Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Exciting News!!

Those of you who have been long time readers know how much I adore Amy Atlas and her designs-- she's so phenomenal and such an inspiration! Plus, her work is just flat out CUTE.

Tuesday afternoon, she announced on her blog that she has a BOOK coming out! How amazing is that?!

Available for Pre-Order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, Book comes out April 24

I have already pre-ordered my copy, so if Amy herself is a little out of your price range, I'm hoping to study this book like (well) it's my job and be the best Amy Atlas impersonator in the Southeast! But with darker hair... and probably a bit shorter... maybe a mask? 

Congrats to Amy and her team on such a great accomplishment-- I can't wait to get my hands on the book!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Tips and Tricks

Most likely you realized before I did that I can't find you a bargain in and of itself every Monday, but tips and tricks are the way to go when a bargain isn't at hand! One of the best books given to me when I was planning my own wedding was Bridal Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields-- they've got a very pragmatic look at the way the wedding industry works, and include tips on just about everything from how to deal with the caterers to stubborn seamstresses during dress fittings! Of course, my version was from 1995, but they have a new edition out from 2010 which can be found on Amazon for a very reasonable price! Even if you have a wedding planner, this is a great investment for any bride-and-groom-to-be!




Wednesday, January 11, 2012

'Tis The Season...

To get engaged!

My dear friend, little sister, and Maid of Honor just got engaged to her fella, Joey-- we've been waiting for this to happen forever and I couldn't be happier for the both of them! They are meant to be together and now... to work my way in to making trips to Austin a legitimate business expense...

Congrats, little-- I love you!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Dresses to the Rescue!

I feel like any time I want to do a Markdown Monday post and can't think of anything off the top of my head, David's Bridal has a sale JUST for me!

Their annual blowout sale is going on, and this is where I landed my wedding gown, so I encourage you to take a look even if you don't "want" to start shopping until later-- better to spend $100 now on a dress you like than not be able to find it in a few months later, or (worse!) find it for several hundred more.

When I went to look around for Joanna, she mentioned that she doesn't want a strapless gown, and David's has some really great options on sale, so this week's MM is dedicated to all y'all who want a little something extra from your gown!

Fancy for $400

Casual and beachy for $150 (personally, I adore this one!)

Knockoff Pippa Middleton for $200

Romantic for $215

All these dresses and more can be found at the David's Bridal Sale Page-- knock yourself out!

My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend...

(via)

I know I've probably mentioned this before, but when you're trying to get venue, food, and beverages settled for your party (whether it's a wedding, birthday, or other celebration) the people you know are going to be key to your ability to afford the things you really want!

We got a good deal on our rehearsal dinner because I sweet talked my old boss in to giving us a portion of it as a wedding present, my friend Iggy got a good deal on the wine for her sister's wedding (which was her wedding gift to the couple) by spending a lot of time with the employees of the liquor store and being patient and gracious, and another friend got a deal on a baby shower because her brother-in-law rents office space out of a building with a rockin' community room.

Whether you're the closest friend ever with someone or not doesn't matter-- people love to help other people out, and especially in this economy the word of mouth recommendations of customers is worth its weight in gold. When you go to a liquor store for anything, get to know the employees and get business cards if they're available-- when you go back, ask for them by name. Same at restaurants and venues if you attend a party somewhere else. Ask your friends if they have ideas about venues since they have a vested interest in your happiness; if they have an in somewhere they'll be happy to help you out!

Once you've completed your event, be sure to send a thank you card or stop by and thank the individual in person. If appropriate, get them a little gift or make them something small-- nothing extravagant, just a little trinket to say thank you for helping out! Just like you get your wedding party small gifts, the same applies for anyone who helps you out with your event. You never know when you'll need their help again, or if you can return the favor!

(If you can finish the quote from the title, you get a treat!)

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Bridesmaids Bracelets

Winter Weddings will be back next week, but since it's so mild outside here in Atlanta, I'll bend your ear a little more about Lauren and Todd's wedding! I picked up these SUPER pink glass pearls this week and was hoping to use them for a Phi Mu bracelet for my Lemongrass Boutique store, but when they got here the pink was juuust a little off and then it hit me-- put a little charm on there and make them in to bridesmaids bracelets!




Thursday, January 5, 2012

Pretty in Pink

My dear sister Lauren is getting married on St. Patrick's day, but isn't going with that luck o' the Irish feel-- instead, their colors are pink and navy blue! It's a trendy combination these days, and why not? They go so well together and there's a little bit of masculine and feminine; something for everyone!

I started thinking about centerpieces for her this weekend and since they're having an outdoor wedding on a farm, I love the idea of upscale rustic (there are a LOT of oxymorons in event planning!) for them. I stumbled across some white and pink flowers on sale at the grocery store and put together the following:











I think these would also be perfect for a Valentine's Wedding with the soft pink colors and generous helping of white!