Alternative Wedding Bouquets

As a wedding tradition, brides used to carry bunches of garlic, herbs, and grains to ward off evil spirits. Eventually, the stinky concoctions turned into beautiful flowers representing life, love and fertility.

Now, brides are opting for more alternative bouquets. If you want something unique to your wedding and break from the traditional mold, check these out.

From left to right:

Button Bouquet - reallybadkitty
Shell Bouquet - Freshcutedesign
Felt Bouquet - RibbonsNBowsBoutique

Crepe Paper Bouquet - lalalaurie
Romance Novel Rose Bouquet - Quitesparkly
Wire Bouquet - REFINERII

5 ways to save money on your wedding.

The average wedding costs about $30,000. So take advantage of any chance you have at saving a buck or two, because these days it'll go a long way. Here are 5 ways you can save cash:

1. Size Matters: Shaving off your guest list is the BEST way to save money. After you've made your preliminary list, go back and select the people most important to you and your fiance. Remove the people you don't know and never heard of. Just by cutting back on the guest list you can save a lot. Think about it, if it costs $50 a person and you cut just 10 people, you save $500. Another option would be to have an "Adult Only" reception; the kids probably won't enjoy it anyway. And lastly, pare your party. Gifts, hair, makeup and flowers cost less for 3 attendants than 10.
   


2. Right Place, Right Time: Consider looking into your local area parks. A lot of the time these places are free! If you don't want to give up that pricey mansion you rented out, then ask the vendor if they have special dates that are discounted. Most vendors give great deals on weekdays and daytime and off season weddings. Remember the vendor wants you to have a positive experience with their service, so see if they can work with your budget.


3. Food Facts: Food for a wedding is often the most expensive part of any wedding. Instead of having a 5-course meal, opt for a buffet. Buffets are considerably cheaper and you can still satisfy your guests. However, if you really prefer a seated meal, chose a less expensive meat like chicken over the fillet mignon.


4. Flower Power: Every wedding should include flowers, it's just the right thing to do. However, every wedding does not have to include 150 orchids to place on each guest's dinner napkin. Chose flowers that are in season on your wedding day. If you buy flowers out of season the florist will need to pay to have them shipped, which means they will cost more, which means more money out of YOUR pocket.
   


5. DIY: Do it yourself. You can save if you just use some elbow grease. Make your own favors - Every guest loves something edible! Make your own invitations - Martha Stewart makes really cute DIY wedding invitations and you can get them at Wal-Mart! Skip on the calligrapher and address your own envelopes. Finally, do your own hair and makeup - If you can't see passed getting your hair and makeup done professionally for your big day, have the bridesmaids do their own and you'll still save a good chunk.
   

What are some of the ways your saving money on your wedding and what are your ideas for staying on budget?

Six Degrees Wedding Genealogy Chart

I happened upon this neat idea for a personalized "guest tree" today that you should definitely check out.

"Wedding genealogies are customized charts, similar to a family tree, that detail the relationships of the bride and groom to all of their wedding guests. Great for the cocktail hour and receptions, these charts fill guests in on who’s a friend from childhood, a neighbor, a family member, and more. Wedding Genealogy charts also serve as a lovely piece of wedding memorabilia." - Melangerie

These charts function in so many ways and look great at the same time! They serve as a seating chart, as well as a great conversation piece for your guests who might not know each other. Whether your wedding is traditional, modern or funky, Melangerie can customize your chart to coordinate with your wedding colors and design.

What unique details are you including in your wedding?

Wedding Tradition: Turkish Shoe Signing

Before you walk down the aisle have your bridesmaids sign the bottom of your shoes. Tradition says the name that has faded the most by the end of the night is next to get married.

Wedding Read: The Pioneer Woman

If your in for a good read head on over to The Pioneer Woman. I've been reading her blog for awhile now and I can't get enough! I'm totally addicted. She is in the process of writing Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, her tale of love and adventure with the man she is now married to. Seriously I check this website everyday...sometimes 2 or 3 when I'm bored, because she is constantly updating her site with new material all the time. Somewhere between her eloquent words and her "keeping it real" attitude, she melts my heart. She goes from meeting to marrying the man of her dreams and you can read all about it here.

Wedding News: It's about time!

This past Thursday David Letterman finally got hitched to his long time girlfriend and mother of his five year old son, Regina Lasko. He announced the news on Monday and joked "the answer honestly is we wanted to make sure we had the prenup just right." I know this seems like "old" news, but it really makes me wonder why. If you didn't know, Letterman is 61. I know, I know, I know age is just a number, but damn. Well anyway, I wish them luck, although I'm sure if they can make it 23 years dating they can make it many more married. Which brings me to my question: How long did you date before you decided to tie the knot, or how long is too long? Oh and also, did you happen to see that episode of Letterman with Joaquin Phoenix?? I'm still laughing.

Inspiration Board: Asian Flair

This color scheme is becoming very popular. I just love it! The colors are aqua and red and they compliment each other so nicely. This theme is very versatile too, even if your wedding theme isn't Asian Flair.

A Popular Trend - Photo Booths

Photo booths are storming the wedding scene these days. It's a great way to add a little quirkiness to your wedding and the pictures make an awesome favor. You can even get the pictures personalized with your name and wedding date and some come with props for you to use. Sure you will have many pictures from your wedding day, but none like these. Photo booths bring the wackiness out of people and are so fun. This would definitely be a hit at any wedding!

Photos courtesy of Lone Star Photo Booth of Texas

Who Pays For What?

Here is a list of traditional ways of dividing the cost of a wedding. However, you do not have to abide by this, it's just a rule of thumb. A lot of the time it's the bride and groom who foot most of the bill anyway.

Rings:

• Bride and/or her family pay for groom's ring.
• Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride's rings.

Stationery:

• Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Prewedding Parties:

• Bride or groom's family plans and hosts engagement party. (Hint: If there is more than one, the bride's family hosts the first one.)
• Groom's family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
• Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids' luncheon.
• Groom hosts and plans bachelors' dinner.
• Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.
• Best man and ushers host bachelor party.

Attire:

• Bride and family pay for bride's dress and accessories.
• Groom and family pay for groom's outfit.
• All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Ceremony:

• Bride and family pay for church.
• Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant's fee.

Flowers:

• Bride and family pay for arrangements for church and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
• Groom and family pay for bride's bouquet, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Reception:

• Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Photography:

• Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Transportation:

• Bride and family pay for transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.

Honeymoon:

• Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

Candy Buffet - A Popular Trend

These days couples are adding a touch of whimsy to their reception by having a candy buffet or confection bar. This is a great way to thank your guests for attending your wedding. Here's how to do it.

1. Find containers - Having a candy buffet can easily become expensive. Scout thrift stores, garage sales online stores and your local dollar store for big containers at a small price. You can also rent containers. Here are some from Amazon that are $12 for 4 containers. Just take the lids off and fill them with candy:
2. Buy Candy - One way you can save a bundle on candy is to buy in bulk.

Some Places to find candy in bulk:
The Candy Warehouse
www.candyfavorites.com
www.groovycandies.com

Color matters! Buy candy that matches your wedding color scheme. Most
people don't want there wedding to look like a circus, so shop around for the
right colors. Also, shop around for better prices. (Hint: fill the smaller containers
with the more expensive candy and vice versa.)

3. Don't go overboard - You can have a successful candy buffet and it not be all candy.
Another way to save money is to use fillers. Use things like table runners, flowers,
pictures, and candles. You can also fill your table with delicious cupcakes, cookies, and
pies. Here is a great idea from Bakerella. Bakerella's simple to make cake pops and cup cake bites:

A Rustic Wedding

Here is an inspiration board i made for a rustic themed wedding. This theme would be perfect for a summer wedding.

Note: I did not take these pictures and as I would like to credit who did, I can't. I have had these pictures saved from a long time ago. So, I'm sorry and if you do happen to know where they came from I would be happy to credit their work.

The picture of the barn however is from The Red Corral Ranch located in Wimberley, TX. You can visit their website HERE.

Getting Started.

Here is a timeline of events in planning your wedding. It is very important to be organized and this will help you stay on track and remind you of all the details needed to have the wedding of your dreams.

12 months+

• Start by envisioning your dream wedding. Will it be at a fancy hotel, your parents backyard, or a sandy beach?
• Decide what your budget will be. This is very important in wedding planning - you want a great wedding, but you don't want great debt when it's all over. Also, decide where the money is coming from. These days the bride's parents do not have to pay for everything. Soon I'll post a list of who should pay for what.
• Chose the date and time of your wedding and don't forget to ask important family and friends if the date is free for as well.
• If you do not want to plan your wedding by yourself, then now you should seek out a wedding consultant. But, if not go ahead and start looking at local vendors.
• Begin wedding gown "window" shopping. Think about what you want your gown to look like. You don't have to buy your dress right away because Prince Charming popped the question last night. Look in magazines and online for dresses you like.
  
• Create a preliminary guest list. Ask both sets of parents for a list of who they want invited and create your own as well. (Hint: the more guests you have, the more money you pay. We will get to why that is later.)
  

9-11 Months

• Search for a reception site and book one as soon as you find something that you you love, is in your budget, and available for your date.
• If your planning on having an engagement party, now is the time to set a date, create a guest list, and buy invitations.
• Purchase a notebook or folder to put all of your planning paperwork. Include ideas, contracts, guest list, vendor contacts etc.
• Decide on your wedding party and ask them to be a bridesmaid or groomsman.
• Find a ceremony site if different from reception site. Also, choose an officiant.
• Take engagement pictures and have your local newspaper announce the engagement.
• Interview caterers. Most important is how the food taste, but also think about price per head.
  
• Chose your color scheme if you haven't already. Your color scheme should compliment your ceremony/reception sites.
  
• Head to the bridal shop. If you looked in magazine and online you might already have a dress picked out or and idea of what you want. Don't hesitate to try on different dresses.
• Start looking at cultural traditions if you want them included in the wedding.
• Finalize your guest list and remember if you're on a budget this is the best place to lower the cost of the wedding by reducing the amount of people attending. Also make a seating chart if you are planning on having a seated dinner.
  
• Decide on a caterer and have them draw up a contract and make a deposit to hold your service. Remember to always read contracts. You don't want to sign something you don't agree to. If you don't agree with something on the contract talk to the caterer and see if it can be changed.
• Start auditioning reception bands or professional DJ's. Make sure they can play the styles of music you want for your reception. Book it as soon as you find the right one.
  
• If you are planning on an outdoor wedding, look into tent and lighting rentals.
• Seek out a florist. Make an appointment to discuss style, price, and options you have.
• Interview photographers. Ask to see a portfolio and discuss prices. Reserve the right one by signing a contract and making a deposit.
  

6-8 Months

• Start a registry. (Hint: a lot of stores have online registries now)
• Start thinking about how you want to wear your hair. Will you have a sleek up-do or romantic waves? Think about how you normally wear your hair just maybe vamp it up. You don't want your hairstyle to make you unrecognizable.
• Search for bakeries in your area. Make appointments and decide on style, flavor, and price. Once you find the right one, book it and sign a contract. If having trouble finding one, your caterer might be able to suggest some to you.
• Shop for bridesmaids dresses. Make sure to pick colors and style that flatter everyone even if each dress is different. As long as the colors are in your color scheme and the styles are similar your wedding party will look great.
• Set aside blocks of rooms at nearby hotels for your out of town guest. If Aunt Sue and Uncle Bob are coming from a thousand miles away, you will want to make sure they have a hotel room available.
  
• It is not necessary, but sending save-the-date cards is becoming more and more popular. Now is the time to purchase them and send them out, especially if your wedding is on or near a holiday.
• Order your gown. Be sure to double check the order. You don't want your dress to come in and it's 2 sizes too small.
• Start planning you rehearsal dinner and book a site.
  
• Decide on your invitation design and wording and order them. Make sure you and at least one other person proof reads them. Also, be sure to order extra envelopes because you will make at least one mistake.

4-5 Months

• Decide on the Groom and Groomsmen attire. Will you rent or buy?
  
• Reserve chair, table and linen rentals, unless it will be provided by caterer.
• Book a hotel room for your wedding night.
• Make packages for out-of-town guests with hotel reservation and city information. Mail them as soon as possible.
• Book your flight, hotel, rental car and any activities you are to do on your honeymoon.

2-3 Months

• Chose your bridesmaid accessories, like gloves or jewelry, and purchase them or pass the info along and ask your bridesmaids to.
• Give all the groomsmen the info to either buy or rent their attire.
• Buy wedding bands
• Experiment with beauty routines like self tanning and facials.
• Buy specific ceremony decorations like a huppah, aisle runner and don't forget the flower girl basket, ring bearer's pillow and guest book.
• Make or buy wedding favors.
• Be sure that all bridesmaids have purchased their dresses and accessories. If you have them already, have them try their attire on for you to make sure they fit and look good.
• Your invitations should be arriving soon or have arrived already. Make sure everything is spelled correctly and designed how you want it.
• If your planning on a honeymoon that is international, get your passport, birth certificate, visas and vaccinations now.
• Get any special lingerie you need for your wedding dress before you go into your first fitting, which you should do as soon as the dress comes in.
• Have the groomsmen visit the formal wear shop to get measured.
• Start addressing invitations. If you having a calligrapher do it, you need to have them there two months before the wedding day.
• Confirm delivery date for your gown and arrange fittings with the bridal shop for when it arrives.
  
• Purchase any accessories for the groom: shoes, cuff links, etc.
• Provide guest list for your bridal shower to whoever is hosting it.
• Arrange wedding day transportation. Will you need a limo for your bridal party? A shuttle for your guest? Or a get away car? Also, arrange parking for guests.
  
• Send out invitations as soon as ready.

6 Weeks

• If you are receiving gifts, be sure to remove them off of your registry and keep a record of who it was from so you can send out thank you cards.
• Be sure to confirm those reservations you made for out-of-town guests.
• Now you should order and alcohol needed for your reception if not already in the catering contract.
• Buy shoes, jewelry and veil prior to your final fitting so you can try it all on at once.
• Plan your vows, especially if your writing your own.
• Make your ceremony programs if you are to have them.
• Make an appointment with your wedding day hairstylist and take your veil to make sure your hair and veil work together. (Hint: take pictures of your hairstyle so the hairstylist can remember exactly what she did.)
• Make an appointment with a makeup artist if you want one and do a trial run. Don't forget to schedule your wedding day with them.
  
• Buy gifts for your wedding party.
• Attend final wedding gown fitting. Take your shoes, jewelry and veil with you.

3-4 Weeks

• Send rehearsal dinner invitations.
• Get marriage license and do blood test in necessary.
• Make a list of songs you want played at your reception and give it to the band or DJ. You should give them a list of songs you absolutely do not want played as well.
• Confirm your wedding night and honeymoon reservations.
• Do paperwork for official documents like changing your name, insurance policies, bank accounts and anything else.
• Draw up a schedule of wedding day activities.
• Purchase a garter and make sure you have your "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" if you choose to include them.
• Pick up your gown.

1-2 Weeks

• Call guests who haven't RSVP'd for the wedding or rehearsal dinner.
  
• Give final head count to caterer and confirm menu items and set-up details.
• Confirm delivery times and location with all vendors.
• Go over seating chart and make any changes if needed and give a copy to your caterer. Also make place card so your guests will know where to sit.
  
• Confirm final payments to all vendors.
  
• Touch base with your officiant and discuss the wedding day schedule.
• Pick up tuxes and try them on. Do not wait until the day of to do this. You want it to fit perfect.
• Confirm transportation for your wedding. Discuss times and location of pickups on your wedding day.
• Prepare your toast to friends and family on your wedding day.
• Designate a person to meet, greet and handle all vendors on your wedding day.
• Get manicure and pedicure and confirm hair and make-up for the day of your wedding.
• Put together an over night bag for the night of your wedding. Be sure to pack your sexy lingerie too!

Day Before

• Rehearse the ceremony with officiant and wedding party. Remember to have fun and relax.
  
• Get your wedding gown, shoes, and other accessories together.
• Make a bridal emergency kit with aspirin, safety pins, makeup, mints etc.
• Set your alarm.
  
• Get sleep!

Day of

• Set aside a private moment for you and your new wife/husband to exchange gifts and a kiss or two.
• Thank your parents and guests.
• And finally, Enjoy!
  

Welcome to Lonestar Weddings

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. However exciting planning your wedding is, it is also very stressful. Planning a wedding takes time, patience, and a lot of creativity to make it perfect. Here you will be able to find planning tips, creative ideas and other wedding related topics.


I hope you enjoy!!