Category Archives: Ideas on how to save on your wedding day

Making Wedding Favors Count!

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Take-home favors have  been a staple at weddings for decades. A simple box of chocolates, a ribbon-tied group of Jordan almonds, a framed photo of the married couple.  The goal is to present your guests with a small token of your appreciation  with  a personal touch. Deciding on what favors to give  in a  creative manner seems to get harder all the time.

Budget – When deciding on what type of  favor to bestow upon your beloved family and friends, first you must consider your budget. Break it down by numbers.  If your budget is $800 and your confirmed guest list is 150 (add an extra 10 for overflow), you will only be able to spend $5 on each favor. It is easy to see how quickly these things add up, right?  Decide on your budget first before you get locked into a pricey favor that you cannot afford. Whenever you can, buy in bulk and do the work of assembling and gift-wrapping your wedding favors yourself.

Stay with one theme – After your budget is squarely in place, determine the style of your event. Vintage, rustic, modern or beach…. whats the overall theme of the day? It is important that your guests feel like you have put some thought into this. Mugs filled with coffee & cocoa samples would be adorable for a winter event but would make no sense at all if presented at a beachfront affair, no matter how well put together they are.

Personalize everything. Whether it is ribbon printed with your names or a simple monogram stamp, the personalized touches add a dramatic flair that definitely gives each gift some “WOW”! Imagine this : You place a candy bar next to each plate at every table…. Big Deal, right? Instead you could place a small box with three hand made truffles, tied with a personalized ribbon and a tiny, monogrammed gift tag that says “For Robin.. we love you”.  Which would you rather receive? Between boutiques, stationery stores and on-line resources, there are hundred (thousands) of places that can help you with rubber stamping and laser printing. Of course  some time, planning and effort go into this but, they are also things you can do as a couple, with your bridesmaids or your family. It can be a fun group activity, unless you are master do-it-yourself-er, then it is called therapy! It is well worth the end result.

Remember, this is a keepsake and a touchstone for you and your guests. It is intended to be a token of your appreciation and not an afterthought. Put as much planning into this as you would any other aspect of your wedding and your guests will be “WOW”-ed by your sincerity and thoughtfulness!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Sunday Weddings

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Labor Day and Memorial Day are two very popular dates for weddings because of the 3 day weekend. The most popular day of the 3 day weekend is Sunday and everyone knows that booking a Sunday wedding saves plenty of  money.

Need a few more reasons?

The three day weekend also gives your guests an additional day to recover from the festivites (Monday) or travel before returning to work on Tuesday. Most people don’t have to taky any time off!

Sometimes airfare and hotels can be a bit more expensive when traveling on a holiday weekend but, if you book the travel together (encourage everyone to use the same travel agent) there may be some discount.

Out of town guests may want to use the 3 day weekend to have a mini vacation to rest, relax and sight-see. A happy guest is…. a happy guest!

The weather is usually warm and pleasant in both May and September, many times avoiding heatwaves and torrential downpours (depending upon your geographical location).

One last bonus: you can use an Americana theme without being corny. Labor day is the day that is designated to celebrate the workers, the people who built this country with their blood, sweat and tears. The  men and women who toiled in unsafe conditions decades before Norma Rae put down her work and held up that now famous sign. Celebrating America’s workers, and America herself is a great way to begin your life together.

Weigh the options, take all things into consideration and see if  a Labor Day Wedding is right for you!

 

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

 

 

Avoid Makeup Mishaps!

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Whether you have decided to go full out glam or opt for a natural look, there is nothing that can spoil your wedding photos quicker than poorly applied or ill-conceived makeup. Countless wedding horror stories plague the internet  and makeup is ALWAYS  at the top of the list.

Most women agree that makeup is an essential part of getting dressed in the morning. But everyday makeup will not last for an event as exhausting as your wedding. In order to have a flawless look you will need to start planning early.

Hire a professional.  The best way to find a professional that you like is to see some of their work. If you really want a smoky eye and there is not one example of this in their portfolio, you may have to keep searching. Make sure your makeup professional can handle your skin color as well. Have they ever worked on African American or Middle Eastern skin tones? If not, keep searching. Just because your favorite cousin went to beauty school does not mean she can handle your wedding makeup. Find someone you are comfortable with who does the kind of work you like.

Schedule a trail makeup session to make sure you don’t leave the chair looking like a circus clown. Take an objective friend and a camera with you so you can see how you look on film, not just in person. Sometimes makeup that looks severe in person shows up fantastic on camera and vice verse.

Always have a backup plan for the day of your event in case of a serious emergency. What if…… your makeup artist has a personal emergency (ruptured appendix or worse) and cannot fulfill their obligations? How would you handle it? Make sure you have all of the products used in your makeup trial. Ask if they have a back up person who you could call in case something unfortunate happens. Make sure at least one of your attendants can be trusted with a makeup brush.

And last but not least, keep some products in your purse for touch ups. Your lipstick will be almost gone after dinner, you will robably have to re-touch your mascara so it is imperative that you keep those items close by.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Jewelry For The Groom

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When you think of jewelry for the groom, you usually think of cuff links,  and a wedding band. But, for modern men there is so much more to offer …..

Nearly 40% of all men have at least one pierced ear and 28% have both ears pierced. Although they may not be interested in a pair of dangling sparklers, your wedding is the perfect occasion for a nice diamond stud.

A handsome watch does more than just tell time. It tells people you have style and class and that you care about being on time.

As with any piece of jewelry, a bracelet is a form of self expression. Large sturdy links of gold or platinum or a cuff  with clean, masculine lines, bracelets are not just for women anymore!

Looking for something a little more expressive than standard studs on your tuxedo shirt? Consider button covers. Available in many shapes, sizes, monogrammed, precious and  semi-precious stones, there is something for everyone.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Chairs – Not Just For Covering!

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For some time, chairs have been a vital part of the wedding and reception decor. Now, more than ever, brides are opting to rent beautiful chairs rather than cover up old ones with fabric, ribbon, bows, etc. Yes, you can use chair covers quite effectively and dramatically, the point is that there are so many less-fussy, original and creative chair choices in 2012, you can get just about anything you want!

Chiavari Chairs – Pronounced “kee-ah’-vah-ree” , these chairs are named after the coastal Italian town of Chiavari from which the design of the chair originates. Designed in 1807 by craftsman Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, these chairs have become a staple at special events all over the world. What makes it so special? Design, construction and comfort. The famous chair has even been re-imagined by modern designer, Gio Ponti. Available in several colors including gold, silver, black, white and even clear lucite, these chairs are used everywhere from weddings to the White House, Grandma’s kitchen to the Grammy Awards. With this chair you will need no tulle, bows or covers, just make sure you rent the pads, too or your guests might not be as comfortable as they would like.

Wooden Folding Chairs – A beautiful white, black or wooden folding chair will make an outdoor ceremony look even better with just a touch of color. The simple fact that there is uniformity and clean lines give the overall look impact and style.

Aluminum Chairs – Having your reception in a loft or art gallery requires a special kind of chair. You will want something that speaks to the venue; chic, modern and  stylish. Consider brushed aluminum chairs, there are even some very nice options in the folding chair family that offer a casual, elegant look.

 

If you decide to rent chairs for the wedding and/or reception – always make sure you know what you are renting before you sign anything. Go to the company and touch the chairs, look at the quality, make sure it is not a copy or substitute. Cutting corners on something as simple as the chairs may seem like a good idea at first, until your guests are faced with looking at one of these:

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Unplugged Weddings – Fair or Unfair?

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Nowadays nearly everyone has a cell phone, smart phone or some other device that keeps them constantly ‘plugged in’. Is it possible you should sometimes leave the phone at home ? I think we all can agree that there are just some situations where a cell phone is not necessary. 

Some brides and grooms have decided that that too much technology can spoil an event and  are having  “Unplugged Weddings”. Whether it is cameras, phones or other technology, couples are coming to the conclusion that enough is enough and making a statement. If you are among those, you may have a rough road convincing others that they need to be unplugged during the events of the day.

The reasons that couples are opting for unplugged is simple: Noflashes going off during the ceremony, no one popping up in the wrong place in photos because they were trying to get a  good shot, no one’s phone ringing or beeping during any part of the event. 

Is it possible that you could request that everyone to turn off their electronic devices and not offend anyone? No. Some people will see it as an infringement of their personal choice. Some people are so plugged in that it would never occur to them that putting down the device will allow them to enjoy the moment better.

So in the age of technology when nearly everyone is held hostage by some sort of communication device, how do you politely remind guests that you are unplugging?

Start early– Tell everyone that you are planning and unplugged event. Even if it under the pretense of asking their opinion, have a discussion with as many of your guests,  attendants and family as possible about how you plan to do this. Make sure you talk to the guests that have great communications kills –  you know, the ones who like to pass on information.

Officiant –Have a discussion with the officiant on how to make a proper announcement the day of the event so no one will be offended. There are many examples available online but the best way is to be honest. You can add a touch of humor if that’s your style.

Website – If you have a wedding website, designate a page to the subject. Explain your reasons in a way that you feel your guests will understand and a way that does not offend.

Guest – At the event, have one of your  guests serve as the person who reminds everyone and gently ‘nudges’ people who are not  following suit. It won’t be offensive if it comes from another guest who is not a member of the wedding party. Make sure it is someone who can keep it light and not come off as the ‘cell phone police’. Practice what he or she will say so that it does not turn into a confrontation. “By the way – did you see that James and Carol asked everyone to turn off their phones?”  No drama, no arguing, no problem, right? It is better to designate someone to do this than to have one of your (probably older) relatives give them the evil eye at some point.

Print –Some couples have printed signs on display at the entrance of the church or hall, at each table and in various places where there is high visibility. If you choose to do this, make sure it is tastefully worded and pleasing to the eye.

If you decide to unplug your wedding, don’t despair if you get some feedback. It isn’t as if you are confiscating cell phones at the door and not allowing outside contact with the world. understandably some people with small children or sick relatives or even urgent personal business will have their phone with them and have them turned on. They will merely have to put their phone on vibrate or silent mode and step outside to have a conversation if the situation arises.

One of the best things about your wedding is that it is your wedding. The choices you make reflect who you are as a person; stick to your guns,  be respectful and move on.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Weddings & Numerology

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 Your wedding should be the most special and wonderful day of your life. Unfortunately for some, getting bogged down with details, family drama, and stress can  possibly bring you to tears. Numerologists suggest that there is more to it than being overwhelmed. They say it is all in the numbers. They also suggest that picking a date that suits your personality will give you a better chance for success on your wedding day.

Numerology is based on the belief that there is a special relationship between mathematical measurements and specific dates. Although there is no concrete evidence to suggest this is entirely true, many spiritualists and numerologsist insist that numbers are the key to happiness.

Although picking  your wedding day  based on numbers will not ensure a perfectly happy marriage, why not line up a date that is aligned properly to give yourself a better chance? According to international numerologist Michelle Buchanan, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

  There are dozens of ways that numerology is used to select important dates,  and none of them guarantee a perfect wedding day but, it can’t hurt – so why not give it a try ….and see how it adds up!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Veils Are Back!!

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Just a few years ago women were ditching the veils to go with a simple ribbon headband adorned with crystals of some sort. Although beautiful and perfectly acceptable, there is nothing (including your gown) that will make you feel  more like a bride than the perfect veil. Not the big, poofy veils you may remember ( or have seen in photos from the 1920’s, 1950’s or last seen in the 1980’s, but a more toned down version featuring details from the gown that frame the face to make your wedding ensemble  picture perfect.

Yes, ladies – veils are back and they are modern, sophisticated and you should definitely have one.

Instead of buying two gowns, purchase a long veil that has detail on the train – maybe even longer than the gown itself.  Then, after the ceremony when you remove the veil, it will be an entirely different look.

Try layers of shorter veiling for a flirty, retro look.

Fingertip veiling with exquisite detailing makes a very elegant statement.

The style of veil is up to you. Keep in mind the style of the wedding, your gown and your headpiece. Whether you are going for Art Deco, Old Hollywood, Retro Chic, Vintage or Ultra Modern, the right veil will not only help complete the overall look but, also transform the  woman in a  white dress into a bride.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Bored With Bridesmaid Gowns? How About a Jumpsuit!

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I know…  jumpsuits are for old ladies and congresswomen! Ladies with cankles and ugly legs who want to cover up as much as they can, right? Wrong. The latest, hottest trend in evening wear is hip, stylish  jumpsuits that are more flattering and comfortable than most bridesmaid gowns, long or short.

Designers have  picked up on this  trend and are offering stunning options for bridesmaids who are joining the pants party!

Still not convinced?  Cameron Diaz was sizzling in this evening  jumpsuit at the premier of he new movie.

Of course the jumpsuit is not for everyone. But, for women who are tired of bridesmaid gowns and all that entails, the jumpsuit can be hot, hot, HOT!

Be careful, though going to the ladies room is kind of difficult and requires some advance notice.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Unique Bouquet Options

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Today, brides are using really creative ideas to put a twist on a wedding staple – bouquets! This yet another area where art and self-expression combined can create a stunning statement with a not-so-traditional bouquet.

Shape:

Instead of the standard bouquet carried by the bridesmaids, consider a wreath or a simple pomander bouquet.

 

Color:

 Whether it is a single vibrant color or eye-catching combinations, you can use color to make a big impact.

Texture:

Adding texture to the bouquet with the use of feathers, crystals and other non-floral pieces brings depth to the bouquet.

No Bouqet:

Consider something fun, funky and functional like a fan for a hot summer wedding, or a muff for a winter event.

When it comes to your wedding, the only rule is that there are no rules. Ask you florist to explore other floral options if you feel like the traditional bouquet is just not your style.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago