The Wedding Chat

Themed Engagement Pictures

2009-07-07T16:43:00.004-05:00

Your wedding is surrounded by themes. Themed showers, themed reception. They always say that the invitation is the first picture of what the reception will look like. But how about taking it one step further?

Think themed engagement pictures. Our running joke is that I'm from the city, and he's a small town boy. We're incorporating my "city bling" with this "country charm" by using pinks, and natural earth elements in our reception decor. But it all started with our themed engagement pictures. Our photographer, Crystal Beilke of Facets of Crystal Photography, captured the essence of our theme, "Small town boy meets big city girl". And did it beautifully. Try your own theme. Historic, naturistic, classis contemporary, artsy. The skies the limit. But rememeber to pull from the essence of your relationship and it makes the pictures all that more meaningful.

Ways to be wedding savvy and save!

2009-07-01T17:17:00.003-05:00

As I plan my wedding, I'm finding there are always ways to cut corners without having to look cheap. Here's 10 tips on saving money on your big day.

1.) Trim your guest list

Remember that each person adds a significant amount to the overall cost of the wedding. It's an extra plated dinner, an extra program, invitation and so on. Don't invite anyone you haven't talked to in 5 years. You can also decide to have an "adult only reception". Limit co-workers from the office that aren't close friends. Remember if you feel "preassured" to invite someone, they probably don't need to be on your list.

2.) Save postage on your wedding invitations

Postage is determined by weight so keep it simple. Don't add extra blotted paper, and another envlope. You could even ask guests to reply via email or on a wedding website if you have one.

3.) Shop samples sales and the internet for cheap wedding dresses.

If you're a size 6,8 or 10 like me this could save you TONS. When I came across a local bridal shop running their annual dress sale, I thought I'd check it out. I sort of picked through the racks but ended up finding a $1100 dress for only $98!! It will require a little in alterations but they are cheaper than a full price dress. There are often internet sites for used or never worn items that are going for a much lesser rate than what they were originally purchased for. It could save you hundreds.

4.) Change the day of the week

This can be the difference of thousands between even a Friday and Saturday. Choosing a Thursday or Sunday will often boast better deals from all your vendors since there is less demand.

5.) Save money on church decorations

Depending on the time of year, you might luck out and have the ability to piggy back on their already decorated for the holidays space. If not simplicity can save you so opt for some candels to create ambiance for less.

6.) Learn to ask!

You can't get what you don't ask for. Vendors won't offer additional freebies. There is always a chance they will do the slide show for free, or through in popcorn for later in the reception for nothing. Also consider asking your friends and family for help in areas they might specialize or know someone.

7.) DIY

This may cost you time, but it certainly saves you money and it often has a much more personal touch. Get your wedding party together, throw on some music so it doesn't feel like a production line, and power through invitations, favors and centerpieces.

8.) Look for cheap wedding food and drink

Weigh out similar options and have your caterer price them out so you can compare. What's a plated dinner versus a buffet, and what's chicken cost versus beef. You could consider drink tickets for your guests, reserving the open bar for only the cocktail hour, or buy beer and have the hard alcohol cash. There are a variety of options for every budget so compare and contrast.

9.) Get online!

Try Craigslist and Ebay. Brides often resell used reception decor that's still in great shape and for cheap. Make sure to look for trusted sellers and calculate shipping but it could make a difference in your bottom line.

10.) Consider cheap wedding invitations

You could print your own invites on your home computer using software found online. Most stationary stores carry heavier paper that can be used in your printer. Making a lot of invitations? Go to a bulk paper warehouse store where they can cut the costs of paper and often let you use their supplies to cut professionally.

Photofetti-Personalized Confetti

2009-06-23T09:31:00.002-05:00

Photofetti, who has advertised with go2wed.com since 2007 is being nationally recognized in Special Events Magazine. They make a unique product that it a great accent for any event. Their "confetti" is manufactured with the pictures YOU send to them, and then given the color of your choice.

Based out of Lakeville, all their orders can be done online. You choose the pictures, colors, and style of your photofetti, and its sent right to your door.

Check out the article.
http://specialevents.com/weddings/photofett-personalized-custom-photo-confetti-0422/
Congratulations Photofetti!

Saving your marriage before it starts!

2009-06-22T10:47:00.003-05:00

As a fellow bride myself, I am going through all of this planning and preparation with all of you. One part of the prepartion process that often gets overlooked, is the planning for the marriage. Lots of thought goes into the wedding day, the colors, the flowers, and so on. But sometimes we forget about what happens all the days after.

I have been priveledged to be introduced to the book "Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts" by a couple, Les and Leslie Parrott. They focus on seven key questions to help couples identify and overcome stumbling blocks to a building a healthy, lifelong marriage. This book offers separate workbooks for men and women which co-indcide with the book.

The chapters are short but effective. Even the men have found ways to enjoy it. It helps you discover better ways of communicate and help to address some issues that you may not have talked about yet.

Together they teach the skills needed to transition from the “single” life to the “married” life. This is a wonderful book that was introduced to us as part of our pre-marital counseling. They offer some insight not on what to avoid, but some of the myths we are all guilty of believing in.

After reading the first few chapters, couples learn the certain types of expectations to avoid after marriage.

This books is great for getting the ball rolling on some topics that aren't always easy to transition into. Face your past, work through the present all for a wonderful and successful marriage future.

Celebrate with a small footprint

2009-06-08T09:30:00.004-05:00

Weddings have always been an opportunity to step outside of the box and create an event that fits you as a couple. But "going green" doesn't mean that your wedding will be any less elegant or special. But it's an opportunity to take a stand for the environment.

One way is to use LOCAL vendors. Contracting services for food and flowers drastically cuts down on transportation costs which reduces carbon emissions. There is a great variety of floral options that can be grown here. Talk to your local florist about locally home grown options. They are well educated in what flowers bloom in certain climates and the seasons they look the best.

Second, with invitations taking at least 3% typically of your total wedding budget, printing on recycled paper is a great way to save mother earth. You can print everything from your invitations to save-the-date and reply cards on this paper. Ask your local supplier what options you have. For a completely green option, opt to break the mold and send them out electronically. Mentioned to your guests your objective and they will be more than excited to support your green goals.

Lastly, take hold of the "something borrowed" mantra. An alternative to dropping thousands on a wedding dress is going vintage. Find a great seamstress and make it your own. Look for ideas prior to going shopping to have an idea about what sort of palette you want to begin with.

For LOCAL wedding vendors, be sure to check out go2wed.com for all your wedding planning needs.

No cake for me!

2009-05-27T11:01:00.005-05:00

Wedding cakes have always been traditional, and are gourgoues pieces of art. But with every aspect of the wedding industry, times are changing. Couples are gravitating towards new and creative ways to satisfy their guests' sweet tooth. One Rochester couple will treat their guests to Snickers Ice Cream Bars in place of a traditional cake.

I myself will be using jars I found at garage sales, and buying candy in bulk in our wedding colors to adorn our cake table along with favor bags for our guests to take the delicious candies home. Even Martha Stewart (picture left), has favored this new tradition. Many caterers and bakers that traditionally have done wedding cakes are jumping on board offering candy bars and dessert buffets. Dessert buffets are another way to offer guests a tasty treat while breaking the mold offering treats like mousses, or chocolate covered goodies.

Ask your coordinator or caterer for suggestions on how to try adding a twist to your cake table.

New ways of funding your wedding

2009-05-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=29734@ktvt.dayport.com
Bride Gets Dr Pepper Co. To Sponsor Wedding
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) ―

A bride's unusual effort to raise funds online for her wedding has led to a decidedly unconventional result — corporate sponsorship of her special day. Pinched for cash, Virginia Beach hairdresser Kelly Gray went on eBay to offer a spot in her bridal party to the highest bidder. But when the auction was over Wednesday, the winner was not a woman eager to wear taffeta, but a representative of Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The company will donate $10,000 and drinks for Gray's April 19 wedding to Karl Gau. She said the company also plans to launch a Web site to help her find a bridesmaid or provide a surprise guest for the slot. The Dr Pepper people may have taken notice of Gray's auction because the brand was mentioned in a local newspaper article about her offbeat effort to fund her ceremony. Gwen Lala, Gray's co-worker, suggested she try eBay because a Dr Pepper can was selling on the online auction site for $400.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Minnesota Wedding Discounts

2008-12-23T17:48:00.001-06:00

Do you love FREE Wedding Stuff? Are you excited when you purchase something and you get something in return? Isn’t it a GREAT feeling to have something given to you for FREE when you buy something! How about a free wedding photo album, or a free complimentary bottle of champaign? Or better yet, $50 - $100 dollars off booking your DJ? Wow with great savings like this you can purchase even more fun things for your wedding day! Or just save up and spend it on your honeymoon or that new house together.

Are you a Bride searching for ways to save money on your “Wedding Expenses?” You don’t even have to try to save money to gain access to all the great offers the vendors online Go2wed.com are giving you. Our local wedding professionals from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Colorado want you to get exclusive discounts, savings, specials, free stuff and more when you shop locally. Let the brides know where they can find thier Bridal Savings Card and save hundreds of dollars with some of the finest wedding businesses around. Click here to find out who offers all the great deals and how you can get your card sent to you in the mail. Can’t see the vendors that offer the specials, make sure you are a registered bride or event planner online, click here to Register your name.

Go2wed.com is just ordering our new Bridal Savings Cards and you need to purchase yours early so you can start saving money on your wedding expenses. Register and orders your now…

Save $ on your Wedding Expenses with the Go2wed.com Bridal Savings Card. Get exclusive discounts on wedding services all year round by purchasing your Savings Card.

The Bridal Savings Card is a money-saving membership program from Go2Wed.com. You become eligible for special offers, discounts, coupons, etc.. exclusive to holders of the card. The bridal savings card looks like a credit card. Present the card to the business that honors the offer and redeem your special or savings.

For a list of Wedding Savings, offers, specials, discounts and more, CLICK your STATE below…

Minnesota Savings | Colorado Savings | Wisconsin Savings | Iowa Savings

Imagine savings hundreds of dollars on your wedding expense and getting something free and fun from wedding professionals. Local wedding vendors offer exclusive deals and savings to you. New Companies get added frequently so make sure you check back in. By providing your email address to us, we’ll notify you whenever new special offers are added.

Save on Wedding Services Such As:

Reception Hall Rentals & Ceremony Sites.
Photography Services, Engagement Shoots
Bridal Shops, Tuxedo Rentals.
DJs and Entertainment
Videography Services.
Party Decorations
Transportation
Favors & Gifts.
Salons & Spas.
Invitations.
Florists.
Catering
and more!

For only $20+tax, you gain access to savings from vendors online. Simply click the “Buy Now” button below to access our secure payment page. Once your purchase is completed, your card will be in the mail to you the next day.

Our cards are silk cards that we love, they are easy for you to store in your purse, they hold up through your wedding day and even are good for one year after your wedding date. You can order yours online or email: brides@go2wed.com and get yours sent to you today. The cards do cost $20 + tax and you will be able to save hundreds, may even save you thousands of dollars on your wedding expenses. Our preferred silk card supplier 4colorprint has been helping us provide you with a great way to save money on your wedding day for 2 years now. By showing your card to the vendors and letting them know you are a Go2Wed.com Bride you too qualify for great deals, specials and more…. If you are interested in ordering anything fun and unique for your special day check out our supplier 4colorprint.com.

We wish you all the best in planning your wedding in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa or Colorado.

Get ready for Minnesota's Bridal show season

2008-10-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

The Engagement Party
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Engagement PartyMinneapolis Convention CenterFree to Registered CouplesFor More Information Call: 952-WEDDINGor Visit our website below
Click Here for more bridal show info.

The Wedding Extravaganza
Saturday, January 3th, 2009 Mayo Civic Center • Rochester, MN
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fashion shows, games, live entertainment, and prizes
Tickets $8.00 at the door, $10.00 online
www.weddingextravaganza.com

The Wedding Fair
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Wedding FairMinneapolis Convention CenterBridal Show Times: - 11AM - 5PM Tickets: $15 in advance or at doorIncludes admission to main show floor including 200 wedding experts, Weddings Couture exhibits and Club Groom. Also includes general seating for the Main Fashion Show at 12:00 or 4:00. The Main Fashion Show lasts approximately 30 minutes.For More Information Call: 952-WEDDING
Reserve Your Bridal Tickets Now!

Minnesota Wedding Show March 1st, 2009
Courtesy of Go2Wed.Com; Your blog hosts and bridal resource
Sunday March 1st, 2009 be sure to attend the 2nd Annual Wedding Show in Rochester, Minnesota from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm presented by Go2Wed.com at the Rochester International Event Center. Meet several area professionals, in an elegant setting and browse the most exceptional wedding services and suppliers of today. Tickets are $5.00 at the door and the proceeds will be donated to the Shjon Podein Children's Foundation. Several prizes to be given away.
Be sure to attend the 2nd Annual "Wedding Show" Sunday, March 1st, 2009 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Rochester International Event Center in Rochester, MN.
http://www.go2wed.com/events.php

The Wedding Fair
Sunday, March 15th, 2009
The Wedding FairMinneapolis Convention CenterBridal Show Times: - 11AM - 5PM Tickets: $15 in advance or at doorFor More Information Call: 952-WEDDING
http://www.twincitybridal.com

Top Celebrity Weddings

2008-10-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Super Bowl of wedding planning!

The average couples budget is no more than $25,000 for planning a wedding. But these celebs blow the budget out of the water when planning their nuptials. How much does it cost to have an A-list wedding these days? I did some digging and the results will leave you appreciating your budget.

When money is no object, its astonishing the type of wedding you can have. The special day isn't complete without the most gorgeous, one-of-a-kind wedding dress. For Salma Hayek, it's reported her attire will be upwards of $500k!

According to the Forbes Magazine top 20 celebrtiry weddings David and Victoria Beckham hit a home run with their 1999 wedding in Dublin spending a recorded $800,000 for their 250 guests. Brad and Jenn were right behind them with their 2004 wedding costing just over $1 million. If you haven't fallen over yet, keep holding on to your chair, it gets better.

In 2000 at the New York Plaza hotel, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas wed to the sounds of $1.5 million dollar bills. Christina Augielera and Jordan Bratman spent $2 million for their lavish winter wonderland and wine-country wedding. Their wedding was filled with floor to ceiling florals with vibrant colors. The winter inspired wedding also boasted crystals, silver-drapery and white roses. Aguilera wore a Spanish-style Christian Lacroix gown before changing into a satin minidress for the reception, attended by some 150 guests

Another couple making their mark in the wedding world is none other than Mr and Mrs. Cruise. Their wedding cost them $2 million dollars and made international headlines in 2006. Their Italy wedding was held in Rome in a 15th century castle where she wore a silk off the should gown designed by Giorgio Armani. It was a lavish affair.

Others to be named:

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban $250,000

Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola $500,000

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills $3 million

Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar $2.5 million

Finding Minnesota's Best Bridal Resource

2008-10-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

Go2Wed.com is your #1 resource for Minnesota and Colorado wedding planning. Every bride should have this site on their favorites! Sign up today and start taking the stress away of planning. Look at all the benefits of registering online.

Request information quickly from wedding vendors because go2wed.com recognizes you when your signed in
Create your very own FREE wedding website for you and your finace'
Download free wedding planning sheets for your wedding day
Schedule all your wedding related vendor meetings on your personal calendar. Share it with your groom, mom or friends so they have no confusion about when and where to meet you in the hussle and bussle of wedding planning.
Share your very own FREE wedding website with friends and family OR keep it private
As a thank you for registering we are entering you into a monthly contest to win a Autographed Wedding Planning Book by our National Known Author Sharon Naylor.

Check back on this blog for tips, stories, ideas and everything bridal!