Day After Brunch ($5 per guest!)

Hosting a brunch the morning after the wedding is a nice touch.  It gives you more time to visit with those who traveled from afar while providing guests with a better option than steamed eggs at the hotel.  But it is another cost and can require serious planning, no matter how simple you intend it to be.  (Any event larger than 20 guests requires real coordination – while plenty of smaller events entail just as much.) 

On timing: a late start allows you to get presentable.  As the guest of honor you need to be there from the beginning, so calculate in travel.  With most hotel check outs at noon, I recommend a start no earlier than 11:00 am.  Those with early flights won’t be able to make it no matter what time it begins, so why not give yourself an extra hour to just enjoy your first morning being married?  A 2-hour window is ample time for all interested in attending.  Budget in 30-minutes before and after for setup and clean up – meaning you’ll need to set aside three hours or so to be social, then can get back to the early honeymoon! 

On attendees: you can invite family only though many welcome out-of-town friends and some have the means to include their entire guest list.  Most likely you will have far fewer attendees than at the wedding due to early flights, hangovers and family schedules.  An emailed invitation works well for such a casual event. 

Inexpensive food options:  What’s inexpensive?  I’m talking $5 a person cheap.  You’ve already hosted one awesome meal, if not two (counting the rehearsal) and it’s really about the socializing, so skip the smorgasbord and consider:

• A Bagel Bar: set out a variety of bagels and cream cheeses (of course plain, strawberry and chive – but what about pineapple, jalapeno or pumpkin?)  Consider apple or honey butter in addition to whipped (insert cute “whipped” joke?)  Or step it up a notch with lox, red onion and tomato.

• Donuts: towers and platters of donuts with milk (chocolate and plain variety.)  Need I say more?

• Oatmeal with All the Fixins: steel cut oats are perfect for this (the 'special occasion' oats are filling) and can be cooked overnight in crock pots.  Have toppings like fresh blueberries, nuts, slivered oranges, apples and brown sugar crumble.  A crème anglaise makes oats irresistible.
• French Toast Kabobs: battered bread alternated with raspberries and other fruits provides grab-and-go breakfast for those with tight timeframes.  Mini syrup cups in shot glasses or teacups?

• Yogurt Parfaits & Granola Bars: for the health-conscious, pre-made yogurt, fruit and nut parfaits pair perfectly with homemade or a variety of store-bought granola bars.  Those with flights later in the day will thank you for the portable treats!
• Cereal Bar: decorative jars and vases make your childhood favorites fancy.
  
  
• Cinnamon Rolls: spice up plain cinnamon rolls with various icings (vanilla, orange and bourbon-spiked)
• B&G: biscuits and gravy made simple with an DIY assembly-line setup.  Chinese take-out containers keep it quirky.  Display gravy in cast iron pots and garnish with fried sage for a composed touch.  With jams on the side for lighter diners, all appetites are covered.
• Coffee & Pastries: keep it simple with assorted pastries from a local bakery and good coffee
• Waffle Bar: rather than a manned station (which can get pricey) a less expensive version would be to pre-make a batter (I love this malted mix) and set out 2-4 waffle irons for a DIY bar. 

Simple City Hall Wedding Dresses

The perfect dresses for a chic City Hall affair:

Amsale: Darby - $1,200
This silk one-shoulder dress is the ideal blend of modern lines 

and classic details with the bow in back.

BHLDN: Lively Chevrons - $300 on sale
A simple, strapless design with chevron details keeps it young and fun.

Aria: Veronica - $975

This prim and proper bateau neckline perfectly marries a feather column skirt for a funky, fun LWD.

 
AlvaCoutureBridal on Etsy - $602
The strapless high-low gown is custom made in Sweden.

Light In The Box: No. 00061496 - $150

Based on Audrey Hepburn's dress in Funny Face, this short ballgown sports 

a silk cap sleeve and tulle skirt.  Custom-made and ready-to-wear options available + and lots of real-life pictures in the reviews.   

J.Crew: Percy - $650
Though long, this minimalist sheath dress is simple enough for an effortless affair.

 

Voyage by Mori Lee No. 6742 - $499
The short version of this vintage-inspired dress wows with a crystal-beaded wide neckline and a pleated skirt for a formal fullness.

  
Ivy & Aster: Plume - $813

Short and sweet + feathers = gorgeous.

Matthew Christopher: Where The Boys Are
Inspired by 1950s party dresses, the full, tea-length skirt makes a statement.

Vintage/custom gown
Consider having your own made: this cream vintage piece 

with a sequin-lined scalloped bottom is a stunner.

Bridal Jewelry That’s a Steal

The ring may be real but the rest of your jewelry probably won’t be.  Unless you have family heirlooms or want to stick with your day-to-day pieces, you’ll be scouring boutiques, online and department stores for the perfect bling to compliment your dress. 

Wedding day jewelry should make a statement – the bigger the better for photos.  Like makeup and hairspray, even those of us who avoid such trimmings regularly embrace them for the day-on-display. 

Whether strapless or shawled, beaded or lace, the jewelry below will compliment any white dress, all while under budget. 

 

 JCPenney DiamonArt CZ Studs - $99 on sale

Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings from AuroraBridal on Etsy - $45

 

Kate Ketzal Starlet Emerald Cut Earrings - $70

 

Swarovski Tear Drop with Leaf Charm from Earringsnation on Etsy - $38

Kate Ketzal Sofia Tennis Bracelet - $90

Nadri Thin Prong Set Crystal Bangle - $65

 

 Kate Spade Steal the Spotlight Statement Necklace - $198

 

Nordstrom Princess Cut Pavé Pendant Necklace - $88

Swarovski & Pearl Lily Necklace from PureRainDesigns on Etsy - $50

The $2,500 Honeymoon: Puerto Rico

Speaking of vacation: let’s talk honeymoons.  hon·ey·moon – even the word is charming. 

But as the big day nears, and budgets balloon, you may be tempted to put off the escape-for-just-the-two-of-you.  While we here at BNB are penny pinchers too, don’t discount the honeymoon.  After months of dizzying preparation and weeks of family celebrations, it will likely be the first chance you and your new husband get an hour alone.  You’ve survived the test of planning a wedding together and you’ll want to relax and recuperate – away from it all. 

It's the vacation you’ll be asked about for a lifetime, but it doesn’t need to cost your life savings.  Rather than skip such a rewarding experience all together, consider whipping up a simple-yet-spectacular vacation based on what defines “relaxation” for you.  Whether a beach, cabin or ski slope, you can turn any vision into a budget-friendly reality with a little compromise and research. 

Consider this island getaway: Puerto Rico.  A US territory (with the US $ as the official currency), English is an official language and you don't need a passport to visit. 

As an agriculture-based economy in the early 20th century, Puerto Rico has more recently begun shifting its resources to tourism.  With cruise ship visitors making up one-third of tourists, destinations outside of San Juan can feel like private sanctuaries.

The 100-mile long island boasts 300 beaches, a number of which top travel magazines’ lists for best beaches in the world (including Flamenco Beach).  Although the west side of the island is the ultimate destination for surfers (Rincón earned PR the title “the Hawaii of the Atlantic"), the north and east beaches include inlets with calmer waters, great views and easy access. 

Here’s one way to enjoy a beach honeymoon for less than $2,500 (2 guests, 6 days, 5 nights, including food and flights):

On Vacation

Hello blog!  I’ve missed you.  But while on vacation I’ve had a chance to be inspired.  By sunny skies, good books, cold snow cones and killer artisans making all sorts of amazing products to make your big day a unique-as-you success.  Stay tuned for tips, lists and useful recommendations. 

Affordable Bridesmaid Gifts They'll Adore

Robes by JustCottons on etsy, photo by Yasmin Dar

Your bridesmaids are your closest friends, developed over a lifetime of gossip, growing pains and growing up.  While the day is about you and your groom, it’s also about the women (and sometimes men) who will stand beside you at the altar and support you throughout your marriage.  They oftentimes deserve as much recognition for who you are today as your partner. 

As wedding expenses mount, you’ll want to find a thoughtful gift for your ladies that won’t force you to forgo the photo booth/groom's cake/perfect heels in order to afford.  When deciding how much to spend, first note what your budget allows and next consider what you’ve asked them to spend for the big day.  While there is no hard-and-fast rule, practical and personal gifts like the ones below are always appreciated.

Pearl Earrings: Classic and affordable, pearl earrings are the perfect present for ladies.  The delicate, understated jewelry can be worn on a daily basis or paired with a LBD for special occasions.  For the Southern woman who already have white pearls consider a set of chocolate, silver or pink pearls. 

Matching Robes: Your ladies will love something they can use in the future to unwind.  Silk robes   It’s the gift that benefits you too, since they’ll look great in the 'getting ready' shots the morning-of.  Given out at the rehearsal dinner, this gift is good timing.  
or comfortable cotton wrap dresses are the perfect way to say ‘thanks’ and answer the question, “What should we wear for hair and makeup?”

Rain Boots: While a rainy wedding day is bittersweet, rain boots are a great spring gift.  They’re practical, adorable and unusual enough that most girls are in need.  In bright, trendy patterns and bold colors, a charming set of boots also offers a funky photo op on the wedding day, modeled with formal dresses.  These days rain boots come in a range of prices and are sold everywhere from Target to Burberry.  My favorite: Hunter boots.  Though pricier they come with a lifetime guarantee and can be turned into snow boots for the winter (+ they’re gorgeous in gloss!)

Jewelry Travel Bag: It’s likely that at least one of your bridesmaids traveled for the wedding, and 100% certain they all will travel sometime in the future.  The rolls, wraps, cases and boxes designed to keep necklaces untangled and earrings secure will be well loved by your fashionable and worldly pals.  (You might even want to register for this one.)

A few other modern takes on traditional gifts: I love Dogeared necklaces, promising three wishes for the recipient, as well as their line especially for bridesmaids.  A beautiful scarf is a great gift for winter weddings; I especially adore these custom etsy designs here and here as well as the versatile options here in rich colors (or a little less rich here).  A frame suited to their taste is always in style; Hobby Lobby has a great selection that goes on sale (50% off) practically every other week.  Make sure to get an individual photo with each bridesmaid and send a fitted print after the big day. 

Buy their Shoes, Mani/Pedi, Hair & Makeup: It’s like Christmas – the best gift is always money.  Young bridesmaids certainly feel the same way.  Being in a wedding is an expensive endeavor; offering to cover some of the cost of the items your pals have to purchase to stand up with you is a much appreciated gesture.  While your ladies would go to the ends of the Earth for you, it’s nice to be able to afford rent when you return home for an exciting albeit exhausting weekend of celebrating someone else’s big day.

Remember: the last six weeks of wedding planning fly by; consider picking out and ordering your wedding party gifts well in advance (at the 6 month mark is ideal) to avoid a last-minute scramble – or worse, settling for an impersonal token of thanks not nearly suited to your best friends’ awesomeness.  The gifts above won’t spoil, so knock off one more task while you still have the time and sanity to shop with thought. 

Beautiful, Inexpensive Veils on Etsy

 There are simply some things out of my DIY reach.  Veils would be one of them.  At first glance they seem straightforward swaths of tulle; but further consideration reminds you that the shape, edging, lay, seam, material and comfort of the barrette are all important.  These being topics about which I have no expertise, I decided to purchase a veil, but of course wanted to spend as little as possible.

As with most wedding details, an item’s price does not always correlate with the difficulty of its construction.  Even the most inexpensive retail veils I considered – the White by Vera Wang line at David's Bridal – ranged from $108-$198.  Bridal boutiques begin there but long veils (chapel, cathedral) often start at $300 while custom couture looks can cost as much as $3,000.

Where to turn when you stumble upon a too-risky DIY?  Etsy – the home of crafty folks like yourself who have perfected such projects. 

Kasey at Fascinating Bride is one such craftswoman, with 100% positive feedback (mine included) since she opened two years ago.  Her story starts with tutus: she was making the tulle dresses for her one-year old daughter for photo props; when a close friend got engaged and discovered how expensive veils were (despite the cost of tulle), she asked Kasey to try to create a cathedral veil – which she did with great success. Kasey is currently based out of her home in a suburb of Seattle and will be showcased this fall at the Seattle Wedding Expo.  We caught up with her to talk French netting, what inspires her and what’s next. 

How many veils have you made?

I would estimate around 300 veils in the last two years.

What are your veils made out of?

My veils are made of mostly bridal illusion tulle because it is soft and flowy. I have also used other materials such as French netting to make birdcage veils, or the ever expensive silk tulle. Which I was surprised was not as soft to touch as bridal illusion, however it hangs beautifully. However, it is $50 a yard for the fabric so the price goes up 10 fold for that style, it’s the same fabric Kate Middleton used for her veil when she wed Prince William.

Speaking of Princess Kate, what’s trending right now with bridal head pieces?

There are a lot of lace orders coming in; lace dresses are back in style and gorgeous cathedral veils lined with lace has been my biggest hit.

What’s your favorite thing to create?

I love making custom items. It’s exciting for me to try to create something someone else has dreamed up. The result is very satisfying if I can give them just what they were looking for but were unable to find!

Where did you learn to make veils?

Well, I bought a pattern from Joann’s fabrics. That was a TOTAL bust. Then, I started trying to free cut them myself, this worked so much better and now that is all I do. They took me a while to get the hang of, but now it’s second nature. I can cut and sew a veil in about 20 minutes.

What colors are your veils? Sizes and shapes?

I can make the veils in almost any color, but the most popular are white, ivory, and champagne. Sizes/shapes can vary greatly. From short birdcage veils to long cathedral length veils with trains as long as 10 feet behind the bride! Shapes can be a traditional “A” line to a circular veil that has no comb and simply falls from the bride’s head.

Does a veil have to match the dress?

Because there are about a thousand shades of white/ivory/champagne for wedding dresses, this is probably the most asked question. There are not very many shades of these colors in tulle available. The reason is that it’s not very important for the veil to match the dress exactly in color, but more in color pallet. Tulle is so sheer that it tends to take on the shade of the dress. As far as the style, you want to keep it in the same realm as the dress, but it’s your wedding and your veil so whatever makes you happiest is the right choice for you.