Target Bargains

I decided to blog about some great finds at Target, a store designed for budget conscious consumers and now budget conscious brides!!

damask invitations

love letters

heart lantern

coordinating wedding accessories

wedding survival kit

Pomona Wedding Venue

Cal Poly Pomona, a charming university in Los Angeles County, offers a variety of on-campus wedding locations. And it just so happens to be my alma mater.

The most popular venue for a wedding ceremony is the white wooden gazebo in the middle of the rose garden. The 300 seated guests in the rose garden are surrounded by over 230 varieties of roses. Ceremonies can also be performed at the Union Plaza Courtyard, which was originally built as a stable for W.K. Kellogg's Arabian horses. A beautiful, peaceful place to take pictures is by the Japanese Garden, complete with a running waterfall, two small bridges and a fountain. Ceremonies can also be performed indoors at the Kellogg House Pomona and the Kellogg West, a four star restaurant and hotel that is ideal for guests to stay in while in town. The Kellogg West can also cater your reception, which is included in the wedding package regardless of where on campus you choose to get married. 

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Bridal Shower Game

How well do you know the bride?

This game gives everyone a chance to show how well they know the bride to be! After taking the quiz, have the bride reveal her answers. The highest score wins!

What is her favorite drink?

What is her wedding date?

Where is she going on her honeymoon?

How did she meet the groom?

If she could travel anywhere in the world, where would she go?

Where did he propose?

What superpower would she choose?

What is the name of her dog?

What is her middle name?

What was her childhood nickname?

What is her biggest pet peeve about her fiance?

Where did they go on their first date?

What is her favorite ice cream flavor?

What was her major in college?

What is her favorite song?

What is her favorite food?

How many kids does she want?

Does she prefer a boy or girl?

Bridal Shower Gifts

Check out some super cute bridal shower gifts from Victoria's Secret.

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4 Cs of Diamonds

Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat, clarity and color.

Cut - What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets, the more light will be reflected to the viewer's eye. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the percentage table, so always ask for it.  A good table percentage is between 55-60%. 

Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat; hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 carat. Always get the actual point size of the diamond rather than a fractional weight. Sometimes jewelers will try to sell a .90 diamond as a 1 carat diamond. 

Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). 

Flawless: perfect inside and out

Internally Flawless: may have minor blemishes on the outside

VVS1, VVS2: have very very small inclusions

VS1, VS2: Have very small inclusions

SI1, SI2, SI3: have small inclusions

I1, I2, I3: have inclusions visible to the naked eye

Color - Diamond colors generally range from D-X for white and yellow diamonds, with D being the whitest. Around S they become fancy yellow diamonds.

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Flower Finder

I found a great website to help you figure out which flowers will be in season for you wedding. 

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Choosing Your Bridesmaids

While some brides to be have been choosing their bridesmaids since elementary school, others tend to gravitate to close friends, sisters and favorite cousins. Remember that this is your special day so don't let anyone put pressure on your decisions.

Choosing the Number of Bridesmaids

Limiting the number of bridesmaids means cutting the overall wedding costs for flowers, gifts, makeup, luncheon costs and the rehearsal dinner. You should research potential costs before choosing bridesmaids to make sure you have enough money in your budget for their inclusion. Also, never ask a friend to be your bridesmaid if your only reason is that you were part of her wedding.

Choosing the Right Bridesmaids

Who do you want to turn to when important decisions arise; during your final days as a bachelorette; when you need a shoulder to cry on? If you want a drama free wedding, consider bridesmaids with the following qualities:

Cooperative: Since this is your special day, bridesmaids  should be willing to wear a dress that may not look flattering or appeal to their personal preferences.

Reliable: There will be fittings, showers, rehearsals and the ceremony to tend to. Choose bridesmaids that will arrive on time and are ready to shine.

Helpful: Bridesmaids that are willing to help out throughout the process will make your life much easier.

Out of Town Bridesmaids

Another consideration is the additional costs and arrangements that are needed when you choose a bridesmaid that lives out of the area. She's going to need a place to stay when she attends pre-wedding events. It is common for the bride to foot the bill for out of the ordinary expenses. To keep these expenses down, try to find bridesmaid dresses that are available at stores nationwide and don't require bridesmaids to attend every bridal shower.

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J. Crew Wedding

J. Crew has a fabulous selection of attire to outfit your entire wedding party!

4 Wedding Weight Loss Tips

Drink Water

We've all heard that drinking at least eight glasses of water can lead to a glowing complexion, decreased appetite, faded dark circles under your eyes and flushed body fat. Some tips to help meet the recommended daily intake:

Keep a bottle of water by your bed - drink 1/2 of it before you go to bed and finish the rest as soon as you wake up.

Carry a bottle of water with you and sip it throughout the day.

Before each meal, drink 1/2 to 1 bottle of water.

Take 10 Minute Walks

To get your metabolism pumping and keep you active, take brisk 10 minute walks until you feel comfortable increasing the intensity and frequency. 

Eat Smaller Portions

Instead of eating three large meals, embrace smaller portions and eat frequent meals throughout the day. Meal servings should be no larger than the palm of your hand.

Exercise and Tone Your Body to Match Your Dress

Choose a weight loss workout plan that caters to the type of wedding dress you are wearing.

Tone your pecs and deltoids for gowns without straps and plunging necklines that accentuate your chest.

Work on your arm and shoulder muscles when wearing a strapless gown or one with spaghetti straps or a halter top.

For a short dress, focus on the muscles located in your lower body (quads, calves, hops and hamstrings)

Dresses that cling to the body will call attention to the butt, thighs and stomach. Tone your abs, obliques, quads, gluts, hamstrings and hip abductors if you chose the following dresses: sheath, column, form fitted, hourglass, mermaid or trumpet style.

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Vegas Weddings

Having just returned from a fabulous weekend in Las Vegas, I thought it was appropriate to post about some great places to get married in Sin City.

Paris

Always wanted to get married in Paris? Here's a more affordable alternative with options to match your style and budget. Chappelle Paradis is a traditional chapel that is ideal for parties between 30 and 90 and the Chapelle Jardin offers a more intimate setting to say your vows. You can also get married on the Eiffel Tower observation deck overlooking the Las Vegas strip. For a more relaxed ceremony, there is an option for a poolside wedding. All packages provide a wedding coordinator, photographer and some include multiple nights in the hotel. 

Paris 

Venetian

Dreamt of an Italian wedding? The Venetian can make that happen for you! You can choose between having your ceremony during a beautiful gondola ride, on the bridge overlooking the canal, or in one of three lovely Italian chapels. All three chapels can be used to accommodate up to 150 guests. Packages include your choice of flowers, photography, and the option to upgrade to the Bride and Groom Prima Suite. Some also include bridal salon package, champagne gift set, spa day passes, videography and a rehearsal. The Venetian offers award winning catering for your reception in one of their parlors. 

Venetian

Caesars

Why get married at a chapel when you can get married at a palace? At Caesar's Palace you can choose from multiple classic Roman chapels and the beautiful Venus garden which can accommodate up to 114 guests. They offer packages that include spa day passes, hair and makeup done at the Color Salon,  photography, limousine service, your choice of flowers and multiple night stays in their hotel. Every package includes a wedding coordinator and an online photo gallery of your wedding. Caesars Palace also offers a package for a traditional Jewish wedding.

Caesars

How to Choose Your Maid of Honor

Of course you're always worried about whether people get offended, but honestly, if they are your sisters, close relatives and your best friends, they will understand the circumstances. The main thing is that they will all be standing up there with you. They shouldn't get concerned over the title of who gets to be the maid of honor.

Pick someone that is very reliable to be your maid of honor. She needs to be punctual, organized and EXCITED about your wedding. She needs to know how to get along with others and how to host parties. Don't pick your MOH solely based on these characteristics but make sure the woman you choose has them. Don't select your maid of honor too early because with everything in life, things can change and you don't want to be stuck with the wrong person in this important role.

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Chic (But Cheap) Wedding Tips

In lifestyle expert Colin Cowie's book, "Wedding Chic," he shares 1001 idea for a more memorable "I do." Here are five tips for the budget conscious bride to be.

Your decor doesn't have to revolve around expensive cut flowers. Choose flowers that will be in season during your big day and, if possible, grown locally or at least domestically. When it comes to your decor, try incorporating alternative material like shells, moss and vines, And, for your centerpieces, use fruits and vegetables, beautiful greens and other nonfloral elements to add dimension.

Instead of renting out your neighborhood banquet hall, consider an elegant dinner with guests seated at one long table, a barefoot barbeque on the beach, or a canopy or a seaside bluff. For a destination wedding that doesn't cost a fortune, take over a country inn or bed and breakfast.

A big trend right now is to serve miniature wedding cakes. They're unique and extremely popular among guests. But they're also pricey. Create the same effect for less with elaborate cupcakes.

Flowers made from cake icing can cost a lot. A good alternative is to incorporate real nontoxic flowers into your cake, between tiers or as garland. And instead of a cake topper, opt for personalizing your cake with your initials, the date or a favorite line of poetry.

For the cocktail reception, champagne is synonymous with weddings. If, however, champagne isn't in your budget, serve a sparkling wine. Add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice fora dose of elegance. You might also consider riming the glass with caramel or sugar for an added touch. 

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11 Ways to Spruce Up Your Space

Rule One: sweating the often overlooked small stuff - a pathway, for example - will make your site something special. It's big ticket embellishments tied together with often inexpensive details that really put the sizzle into your space. 

Match the Mood

First things first: Whether your party is a fun kid's birthday or a swanky all adult anniversary, your site will influence most of your design decisions. If you haven't yet decided on a decorating scheme, look to elements of the room for cues.

Create a Common Chord

Especially is you're throwing a party for a kid or teen, a theme can really pull things together. try choosing one that fits with the person being feted. What's their favorite color? What are their favorite activities? If it's a more adult affair, go for a more subtle touch of style - a repeated design element that will make a lasting and personal impression on the space.

Create Some Mood Lighting

Carefully conceived lighting will brighten any room - and can give any party dramatic glow. Hire a lighting designer to focus guests' attention where you want it (on the hostess table, off an ugly dance floor)

Look Up

Stuck with an unsightly ceiling? Cover it up! try draping strings of tiny white lights, coordinating fabric, or bundle of balloons (kids can take them home afterward)

Look Down

Don't let a brown shag carpet dissuade you from booking your dream space. Hide that floor with ground sweeping linens. Or cover it with a nice rental carpet or a rented parquet wooden floor.

Call For the Wild

Warm up to the idea of an outdoor affair - Mother Nature has taken care of the decorating budget! Take note of the surrounding wildflowers and choose your party colors accordingly. Keep the carefree outdoor vibe in mind when styling any flowers - a tightly packed modern centerpiece might look out of place.

Make a Good First Impression

Impress your guests with a grand entrance. Fun decorations on door, colorful candles (votives are great) atop every table, a giant sign announcing the reason for the party - any of these will get guests in the mood to celebrate!

Beautify the Bar

If you're having a bar, chances are it will be the hot spot at your party (you'll have the bill to prove it!) So why not dazzle the rowdy revelers with colorful rented barware? Or go for overt he top extravagance and construct an entirely new bar - add bamboo, tropical parasols and frozen drink machines. But whatever you do, don't disrupt the bartender's duties. nix anything that will get in the way.

Size Up Your Tables

Sitting down to eat? Long banquet style tables evoke a more family stye feeling and lessen seating arrangement stress (a bit). If your room is wide rather than long, go for a mix of square and round tables in various sizes. Eclectic table arrangements allow you to seat groups of people much more easily because you're not stuck with 10 to a table.

Take Care of the Chairs

The challenge: blah burgundy chairs. The solution: chair covers. There's nothing new about this ida, but funky fabrics are a great way to bedazzle a room. You could even dress your chairs with silk flowers, tulle or ribbon. Just make sure the seats are still comfortable to sit on!

Mind Your Manners

Much more than mere crumb catchers, napkins are an easy easy to add that extra little something to your tables. Using your party palette and choosing personalized napkin rings will definitely enhance the design, but we're hooked on the art of folding: From a spring like tulip fold to the more difficult pocket fold that holds a menu card, origami cloth treatments equal elegance.

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How to Display Your Wedding Photos

Create a chic display for your wedding snapshots that won't make your home look like an "I do" shrine.

Create a series

Buy frame in the same color but in four or five different sizes: enlarge or reduce your favorite photographs to suit the frames. Choose a room where you can hang them together on the walls as a series. Or create a cool wall ledge that multiple frame can be displayed on. 

Mix it up

Along with a posed wedding shot, include some candids or pics of your favorites details. Go with black and white or sepia photos. Add a handwritten note or paper invitation in a shadow box frame that will make the wall more visually interesting.

Prep the area

Make paper cutouts that are the size of your frames and lightly tacking them up with tape to make sure you're happy before you even think about picking up a hammer! There should be at least two inches between the frames.

No wall space? 

Buy a high grade, large size journal and place prints of photos in there for a classic, old school look. Put it on your coffee table and leave it open to create an eye catching display for the guests at your next cocktail party.

Bridesmaid Invitation

I saw this on a card a bride made and thought it was the cutest way to ask someone to be your bridesmaid.

Top 10 Reasons You Should Be My Bridesmaid 

10. You look great in pink

9. Someone has to help me go to the bathroom in a ballgown

8. I know you will plan a great bachelorette party

7. I will give you a great bridesmaid gift

6. I want people at my wedding to see how beautiful my friends are

5. These wedding favors won't make themselves

4. You will have the best seat in the house at the ceremony

3. I need someone to pretend to want to catch the bouquet

2. My fiance asked for some hot girls to be in the wedding party

And the number one reason you should be my bridesmaid is...because you are one of my best friends and I love you

To Invite Or Not To Invite

When it comes to all the pre-wedding parties, one of the trickiest parts of planning is figuring out whom to invite (and whom to avoid inviting)

Engagement Party

Definitely Invite

Parents of the bride and groom

Grandparents of the bride and groom

Siblings of the bride and groom

Should Invite

Relatives of the bride and groom

Close friends of the bride and groom

Bridal Shower

Definitely Invite

Bride's attendants

Mother and sisters of the bride and groom

Grandmothers of the bride and groom

Should Invite

Close female friends of the bride

Close female friends of the bride

Maybe Invite

Distant female friends of the bride

Distant female relatives of the bride

Female friends of the groom

Flower girl

Don't Invite

Anyone not invited to the wedding

Bachelorette Party

Definitely Invite

Bride's attendants

Close friends of the bride

Maybe Invite

Casual friends of the bride

Coworkers of the bride

Rehearsal Dinner

Definitely Invite

Members of the wedding party

The officiant

Parents and grandparents of the bride and groom

Children of the bride and groom

Significant others of the above invitees

Flower girl and ring bearer (unless too young)

Maybe Invite

Out of town guests

Day After Brunch

Should Invite

Immediate family of the bride and groom

Wedding party

Out of town guests

Maybe Invite

Friends

Additional family members

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8 Simple Ways to Save

Whatever your budget, you don't have to resort to DIY centerpieces to come in on target. Follow these tips to have a chic celebration without sacrificing one iota of style.

Decide What's Most Important

Pick your top three priorities and allocate a little extra money for them (venue, catering, band, photographer) Next pick the three things that come lowest on your priority list (maybe favors, cake, invitations) and budget accordingly.

Cut the Guest List

One of the fastest and most effective ways to lower your party cost is to pare down the invitees. Get out that red pen! At $50 a head, taking 10 guests off your guest list saves $500!

Pass on Pricy Details

Glamourous details on items you;re indifferent about spike costs without adding any fun to your fete. Free yourself the pressure to upgrade and instead make honest choice based on what you want. Ask yourself, "Will anyone but me notice if we don't do this?" 

Simplify Your Invites

Having two shades of ink on your invitation might match your color scheme, but it can also add massive printing costs and square invites require extra postage.

Picture the Savings

If you're happy with simple pictures, pass on options like sepia tones, multiple exposures and split frames.

Choose Flowers Wisely

Since fresh flowers can get expensive fast, make smart choices. Substitute less expensive flowers in the same color: If you exchange Black Magic roses for more reasonably priced, deeply colored dahlias in all your centerpieces, you'll save about $4 a stem.

Be a Frugal Gourmet

If you're serving seated dinner, reduce the number of overall dinner courses and keep the menu simple. Stick with the specialities of the season or region.

Cut Your Cake Costs

Big birthday bash? Order a small, fabulous cake that's exactly what you want and, in the kitchen, have several sheet cakes of the same flavor cut for your guests.

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Engagement To Do List

You said yes- what now??

Engagement To Dos

Once the initial shock of being engaged wears off (and you take a second to peel your eyes away from that sparkly ring on your finger!), you'll need to make a lot of decisions. Don't get overwhelmed - here are the first nine things you need to do after you get engaged. 

Set a Timetable

The first thing to consider is how long your engagement will be. This will depend on a couple of factors, such as your ideal wedding date and how much time you'll need to prepare. A typicial engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year and a half or more. Keep in mind that some vendors and locations are booked  a year or more in advance.

Envision the Style

Your wedding style will be reflected first and foremost in the locations, wether it's a luxe ballroom or an intimate backyard reception. Discuss with your fiance where your wedding will take place (your hometown, your current town or an exotic destination, for example) and then start scouting sites that can accommodate your wedding style.

Set your Budget

In the end, dollars, not dreams are a main determining factor for the size and style of your wedding. So, what affects the price tag?

Formality: In general, the more formal the reception, the more expensive.

Date and time: Saturdays, summer months and evenings tend to be the most costly times to have a reception.

Location: Typically a wedding in a major metropolitan area is more expensive than in a smaller town.

Determine a Date

Choosing a wedding date can be tougher than you'd think. There are a few things to consider: How much time do you need to prepare for your wedding? Do any loved ones have a conflicting graduation, vacation or pregnancy due date? If you have your heart set on a particular location or vendor, their availability may also play a large part in your decision. Try to avoid dates of big conventions or events that draw large crowds, since these might make it harder for out-of-town guests to get hotel rooms.

Announce Your Engagement

Call you local newspaper, alumni magazine and anywhere else you want your engagement announcement to appear. Ask for the writer's guidelines or a standardized form and if there's a fee for publication. Be sure to take your engagement photos before your announcement. 

Choose Your Attendants

It's time to honor your closest friends and family members by picking your wedding party. Remember, the earlier you ask, the sooner you can enlist their help. But be careful about asking a friend that you have a rocky relationship with because you don't want to have to ask someone to step down. Keep in mind that your wedding party is agreeing to spend their hard-earned money and donate their precious time - be considerate and kind by informing everyone about all your plans, showing them a good time, and making sure they know how much you appreciate them.

Make a Guest List

As you begin to build your guest list, you'll need to consider a number of factors. if you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind, you're going to be limited by how many people you can accommodate. Would you rather have one on one time with each guest or throw a once in a lifetime party for all of your friends? If mom and dad are adamant about inviting throngs of friends and family, you'll have to hear them out - especially if they are footing a major part of the bill. Remember than more guests means a larger bill, as catering costs are generally calculated on a per head basis. So, in addition to location, your budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.

Consider a Consultant

If you're a super busy couple, hire a full time wedding consultant to help you prepare your entire event, from the announcement to the honeymoon. You can also hire a part time consultant to devise a wedding blueprint - including budget, schedule and lists of good vendors - before you launch solo into the preparations. Another option is a day of coordinator (which is highly recommended), who will make sure everything goes as planned on your wedding day.

Start Gown Shopping

It's never too early to begin thinking about your dream wedding dress. Start by figuring out which style will look best on you. How? Learn the lingo before stepping foot in a dress salon. Read up on silhouettes, necklines, trains, and hue that might flatter you. Season will also affect your choice. Getting marries in the summer? Go with a lightweight fabric such as chiffon, line or organza. Having a winter wedding? Brocade, faux fur and velvet fabrics will keep you warm. Satin, shantung, silk and tulle are prefect year-round. 

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Most romantic wedding location

Want to get married on Juliet's balcony? Now you can!!

Italy: Verona sets up wedding in House of Juliet

ROME- There may be no better setting for the words "Til Death Do Us Part." The House of Juliet- where, legend has it, Romeo wooed the young maiden under her balcony- will soon be used as a venue for weddings, city officials in Verona said Friday.

The idea is part of a campaign by Verona, where William Shakespeare set his tale of star-crossed lovers, to foster its image as a romantic city.

"Verona is known worldwide as the city of love," said Daniele Polato, the city official who made the proposal. "We have inherited this splendid reputation and we want to promote it." 

But even romanticism comes at a price: The tab for getting married at the House of Juliet ranges from euro600 (about $770) for Verona residents to euro1,000 ($1,280) for non-EU-citizens not living in the northeastern Italian city. The cost difference is du to the larger amount of documentation needed for nonresidents officials said. 

Polato says the money will be used to fund the initiative, including paying for city hall staff, extending hours, and processing documents. Eventually the city wants to expand the campaign into a full tourist "wedding package" that will include everything from hotel accomodation to flower arrangements.

Nonreligious wedding at the House of Juliet, as well as in another historical building in the city center that was previously unavailable, will be possible starting next month, when the last bureaucratic hurdle is cleared, Polato said. The weddings can either take place inside the house or in the courtyard right below the famous balcony.

The 14th-century Casa di Giulietta, or House of Juliet, is one of the top tourist spots in a city that draws about 1.2 million people annually. The building belonged to the Cappello family, traditionally identified with the Capulets, leading to the folklore that Shakespeare's fictional character may have lived there.

 

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