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The most expensive flowers used here are the cymbidium orchids, hellebores and lilacs, and the silk ribbon alone costs $20. "I used white lilac in this bouquet because it has a ‘drippy’ quality that other blooms can’t replicate," says Yumiko Fletcher, of Hana Floral Design, hanafloraldesign.com, "but, like other blooms, its price spikes during the off-season." Price: $275




Affordable
Fletcher’s first cost-saving move was to use dendrobium orchids instead of cymbidiums (the latter bloom is 20 percent more expensive). Then she replaced the pricey hellebores with white lisianthus. "They both have fluttery, ruffly petals," says Fletcher. She also incorporated inexpensive but good-looking greenery as well
as a standard-issue satin ribbon.
Price: $95

Thanks to brides.com for sharing these tips and images. Be sure to visit them for more cost-saving tips and DIYs!

Budgeting Your Blooms

Three factors determine the cost of your bouquet: the number of flowers, the type of flower, and the hours of labor. But keeping costs down doesn't mean carnations are your only option (not that there is anything wroing with using them. The can be beautiful when done right)! Here's a little bud buying guide to help get you started:


Affordable: dahlias, sunflowers, irises, gerbera daisies
Mid-Range: snapdragons, roses, oriental lilies, freesias
Splurge: calla lilies, stephanotis, sweet peas, peonies



There are many varieties of flowers and it's a good idea you do a little leg work before meeting with your florist. Get to know the flower(s) and the look you like (bring pictures with you) and have an idea if what you like is in season - it will be more cost-effective and you won't be asking for the impossible. Visit fiftyflowers.com to see the many different colors and varieties.



I have a wonderful florist here in New Jersey (Garden Party Sisters), and if you're from this area I suggest you give them a call. They are two sisters who do a great job - honest, cost effective and great work! They are doing my sister-in-law's wedding. (After the wedding in April 2010 I'll post pics). Tell them Michelle Scanzano of All Things Beautiful sent you! Visit www.gardenpartysisters.com Be sure to also check out their blog to see some of the weddings thy have done. Happy Planning!

Connect with Your Guests

Connect with your guests by sharing something from your childhood. Offer a favorite snack such as caramel popcorn or marshmallow twists, or potted flowers from the area where you grew up. Attach a short note to explain the significance.

This is one way to bring an intimate feeling to your day with many guests! Happy Planning. {Visit Brides.com for more}

Color Decisions

Can’t decide on a wedding color? Celebrity event planner Colin Cowie suggests designing an all-white wedding and using LED lights around the reception room to add color that can be easily changed throughout the night. Thanks to Brides.com for the tip!

Decorator Tip

Place tall decor elements around the perimeter of the room. High-hung drapes or 15-foot branches in urns impart a sense of coziness and intimacy. {Thanks to Brilliant Idea for the tip!}

Seating Charts for Fans

One of Lucky Orchid's brides just sent over a picture of her St. Louis Cardinals seating chart from her rehearsal dinner - and we think it is so adorable!
The bride had surprised the groom with this special touch to the event! She had this to say: "Brian loved the rehearsal dinner seating chart...It was a HUGE hit!!! Lots of STL fans were there so they all thought it was the best thing ever...Brian was SO surprised."
Here is another example for an Atlanta Braves fan...

This is just another idea on how to make your big day personal to you. The rehearsal dinner is a great time to incorporate fun ideas that may not fit in with the mood or feel of the wedding itself. Thanks to Lucky Orchid for the pics and ideas!

Bella Pictures Invites you to Win their Complete Wedding Photography Package.

Custom-designed wedding photography package worth approximately $4,800 includes 8hours of coverage with two Bella Pictures photographers, a personalized wedding album, digital negatives, archival-quality prints, photo retouching, and much more.
ENTER to win!

Have Martha Stewart Design Your Wedding for Just $1500!?

That's what Sandals resort is offering couples who book one of their new Martha Stewart theme weddings, which start at $1500. The legendary tastemaker Martha Stewart has worked with the resort to create five different wedding themes that have her stamp of approval and sense of design. Of course, Martha won't be there to individually style your wedding, although there's probably no harm in telling your coworkers that you're having a Martha Stewart wedding in the islands. If you're budget conscious, you might want to just get inspired by her magazine, as the price only covers some design elements and not essentials like photography, music, or dinner for your guests. To learn more, visit Sandals Resorts. {Thanks to Nina Callaway for the Info!}

RSVP Reminder

Number the guest list and the backs of the RSVP cards, in case someone forgets to write in his or her name. {Thanks to Brides.com for the idea and photocardchef.com for the image.} Happy Planing!

Branding Your Marriage!

Move beyond monograms and create a decorative logo to "brand" your wedding. Designs can be based on your initials, but can also incorporate your hobbies and interests. Use your personalized logo on save-the-dates, invitations, napkins, table decor and more. {Thanks to Modern Bride for the tip!}