Alternative Wedding Bouquets

As a wedding tradition, brides used to carry bunches of garlic, herbs, and grains to ward off evil spirits. Eventually, the stinky concoctions turned into beautiful flowers representing life, love and fertility.

Now, brides are opting for more alternative bouquets. If you want something unique to your wedding and break from the traditional mold, check these out.

From left to right:

Button Bouquet - reallybadkitty
Shell Bouquet - Freshcutedesign
Felt Bouquet - RibbonsNBowsBoutique

Crepe Paper Bouquet - lalalaurie
Romance Novel Rose Bouquet - Quitesparkly
Wire Bouquet - REFINERII

5 ways to save money on your wedding.

The average wedding costs about $30,000. So take advantage of any chance you have at saving a buck or two, because these days it'll go a long way. Here are 5 ways you can save cash:

1. Size Matters: Shaving off your guest list is the BEST way to save money. After you've made your preliminary list, go back and select the people most important to you and your fiance. Remove the people you don't know and never heard of. Just by cutting back on the guest list you can save a lot. Think about it, if it costs $50 a person and you cut just 10 people, you save $500. Another option would be to have an "Adult Only" reception; the kids probably won't enjoy it anyway. And lastly, pare your party. Gifts, hair, makeup and flowers cost less for 3 attendants than 10.
   


2. Right Place, Right Time: Consider looking into your local area parks. A lot of the time these places are free! If you don't want to give up that pricey mansion you rented out, then ask the vendor if they have special dates that are discounted. Most vendors give great deals on weekdays and daytime and off season weddings. Remember the vendor wants you to have a positive experience with their service, so see if they can work with your budget.


3. Food Facts: Food for a wedding is often the most expensive part of any wedding. Instead of having a 5-course meal, opt for a buffet. Buffets are considerably cheaper and you can still satisfy your guests. However, if you really prefer a seated meal, chose a less expensive meat like chicken over the fillet mignon.


4. Flower Power: Every wedding should include flowers, it's just the right thing to do. However, every wedding does not have to include 150 orchids to place on each guest's dinner napkin. Chose flowers that are in season on your wedding day. If you buy flowers out of season the florist will need to pay to have them shipped, which means they will cost more, which means more money out of YOUR pocket.
   


5. DIY: Do it yourself. You can save if you just use some elbow grease. Make your own favors - Every guest loves something edible! Make your own invitations - Martha Stewart makes really cute DIY wedding invitations and you can get them at Wal-Mart! Skip on the calligrapher and address your own envelopes. Finally, do your own hair and makeup - If you can't see passed getting your hair and makeup done professionally for your big day, have the bridesmaids do their own and you'll still save a good chunk.
   

What are some of the ways your saving money on your wedding and what are your ideas for staying on budget?

Six Degrees Wedding Genealogy Chart

I happened upon this neat idea for a personalized "guest tree" today that you should definitely check out.

"Wedding genealogies are customized charts, similar to a family tree, that detail the relationships of the bride and groom to all of their wedding guests. Great for the cocktail hour and receptions, these charts fill guests in on who’s a friend from childhood, a neighbor, a family member, and more. Wedding Genealogy charts also serve as a lovely piece of wedding memorabilia." - Melangerie

These charts function in so many ways and look great at the same time! They serve as a seating chart, as well as a great conversation piece for your guests who might not know each other. Whether your wedding is traditional, modern or funky, Melangerie can customize your chart to coordinate with your wedding colors and design.

What unique details are you including in your wedding?

Wedding Tradition: Turkish Shoe Signing

Before you walk down the aisle have your bridesmaids sign the bottom of your shoes. Tradition says the name that has faded the most by the end of the night is next to get married.

Wedding Read: The Pioneer Woman

If your in for a good read head on over to The Pioneer Woman. I've been reading her blog for awhile now and I can't get enough! I'm totally addicted. She is in the process of writing Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, her tale of love and adventure with the man she is now married to. Seriously I check this website everyday...sometimes 2 or 3 when I'm bored, because she is constantly updating her site with new material all the time. Somewhere between her eloquent words and her "keeping it real" attitude, she melts my heart. She goes from meeting to marrying the man of her dreams and you can read all about it here.

Wedding News: It's about time!

This past Thursday David Letterman finally got hitched to his long time girlfriend and mother of his five year old son, Regina Lasko. He announced the news on Monday and joked "the answer honestly is we wanted to make sure we had the prenup just right." I know this seems like "old" news, but it really makes me wonder why. If you didn't know, Letterman is 61. I know, I know, I know age is just a number, but damn. Well anyway, I wish them luck, although I'm sure if they can make it 23 years dating they can make it many more married. Which brings me to my question: How long did you date before you decided to tie the knot, or how long is too long? Oh and also, did you happen to see that episode of Letterman with Joaquin Phoenix?? I'm still laughing.

Inspiration Board: Asian Flair

This color scheme is becoming very popular. I just love it! The colors are aqua and red and they compliment each other so nicely. This theme is very versatile too, even if your wedding theme isn't Asian Flair.