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

♥

Formspring Q&A Corner: "Is it possible to have too many groomsmen? Although far from marriage I often think of what my wedding party [will be]."

Welcome back, my loves and

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! :)

I hope all of you had an amazing winter Holiday season filled with lots of happiness and cheer, and an equally good time bringing in 2012 ! I`ve been doing a lot of brainstorming for some new approaches for my blog material, and it wouldn`t have been possible without your helpful feedback ! I`m super excited for what`s on the horizon, and I hope you`re excited to take the journey with me too . I`ll probably begin my new format in February, but for this month, you can definitely count on another post on the 15th! For now, please check out my response below to an excellent Formspring question I received from an anonymous individual.

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Q: "Is it possible to have too many groomsmen? Although far from marriage I often think of what my wedding party [will be]."

A: Greetings and Happy New Year to you! Thank you so much for your fantastic question and for taking the time to stop by and ask!

Selecting your wedding party is often one of the more exciting decisions to make during the wedding planning process, but it can also be one of the most difficult.

Personally, I feel this is more of a subjective question, therefore lacking a truly definitive answer. I have done weddings with anywhere from zero attendants (bridesmaids/groomsmen) on either side of the couple to be wed, to as many as 11 attendants on either side (excluding the flower girls and ring bearers), in addition to weddings where the only attendants selected were the Maid/Matron of Honor and the Best Man.

Professionally, I would recommend choosing your number wisely, based on the following:

* HOW LARGE/OPEN iS YOUR CEREMONY VENUE?
_ If you are thinking about having a larger wedding party, I would keep that in mind when selecting your wedding ceremony venue! If there is not a lot of standing room for your bridesmaids and groomsmen to comfortably flank the two of you, I would either err on the side of caution and go with a smaller number, or have them sit after the bride makes her way down the aisle to meet you at the altar!

* WiLL YOUR ATTENDANTS (BRiDESMAiDS AND GROOMSMEN) STAND OR BE SEATED FOR THE DURATiON OF THE CEREMONY, OR WiLL THEY DO A MiXTURE OF BOTH?
_ Some couples do not have a true preference, often because it is a detail that most couples don`t think about until they arrive at their wedding rehearsal to get everyone on the same page before the big day!

I`ve seen a mixture of standing and seated parties, but weddings that tend to be later in the day or more formal tend to have their attendants stand for the duration of the ceremony -- with the exception of the young children (flower girls and ring bearers). If having your attendants flank you is really important to you, make sure your venue is large enough to accommodate your wish.

If your attendants will be seated, work with the layout of your venue space to arrange everyone in a configuration that works until the bride makes it to the altar, and then everyone can be seated on the first few pews until it is time to recess after the bride and groom have been married and presented as husband and wife!

* ARE THERE OTHER WAYS/ROLES YOU CAN THiNK OF TO iNCORPORATE SOME OF YOUR CHERiSHED iNDiViDUALS iNTO YOUR WEDDiNG DAY?
_ Perhaps you can designate other roles to indicate your key players, such as hosts/hostesses (who assist with seating your guests); readers (who can read a passage/poem or scripture during the ceremony); or they could help with coordinating the ceremony by rolling out the aisle runner before the bride enters or lighting candles to indicate that the ceremony is about to begin.

Other tips/things to keep in mind and help you make a decision:

* There are usually an equal number of attendants on either side, so
8 bridesmaids (including the Maid of Honor) + 1 flower girl often = 8 groomsmen (including the Best Man) + 1 ring bearer
^^ If your wedding party will stand for the ceremony, equal numbers on both sides are more visually appealing.

* Arrange your bridesmaids and groomsmen in a way that makes it easy for your photographer to photograph!
You don`t want it to look like an army, where the altar is so congested that it makes it hard to pick out who the bride and the groom are!

* Discuss with your partner if you want to have siblings included in the wedding party, especially if one of you has more siblings than the other!
If you only want 4 groomsmen but your bride-to-be has 3 brothers, that only leaves you 1 slot for a male of your choice.

* More bridesmaids/groomsmen = more people to coordinate for fittings, planning sessions, wedding socials, etc.

* More bridesmaids/groomsmen also = more gifts to purchase! Don`t be stingy!
Instead, choose nice gifts that your budget can accommodate comfortably.

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I hope the information shared has been helpful, and thank you again for your thoughts! I hope you had a wonderful Holiday and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future :) May you have a prosperous and beautifully-Blessed 2012!

Sincerely,
Alana
Sequin Soirees
Owner | Event Coordinator | Blogger <3
http://www.SequinSoirees.blogspot.com | SequinSoirees@gmail.com

Ask me anything weddings, special events, decor, && do-it-yourself design elements !!

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See you on January 15th, kiddos!

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

♥

Don`t Be A Grinch ! Gift Ideas for Your Amazing Wedding Party :)

Welcome back, lovebugs ! In honor of the slew of Winter Holidays at hand, I thought it would be befitting to do a post on:

*GiFTS_ For Your Wedding Party!*

Naturally, the Bride and Groom always get lots of goodies in celebration of their big day, but what about your amazing sidekicks ?! After all, tis the season ;)

_Ladies First !

All girls love jewelry and diamonds, but what about some other fun ideas ?!

** Personalize with cute designs, colors, monograms, etc. for a sentimental reminder of your wedding day and what each of your ladies in waiting mean to you !

• Quirky
TUMBLERS

• Trendy
TOTES

• Flirty
FLASKS

• Cutie
KOOZiES

• Fashionable
WiNE POUCHES

• Adorable
JEWELRY BAGS

• ^^ & My New Personal Favorite:
Handy
HANGERS !


Boys present a little more of a challenge, in MY opinion.

BUT, Because Boys Will Be Boys .. _

** Personalize with monograms, nicknames, inside jokes, etc. for a sentimental reminder of your wedding day and what each groomsmen means to you !

• Suave
CUFFLiNKS

• Fun
SHOOTERS

• Grown & Sexy
POCKET KNiVES

• Sporty
BEER MUGS

• Manly
FLASKS

• Fancy
LiGHTERS

• Handsome
POCKET WATCHES

• Functional
MONEY CLiPS

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Words cannot truly express my eternal gratitude for your support since launching my blog in May of this year ! I hope I have warmed your heart in one way or another, and your support of my planning passion makes this experience so much more worthwhile. I`m looking very forward to 2012, have lots of great blogpost topics lined up, and an official website in the works ! Enjoy the remainder of 2011, cherishing each and every day as if it were your last . Can`t wait to be back with you again on January 1, 2012 . Love always and forever .

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

♥

Season`s Greetings: Have Yourself A MERRY Little Marriage :)

Happy December 1st, friends! I cannot even believe 2012 is already knocking, but time slows for no man, so all any of us can do is cherish every second we are given. I hope you enjoyed my November triple feature, and please do not forget to

>> PLACE YOUR VOTE ! << Leaving comments beneath my corresponding blogpost is also a great option if you wish to ever give feedback! The final results will be included in December 15th`s post. In light of the Winter season and all of the festive Holidays that are soon to follow, I thought I would follow suit and blog about ...

*WiNTER WEDDiNGS !*

_Winter Wedding
PROS:

* GREATER AVAILABILITY !
>> Winter weddings are not as common as their peak season (Spring/Summer/early Fall) counterparts. However, you have more power to use this to your advantage, as venues are much more likely to be available on your preferred wedding date and time!

* CHEAPER VENUE PRiCiNG !
>> Because winter is a relatively slow season for weddings, venues are likely to be much more accommodating with affordable pricing options. The slower winter season follows the booming wedding season, so venues will really want and need your business during this time of year.

* CHEAPER FLORAL PRiCiNG !
>> There aren`t many flowering plants that thrive in the winter season, and most of the "seasonal florals" that grow in the winter months are relatives of the evergreen. Hollies, evergreens, pines, and pine cones can add really nice textures and originality to bouquets and centerpieces! These floral elements are also less expensive than the colorful blooming plants that are available during other months of the year. You can also incorporate inorganic components, such as sparkly ornaments, glistening crystal, or warm (faux) furs!

* STAND OUT FROM THE REST !
>> Winter is the least common season for weddings, so be unique and go for it!

* GREATER POTENTiAL GUEST ATTENDANCE !
>> Socially, people tend to travel less in the colder months, meaning your guests will have a higher chance of being able to attend your wedding.

* PUT A FESTiVE SPiN ON YOUR COCKTAiL HOUR & SERVE *WARM* DRiNKS !
>> It`s winter and most likely, chilly outside. Why not switch things up and serve warm, festive drinks for the cocktail hour! Choose options that are versatile and alcohol-friendly, like spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, and hot toddies !

_Winter Wedding
CONS:

* WiNTER = [POTENTiAL] WiNTER WEATHER !
>> Please be mindful of this possibility when considering venues for your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, and lodging for your out of town guests. Always better to be safe than sorry, and to try your best to plan for multiple possibilities -- ESPECiALLY the unfavorable ones that have a higher probability of occurring.

* WiNTER = LOTS OF WiNTER HOLiDAYS !
>> Winter is a season that holds many Holidays. Even though you may choose to personally celebrate some over others, you need to plan with your guests in mind. Keep winter holidays at the planning forefront when you are choosing dates and times!

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Until December 15th, I bid you Season`s Greetings, jolly cheer, and warm hearts.

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

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

♥

Extra, Extra -- Read SEED All About It !

^^Photo from LarsLove Design
It probably comes as no surprise that in light of the more apparently recent effects of our tremendous human footprint on Mother Earth, both people and businesses alike are [finally] striving to be more sustainable and environmentally-friendly! Regardless of whether or not you aggressively support the “green” movement, I would like to share with you a newly-innovative technology that has completely captured my heart –

SEED PAPER ♥

Seed paper is a form of organic recycled paper that is made from crushed plant seed (most commonly wildflower) and is 100% sustainable! It comes in many colors, textures, designs, and dyes (just like regular paper), and can add a very creative element to your next event in a subtle (yet environmentally-conscious) way!

Ever since I first learned of seed paper two years ago in one of my undergraduate classes at Virginia Tech, I`ve had a couple of ideas that I`d LOVEEE to implement in my future events. Take a peek, & by all means, feel free to copy!

• Idea #1 : Use RSVP card inserts as an opportunity to incorporate seed paper in a way that will forever be reflective of the memories of your special day and the people who shared it with you!

RSVP card inserts are one of the many standard components that accompany every wedding invitation, and RSVP card inserts serve as useful tools to keep a grip (theoretically) on the number of guests that plan to attend your reception/event. The idea is for the recipients of your wedding invitations to read the invitation, check your wedding date against their personal social calendars, fill out the RSVP card insert, and mail it back to you (the bride and groom/hostess and host) to indicate whether or not they will be in attendance with you on your special day.

Therefore, why not print your RSVP inserts onto pretty seed paper, enclose them in your wedding invitations, mail them to all of your family and friends, and collect all responses that are mailed back to you, just as you would if they were printed on regular paper stock. At this point, you would hold on to the responses until you coordinated a table chart for the seating of your reception, and then you would throw the responses in the trash.

HOWEVER WITH SEED PAPER INSERTS, you can take them a few steps further by storing the responses in a cool/dark place until the weather permits, and then planting them in the yard of your first home as husband and wife!
Not only will the blooming seedlings make your yard look pretty, but every time you newlyweds look out your window and see the flowers, you will think back to your amazing wedding day and all of your closest loved ones that shared in your happiness.

• Idea #2 : Not planning a wedding for your next event? Try using seed paper for commemorative or more heavy events as a means of bonding and unity.

For a reunion or a memorial event, you could easily utilize the same concept (as Idea #1) though the idea of symbolic beautification. At the present, I`m actually brainstorming a reunion for my Sorority Sisters from my undergraduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where we could gather at Virginia Tech on the anniversary of our Chapter`s chartering; fill out seed paper inserts with our names, favorite undergraduate memories, and what joining the Sorority has done for each of us; and then planting the seed paper on campus as a service project symbolic of both our Chapter (Theta Phi) and our University-appreciation.

Still not convinced that seed paper is the next best thing?! Please click on the businesses below to check out these amazing vendors and their work:

o Botanical Paperworks --

o Of the Earth .


o Bloomin --

PS – To all my loves who received Christmas Cards from me last year, the cover contained a seed paper insert (: plant it and think of me! Mwahhh ♥