Posts Tagged ‘green weddings’
Yes, it is possible and a very nice way of being eco-conscience. Consignment dresses!
You wear your dress once. It’s practically new by the end. You can find some very nice – high end gowns on consignment. Check out Ebay, Criaigslist, and Brides Against Breast Cancer.
What a way of getting a beautiful gown and giving back at the same time.
Check out this website.
Check it out! They have plus sizes.
You can even check-in with your local high end consignment shops.
Happy planning!
Everyone wants to save money. It’s just the way it is.
I’m pretty practical when it comes to money saving. I always aim to maximize the benefits to make sure that my clients are getting the absolute best for the money that they have. In that aim, I have put together a few practical money saving tips. I think these are the major ways you will save the most money and get the most “bang for your buck”.
These are ideas – and maybe not for everyone. However, they work.
My mantra – Less is more. My 9 years of experience in the wedding industry has taught me one very tough but important lesson – you get what you pay for. It rings true – probably in more than just DC. It’s human nature to want a lot for very little money. The urge is so strong – sometimes it’s overwhelming. In all cases – in the end (more like in the middle), the client’s eyes are opened. Not really the enlightening experience that I want my clients’ to have – or any couple.
One of my clients told me – well, Lisa, everyone has an idea of what they want their wedding to be. True – and a little eye opening for me! However, if you cannot pay for what you want – than that idea may have to change somewhat, no? Alternatively, one can keep postponing – for years and years and years – with the idea that they will save to get what they want. If you are in this category, please, let me know how that works out for you. Maybe by “coming to terms” and making some decisions -you will be able to marry the person you cherish most in this world – and also have a memorable experience (both before and on the wedding day).
It’s simply my intention to give you the ideas and the reasoning – so that you have the tools to make the best decisions for you – and maybe dish up a little tough love.
So, here we go – just a few cost cutting ideas…
Solution 1
Decrease the guest list
Reasoning
200 guests at $100.00/person = $20,000
150 guests at $100.00/person = $15,000
100 guests at $100.00/person = $10,000
Solution 2
Change the time of day
Reasoning
200 guests at $100.00/person = $20,000
150 guests at $100.00/person = $15,000
100 guests at $100.00/person = $10,000
Alternatively
200 guests at $40.00/person = $8,000
150 guests at $40.00/person = $6,000
100 guests at $40.00/person = $4,000
Solution 3
Cut out the Wedding Party
Reasoning
Rehearsal dinner – 30 guests (B&G, family, 6 BM, 6 GM, dates, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer) at $50.00/person = $1500.00
Gifts – 18 family/wedding party member at $25.00 = $450.00
Alternatively
Rehearsal dinner – 10 guests (2 moms, 2 dads, 2 grandparents, B&G, siblings) at $50.00/person = $500.00
Gifts – 10 family members at $25.00 per = $250.00
Solution 4
Get rid of the alcohol. They will survive, I promise.
Reasoning
A lot depends upon whether you are getting married in a hotel or banquet hall, are hiring your own caterer or purchasing your own alcohol. I will give two examples, and hopefully, one or the other will apply in your situation.
100 guests at $120.00/guest = $12,000.00
100 guests at $140.00/guest – $14,000.00
Alternatively
100 guests at $100.00/guest – $10,000.00
I hope this helps you see how much money can be saved in the different situations. These same scenarios can be applied to your specific situation.
Happy saving!
I tell you, there is something for everybody.
wanna save on materials, labor and cut down on your entire carbon footprint? Check this out…
Happy planning!
Okay, this looks way to complicated for me. However, for you Eco-Savvy DIY Brides, you may like this.
Take a look at this dress made out of Men cotton T’s – the $10.00 wedding dress…
Ummm, I have no idea how you would get the form – and make sure that it fits your body – but that’s another story.
I think I would have put the broach on the back of the dress.
Ha! Don’t even think about asking me to do this.
Happy sewing
Registering was the bane of my existence. Really, I hated it – all those years ago. Has it really changed that much?
Here’s how it goes. You spend a countless number of hours on the computer or in the store with that stupid gun – picking the things you want. Trying to make sure to choose things from a variety of price ranges. For me, it was trying to figure out a puzzle – what matches, what do I need – what will I need 50 years down the road….etc, etc, etc. Then, you pray that your guests use it – eagerly logging in every evening to see if an item has disappeared.
Sound familiar?
I remember more than half of the cheaper items on the registry, I didn’t really care anything about. They were put on the for the convenience of our guests. What I really wanted was the All Clad Pans, none of which I got. Anyhow, most of our guests didn’t even buy of the registry, so what the hell?
Hopefully, long gone are the days of wasting countless hours, and getting things that you do not want or need. Why not register and do something great for the environment. Check out these online eco-savvy options
Green Depot – Like the sustainable Home Depot. check it out!
Re:Modern - Beautiful and functional sustainable items for your home
Your guests might feel better about the choices. Maybe they will go there. Who knows. These are also great registries to go along with a donation registry – as some people feel that they need a more traditional “present” option.
I hope this gives all you Eco-Chic Brides more ideas!
Happy planning!
Thanks again to the Green Wedding Guide for the awesome ideas. Thanks to The Wedding Bee for the awesome picture!
Sound like an oxymoron?
If you have pretty feet, you are really going to love this Eco-cool option.
Use a ribbon of your color choice to tie these wooden babies in many different ways.
Cute, eh?
You can get them in Maple, Cherry and Walnut – in different cuts (flat, rounded, pointed) and widths.
Happy planning!
I would suppose that I have a sweet tooth this morning. Typically not into chocolate – at all. But this does sound delicious – and contributes to the betterment of society – so I thought I would share it with you…
By buying these chocolates, you are supporting a better life for farmers and their families through fair prices, direct trade, community development and environmental stewardship.
They look so good but it’s way to early in the AM.
I found these fair trade bits of deliciousness at Dream Green Weddings. They not only offer favors but so much more. Check them out!
Happy eco-friendly favor shopping!
Yesterday, I went with a couple to Stronga Yoga. Have you ever heard of it? The space is unbelievable. Amazing! There is so much you can do with the space.
But I digress.
Anyhow, they are not a client – well not really. They are thinking about using this space for their 2011 wedding, but wanted to know the implications. What do I mean? This beautiful space is not all inclusive. You have to bring in everything – and there are a few challenges. They hired me to walk though and give them my professional opinion – before they commit.
How Zen of them, no?
Really, this couple is “on the ball”! By spending a bit of money in the beginning, they now have a realistic view of what they are about to undertake. In the end, they will actually – save money.
How could this be? Spending money to save money?
Interesting concept.
9.8 out of 10 times, when I meet the couple, it’s too late. They have already invested (maybe unwisely – but they didn’t know it at the time) in an amazing site. They then go onto their caterer search and find out the realities of life.
Ugh. I hate that.
I mean, if you are planning on 150 guests, rent a site that’s $6,000.00 and have a $15,000.00 budget – that’s not going to work – no matter how much you squint.
So, by taking a look at the site before hand with a professional and spending $150 bucks, you now have to power to prioritize (realistically) and decide what you are willing to cut or no to cut – eliminating the – I went over my budget by $15,000.00 routine. $150 to save $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 is not a bad investment, no?
Yes?
Saving the greenbacks – that’s as eco-friendly as you can get!
Happy planning!
Greening your wedding decor is not as difficult as you may think. Yes, you may have to make some different choices, but you do not have to sacrifice quality or beauty.
Instead of shipping in flowers like Orchids and such from distant places, think about buying local. Support local growers.
Check out these local beauties. They come in all shades and will make a stunning impression. These are perfect for a fall wedding!
The stunningly beautiful and full Dahlia
Happy Planning
Thanks to the Knot and Wedding Bee for these lovely ideas!
Beautiful artisan jewelry for your engagement and wedding
Naturally understated, these rings are a work of art!
They also offer other jewelry that’s perfect for Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids’
Check them out on the web – Turtle Love Co
Happy dreaming!
