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

(http://www.mortonarb.org/)

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

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

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.

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.

Power Strips

During the summer- $16.88
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

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

During the summer- $15
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

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

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

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 4^th make up some great bridal savings for you!

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

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.

October/November

Bubble bubble toil and trouble, start shopping now or you'll have to pay double!

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)

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

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

Cheap Centerpieces

Lets face it ladies, flowers are expensive and overrated, and who really wants to spend a huge chunk of the budget on centerpieces that people will probably not remember and might not even comment on.

Candles

(from:http://finkorswim.com/)

Visit your local dollar store to find beautiful pillar candles and glass bases to put them on for cheap but classy centerpieces. You can even find glass beads to add a little more glam to the middle. You can also go to your local craft store, (Michael's is my favorite because of their constant coupons!) And get a bag of tealights for about $5 which can be spread out throughout the reception site to give a romantic vibe. Let's say you're worried about wind or fire in general, the no flame tealights tend to be a little bit more expensive, but they save you the effort of keeping them lit throughout the night. You also can get floating candles and glass dishes from the dollar store, wrap them in ribbon matching your colors and you have an instant beautiful centerpiece

Picture Frames

(from:http://dollarstorecrafts.com/)

This one is my personal favorite because there is so much you can do with picture frames. You can have the picture frames contain baby pictures of you and your groom to designate the bride's or groom's tables, you can have pictures of yourself with the people who will be sitting at the table, or you can simply have pictures of you and your groom at the tables to create a personal gift someone will love to take home.

Glass Vases with Beads

Different sized vases filled with water and beads are cheap and easy way to make unique centerpieces. Another fun tip is to pick up some cheap food coloring and put a few drops into the vases to get varying hues of colors to match you color scheme. If you are really adventurous, I saw someone get clear gelatin mix and they mixed the mix with a little food color and glitter to create a more viscous glittering creation.



My biggest piece of advice with centerpieces (and with most things) is LESS IS MORE. No one wants to spend the night bobbing back and forth to talk to the people on the other side of the table or wants to feel like they are eating in a sardine tin. Make them small and personal and people will remember them forever.

Happy Crafting
--The Southside Bride

Out by the Sea

It's been getting warmer, and the idea of a beautiful beach wedding is starting to sound better and better. But where do you start?

Locations:
You can really have a beautiful beach wedding anywhere from the beaches of Lake Michigan to the ocean front of Hawaii. Again it comes to the decision between a local and destination wedding. In reality a lakeside beach wedding is a lot cheaper and will still provide you with the sandy landscape of your dreams. Be sure to research your beach carefully because sometimes there are a lot of little rules and regulations youll need to account for, like parking restrictions and clean up costs.

Photographs:
Be sure to ask and see your photographers work with beach weddings. It really is an advanced skill and not all photographers are good at it. A lot of Brides become very disappointed when they see how washed out their pictures look.

Shoes:
This seems like a no brainer, but I can think of quiet a few angry bridesmaids who nearly broke their ankles walking in sand in heels for the bride because "later they would be on land". Brides, be good to your girls. Make flipflops or cute flats a part of your gift to them. They can change into the heels on land if you really want that tall look.

Guests:
Again a lot of beaches might put a limit onto how many chairs you can rent/bring, so be sure to ask ahead of time. Also be sure to have strong ushers, because if grandma is going to make it through the sand to her sinking chair with a walker, she'll need that extra support both in and out of the ceremony.

Quick Tips:
Lint brushes and mini vacs are going to be your best friend post ceremony, especially if you are getting a limo after because they will charge you extra fees if you get sand in their limo. If you can look into alternate means of transportation: a little boat or a trolley are both fun weather appropriate get aways. Also have someone bring a few bottles of water so you can rinse off you feet after you leave the sand.
If you plan on wrecking your dress by running into the water, bring a few people with you, because that dress will get even heavier and you don't want to fall face first into the sand on your special day.
Have someone bring a tiny first aid kit. Even on the cleanest beaches there can be glass or sharp sea shells, and no one wants to remember your wedding as the time they cut their foot open.

My mash up below includes a lake side beach wedding of 150 people at the Promenade in Chicago and music, video screen and lighting.

All of the above is only about 7,800

I can't wait to feel some sand between my toes
--The Southside Bride
(as always I claim no rights or ownership to any of the beautiful pictures above, they were all found on various websites via a swagbucks search)

Swag Your Wedding!

For those of you who don't know what Swagbucks is, you're missing out. It's a real, no scam, no spam, online community that really works. You earn points for using their search engine, watching real cool videos (they have a ton a wedding topics as well as a lot of other cool things), voting in polls, taking surveys, using their amazing coupons in stores and so much more. Then you can redeem these points for various things, my personal favorite is the $5 amazon gift card for only 450 pts.

Now I know what you're thinking, what's the catch?

In order to get points, you actually have to do the things. You get a point every day for voting in the poll, checking to see if you have surveys, and going through one of the NOSO offers. There are also daily codes in their blog which are worth 7-15 pts.

What I do is leave the SwagTV on in the background while I'm working, so that way I can multitask. I also am addicted to a bunch of swag games which also earn you points. You really don't have to be on ALL day, but stopping on a few times a day really helps.

Now think about it, doing things you do everyday, just via this site, can save you some serious cash on your wedding, why NOT sign up?!

Right now I redeemed some points for amazon cards to get a new wii remote, nunchuck and game (zumba for the wii, I caught the fever) and all I did was the things I mentioned above.

So while you're at work, chilling at home, or just in between your assignments
Click on the banner and sign up and lets earn some points together!!

I'm on a Boat!

Looking for a small intimate wedding setting?
More and more couples are jumping on the boat for both local and destination cruise weddings for their all inclusive packages and beautiful scenery.

Now getting married on a boat even locally will be expensive (think about 100-150 a plate), but everything from music, linens, alcohol to a wedding planner is usually included so if you were spending money on all of those things separately the high meal prices almost even out.

The big downfalls beside price include

• making sure you or your guests don't get seasick
• you MUST have a small wedding for a local cruise
• you have no other menu options
• you can't personalize you package at most places
• if you choose a larger boat, you wont have a private setting for long. 

But all in all, some people look good on the sea and bundling the ceremony,a location and honeymoon is awfully tempting for destination wedding lovers.