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!)

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!

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!

New Years Nuptials!

When I found out we were having a winter wedding, I was DYING to have a New Years Eve Celebration! Can you imagine how fantastic it would be to say "I Do" as the ball drops?! Of course, this can be a pricey endeavor as far as renting a place, and to stay that late would be a pretty penny, but if you've got the hook up check out my ideas for New Years Nuptials!

NYE is all about bling and sparkle, and with vintage brooch bouquets so popular you're sure to stand out with one that's all about silver and gold! With libations flowing (as I assume they will be), you won't need a way to break the tension-- or the ice! I adore the arctic ice cubes, they're a great way to add a little bit of humor to a fun but classy event! What I adore even more is the idea of a mini champagne bar... pick up the champagne or prosecco "splits" (the mini bottles) and stick them in plastic cups filled with ice and a bendy straw. Perfect for that midnight toast to the happy couple!

(via)

(via)

(via)

I could go on and ON about a NYE wedding, so check out the rest of it on my Winter Weddings Pinboard at Pinterest! 

Amore Abroad!

This is Irene and Robert...

(courtesy of Joanna Steege)

They were married Nov. 26th in England, and Agape Events looks forward to wresting control for their American reception away from over-worked parents next year! But as exciting as their nuptials may be, for the case of this post they were a mere backdrop for big news for one of the co-owners of Everything Nice Photography, Agape's partners in crime!

This is Adam and Joanna, and they're pretty much perfect for each other-- they're both hilarious, they have an adorable bunny named Bruno, and an eclectic house that suits them so well! 

We've all been waiting for quite some time for this to happen, but when they were in England for Irene and Rob's wedding...

Adam proposed and Joanna said yes!

I couldn't be happier for these two and can't wait to see how their wedding turns out! 

 (Engagement photos courtesy Richard Miles)

Christmas Clearance!

So, this is another sorry excuse for a Markdown Monday, which is why I want to know why you're reading this blog... you should be out shopping the clearance aisles at Target, Michael's, Big Lots, and (yes, I shudder at the thought, but...) Wal-Mart!

If you're getting married in the next year and you'll use red, white, green, blue or silver in your decor now is the time to stock up! We used Christmas clearance to buy linens for the tables, vases, trinkets, ribbon, and favor boxes at a deep price cut, so get out of the house and hunt down some deals-- your wallet will thank us both six months from now.