul mates proclaiming their love for one another and making the commitment to start a new life together as one.

Alana Mallory
Event Coordinator | Blogger | Owner, Sequin Soirees

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>> http://pinterest.com/sequinsoirees/

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♥

Eclectic Gift/Favor Ideas for Your Guests !

Are we really halfway through another month already ?! I honestly don`t know where time is going but I definitely won`t complain, because the 15th means I get to blog for you again :)

Lately, I`ve been hearing about lots of fun, non-traditional ideas for guest gifts/favors, and thought I`d share in hopes of getting your feedback ! So, let`s play !

*Unique Gift/Favor Ideas
for Wedding Guests*

* Do the right thing and GO GREEN !

-- I touched on this concept in June 2011 and am still as in love with the idea of seed paper as I was before . Plantable paper, often referred to as seed paper, is a paper made out of crushed seeds and organic plant matter . It is 100% sustainable and eco-friendly, and will sprout into an actual plant if you plant and water it ! Just like regular paper, seed paper is customizeable in many shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, and surely there is a design out there that is perfect for your wedding day ! A cute way to incorporate this into a favor is to print the guests` name cards on seed paper and give them a mini terra cotta pot . After your wedding, they can plant the name card in the pot, and VOILA -- beautiful flowers will grow, reminding them of your wedding day with each and every glance .

And on that note,
"Please be SEEDED !" ;)

* In honor of your wedding day, ask your guests to SHARE THE LOVE !

-- In lieu of encouraging your guests to purchase/bring wedding gifts, design a wedding with a cause and ask your guests to share in the effort . Still skeptical ?
Take a peek at my 2 suggestions below:

>> Select a charity that embodies a mission close to your heart, and ask guests to contribute a donation . Then, give the charity a large donation in the name of your wedding and guests ! There is SO much power in teamwork .

>> Ask your guests to contribute toward a goal of the two of you as newlyweds, such as solidifying a down payment on your first home !

>> Winter wedding around the Holidays ? Ask your guests to bring books/gifts suitable for children and donate them to a local children`s hospital or children`s charity !

* Use your WEDDiNG THEME/SETTiNG for inspiration !

>> Getting married outside on a warm, sunny day ? Give your guests customized parasols during the ceremony to protect them from the sun`s rays . When the ceremony ends, tell the guests they can keep em !

>> Beach wedding ? Give your guests customized flip flops to protect their high heels and fancy shoes from the sand !

>> Incorporate a signature drink into your reception and give your guests the romantic recipe that will have them falling in love with your wedding day with each sip they take !

* As a couple, make your guests a CD of your favorite musical tunes and selections !

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See you again on May 1st (:

Sequin Soirees is now on Pinterest !

>> http://pinterest.com/sequinsoirees/

Formspring me !

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

Wedding Dresses_ Buy vs. RENT ?

How are we in February already?! Unbelievable, but it`s great to be back here with you :) My sincerest apologies for missing my post on January 15th, loves. On Friday, January 13th, I began my relocation from Washington, DC to Northern Virginia, and it was a terrible weekend of sorts! Absolutely everything that could`ve gone wrong did go wrong, and NOW I am a firm believer that Friday the 13th`s are all bad/cursed :( Through all of the madness, I didn`t have my act together by Sunday the 15th, but your girl is back! Now, on to the juice!

Have you ever been watching TV or reading a magazine and come across an ad for something you felt was so entirely simple, it was ridiculous to even think it would be a successful business venture -- but surprisingly, it catches on exponentially? Well, I`m not so sure if the idea I`m about to present to you will cause a similar tidal wave of popularity, but it is one I definitely feel is worth mentioning:

Wedding gowns --
FOR *RENT* !

Yes loves, I said WEDDiNG GOWNS FOR RENT .

The iconic wedding gown is often said to be THE most important dress of a lifetime, and for many Brides, the gown is the first wedding purchase they make to get it all into perspective. Wedding gowns come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and *PRiCE POiNTS*.

To some, the idea of renting a Bridal gown is absolutely preposterous. To others, they may welcome the idea, as renting may provide them an opportunity to wear an expensive dream gown for a price that is more comfortable for their budget! As a planner, it is my job to remain biased, but I can definitely see strong arguments for both sides.

To determine if renting is the right option for you, you first need to weigh which aspects of a wedding gown are most important for what you`re looking for. If cost is a major factor, renting could be great for you. However, if you are more concerned with wanting to be the first and the last to wear the dress you marry in, renting probably isn`t the right route.

Here are some pros and cons to renting wedding gowns instead of purchasing them:

*_PROS:*

• Renting a gown is bound to be MORE BUDGET and pocket FRiENDLY !
  -- By spending less on the gown, you have more money within your budget to spend on other things, like flowers!
• Renting a gown provides you with the opportunity to wear a lavish designer gown and look like a million bucks -- without paying it !
• Renting a gown still gives you the "Say Yes to the Dress" consultation feel with the same quality products -- for LESS !
• Renting a gown is a great option for your bridesmaids too,
  especially if you can find multiples of the style you`re looking for !

*_CONS:*

• Renting a gown means that you won`t be the first or the last to wear it
  -- But who cares?! Every wedding is different. Even if someone rents the same gown as you do, the odds of them jazzing it up with identical accessories are slim to none. Besides, she`s not YOU! Strut your stuff, girl :)

• Renting a gown means that you won`t get to keep it after your special day to pass along to a family member or a special friend.
  -- But think of all the fun you had on your special day, and think of how many other Brides can afford their dream "I Do`s" because of your selfless gesture. It`s like your gown is the gift that keeps on giving! Even though you may not know the individual it`s being rented by, you are still paying it forward.

^^ Did you like how I turned the negatives into positives, too?

Renting a wedding gown is definitely controversial, but it`s YOUR day and YOUR opportunity to make your day whatever you and your significant other want it to be.
Besides, no one will even know you rented your dress -- unless you tell them! ;-)

After reading, how do you feel about wedding dress rentals?
Please tell me here!

_Survey:

http://fs23.formsite.com/SequinSoirees/form2/index.html

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Intrigued?
Check out some of these cool wedding dress rental sites below:

• One Night Affair: Designer Gown Rentals
• Alexandria`s Formal Gown Rentals
• Unforgettable Rentals
• Fairy Godmother Gown Rentals

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See you on February 15th and I wish you all a lovely Valentine`s Day !

Until then, please comment or Formspring me ! Mwahhh (:

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

In Search of Your "Something New" ? Check Out These Cool Apps to Bring Your Wedding Into the 21st Century with Ease !

HAPPY OCTOBER and welcome back! Again, words cannot express how much I truly appreciate your support or how much I love being able to share a piece of my heart with you through this medium.

Today`s blogpost is one that I am very excited about, and one that I feel is very relevant. In a world of rapid change and one that places quite a crutch on technology, I`d like to share some apps/software with you that can help bring YOUR wedding into the 21st century.

• Spotlight #1: Martha Stewart`s Cocktails App →

Signature Cocktails are hot and trending like crazy right now, and Martha Stewart`s fun app can help you concoct the perfect way to meld your wedding into a fun, liquid treat! Be it colors or certain flavors you want to incorporate, be your own professional bartender and add that extra little touch for your guests to sip the night away! Cheers to you, newlyweds :)

Your Price: $0.99 for iPhone/iPad

[ http://www.marthastewart.com/cocktails-recipe-app ]


• Spotlight #2: Perfect Table Plan Software →

Sometimes, determining seating arrangements for your reception can create more of a headache than creating your guest list itself! For $29.95, Perfect Table Plan can be your lifesaver. This versatile software can print floor plans with ease, provide you with the flexibility to make last minute changes at the click of a button, doesn`t require internet access, and may accommodate event seating for up to 2000 guests! If you can drag and drop, you can ace this program! I`ll even let you in on a little secret -- caterers and venues probably use this software to impress you with intricate floorplans at your vendor consultations ;) Why not be one step ahead?

Your Price: $29.95:
*Microsoft Windows: 7/Vista/XP/2000 compatible
*Apple: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later compatible

[ http://www.perfecttableplan.com/index.html ]


• Spotlight #3: MyRegistry.com App →

Okay, so let`s say you`ve already created your wedding registry via physically walking into your favorite stores and playing laser tag with the scanner guns or by selecting items online through your favorite stores` websites -- but there was something you found later that you wanted to add, or something that you changed your mind about and wanted to remove. This app is wonderful because you can add or remove an item from any store, any time, any place! Out and about when you see an item that you want? Just pull up the app on your phone, scan the barcode, and voila! Watching tv and see an item that catches your eye? Log in to your account on your home computer and add it in 5 seconds! This app even lets you know when the item is available for less at another store! We ALL know wedding registries are transient and never truly set in stone, so keep track of all of your needs and wants at the touch of a fingertip!

Your Price: FREE! for iPhone & Android Phones; FREE online account via a computer

[ http://www.myregistry.com/Default.aspx ]


• App #4: Apps by the Knot →

Sooo who doesn`t love theKnot.com or "the Knot" magazine?! Well now, you can carry their tips, forums, planning checklists, and updates wherever you go! If one great KNOT app isn`t enough, check out their wide array of gadgets:

• the Knot iPad App →
View your favorite wedding magazine directly on your iPad!
Your Price: $4.99

• the Knot Wedding911 App →
150+ wedding-related Q&A`s & the ability to post questions for other brides & brides-to-be to answer :)
Your Price: FREE for your iPhone

• the Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner (sponsored by The Registry at Bloomingdales) →
Wedding planning checklists that sync to your online account, budget trackers, wedding dress/cake/hairstyle inspirations, your virtual scrapbook, and access to local vendors in your area!
Your Price: FREE for your iPod/iPad

• the Knot Wedding Dress LookBook (sponsored by Pronovias) →
Find your perfect dress with this great app that allows you to browse dresses and also suggests dresses based on your body type/personality/wedding style!
Your Price: FREE for your iPhone

• the Knot Wedding Hair iPhone App →
Find your perfect wedding day look right here!
Your Price: FREE for your iPhone

While all of these extra nods from technology are fabulous and hugely helpful, don`t get too carried away -- I still want you to want me of course ;)

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I`ll see you again on October 15th!
Until then, comment or Formspring me!

http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

♥

Wedding Cake Remix

Hello, lovelies! Thanks for stopping by my blog for my second bi-monthly August post.

Closely following the gown, the cake (and corresponding cake cutting) is quite arguably THE MOST iconic wedding element! Recently, however, there has been an increasingly-popular trend in remixing this coveted dessert tradition! I invite you to take a peek below of some adorable ideas that other Brides and Grooms have taken a liking to in their wedding ceremonies:

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*CUPCAKES*

• The top tier, which is a cake layer, presents the Bride and Groom with 2 options:

Option #1: The Bride and Groom can cut into the top cake layer tier for the traditional cake cutting, and distribute the individual cupcakes amongst their guests; or

Option #2: The Bride and Groom can leave the top cake layer tier uncut by cutting into one of the cupcakes for the traditional cake cutting, distributing the individual cupcakes amongst their guests, and saving the top tier until the newlyweds celebrate their 1st Wedding Anniversary.

Having cupcakes for each individual guest instead of serving slices of cake actually saves you $$, because you will not need to pay the caterer for "cake service."
[Cake service = the cutting and serving of the wedding cake to all of your guests.]

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*DONUT CAKE*

• This idea is slightly more unconventional, but super cute, right?! And individual donuts are SO much cheaper than individually-decorated mini cakes. Don`t be scared to mix up the flavors!

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*PUFFED RICE WEDDING CAKE*

• I`ll admit, this is my first time seeing this concept, but each wedding is unique and reflective of the bride and the groom, so if puffed rice cereal is what you`re into -- go for it! After all, it is YOUR day :)

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*CHEESECAKE*

• This idea is a little more delicate, because cheesecake needs to be refrigerated and therefore cannot be on display throughout the entire reception like a traditional wedding cake could/would be. BUT it`s still a super cute concept! Pick a flavor (or two), find a cute tiered cake stand, and you`ll have your own cheeseCAKE in no time! How do you like that play on words? ;) hehe

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*PIES*

• One of my favorite weddings, in which I had the honor of serving as the Day-of Coordinator, utilized this option at the reception! Like the cheesecake, be mindful of the pie options you choose, because some flavors will have to be refrigerated. Also, some flavors are extremely messy, and you don`t want a gooey mess slipping off the fork during the pie cutting and falling down your pretty dress! Pictured above are individual mini-pies = cute, and FAR less messy!

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*CANDY BAR*

• Personally, I LOVE this idea! While most people use this idea as a fun wedding FAVOR idea for their guests, it could definitely be a substitute option for the cake if that`s what you want!

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*SWEET DIPPING STATION*

• This idea is something that will have your guests up and talking about for months after your reception and wedding day are over! How fun?! And depending on what your theme/vibe is, you can have indulgent dipping options, guilt-free options, or a fun mix of the two!

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*CAKE SHOOTERS*

• Talk about a FUN FUN FUN idea! Cake shooters, what more needs to be said about these cute little shots of Heaven? I may definitely be stealing these for myself someday 0:) but shhhh!

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Hopefully, you`ve seen a few ideas that you like :) Thanks again for your support and I shall see you again on September 1st and 15th with my next posts! Until then, stay fabulous.

♥

Bridal Gowns: The More, The MARRYer for You & -- Your Wallet ??

Is it just me, or have you also noticed that the Love Bug has been putting in lots of overtime lately? It seems every time I log into Facebook, my mini-feed is chalked full of more love, more engagements, and more wedding photographs than I can begin to keep up with – and I`m like a kid in a candy store over all of it. Wedding season is fully underway and, fortunately for me, wedding season marks my favorite time of year.

While most aspects of weddings are super fun, there are some less glamorous components within the planning process that can be daunting to think about – like the *BUDGET*! However, the budget is a very critical and fundamental element that must be thoughtfully constructed, realistically calculated, seriously followed, and constantly checked ... constantly. Weddings today run in a wide gamut of budgets and styles, but on average, weddings in the 21st century are by no means “cheap.” There are many ways that couples are looking to keep their budgets in mind, without compromising or sacrificing certain design elements/ traditional pieces that are most important to them.

One new-age trend that I see gaining popularity is the idea of having multiple wedding gowns! Personally, I think it`s a fabulous idea, because it keeps all of your guests (and your Groom) on the edge of their seats, wondering what stunning piece you`ll come out in next, and how many more looks you`ll pull off before the night ends. It adds a more dramatic, yet playful, layer to your special day, and since all eyes will be on you anyways, you might as well take full advantage of the occasion!

Many Brides put their wedding gown on a very high pedestal – and for good reason! It truly is the most important dress you`ll ever wear. Unfortunately, it can also be the most expensive dress you`ll ever purchase :( So by now, you`re probably wondering why I previously mentioned the importance of a budget, yet I`m now promoting the idea of multiple dresses, right?

Well, I would now like to introduce to you

the 2-IN-1 WEDDING GOWN!

I first saw the concept featured on David Tutera`s “My Fair Wedding” last season, and I think they are absolutely amazing! For the price of 1 dress, you can have 2 completely different looks – usually a more classic look for the wedding, and a more trendy look for the reception (or vice versa if you wish)! You could even get a 3rd look out of the same dress if it comes with a bustle option for the train. 1 gown, 2+ looks, 1 price, all accomplished with one effortless zip! So what`s not to like?! ♥

Please take a peek at some of the designer styles below :)

o David`s Bridal --

^^ Style || KP3135 ♥

^^ Style || KP3265 ♥

o David Tutera --

^^ Style || EVA B139 ♥

^^ Style || FERGIE B121 ♥