Lately when you hear bachelorette parties, images of strippers, drunken ladies, tiaras, penis-everything accessories and bars. Its said that this current practice came about during the women's rights movement, when women started celebrating as they saw men do before the big wedding day. But lately, a lot of Bachelorette Parties are taking a step away from the drunken parade and towards more sophisticated and personal approach.
Wine Tasting
When the bride to be is a Vino-aholic, getting a bus/limo and hitting the wine trails for a day or weekend is an amazing way to get everyone to loosen up and enjoy themselves while traveling about instead of just taking shots all night at the bar. If there aren't any wine trails around, have a bottle party where everyone brings a bottle to share and spend the night laughing and sharing your favorite stories of the bride.
Scavenger Hunts
You might need a little more input from the bride or groom for this one but it is sure to be something the bride and guests remember forever. Create a photo scavenger hunt that take the guest to places that have some strong meaning towards the bride and groom, (location of first date, favorite fast food place, etc). Be creative, have people take a picture reenacting the proposal, dancing at the bar or just being silly. End it at a bar or restaurant where you can bring a laptop, upload all the pictures too it and share it all with the bride. You will all learn lots more about the bride and it is sure to be a blast.
Traveling Sisters
With movies like the Hangover and Bridesmaids, there is a push to actually leave the state and go somewhere to have a crazy good time. Be that Vegas, Napa Valley or Miami, be sure to be realistic and clear it with your bride and the small group ASAP. A lot of hotels are starting special rates for Bachelorette and Bachelor parties so be sure to get the best price on wherever you are heading!
Spa me up
There are very few people that will turn down a day of relaxing and massages, especially after spending the last months planning a wedding. Spend a weekend in a relaxing spa atmosphere or find a company that does house calls! Your guests will leave feeling refreshed and pampered after a day or evening of a spa treatment.
Rocking Out
Is the bride's favorite band coming to town? Get the girls together, get a great group rate on tickets and get ready to rock out! Your bride will be overjoyed for the chance to sing along with the band and the group will just add to that positive energy.
No matter what you do be sure to talk to your bride. There are a lot of times where the MOH picks out her favorite bar and start making shirts covered in candy, when the bride just wants to curl up and chat with her girlfriends.
Happy partying!
--the southside bride
Friday, November 29, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Unforgettable Wedding
I have always told my friends, that when I get married, it will be a wedding everyone will talk about for ages. And I am sure there are a lot of bride's out there that feel the same way so I thought I would share some of my plans.
Vegas Themed
Sometimes all a girl wants is glitz and gold, and why not show it off on the biggest day of your life. Getting Dealers and getting some dollar store poker chips are easy ways to keep everyone entertained and bringing in a magician is a way to keep people amazed (if you search online its not as expensive as you would think).
Board Gamed Themed
Travel sized board games as gifts, checker piece boutoneers, sorry pieces instead of glitter, an epic taboo tournament, game conversation starters at each table and so much more! I like this theme because it really is guest focused. Despite popular opinion, your wedding isn't only about you. You are bringing together two different families and molding them into one, and your wedding day sets the tone on how these people will interact the rest of your lives.
Home Movie Themed
Pop that popcorn and rent a projector. What can be more intimate and embarrassing than sharing each others past with the new family? Encourage guests to send in pictures or DVDs with their favorite or most embarrasing shots of the bride and groom and have that playing during the reception. Get people to introduce the movies or photos by submitting stories of the bride and groom. Give out mini dollar store picture frames as favors. Its all so simple, but it is sure to make everyone leave with a huge smile on their face.
Vegas Themed
Sometimes all a girl wants is glitz and gold, and why not show it off on the biggest day of your life. Getting Dealers and getting some dollar store poker chips are easy ways to keep everyone entertained and bringing in a magician is a way to keep people amazed (if you search online its not as expensive as you would think).
Board Gamed Themed
Travel sized board games as gifts, checker piece boutoneers, sorry pieces instead of glitter, an epic taboo tournament, game conversation starters at each table and so much more! I like this theme because it really is guest focused. Despite popular opinion, your wedding isn't only about you. You are bringing together two different families and molding them into one, and your wedding day sets the tone on how these people will interact the rest of your lives.
Home Movie Themed
Pop that popcorn and rent a projector. What can be more intimate and embarrassing than sharing each others past with the new family? Encourage guests to send in pictures or DVDs with their favorite or most embarrasing shots of the bride and groom and have that playing during the reception. Get people to introduce the movies or photos by submitting stories of the bride and groom. Give out mini dollar store picture frames as favors. Its all so simple, but it is sure to make everyone leave with a huge smile on their face.
Circus/Carnival Themed
Now before you runaway with nightmares of clowns, Circuses present the opportunity to use wildly beautiful patterns and one of a kind opportunities for your guests. Things like having each bridesmaid in a animal print or flashy red, giving out animal crackers as your favors, printing out tickets for invites, serving popcorn or cotton candy as hor douves and turkey legs for dinner, and having a ball pit or a jumping castle for kids AND adults. There really is SO much you could do with this unique theme. This is honestly close to my own personal theme for my future wedding.
I will probably hit this topic again one day, but for now those are some thought starters to help you bring some excitement to your wedding.
Now I'm off to find locations that approve ball pits.
--The Southside Bride
Friday, November 15, 2013
Fallin' in Love- Autumn Wedding Mash up
Despite being 100+ outside, right now there are bustling Brides and Grooms working on adding things to their future fall wedding. I thought a quick mash up of a beautiful fall wedding might be a nice way to forget about the blazing heat outside.
Bling the Browns
I think one of a bridesmaid's biggest fears is that her bride is going to make her wear either: sewer water brown or I just puked orange dress to the October wedding. And in the past, a bride shooting for a fall wedding really didn't have too many options. Thankfully, now brown is back, and blinged out with sashes of ivory and gold to make every wedding party member let out a sigh of relief.
My opinion, for an outdoor wedding go for the gold/brown to really shine up your party. Orange in an outdoor wedding has a big clash factor with the changing trees. Indoor weddings, look at Ivory/Brown or Orange/Brown, to give that classy and elegant fall look. Be sure to try various hues of brown to make sure you are finding a color that fits everyone as well as the invites.
Leaf it to Me
There is a HUGE amount of fall themed invites and thank yous online, but if you want to save some money you can find very cheap wedding invite sets off of Amazon and then either get a leaf stamper or leaf stickers from Micahel's to create that made by a professional feel without the price tag.
Tricks and Treats
The beautiful thing about a fall wedding is that there is an over abundance of goodies to fill your guest's favors with (a few stores by me already have Halloween decorations out.). But if you are looking for a more mature treat, check out these mini syrup holders in the shape of leaves. I fell in love when a friend showed them to me and they could easily double as a place holder. (but warning you now they are a bit pricey @ $5.99 each)If you are looking for a equally cute but cheaper route, mini leave molds can be used to make colored soaps for your guests that will perfectly match your color scheme. Just be sure to do them 2-3 weeks before the wedding or assign that task to someone not in the wedding, because sometimes those dyes wont wash out and no bride wants orange hands at her wedding.
Over the River and Through the Woods
When you are a city girl looking to get married in the changing leaves, sometimes its overwhelming finding a place to start. Sure their are forest preserves, but they aren't all too wedding friendly. It also is difficult to figure out how far is too far into the wild. If distance isn't an issue for you (or if you are lucky enough to live closer to the county) check out the wine trails. A lot of wine trails tend to be nestled in the forests and most are fully capable of holding a wedding and reception. If that doesn't work, search your states visitors home page for nature trails, and you can easily find a great location.
Now I'm in the mood for campfires and smores.
--The Southside Bride
Bling the Browns
I think one of a bridesmaid's biggest fears is that her bride is going to make her wear either: sewer water brown or I just puked orange dress to the October wedding. And in the past, a bride shooting for a fall wedding really didn't have too many options. Thankfully, now brown is back, and blinged out with sashes of ivory and gold to make every wedding party member let out a sigh of relief.
My opinion, for an outdoor wedding go for the gold/brown to really shine up your party. Orange in an outdoor wedding has a big clash factor with the changing trees. Indoor weddings, look at Ivory/Brown or Orange/Brown, to give that classy and elegant fall look. Be sure to try various hues of brown to make sure you are finding a color that fits everyone as well as the invites.
Leaf it to Me
There is a HUGE amount of fall themed invites and thank yous online, but if you want to save some money you can find very cheap wedding invite sets off of Amazon and then either get a leaf stamper or leaf stickers from Micahel's to create that made by a professional feel without the price tag.
Tricks and Treats
The beautiful thing about a fall wedding is that there is an over abundance of goodies to fill your guest's favors with (a few stores by me already have Halloween decorations out.). But if you are looking for a more mature treat, check out these mini syrup holders in the shape of leaves. I fell in love when a friend showed them to me and they could easily double as a place holder. (but warning you now they are a bit pricey @ $5.99 each)If you are looking for a equally cute but cheaper route, mini leave molds can be used to make colored soaps for your guests that will perfectly match your color scheme. Just be sure to do them 2-3 weeks before the wedding or assign that task to someone not in the wedding, because sometimes those dyes wont wash out and no bride wants orange hands at her wedding.
Over the River and Through the Woods
When you are a city girl looking to get married in the changing leaves, sometimes its overwhelming finding a place to start. Sure their are forest preserves, but they aren't all too wedding friendly. It also is difficult to figure out how far is too far into the wild. If distance isn't an issue for you (or if you are lucky enough to live closer to the county) check out the wine trails. A lot of wine trails tend to be nestled in the forests and most are fully capable of holding a wedding and reception. If that doesn't work, search your states visitors home page for nature trails, and you can easily find a great location.
Now I'm in the mood for campfires and smores.
--The Southside Bride
Friday, November 8, 2013
Coupon clipping brides
I don't think people realize how everyday coupons can be used for the biggest day of your life, so I just wanted to highlight a few of my favorites and what they can be used for.
Michael's
Michael's is probably the best know and contains the best deals for DIY brides and grooms. Ranging from 20-50% percent off, their coupons are the cream of the crop. But how do those coupons get even better? A lot of Michael's across the country are starting reward cards, where you can earn points on your purchases to get even MORE savings. Michael's has everything for a wedding, from invites, centerpieces to cake toppers.
Plus their clearance section rocks!
Bed Bath and Beyond.
The triple B is a staple for couple's wedding registry's, but they also contain a lot of unique things and amazing never expiring 20% off coupons that can add a special touch to your day. Things like cheap picture frames, colored vases, candle holders, table cloths and more can be found in this superstore.
Local Superstores
Think of those Target and Meijers coupons you get when you are normally shopping their ($10 off of your next purchase, etc), why not put those coupons to use for wedding things. Like walmart, you will be surprised at just how much they have for a wedding. I personally like these two mentioned stores because they also have outdoor sections which means clearance outdoor lighting!
Credit Card Rewards
Now I've never been fond of promoting credit cards, but really look at the ones you have and start racking up those points. Citi bank points and discover cards cash back are probably the best deals out there when it comes to saving while spending. And a lot of times points you use can be used to get gift cards for things like amazon.com or for travel purchases. Why not put all of your wedding expenses on 1 card in order to rack up the flight miles to be used on your honey moon?
And as always, check your local paper for coupons, you will be amazed at what great deals their are out there!
Happy Saving!
--The Southside Bride
Michael's
Michael's is probably the best know and contains the best deals for DIY brides and grooms. Ranging from 20-50% percent off, their coupons are the cream of the crop. But how do those coupons get even better? A lot of Michael's across the country are starting reward cards, where you can earn points on your purchases to get even MORE savings. Michael's has everything for a wedding, from invites, centerpieces to cake toppers.
Plus their clearance section rocks!
Bed Bath and Beyond.
The triple B is a staple for couple's wedding registry's, but they also contain a lot of unique things and amazing never expiring 20% off coupons that can add a special touch to your day. Things like cheap picture frames, colored vases, candle holders, table cloths and more can be found in this superstore.
Local Superstores
Think of those Target and Meijers coupons you get when you are normally shopping their ($10 off of your next purchase, etc), why not put those coupons to use for wedding things. Like walmart, you will be surprised at just how much they have for a wedding. I personally like these two mentioned stores because they also have outdoor sections which means clearance outdoor lighting!
Credit Card Rewards
Now I've never been fond of promoting credit cards, but really look at the ones you have and start racking up those points. Citi bank points and discover cards cash back are probably the best deals out there when it comes to saving while spending. And a lot of times points you use can be used to get gift cards for things like amazon.com or for travel purchases. Why not put all of your wedding expenses on 1 card in order to rack up the flight miles to be used on your honey moon?
And as always, check your local paper for coupons, you will be amazed at what great deals their are out there!
Happy Saving!
--The Southside Bride
Friday, November 1, 2013
How to find CHEAP decorations
Instead of thinking of the early bird getting the worm, start thinking the more I save now the more I can spend on my honeymoon. I have told everyone in my life that I would need at least 16 months to plan the perfect budgeted wedding. There are simple staples to a beautiful wedding, that really can be pricey if you don't by them while they're just getting done being popular.
(as a side note, I do not own any of the pictures below)
December-January
I wanted to put December at the top of the list because after Christmas, the BEST wedding clearance begins.
I wanted to put December at the top of the list because after Christmas, the BEST wedding clearance begins.
White String Ligths
During the summer- $12/box
Clearance- $3/box
White string lights can be used as beautiful accent pieces for behind the bridal party, against the walls, surrounding the cake table and really wherever you see fit. Always get 5 more boxes than you think you need, you never know when a strand will malfunction or you might misjudge the space of the location.
Clearance- $3/box
White string lights can be used as beautiful accent pieces for behind the bridal party, against the walls, surrounding the cake table and really wherever you see fit. Always get 5 more boxes than you think you need, you never know when a strand will malfunction or you might misjudge the space of the location.
Power Strips
During the summer- $16.88
Clearance- $4.00
Clearance- $4.00
From lights to speakers and everything in between, no one ever plans on their location having a limited amount of outlets and running out that day might be something that is truly impossible or mildly expensive.
Ornaments
During the summer- 10/box
Clearance- 1.99/box
Ornaments are no longer only winter staples, but small pieces of artwork that can even match summer color schemes. I personally recommend solid colors in your color scheme to add to either glass vases or just as accents for the centerpieces. I recently saw someone who threaded blue glass balls through hanging sting lights behind the wedding party and it really was a beautiful touch. Also getting glass stars to hang everywhere is something else to think about.
February
Hearts, hearts and more hearts. Looking for that romantic red wedding, start shopping right after valentine's day.
Heart Shaped Candles
Hearts, hearts and more hearts. Looking for that romantic red wedding, start shopping right after valentine's day.
Heart Shaped Candles
During the Summer- $8/dozen
Clearance- $0.50/piece
Really, heart shaped ANYTHING can be found after the holidays. Heart shaped candles are my personal favorite because they are simple and easy centerpieces. Another is plain heart shaped picture frames are an adorable centerpiece that adds a more personal touch.
Romantic Card stock
During the summer-$3.99
Clearance-$0.89
If you are a bride that wants to DIY our save the date/invites/thank yous, the prettiest card stock goes on clearance after valentine's day. Again, since the holiday is getting trendy, you can really find any color not just shades of red, silver and gold.
March/April
St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Earth day may not seem like the best holidays to find great wedding finds, but if you are a themed wedding dreamer, you will be surprised.
Green Galore
Green Galore
During the summer- $15
Clearance- $5
Clearance- $5
If you are having a traditional Irish Wedding or if your using green as your main color, head to stores the week after St. Pat's to find the most amazing card stock, tablecloths, green vases, and really anything green your heart desires. I really love simple color accents, like green vases holding the flowers at the tables or green cupcake wrappers or green to go boxes. It makes such a strong color seem a lot less overbearing.
Gold Coins
During the Summer-$5.99/100 ct box
Clearance-$2.99/ 100 ct box
Clearance-$2.99/ 100 ct box
You and Your Sweetie are all set for a fun Vegas themed wedding, but are shocked at the prices for poker chips. A box of these gold coins are an fun and flashy way to work that theme into your tables, AND if you go for the chocolate ones, I am sure you're guests will love you for it.
Baskets
During the Summer-19.98
Clearance- 3.00
Now this one is actually something you can find cheap year round while garbage hunting/Estate Sailing/garage sailing, BUT if you want all the same baskets at each table, after the Easter season is your best chance. I have recently started filling wicker baskets with flowers and attaching little garden charms and giving them as gifts and they really are VERY simple and VERY cheap. Plus you'll need a cute basket for your flower girl.
Think Green
Seeds are always cheep year round, but a lot of organic and nature friendly products tend to be pumped out during the week of Earth day. A lot of retailers give away free trees or seedlings, so if you are looking at a wedding around the 22nd of April, you could easy score some great deals on 'watch our love grow' plants.
MaySome people say that the real start of the wedding season is in May, but what I find to be great about May is the amount of LAST years wedding stuff that goes on clearance in local stores during May.
Go to Walmart
Go to Walmart
Regular Price- $15.00
Clearance- $5.00
Now I know there are a few people that might think they are too good for walmart, but do you really need to spend more than 10 dollars on a tiny pillow that will only be used once? Will people really judge you on the quality of your guest book paper? Head to your local walmart and you will be shocked at the amount of wedding supplies they have on sale right now.
Memorial Day Outdoor Sales
Regular Price $4/pack of 2
Clearance- $4/pack of 5
Clearance- $4/pack of 5
Memorial Day is marked as the start of the summer season, and beside grilling tools, all outdoor accessories will be around 20% off or more during that three day weekend. I am a sucker for an outdoor wedding with these paper lanterns strung up around the reception site. But everything from bug scaring tiki lights, citronella candles, to American flags will be on sale this weekend.
June/July
A mix of post prom season dresses and jewelry and fun stars and strips after the 4th make up some great bridal savings for you!
Bridesmaid dresses
Bridesmaid dresses
Regular Price-$100
Clearance- $39
The new trend is to just pick a color and let your bridesmaids choose the dress style that fits them best. A lot of brides are even working patterns into their wedding party's dresses and tuxes. I have been getting more and more impressed with the quality of prom dresses, and last year when I was looking around for fun I started to notice that the range of sizes for similar dresses which would perfectly match my colors.
Jewelery
Regular Price-$50
Clearance-$20
You want that bling bling but have more important things to use your budget on? Or are you looking for nice gifts for your wedding party? Beautiful Post prom jewelery and tiara's will be on sale in a lot of prom specialty shops and department stores.
August/September
The end of Summer means clearance on some of the greatest summer themed wedding items
Flip Flops Galore
From getting flip flops for post wedding fun, flip flop shaped candles, to flip flop shaped paper. Flip flops are fun and trendy and CHEAP during August and September. Something cute I would consider is instead of name tags, glam up some cheap flip flops with the names of your guests and you instantly have their gift and their seat marked. If you don’t want to hunt down people's shoe sizes, consider doing it just for your wedding party.
Tiki time
Leis, candles, palm trees in all sizes will go on clearance during these months too. Little Palm trees are my person favorite to create a fun summer vibe at a wedding. A lot of bright island colors will be going on sale during this time too, so if you are looking to be bold, head to the stores now!
Out By The Sea
Out By The Sea
Off Season- $2.99
Clearance- $1.50
Now I stand by what I've said before in blogs, anyone who spends money on seashells are truly wasting their money. It doesn't matter if you don't live by a beach, nearly every family has someone who has a bag full of seashells from a trip they look before in their homes. (I am that person in my family). If you somehow dont know someone, post an ad on craigslist, you'll find someone. But for seashell shaped candles, little light houses and starfish, the end of summer is the perfect time to stock up because they will never be that cheap again.
Clearance- $1.50
Now I stand by what I've said before in blogs, anyone who spends money on seashells are truly wasting their money. It doesn't matter if you don't live by a beach, nearly every family has someone who has a bag full of seashells from a trip they look before in their homes. (I am that person in my family). If you somehow dont know someone, post an ad on craigslist, you'll find someone. But for seashell shaped candles, little light houses and starfish, the end of summer is the perfect time to stock up because they will never be that cheap again.
October/November
Bubble bubble toil and trouble, start shopping now or you'll have to pay double!
Fog/Bubble Machines
Fog/Bubble Machines
Off Season-$55
Clearance $15
If you want that misty romantic fog during your first dance, or to be surrounded by a sea of bubbles, head to your local Halloween store the day after Halloween to get amazing deals on these fun machines. Just be sure your location allows those things (some places have particle detectors as well as smoke detectors that can be set off by the fog)
Clearance $15
If you want that misty romantic fog during your first dance, or to be surrounded by a sea of bubbles, head to your local Halloween store the day after Halloween to get amazing deals on these fun machines. Just be sure your location allows those things (some places have particle detectors as well as smoke detectors that can be set off by the fog)
Fall-ing in Love
If your colors are in the brown and gold hues, this is your time to look for all of your accents, like tablecloths, ribbon, card stock, plates, and much more.
Black Friday
Regular Price-$50
Clearance-$19.99
Clearance-$19.99
I have been celebrating black Friday my entire life and it really is my favorite holiday. Take this time to get great gifts for your wedding party that will really rock their world. Or if you want more practical things, hit up Joanna fabrics or Michael to get their amazing door buster deals.
If you have a lot of time to plan your wedding really use all of the year to your advantage!
Happy Shopping!
The Southside Bride
Happy Shopping!
The Southside Bride
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