Restaurant Weddings are an ideal choice for the bride would wants an intimate setting with her and her guests. If you are looking at a small wedding, this is a great option for you to look into. But where to start?! Here are 3 easy steps to finding the right place for your special day.
Step 1: Reading the Rants and Raves
Many Brides make the mistake of letting other people's reviews of a place determine what restaurant they pick. Checking a place on sites like yelp.com really can help narrow down your list but you need to remember while you're reading them that most people only write reviews when they are mad, restaurant staffs are constantly adding and changing, and just because some people didn't enjoy the food that doesn't mean your tastebuds won't enjoy the food. Look for reviews on wedding sites like the knot.com or brides.com to get a real insiders view on what the place is like.
Step 2: Go out to Eat
Pick out about 5 places from your internet search and go to eat there with your future hubby. Take note on the size of the place, the look of the rooms, the attitude of the wait staff and the amount of time it takes to get your food. Photos online sometimes are unreliable and places that say they can fit 175 people seated may not be telling you how tight of a fit it is. I wouldn't mention that you are looking to use the place for your wedding until you leave that way people aren't putting on a good show for your business. You goal is be able to envision yourself getting married and having a reception there.
Step 3: Sign up!
Restaurants tend too fill up quicker than other event locations because they are popular location for everything from bar mitzvahs to office parties. If you have your heart on a specific date, plan EARLY, over a year in advanced if you could. If not, then I would still recommend at least 12-9 months in advanced. Be sure to ask a lot of questions: do they charge a cutting fee if you bring your own cake? Which photographers to they recommend/allow? Where could a Band or DJ be placed? If the resturant already has a bar, is there still a cork fee for the wine? etc
Happy Tasting!
-The Southside Bride
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Muffin Weddings
My next request was for a muffin themed wedding and I really loved looking this up. This is a fun theme that doesn't have to be the main focus of a wedding. This theme could really compliment the bride and groom who are looking for a fun twist to the traditional wedding.
Invites and Thank Yous
I am really into DIY invites and thank you cards because traditionally they cost less, are easier to personalize and really are simple to make. I recommend picking up a Wilton Wedding Invitation Kit (between $20-30 for a fifty pack) and instead of having a traditional wedding message, have a fun wedding message like
The Wedding Party and Ceremony
If you were hoping for muffin themed wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses, I unfortunately believe that you are ahead of the curve on that trend. Head over to Michaels or your local scrapbooking store and scope out muffin/cupcake charms (about $1-2 depending on the store). Use these to make boutonniere for the guys and a small single charm bracelet for the girls.
Reception Locations
Fun ways to show off the theme can be having the table numbers or name cards muffin shaped. If you go to your local scrapbook store they will usually let you use a muffin/cupcake shaped die cut as long as you buy the paper there or if you are feeling brave you can cut them out yourself. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, have blueberry cheescake muffins or another flavor of gourmet muffins.
Favors
There are a lot of muffin and cupcake boxes out online that make really great favors for this theme. My favorite though is something I saw on BrideandBabyfavors.com, which was a personalized muffin mix with a small whisk with a heat on it. Now the site is a bit pricey so for our do it a home ladies, run to walmart, pick up a pack of white gift bags, premade muffin mix (divide your guest list in 2 and buy that many bags), and some glue sticks and you can easily make the same thing.
Here is a mash up of what I would plan for a wedding of 120 people at Salvatore's in Chicago
The total cost for everything above is only about $4200
Have a Delicious Day!
-The Southside Bride
Invites and Thank Yous
I am really into DIY invites and thank you cards because traditionally they cost less, are easier to personalize and really are simple to make. I recommend picking up a Wilton Wedding Invitation Kit (between $20-30 for a fifty pack) and instead of having a traditional wedding message, have a fun wedding message like
" Do you know the Muffin Man "These two love muffins are not Bluffin'
Has Found a Muffin Wife? Orlando Northman
We and
Justin Rennings Kristi Soundhouse
and joyfully request your presence"
Melissa Huffino
Invite you to share in the first moments
of our fresh new lives together"
The Wedding Party and Ceremony
If you were hoping for muffin themed wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses, I unfortunately believe that you are ahead of the curve on that trend. Head over to Michaels or your local scrapbooking store and scope out muffin/cupcake charms (about $1-2 depending on the store). Use these to make boutonniere for the guys and a small single charm bracelet for the girls.
Reception Locations
Fun ways to show off the theme can be having the table numbers or name cards muffin shaped. If you go to your local scrapbook store they will usually let you use a muffin/cupcake shaped die cut as long as you buy the paper there or if you are feeling brave you can cut them out yourself. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, have blueberry cheescake muffins or another flavor of gourmet muffins.
Favors
There are a lot of muffin and cupcake boxes out online that make really great favors for this theme. My favorite though is something I saw on BrideandBabyfavors.com, which was a personalized muffin mix with a small whisk with a heat on it. Now the site is a bit pricey so for our do it a home ladies, run to walmart, pick up a pack of white gift bags, premade muffin mix (divide your guest list in 2 and buy that many bags), and some glue sticks and you can easily make the same thing.
Here is a mash up of what I would plan for a wedding of 120 people at Salvatore's in Chicago
The total cost for everything above is only about $4200
Have a Delicious Day!
-The Southside Bride
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Butterflys
My 1st request is to search for some Butterfly wedding ideas!
Invites and Thank Yous
There are a bunch of websites offering "luxury butterfly invitations" and "Handmade crystal butterfly invites" but I really don't think you want to pay $5 and invite for your wedding especially if its a big one.
I recommend picking up a Wilton Wedding Invitation Kit in a floral or plan style (between $20-30 for a fifty pack) and then heading over to your local scrapbook store or Michaels to pick up some butterfly bling. A simple way I would butterfly it up would be to add a butterfly embellishment either to the inside of the invite or on the outside on top of the seam where to invite opens (or if you choose a pack with a ribbon on the ribbon).
The Wedding Party and Ceremony
If you search the web enough you will find a bunch of butterfly themed wedding dresses, and bridesmaid dresses so it really depends on how far you want to go. Green Dresses with Butterfly wings, butterfly Boutonniere , or whatever your heart desires. I recommend tiny glimpses of the theme during the ceremony itself, Have your flower girl toss colorful paper cut outs of butterflies instead of flowers, have the ring bearers cushion be a butterfly stuffed animal, have the bridesmaids have bouquets of butterflies rather than flowers, have shinny butterfly clips holding your hair back.
Reception Locations
You really can glam up any location to fit your theme with Butterfly themed center pieces and decorations, but lets say you want to go all out a few of my favorite butterfly picks include contacting your local botanical garden to see if they have wedding packages. The highest rated butterfly locations include The Missouri Botanical Garden Butterfly House, The Original Butterfly house on Mackinac Island and The Chicago Botanical Gardens.
Favors
Butterfly favors seem to come in all shapes and sizes, from fun butterfly shaped candies to elegant butterfly decorated candles. It really depends on you and your grooms temperament towards a traditional wedding or a fun social gathering or somewhere in between. My favorite includes these gorgeous little boxes.
Here is a Butterfly Mash Up!
Now that we have it all planned out, how much would this all be for a wedding of 120?
Only About $7,172!!
Thank you so much for the request! I hope this helped!
-The Southside Bride
Invites and Thank Yous
There are a bunch of websites offering "luxury butterfly invitations" and "Handmade crystal butterfly invites" but I really don't think you want to pay $5 and invite for your wedding especially if its a big one.
I recommend picking up a Wilton Wedding Invitation Kit in a floral or plan style (between $20-30 for a fifty pack) and then heading over to your local scrapbook store or Michaels to pick up some butterfly bling. A simple way I would butterfly it up would be to add a butterfly embellishment either to the inside of the invite or on the outside on top of the seam where to invite opens (or if you choose a pack with a ribbon on the ribbon).
The Wedding Party and Ceremony
If you search the web enough you will find a bunch of butterfly themed wedding dresses, and bridesmaid dresses so it really depends on how far you want to go. Green Dresses with Butterfly wings, butterfly Boutonniere , or whatever your heart desires. I recommend tiny glimpses of the theme during the ceremony itself, Have your flower girl toss colorful paper cut outs of butterflies instead of flowers, have the ring bearers cushion be a butterfly stuffed animal, have the bridesmaids have bouquets of butterflies rather than flowers, have shinny butterfly clips holding your hair back.
Reception Locations
You really can glam up any location to fit your theme with Butterfly themed center pieces and decorations, but lets say you want to go all out a few of my favorite butterfly picks include contacting your local botanical garden to see if they have wedding packages. The highest rated butterfly locations include The Missouri Botanical Garden Butterfly House, The Original Butterfly house on Mackinac Island and The Chicago Botanical Gardens.
Favors
Butterfly favors seem to come in all shapes and sizes, from fun butterfly shaped candies to elegant butterfly decorated candles. It really depends on you and your grooms temperament towards a traditional wedding or a fun social gathering or somewhere in between. My favorite includes these gorgeous little boxes.
Here is a Butterfly Mash Up!
Now that we have it all planned out, how much would this all be for a wedding of 120?
Only About $7,172!!
Thank you so much for the request! I hope this helped!
-The Southside Bride
Sunday, February 27, 2011
As Pretty as a rose
One thing that always is a shock to brides just starting their wedding planning is just how expensive flowers can be! According to the Bridal Association of America the average flower cost of a wedding is nearly $2,000. This price include the bride's bouquet, the bridesmaids bouquets, the Boutonnieres/Corsages for the groom, grooms men and mothers of the bride and groom, the flower girls flowers and decorations and centerpieces.
Now maybe it's just me, but I really don't want to spend that much of a budget on something that will die in just a few days. So here are some alternatives for you budget savvy brides that want more bang for your buck
The Bouquets
Let's say your heart is set on having roses for you and your bridesmaids, why not go for Wooden Roses. They are just as beautiful as real ones in pictures, they can match any color scheme and they double as a beautiful gift to the bridesmaids and a lifelong keepsake for you. Now I wouldn't recommend throwing the wooden bouquet, maybe get a small $15 dollar throwing one from the local florist.
If your heart isn't set on flowers, then go wild! A lot of brides are making their bouquet and extension of their wedding theme or themselves by having seashell bouquets for a beach wedding, Candy Flowers for a fun twist, feathers for every color, delicately arranged bottle rockets and american flags for a 4th of july wedding, the possibilities are endless!
The Boutonnieres
image from izismile.com
The boutonnier is probably the second most traditional floral piece in the wedding. Most Grooms and groomsmen wait till the last minute to put it on and it is usually the first thing off during the reception. One fun trend that is replacing the flower are crafty patches and charms. If your groom is a musican, let him wear his favorite instrument, if you are having an irish themed wedding have green ribbions, again you can make this an unique as the two of you!
Flower Girls
Despite the name, flower girls don't only have to use flowers to mark the coming on the bride. A lot of brides are opting out of silk rose petals, but I think you could go even cheaper. Head to a party supply store and pick up some glittery confetti (make sure if you are having an outdoor wedding that you use larger pieces to make cleaning easier), or for our DIY brides gets some pretty paper and make your own confetti. Another thing I saw that was beautiful was having the flower girl blow bubbles all the way down.
I will be writing a whole separate piece on centerpieces later but those are my saving tips for now!
Happy Findings!
The Southside Bride
Now maybe it's just me, but I really don't want to spend that much of a budget on something that will die in just a few days. So here are some alternatives for you budget savvy brides that want more bang for your buck
The Bouquets
picture from everlasting-rose.com
Let's say your heart is set on having roses for you and your bridesmaids, why not go for Wooden Roses. They are just as beautiful as real ones in pictures, they can match any color scheme and they double as a beautiful gift to the bridesmaids and a lifelong keepsake for you. Now I wouldn't recommend throwing the wooden bouquet, maybe get a small $15 dollar throwing one from the local florist.
image found at weddingplanningadvice.net
The Boutonnieres
The boutonnier is probably the second most traditional floral piece in the wedding. Most Grooms and groomsmen wait till the last minute to put it on and it is usually the first thing off during the reception. One fun trend that is replacing the flower are crafty patches and charms. If your groom is a musican, let him wear his favorite instrument, if you are having an irish themed wedding have green ribbions, again you can make this an unique as the two of you!
Flower Girls
image from flicker.com
I will be writing a whole separate piece on centerpieces later but those are my saving tips for now!
Happy Findings!
The Southside Bride
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Getting Away from it all
Don't have enough money for an amazing wedding and a unforgettable honeymoon, why not combine them together? Destination weddings are on the rise because they present an opportunity to get married somewhere you've dreamed of and they are traditionally cheaper than traditional weddings.
A lot of people have a lot of "what ifs" about destination weddings:
A lot of people have a lot of "what ifs" about destination weddings:
- What if people won't come
- What if no one will send us gifts
- What if our luggage gets lost
- What if I get cold feet while we are there
- What if people think we are silly for having a reception at home
Also search around for the best prices. There are a lot of scam websites trying to scare you into paying for their services because the hotels may "push you around". I've never heard of a hotel pushing someone around when they are offering to book rooms for an entire wedding party plus a few guests. Again, be sure to ask outright if you can have the rooms at a discounted rate, it's said that over 50% of people who ask for a discount with a good cause receive one.
And it is NOT silly to have a small gathering when you get home. It can be as fancy or as low key as you want. A nice thing one of my friends did was have a BBQ a month after their wedding in Hawaii. They made a DVD with all of the professional and other pictures shot throughout the day and had it playing during the whole night on repeat so people could come and look whenever they wanted. Then later in the evening they gathered us all to watch the wedding video and passed out little favors for each of us for coming. It was very fun and it was a wonderful celebration of their wedding day.
My best pieces of advice when planning a destination wedding are
1. Inform your family and the wedding party the moment you seriously start considering it. That way there are no surprises or hurt feelings if someone backs out.
2. Picture where you want to be, a beach, a forest, a waterfall and then make a list of the top 3 places you could go to make that picture come to life. Also if you want this to double for your honeymoon, pick a scene you want to be at for a few days. (ie a forest wedding sounds beautiful, but a yellowstone park honeymoon isn't ideal for us all)
3. Get a portfolio file and spend a day making phone calls, searching online and pick out the best place for you and your hubby.
4. Check out hotels in the area to see what kind of deals they can give you, most offer a ceremony, reception and photographer package or they can provide you with that information.
5. Make a detailed calendar with the flight information for you and your party, the hotel check in times, and everything else.
6. Have a lovely wedding day
Personally, a Hawaiian wedding sounds ideal when you're buried in snow like me.
Happy searching!
The Southside Bride
The Southside Bride
Friday, February 25, 2011
Welcome!
Budget Savvy Brides
I think it's time for brides to get clear cut answers to their budget questions. I believe that you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank and I'm writing this blog to help you get ideas, answer questions and just show you wonderful ways to save money.
Below are some collages of wedding ideas and prices that will blow your mind
Lets say you have a smaller wedding of 120 people, you decided to get your bridesmaids and flower girl their dresses for their gift, you want to go to hawaii, you want a known photographer and you want to be married somewhere people wont ever forget. Something kinda like below?
All of the above plus a photographer for ceremony and reception and a photobook can be found for about $11,500
Ok lets say you got a BIG family and so does your guy, about 250 people invited, but you don't want to skimp on the important things. Something like below might be for you
Including a photographer, music, food and frames for the photo booth as your favors, all for just $15,000!!!
I'll be posting fun tips and ways to save money on your and your loved ones special day!
Happy Saving
Love
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