Tag: budget

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Breaking Tradition: 5 Wedding Planning ‘Rules’ You’re Free to Overlook!

Traditional wedding planning was based on rules and even more rules. Luckily, we aren’t bound by endless customs and traditions when planning our wedding today. While it isn’t wise to toss all the rules, beliefs and wedding etiquette aside, few can be ignored so we can realize our vision of the perfect wedding.

So, what are they? Let us find out.

1.It is the bride’s family that pays

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With weddings getting bigger and more expensive everyday, it is not such a good idea to place the entire financial burden on the bride’s family. The couple can sponsor their wedding themselves, rely on funds from the groom’s side or even split the expenses. What matters is that you have the desired wedding, not who pays for it. Also remember that it is only right that the people footing the bill have a say in how the wedding ought to be. So, if you and your parents or in-laws disagree on the guest list or wedding menu, try to find a compromise that works for everyone.

2.Your wedding dress should be white

via Best for Bride

Although white is the most popular option in wedding dress colors, you don’t need to choose it. In fact, white wedding dresses became popular only in the 19th century, before which, brides wore dresses in different colours. So, if you aren’t smitten with white, pick any colour that appeals to you.

3.The groom shouldn’t see the bride before the ceremony

This was believed to be bad luck. Superstitions aside, photographers today encourage couples to click a few pictures together before the ceremony. This allows them to get the best shots, when the bride’s makeup is fresh. It also allows them to effectively capture the first reaction of the groom when he sees his bride in her wedding attire. This is a memory that the couple will often cherish, and so this is a good way to do it right.

4.You can have only one Maid of Honor 

More and more brides are now opting to have two Co-Maids of honor, if they have two favorite girlfriends. This makes sense, as it wouldn’t be nice to choose one over the other when both ladies are equally important to the bride. It is also more practical, as they can divide the bridesmaid’s duties and ensure everything sails smoothly, putting the bride’s mind at ease.

5.Weddings have to be expensive

Not necessarily. You can choose to keep the wedding small and meaningful if you do not have the budget for a big wedding. After all, it isn’t about throwing a big party or starting your life together on a big debt. It is about celebrating your love as a couple, with the people who matter most to you. Whether you can afford a wedding party with thousands of guests or you choose to get married with only your closest friends and family attending, you will still be pronounced man and wife. So, plan a wedding within your budget, and make sure you get the best deal you can afford.

For more wedding planning advice, tips and stories, visit us on Best for Bride.

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3 ways to save on your wedding photography

Your wedding photographs are the memories of your wedding that will accompany you for a lifetime, and perhaps even outlive you. So, you don’t want to skimp and get it wrong. Professional wedding photographers are worth their weight in gold, but getting your wedding pictures done by them can actually take a chunk out of your wedding budget. The Knot’s real wedding survey suggests that the average couple spends $2556 on their wedding photography, which is quite a lot of money. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can make your money go further and get the best possible results for what you can afford. Let us find out what they are.

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Research well and book early

First and foremost, don’t assume that you will get an unreasonably high discount, however early you look. So, start with someone who has rates that you can afford. Take the time to check out photographer portfolios and reviews, and find a photographer whose style you like. Although you may have a limited budget, you can still find the best photographer for that budget provided that you begin your search early and zero in on the right candidate.

Make use of discounts

You must have gone through the wedding photos of your friends. Is there any that you have loved in particular? If you haven’t really given much thought to this, think about it now. This way, you may find a good photographer who gives you a better deal because of the reference your friend provides. It is also likely that photographers offer referral discounts if you get someone else to sign up for their services as well. If you know of any other engaged friends, recommend your photographer to them. If they like him as much as you do, you may even and snag a discount when they sign up for his services.

Look for package deals and stick to the digital version till you can make your album

Many photographers offer package deals, and you can choose the one that fits your budget. Set some time aside to discuss your options, and find out if you can customize the available choices to fit your needs. Don’t worry too much about getting your wedding album ready right after the wedding. The important thing at this point is getting the pictures taken by a good photographer. Once you have the digital prints ready, start working on your wedding album only when you have the budget for it. Else, put it off till when you do. You do not have to worry, as you will always have the pictures to put into the album. Just don’t forget all about it. Make sure that you will get your album ready as soon as you have the necessary amount put aside for it. Share the digital prints with your friends and wedding guests soon after the wedding, so you do not have to postpone the excitement of sharing those memorable moments.

Find more valuable tips and advice to plan your dream wedding and stick to budget by visiting us at Best for Bride.

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Say yes to these rules and stay away from wedding planning stress

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Planning a wedding is no easy feat. Gone are the days when the options were limited, and you had to only choose from one or two choices and be done with it. With a plethora of options in wedding dresses, venues, wedding styles, flowers, caterers, invitations and more, brides can easily find themselves stressing out over the wedding planning. So, we thought we’d bring you this set of rules to follow and stay sane during this intensely stressful time. Read on and be prepared to handle it right

#Rule 1

I will stick to the budget, no matter what

Yes, it can be tempting to throw in an extra stash of dollars to get that designer dress, or go with the florist’s recommendation to add those imported delicate flowers to the bouquet and make it just “perfect.” Just remember that “perfect” is how you define it. You can have a perfect wedding even on a shoestring budget if you are content with what you choose. So, stick to what you can afford and don’t splurge. Decide that whatever you find within budget is good enough, and it will be just that.

#Rule 2

I won’t listen to others for the sake of making them happy

Your friend who has started her own baking venture may want to do your wedding cake, or your cousin may have requested to be your wedding photographer. It is also likely that you have friends or relatives who suggest that you do the wedding like they suggest. Keep your cool, and go with what they suggest only if you are convinced it is worthwhile. Unless your friends or relatives are professionals who have worked at weddings previously, don’t take on their offer for fear of offending them. If someone tries to force their preferences on you for your wedding, say you’ll think over it, but stick to your decisions. If these people genuinely care about you, they will understand, no matter what you decide.

#Rule 3

I will not stress over perfection

Everyone wants the best, but when you begin to obsess over it, you lose all the fun of wedding planning. So, don’t be worried if you can’t find the perfect colors for your wedding décor, or if you have to settle for plans that are not exactly as you anticipated. Be flexible with your plans and keep your expectations realistic, you will find wedding planning a lot more relaxing.

#Rule 4

I will be happy with how I look on my wedding day

So, you wanted to shed several pounds before your wedding, or had decided to get a few facials but couldn’t find time. Remember that you will be beautiful, no matter what. You may not even remember this plan to shed weight, when you think back over your wedding years later. So, don’t obsess over what you couldn’t do. Instead, go forward with optimism and you will enjoy your wedding day as you ought to.

What is important today may seem irrelevant tomorrow. So don’t dwell on what could have been, or whether it would be better if done differently. Just go with the flow, relax and enjoy things as they happen.. All that matters is that you have a great engagement and exciting wedding.

To help you with your wedding shopping needs or for more wedding related tips and advice, keep visiting us at Best for Bride.

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Wedding flowers: 5 sensational choices

Roses, petunias, daisies, lilies, tulips…..do the floral varieties have you in a tizzy?

Flowers are so beautiful, that it is often impossible for a bride to pick a favorite from the stunning variety available. Yet, some flowers are more popular than others.

This article is dedicated to those wedding favorites—flowers that have secured their place as the top choices in gracing bridal bouquets and wedding centerpieces. Let us look at what they are.

Ravishing roses

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The flower that symbolizes romance, love and all the emotions that go with it—Roses;particularly red roses, are an all-time favorite. These charming blooms come in an astounding range of colors and sizes. They are versatile; the flowers can be the focus of the bridal bouquet or centerpiece, or used to add sophistication to a diversity of blooms. Tea roses are the common variety that you often see in florist shops. The other two varieties include large and fragrant garden roses, as well as spray roses which are smaller and come as a bunch on a stem.

Happy hydrangeas

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Hydrangeas are a popular choice for centerpieces, as they easily fill a space and add a cheerful note to any setting. The colors range from pink to blues and whites, and it can be used as a bunch, or as sprigs. These bushy flowers remind us of spring and are a colorful addition to any space. Perfect for both casual and formal weddings alike, they have a surprising richness.

Tantalizing tulips

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Tulips are flowers that spell romance and look exquisite when bunched together. All you need are a few tulips to create a beautiful bouquet. Since these spring flowers are available in various colors, tulips are an ideal choice for spectacular bouquets in a single color. They are usually used by themselves in bridal and bridesmaids bouquets, but can be mixed with other blooms like pieris or ranunculus to form interesting combinations.

Classic carnations

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Strong flowers that add color and texture to any setting, carnations are available in a variety of shades and are super-affordable. While they are hardly ever used by themselves, they add the little details that complete a bouquet or centerpiece. Carnations are a popular choice when the venue decoration requires more flowers than usual, like when there are floral backdrops. These flowers work well in bouquets that have roses, orchids, petunias and daisies, and the ruffled petals add texture and charm to the bouquet.

Dainty daisies

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The go-to choice for outdoor, spring and summer weddings, daisies are traditional wedding flowers that symbolize purity and innocence. They are even used as hair accessories in garden theme weddings. A simple flower that can lift the atmosphere and be creatively spun into any centerpiece, daisies are perfect for vintage theme weddings. While white daisies are an eternal favorite, daisies in various other colors are also used in bridal bouquets and floral centerpieces.

These are but, a mere introduction to the sensational world of wedding blooms. Turn to your florist for suggestions and go with seasonal flowers or those that are available all around the year, to stick to your budget. For more inspiration and wedding flower ideas, visit us on Best for Bride.