For the Groom

No one does it better than Martha- here are some words of wisdom straight from her to you about what your most important accessory should look like:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/best-dressed-for-the-groom

The Look for Less: Alfred Sung Maids as an alternative to Jim Hjelm

Jim Hjelm has a super cute style with a ruffled collar- JH5070, and they have other dresses that are similar. Alfred Sung just recently put up their fall collection, and they have a dress with some similar characteristics that is even more budget friendly, so take a peek. Some might say that there's no comparing the two because of differences in fabric, etc., but I think this Alfred Sung dress give the Jim Hjelm a run for its money : ) There are a couple versions of the Alfred Sung dress, but you could start with D467 and D466. No luck finding pictures other than on the designers websites, sorry, but here are the links for you:

http://www.dessy.com/bridesmaid-dresses/alfredsung/

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2010/Style-5070

More Vowcab: Up the panache with Soutache!

Soutache is a type of trim. It's a narrow, flat braid, often in a herrinbone pattern. You'll see it on veils a lot, and I once had a jacket trimmed with a swirly pattern in soutache.

Vowcab Time: What is a "peplum"?

A peplum is a short overskirt or ruffle attached to the waistline of a jacket, blouse or dress.

Budget Tips

There a bazillion tips and tricks out there to save on little things. Do your own floral arranging. Make your invitations. Get makeup samples. And on and on. Here are a few bigger ideas that believe it or not, not everyone thinks of.

1)Set your budget BEFORE you start planning. You may need to revise it slightly, but you want to decide what you can really afford ahead of time so that you will be prepared to stick to your guns and can rule out things that just won't work. A little tough love at the start of your planning process will save you tears and regrets later when you can't afford things you need because you spent to much on just a few items you wanted. There are all kinds of tools online to help you figure out what percentage of your budget should go where.

2)Decide what your priorities are. You can spend more on your reception if you have fewer guests, or more on the invites if you save big on your caterer. Decide what is the most important and go from there.

3) Discuss expectations ahead of time with everyone involved- parents, wedding party, etc. Get clear who is paying for what from the get-go, and things will be much smoother afterwards even if it is awkward in the beginning.

4)Be proud of your budget! It may not be a million bucks, but everyone involved worked hard for that money. And it is far wiser to be the bride who will not spend $200 more on that cake than she wants to spend even if she gets XYZ for it, than to be that bride with the mile long credit card bill that won't go away. Your wedding is a very special time, but so is the time that comes after it!