Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Accessories

In the final installment of our Wedding Budget Breakdown feature, we're covering the final details! Your accessories are the details that go along with your attire to add that special touch...veil, tiara, undergarments, shoes, gloves, garter, handkerchief, jewelry, handbag, or any other detail you want to add to your wedding day ensemble.

Suggested budget for accessories is 1%, so if you have a $20,000 budget you should be spending $200 on your attire accessories. As with any other area of the budget, if you need more in this category you can shift the other areas around. Take a section of the budget you won't be using all of and move the extra to your accessories category.

Photo by Z Media

Photo by Becky's Photography

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue..." is a good-luck saying originated in the Victorian era. Brides today often incorporate special items into their wedding attire and accessories according to the rhyme.

"Something Old" symbolizes a link to the bride's family and the past. A family heirloom, such as a piece of antique jewelry or a family member's wedding dress can represent the old object. Or, a bride can sew lace or ribbon into the hem of her dress.

"Something New" represents good fortune and success in the bride's new life. A bride may wear a new string of pearls, or use her wedding gown as the new item.

"Something Borrowed" symbolizes the love and support of family and friends in times of need. A borrowed object can be a token from a happily married friend, such as a lace handkerchief.

"Something Blue" is an object that symbolizes faithfulness and loyalty. Brides commonly choose a blue garter or ribbon. 

-Yahoo

Photo by Leach Photography

Photo by Leach Photography

:: TIPS ::

1. Accessories for your wedding day attire are sometimes passed down by family members or loaned to you by your best girlfriends...take advantage! This option is not only sentimental and sweet, but the extra bonus is that it doesn't cost you anything.

2. The bridal salon where you buy your gown will have accessories as well. Sometimes if you buy them at the same time as the dress, you can get a discount that will help you out. See what's available at the bridal salons when you go looking for your dress.

Previous Post :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Hair + Makeup

8 Ways To Include "Something Blue" In Your Attire

The tradition of something blue comes from an old English rhyme. "Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe". The bride is supposed to carry each of these objects with her on wedding day as good luck charms. Here are a few ways to creatively and fashionably incorporate your blue!

1. Your Nails

2. Your Dress

3. Your Jewelry

4. Your Veil

5. Your Shoes

6. Your Handkerchief

7. Your Garter

8. Your Bouquet

DIY :: How to Make a Birdcage Veil

Materials:

2 feet of 18" Russian Veiling

Comb

Thread and Needle

Ruler

Scissors

Important Note: There are two sides of the veiling: finished and unfinished. You want the finished end to run across your face NOT the unfinished side.

Starting at point A start sewing in and out of the diamond shapes to gather the fabric. You'll continue sewing in and out on all sides until you get to point B.

Sew it to a hair comb.

After you attach it in your hair on the side of your head with bobby pins, then add an embellishment like a flower or feather to cover the comb.

Birdcage veils are made out of Russian Netting or Russian Veiling which is a millinery material. You can usually find it at a really good fabric store or online.

The veiling usually comes in three lengths 9" 12" and 18".

Isn't she gorgeous! If you just want a little coverage over your hair you want 9". If you want it to cover your eyes, you'll want 12" and if you want it to cover your nose or chin you'll want the 18" veiling (cut it down to 16" to cover the nose.)

It comes in almost every color and you can also find veiling with chenille dots or pearls if you wanted to add embellishment in that way.

Inspired by precious birdcages everywhere! Enjoy! See the full article at Project Wedding. Photos By: Jordan Ferney

Planning Tips :: Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner

Most couples realize that planning a wedding requires a huge amount of time and work, but don't realize what that entails until the planning process actually begins. One of the best steps a couple can take to ensure nothing is overlooked, missed or wasted is to hire a wedding planner. Most couples who work full time find they don't have the necessary time to devote to researching the details - - perfect candidate for a wedding planner. If you live in one state and are getting married in another and need someone to handle the necessary tasks - - perfect candidate for a wedding planner. Or if you're just feeling overwhelmed by everything that's needed to completely plan a wedding - - perfect candidate for a wedding planner!

Wedding planners are no longer just for the well to do. We can provide comprehensive services to any couple with any budget and are well worth the expense! In all honesty, what you spend on your planner can be saved by discounts or savings your planner provides to you in other areas with other vendors, so it can be included without being an extreme "added expense" like some anticipate. 

We can assist in any capacity needed, from small individual services to full service wedding planning and coordination. A planner can start with you from the beginning to find out how you envision your wedding; everything from color, theme and what's most important to you (food, music, flowers, cake, etc...). We'll go over how many guests you anticipate, establish a budget to follow, connect you with the appropriate vendors and a location that will fit within your budget, double check vendor contracts and booking details, provide etiquette advisement, establish a schedule and timeline, coordinate with all vendors, and handle everything down to the smallest detail. 

Being in the industry, we develop relationships with vendors and know who would be best for what you need. We can make suggestions to you based on what you need, but always leaving the final decision up to you. Keep in mind that while we're there to help, all decisions are up to the bride and groom...we just provide the necessary information so you can make educated and informed decisions.

Most importantly, your planner will schedule and orchestrate the entire wedding day, making sure everything you envisioned and planned for is carried out. No photos or people needed for photos will be missed, no guests meal will be overlooked, your special dedications won't be missed, etc... Having someone to oversee the events of the day and make sure each details is carried out is by far a very important detail! Plus, it's something the couple themselves shouldn't be tasked with doing. They should just be enjoying the day!

Here's some great information on the subject from Martha Stewart Weddings:

To make sure your planner will meet your expectations, be careful about whom you hire. Though there are many planners advertising their services, locating one through a friend or colleague is preferable. It's wise to interview several planners in person to see if there's a good rapport. "You need a high level of comfort and trust," says Nicky Reinhard, who runs David Reinhard Events in New York City with partner Ann David. Find out how long the planner has been in the business, how she got started, and why; it will help you gauge her level of enthusiasm for the job. Ask how many events she does each month -- you'll want to be sure she has enough time for you. Ask what kinds of weddings she has planned and where they were held. If you want to hold your reception on a yacht, for instance, it makes sense to work with someone familiar with that type of setting. Look at her portfolio, focusing on how much attention was paid to detail, rather than whether the style matches yours. Finally, ask for references.

Remember that the planner will be working for you -- she should listen to your ideas and concerns, not make proclamations about what to do. She should also be upfront about whether your budget is in line with your vision. You want someone who will be honest about what you can afford and who can find less-expensive alternatives you'll be happy with.

As for a planner's fees, they depend on the extent of services you'd like. Before hiring anyone, ask not only how much she charges but what exactly it covers. Some planners charge a flat rate; others charge per hour. Still others charge a percentage of your wedding budget, usually 10 to 15 percent. Most will create a proposal for you to approve and will then draw up a letter of commitment or a contract. While you can expect to pay at least several thousand dollars for "full service" (meaning the planner works with you to put together your wedding from beginning to end), you may ultimately save money.

"There are places to spend and not to, where it will show and not show," says Schuster. For example, if your reception site is a gorgeous room with a breathtaking view, your planner might suggest cutting back on floral arrangements. If you feel, however, that you can't afford a planner's full-service fees or don't need someone there for the entire process, you can cut costs by hiring a consultant to help only during the last few weeks leading up to your wedding or during the wedding weekend itself.

Kudos from Casey & Sean

Received a lovely review from wedding clients Casey & Sean! What an adorable couple! The things I remember most about their day were her amazing dress and the peacock accents. Absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for your wonderful review Casey, and best wishes to your family!

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

"Amy was awesome to work with! She was flexible and willing to do anything asked of her. It was super convenient to not only have her team set up our décor, but they tore it down as well! I highly recommend her services!"

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

Awesome guestbook idea! The bride painted a peacock painting, and all the guests dipped their fingers in paint and added their fingerprint as a "feather" on the painting.

Reception & Catering :: Lyman Harbor

Wedding Coordinator & Décor Rentals :: Michéll Events

Photography :: Ty Bolling Photography

Cupcakes :: I Do Cakes

Something Blue

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.... all things a bride is supposed to have with her at her wedding. There are so many ways you can incorporate a touch of blue to accommodate this tradition. I always say make it creative! There are also no rules anywhere that say the blue has to be hidden where no one can see, so don't be afraid to show it off. ;)

. . . . . . . . . . .

Add some blue bling with "I Do" rhinestone stickers for the soles of your shoes.
You could also use your initials or your wedding date!

Photo Credit: Etsy

. . . . . . . . . . .

Wear a blue bird cage veil or other blue headpiece for a dramatic and colorful accent....

Photo Credit: I Do Inspiration

. . . . . . . . . . .

A peek of blue crinoline underneath your dress...
 
Photo Credit: Intimate Weddings


. . . . . . . . . . .


Embroider your names, wedding date, or other special message
on the inside your wedding dress.

Photo Credit: Maxim Photo Studio

. . . . . . . . . . .

A fabulous pair of blue shoes is always the perfect touch!

Photo Credit: Danielle Luc Photography