Before You Say I Do....

I've been SO busy answering emails, helping brides and finding new and wonderful items for you guys from my website, that I haven't blogged much. But one precious young woman's email provoked me to blog today.

She is attempting to put together a wedding in Los Angeles for under $5,000! Actually, attempting "anything" in Los Angeles for an inexpensive amount of money is a miracle! But especially a wedding.

I answered her comment on the blog post about all inclusive weddings. For those of you who are on a tight budget, there are many awesome tips that you can incorporate into your day. But, this very creative woman had some great ideas herself. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing them here.

She is making and printing her invitations herself. She's renting her gown, and attempting to make the cake herself (I'm sure with the help of others! But I'm using "her" just to illustrate a point). She knows a chef who is going to do the catering. She is buying fresh flowers online and decorating them, again, herself. And what is most impressive, is she wrote to the Los Angeles Parks Department, and she will be having her reception at one of their locations!
Needless to say, this girl should maybe go into wedding planning! Good job Sarah!

And in her email, she left a little note at the end, that she was going to purchase our adorable wedding cameras! Well, I'm glad we were able to be part of your special day in some way!

This is one example of someone who has set her mind to get a beautiful day without going into debt. I have many more to share with you in the coming days. Remember, if you want any help with ideas, just write a comment here, or go to my website www.designstoremember.com and leave a note there. I'll get back to you asap.

Much happiness to all of you,
Bella

Posted by Bella Bridal at 8:29 AM | Permalink | Comments

Deciding on where to have your wedding is probably the most difficult decision you will have to make with regards to your special day. And there are many factors to think about when deciding on the venue.

In the midst of the craziness that you are in the middle of, or about to embark upon, perhaps this venue checklist will help!

1. Will the ceremony be at a Church/Temple/Other or on the venue's property?
2. How large must the venue be - for 50 people or for 500?
3. Will it sit at least 30-40% of that number comfortably for the ceremony?
4. Do you want everything in one place to greatly diminish the need to drive?
5. Does the venue have guest accomodations?
6. Do you want an early wedding to be able to have more time in the evening to yourselves?
7. Do you want an evening wedding to be able to have more time to prepare?
8. Does the venue have a place for guests to be able to retreat away from
the festivities to be able to sit and talk? Do you even want that?
9. Does the venue have its own caterers, or are you able to bring in your own?
10. Does it supply the wedding cake? Anything else?

And obviously, don't forget to stay within your budget. It doesn't matter how beautiful the place is, if you cannot afford it and will spend years paying it off, it just isn't worth it.

Oh and yes, do not forget to check out my website for your unique wedding favors. (And not just wedding favors, SO many other beautiful and affordable items!)

Remember to enjoy the process. It goes by so quickly, that sometimes we forget, these are the most memorable moments of our lives!

Much happiness coming your way!
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments

Planning planning planning! That's what wedding's are about. But have you ever thought that in the middle of all the hubub, that perhaps there is a way to have more than just the bride and groom benefit.

This is what we all know. People bring gifts to showers and weddings. And many times, they take great pains in finding the perfect gift for the happy couple. But what if there was a gift that would give to more than the bride and groom? What if there was a way that a charity would benefit as well?

Well, ask no further. There are several, but this one I have chosen to highlight. It's called the "I Do" Foundation. What happens is this; the bride and groom use any or all of these 11 stores for their gift registry. After the gifts are bought, a percentage (depending on the store) is given to the charity of your choice. Not only does it do a good deed, but history has shown that when people know that a charity is also benefiting, they tend to spend more.

Here is the link: Your "I Do" Gift Registry. Just visit the stores listed and explain to them that you want to be part of the I Do Gift Registry, give them the name of the charity or not-for-profit organization that you want to donate to, and they will take care of the rest.

Now...doesn't that feel good? Getting married and helping out the charity of your choice! What could be better?

And, hey, stop by my website and check out the stuff I have on sale! Oh...LOTS of goodies that you will need!!!

Much happiness coming your way!
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 4:09 PM | Permalink | Comments