Wedding Progress

Over the weekend, my mother asked me if I had made any wedding progress. I looked at her and laughed. I just got back from a cruise and was not even ready to think about those things. She gave me the mom talk though. You know, the one that says you need to get on that sooner rather then later; the one that makes you feel like a disappointing child again. =]
Well, she got bored on Saturday and wanted to head over to Hobby Lobby because she had a coupon. She made a copy for me so that I could use one too. 25% goes a long way when you're on a budget and trying to buy a house. (more on the house later) While at Hobby Lobby, I had a planning break through. I picked a centerpiece style, which is perfect for our wedding, and I decided on flowers for the bridesmaids to carry. Later on this week, I will break it down and show you what I am thinking. Plus, I will attempt to show you the DIY step-by-steps that go along with the project. =]

Possible Date Change...again

Originally, Mr. GrapeJuice and I had picked the all-typical Saturday night wedding.

photo : southwest airlines spirit

Our original plan was to have our wedding on a three day weekend so that all our OOT family and friends would be able to make it and have an extra day of travel. We are still highly considering this, and it will most likely be part of date picking. [See? Trying to be considerate of the guests! No bridezilla yet.]

 photo : gretchen b photography

The first weekend that was spat out was Memorial Day weekend. While I thought it would be a good idea and good timing, it won't be possible. I'm a teacher, and that's the end of the school year. Talk about stress!

 

photo : naomi win

The next 3-day weekend suggestion was 4th of July. I jumped on that bandwagon quickly. It was the perfect time because the 4th will fall on a Monday in 2011, which will give people an extra day to travel home.

photo : barrie downle photography

Now, here's where the possible date change comes in. Mr. GrapeJuice and I had originally chosen July 2, 2011 as our wedding date. It hadn't been set in stone because - obviously - we still have time to make that decision. But, we've seriously been struggling with where to hold our ceremony and reception. We're both Catholic so it's a no brainer that we'll be getting married in the church. But...which church? That's been our struggle all along. Don't get me wrong. I love the church that I'm a parishoner of, but, the new church is horribly designed. Hello! No center aisle = epic fail! [for me at least] Below are some pictures of the new church I found on our facebook group.

Picture One: A view of the whole church from the side

Picture Two: A view of the altar from the center aisle

Picture Three: A view of the baptismal font and door I would enter through

It's a beautiful church, but I always pictured my self walking down a long center aisle to my one true love. Could I suck it up and get married in this church? Absolutely! My grandmother is the wedding coordinator at the facility. My grandfather is a deacon at the church. Definitely some bonus points and freebies heading my way. But...the reception facility leaves a LOT to be desired as well...if you have your wedding on a Saturday that is.

On Friday, Mr. GrapeJuice, my parents, my grandparents, and myself all went to the church Christmas party. The party was held in the old church. And, let me tell you, it's gorgeous! It was originally a barn that was remodeled into a church. It has stunningly stained wood for the ceiling, and the lighting can be adjusted from bright, bright, bright to a sultry, romantic feel. Plus, it easily and comfortably fits 200+ people with a more than adequate dance floor, as we discovered on Friday.

photo : facebook

The only downside is that if we want to use this gorgeous space for our reception, we'd have to have the wedding on a Friday. There are pews and other knickknacks that have to be moved out and moved back in before Sunday mass. Totally doable though!

So...here's a recap:

1. we still don't have a for sure date

2. i could compromise and settle for my church even though i hate the logistics of the design and it cost millions of dollars to make it look like that

3. a friday night wedding gives us a prettier more spacious reception venue

4. i hate being indecisive

5. this would be VERY easy on our budget
6. but, now i'd have to rent tables, chairs, linens; find a caterer; etc.

p.s.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Free Monogram!

I absolutely adore monograms and think they are positively essential for any wedding. They are so chic and are a great detail for every aspect of your big day.

You could...

 make them into a stamp for your wedding envelopes

or use it as wedding favor tags

or have it put into your cake design.

See?

Endless uses!

If you are looking for a monogram design, you need to friend Custom Printable on Twitter.

If you become a follower and comment on a post on her blog, you can get a free monogram.

Oh, yes.

That's right.

FREE!

Hurry.

Go now.

This deal ends tomorrow!

If you need more convincing, check out the monogram I got on Saturday.

It's so perfect. She made me two actually. One with our married last name and one without.

{I just didn't feel comfortable putting that up on the blog.}

I love that I got this free.

It's beautiful!

Thanks, Valerie.

[as a note:: this is not a sponsored/compensated post. no money/product was given in exchange for advertisement.]

Holiday Detail

With only two days left at my current job, observing my new students at my new job, and only ten days left until Christmas, I'm totally wondering where all my time is going. Luckily, today, my second graders are going on a field trip so I don't need to be at school today - which saved me from getting up at 5 am today. [yay]

But, unfortunately, because of all this wonderfulness surrounding me, I haven't really had a moment to sit down and be inspired by any wedding details. The only thing burning in my mind right now is a photo wreath that I saw on Project Wedding.

I think this idea would be a wonderful addition to any winter wedding. It is simple and would look divine in a number of places. You could make multiples too if you wanted and place them on doors or around the reception area. I, personally, think it would look spectacular by the cake table! Wherever, or however, you use it, it is a great detail and totally reusable.

And, if you're not getting married, maybe use the holiday cards you're getting and make a wreath out of them as a holiday decoration for those parties you're throwing!

Show Me Your Goodies

I think the name speaks for itself.
A village of Christmas goodness.
Photo : Operation Letter to Santa
I've been to something like this before when I was younger, but it wasn't centered around Christmas.
This sounds like a pretty neat show to attend and a great way to get a gift for that person who just seems to have everything.

Here are some details
"More than 260 merchants from all over the U.S. participate in the premier consumer show. variety of unique seasonal and figt items are offered, includeing toys for all ages, clothing for children and adults, jewelry, food items, pottery, collectibles and unusual pieces for the 'person who has everything'." (source)

Located at the TN State Fairgrounds on the following days -
November 12 [invite only]
November 13 [9am-9pm]
November 14 [9am-6pm]
November 15 [12pm-6pm]
Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door.

For more information, you can click here.

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Also, this weekend, we have a bridal show going on - Bridal Blast!
Photo : Lovebirds Stationery
It will be at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs on November 15 from 12pm-5pm.
If you pre-register, you get $2 off coupons making your ticket price $3.
Tickets at the door are only $5.
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And, in case you haven't registered {or didn't know} the Martha Stewart Weddings Luxury Wedding Expo is also this weekend -
November 14 [11am-4pm]
November 15 [11am-4pm]

Photo : Martha Stewart Weddings
It is a live online show, but {and I think this is awesome} your access will remain open until February 2010!
So, if you forget something, you can just go back and look it up.
I think this show is a really interesting idea as it is all online.
Perfect for those of us who can't afford to make trips in this economy and who need expert advice!
So, be sure to head over and register for this event before it's too late!!

[as a note:: this is not a sponsored/compensated post. no money/product was given in exchange for advertisement.]

::BUDGET:: Bridal Show Update

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a budget bridal show happening in the Middle TN area.
If you are interested, you should definitely attend!!
Here's an update about what's happening on Saturday.

Budget Bridal Show
Date: October 10, 2009
Time: 9am - 2pm
Location: Old Hickory Country Club
{1904 Hadley Avenue}
{Old Hickory, TN 37138}
Cost: FREE!

Here is a list of Participating Vendors:
[Bakery]
Wedding Cake Design by Rebecca
[Beauty//Hair and Makeup]
Arbonne/Pamela Stoll
Liza Jeane's
Studio BBC Salon
[Decorations]
Balloon Celebrations
Scentsy
[DJ]
Hood Entertainment
Will the DJ
Kevin Thompson DJ
[Event Planner]
Paint the Town Events LLC
[Flowers]
Basket of Flowers
[Formal Wear]
Encore Bridal and Formal Wear
[Insurance]
The Redan Agency
[Jewelry]
Melissa Mayer
[Photographers]
Crystal Bowron Photography
Michelle Hines Photography
Lori Quarles Photography
Worth a Thousand Words
Sloane Photography
[Registries]
Pampered Chef
[Venues]
Old Hickory Country Club
[Wedding Planners]
Weddings by Shelly
I DO Weddings
Your Day of Fairytales
Childress Wedding Events
POSH: Parties on a SHoestring

Prioritizing the Wedding

Sunday night, Mr. GrapeJuice and I sat down to prioritize our wedding. I've been meaning to do this and trying to convince him to do this for a while now! And, we finally did. The best part about it though is that I had gotten a Priority Scale from CJ Dickson of Williamson County Weddings and CJ's Off the Square while at the Unabridged Bride Workshop this week! It made it so much easier to do. I made a copy of it and handed it to Mr. GrapeJuice. We sat down and each filled one out.

Here are his results:
1. Wedding Ceremony - 10 [the most important; 1 is the least important]
2. Wedding Reception - 9
3. Floor Plan/Flow - 3
4. Atmosphere/Lighting - 4
5. Music - 7
6. Table Decorations - 3
7. Flowers - 4
8. Cake - 6
9. Food - 8
10. Dress - 8
11. Photography - 7
12. Invitations - 5

Here are my results:
1. Wedding Ceremony - 9
2. Wedding Reception - 9
3. Floor Plan/Flow - 3
4. Atmosphere/Lighting - 1
5. Music - 7
6. Table Decorations - 5
7. Flowers - 4
8. Cake - 9
9. Food - 10
10. Dress - 10
11. Photography - 10

12. Invitations - 8

We agreed on the following:
Wedding Reception
Floor Plan/Flow
Music
Flowers

After discussing our priorities and why we chose what we did, we decided to figure out what the top 5 important factors are! This is what we've decided on:

1. Reception
2. Attire
3. Photography
4. Cake
5. Invitation/Flowers

I think it was a very fantastic and productive Sunday night! :) Photo

Silvery Wonders

I went to Belk's tonight with my family and found shoes!!!
I love shoes, as all girls do. :)
I slipped on a pair of shoes and immediately felt comfortable.
Like, my feet and these shoes were destined to meet somewhere along my life journey!
I told Mr. GrapeJuice they would make great wedding shoes.
{{anything to justify a purchase!}}

And...
if I happen to wear them before that...
on...
oh...
say...
the cruise in February...
then so be it!!
:)

Kenneth Cole Shoes
sale: $45.86//original: $79.00

A ::BUDGET:: Bridal Show

Sunday night, I was stalking my way through the internet, as I am apt to do on my lazy weekends. I was on Twitter and was going on a following frenzy. I was pretty much following anyone I could get my hands on!! :) Suddenly, an idea popped into my head. I wondered if the reception venue we are seriously thinking about contracting had a Twitter account. {Sadly, they do not.} But, they do have Facebook! Of course, I friended them. As I did so, a link caught my eye for a Budget Bridal Show. Curiously, I clicked on it and am sooooooooo glad I did. It has opened my eyes to vendors that I didn't know were out there!

Here are some details about the upcoming show!!

Budget Bridal Show
Date: October 10, 2009
Time: 9am - 2pm
Location: Old Hickory Contry Club
{1904 Hadley Avenue}
{Old Hickory, TN 37138}
Cost: FREE!

Here is a list of Participating Vendors [so far]:
[Beauty//Hair and Makeup]
Liza Jeane's
[Decorations]
Balloon Celebrations
[Event Planner]
Paint the Town Events LLC
[Photographers]
Crystal Bowron Photography
Michelle Hines Photography
Lori Quarles Photography
[Registries]
Pampered Chef
[Venues]
Old Hickory Country Club
[Wedding Planners]
Weddings by Shelly
I DO Weddings
Your Day of Fairytales
Childress Wedding Events

You can also be a fan of their page on Facebook!!

super Duper SAVINGS!!!

I've started a new job {{as you well may know}} and I needed some new clothes. I bought a pair of capris and 2 shirts last weekend at Old Navy on sale. I thought I got them for a good deal...until I ventured to Kohl's this evening. If you didn't know, they were having a HUGE sale this weekend.

Here's a little recap of what I got {{and how much I saved}}:
Decorative Art - Original: $29.99//Sale: $14.99 [saved: $15.00]
Men's Knits - Original: $30.00//Sale: $6.00 [saved: $24.00]
Misses Tee - Original: $24.00//Sale: $4.80 [saved: $19.20]
Misses Knits - Original: $26.00//Sale: $2.60 [saved: $23.40]
Sonoma Sportswear - Original: $24.00//Sale: $4.80 [saved: $19.20]
Updated Separate - Original: $20.00//Sale: $4.00 [saved: $16.00]
Sonoma Sportswear - Original: $18.00//Sale: $3.60 [saved: $14.40]
Related Separate - Original: $42.00//Sale: $12.60 [saved: $29.40]
In total, I spent $53.39 {pre-sales tax}.
I saved $160.60 {pre-sales tax}.
I feel quite proud of myself!
:)

Save-the-Date Video

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Elegance Bridal Gala in Mount Juliet, TN. There was a vendor - Dynamic Video - who was doing free Save-the-Date videos as a promotion for their company. I look at my Maid of Honor MC, and we both decided that this was something worth doing!

Guess what I got in my inbox today...

Our Save-the-Date video!!

And, I really, really like it.

p.s. I think I might start a food blog... My Williams-Sonoma books are calling my name...

Let's Go Out!

My future hubby and I don't go out very often. We've only been on a handful of dates. I'm not blaming anybody. While we were at school, he was working night shifts at FedEx and doing homework. and I was performing/choreographing shows and doing homework or student teaching. We never had the time to go out anywhere. On the weekends, we just wanted to relax and not do anything or go anywhere.

But, now, we're both out of school, and we have the time. Unfortunately, for the next 11 days (including today), he'll be in New York, as he has been since July 23. But, when he comes back, I've decided that we are going to go on a date!

I'm so excited!

My sister and her husband came over for dinner tonight, and we were all just sitting around the table talking. I noticed a coupon book near the table so I started thumbing through it. In the coupon book are several good deals. One deal is for buy one adult admissions, get one free for the General Jackson. And, that is what we'll be doing. I love Nashville at night, and R has yet to see it like that. Perfection!!

Photo: Radisson

Gym or No Gym

Six months from today, I will be heading to Miami, FL for a cruise with R and his family. While I'm not unbecoming, I would still like to shed a few unwanted pounds. Every girl wants to look good in a bathing suit. Well, I have been looking around for a gym to join. I have found three that are pretty decent.

1. Graves Fitness - $180/6 months; no joining fee; taxes included
2. Urban Active - $14.95/month; $100 joining fee; $50 joining fee until tomorrow; taxes not included
3. Anytime Fitness - $39.99/month; $49.99 joining fee; taxes not included

Somehow, as much as I want to join a gym, I can't justify it to my budget. I'm unemployed and would basically pay to work out in air conditioning instead of taking a walk/run around my neighborhood. I'm so confused and hate making decisions. Maybe I should just suck it up and use my neighborhood as my gym until I move. When I move, I want to get an apartment that has a fitness complex on site. That's my goal. Then I won't have to pay to work out.

For my budget's sake, I think I'll just use the neighborhood as my treadmill. Good idea?

News Worthy

Last night, in true budget bride fashion, I was perusing the internet for any information that could possibly help me. While I found lots of budget saving idea, most of them were repeats that I have: a) all ready seen and read or b) all ready posted on here. But, I did find a couple of articles that brought joy to my heart and excitement to my oh-so-boring night.

The first news article I found was about a couple who only spent $443 on their wedding. Oh, yes. You read that right - $443. Their story was amazing and truly puts my budget bride theories to the test. If someone can only spend a little under $500 on a wedding, then by golly I can spend less then $10,000. Don't ya think? The bride was also in a national contest at the time called the Clean Start Challenge sponsored by Lifetime Television and SC Johnson cleaning products. Did she win? Of course!!!! When did she find out? Right before she cut the cake at her wedding reception!!! O.M.G. So inspiring. Check out the full article here.

This next bit of information is for any brides in the St. Petersburg, FL area. Next weekend, NOVA 535 is hosting its first bridal event, and they are giving away a $50,000 wedding!! In order to qualify for this giveaway, you must be 21 years old; you must be willing to star in a documentary; and you must host your event at NOVA 535 on January 31, 2010 - which is a Sunday. You also must fill out the application, which can be found on NOVA's site, prior to attending the event. And, ladies, go dresses to impressed because they'll be filming your interview. To read the whole news article and to get more details click here.

And, in other news, I'd like to wish my sister, who is also my Matron of Honor, a very happy 20th birthday!!! Congrats on the new house sis!!

Wonder of Wonder

So sorry for not posting until now. The past two days I have been searching and researching all different kinds of wedding reception venues. R and I all ready know that we're getting married in a Catholic church by my grandfather who is a Deacon; we just haven't picked the church. That's not a main concern right now because there are quite a few in the Nashville area. However, it has been incredibly hard to find a reception venue within our price range, but after two days of looking...I think I've found it. According to the wedding budget I'm using on The Knot, R and I are supposed to spend about $800 dollars on the reception venue. That's nearly impossible if you want something spectacular in the city...which is what I want. I'm more city than country. But, despite all the odds, I have found a venue that meets my standards at a reasonable rate as well!!! It is the Old Hickory Country Club.

*~Sassy Bride~*

The Budget Breakdown

A couple weeks ago, I posted a budget breakdown of what the average person in TN spends on a wedding. It was heartbreaking because I know I won't be able to afford something considered "average" for a wedding in TN. However, to make the most of my budget, I have spent the entire day so far trying to maximize my budget by applying different percentage strategies to my it. On the plus side, I am getting better at percentage math. Now I can successfully pass 6th grade! Yay me!

I do have a positive note to post along with this though, courtesy of Real Simple Weddings. They have an article about how to save money while planning your wedding. It happens to be very specific too, which is something we brides definitely need in our lives!!

1.The Timeline

• Shorten the wedding-planning timeline. Don’t wait a year to get married and it will be easier to simplify the wedding. “A recent trend I’ve seen is that couples are saving money by planning a more last-minute wedding, rather than the traditional 11-month runup,” says Alan Fields, coauthor of Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget. “The shorter time horizon will force you to streamline and keep you, by necessity, from getting sucked into the vortex of elaborate weddings.”
• Or give yourself even more time. That way, you can take advantage of seasonal sales. “For example, you may be able to stock up on silver decorations at 75 percent off before the Christmas holidays, or pick up your ring bearer or flower girl’s outfit on sale at Easter,” says Sharon Naylor, author of 1001Ways to Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding (McGraw Hill, $17, amazon.com)

2. The Date

• Schedule the wedding in off-peak times. When there’s less competition for dates, you can have more negotiating power. “You can shave 20 to 30 percent off the cost of a wedding by planning it for November, or January through March―except for Valentine’s Day,” says Fields.
• Choose any day other than Saturday. "That’s the most popular day to marry," says Anna Post, author of Do I Have to Wear White? Emily Post Answers America’s Top Wedding Questions (Collins, $15, amazon.com). Ask about rates for Friday- and Sunday-night weddings. They’re becoming more common, so you won’t have to deal with quite as many guest grumbles.

3. The Venue

• Consider choosing a nontraditional venue. “Where you have the wedding often drives the cost,” says Fields. Rather than a dedicated wedding reception hall or country club, check out less expensive facilities, from city-run spaces like zoos and civic gardens to restaurants or more offbeat locations that have some meaning for you, from a beach to your parents’ yard. One caveat: If the space is not equipped to cater a party, calculate extra costs for bringing in tables, toilets, or even a kitchen.

4. The Wedding Dress

• Shop designer or sample sales. Find out the dates of well-known annual sales at places like Filene’s, where you might snag a $2,000 dress for $249, or the sample sales at Vera Wang. “You can save up to 70 percent on gowns, headpieces, veils, and shoes at a sample sale,” says Naylor. “Look for the touring list on your favorite designers’ websites, or get on the mailing list at bridal gown salons.” You may even get to shop before anyone else and have first pick.
• Consider renting or borrowing a dress. “Or buy one secondhand,” Post says. Chances are, it’s only been worn once! Look on eBay or craigslist for postings. Oftentimes, if the bride changes her mind about her dress or has to postpone the wedding, you might be able to score a deal on a never-been-worn gown.
• Or combine self-interest with philanthropy. Says Fields, "Buy at one of the sales of donated new and used gowns" staged in many U.S. cities by bridesagainstbreastcancer.org. Or look for a vintage or consignment store that carries wedding dresses. The Bridal Garden in New York City (bridalgarden.org), for example, features designer-donated dresses, and a portion of the proceeds go to charity.

5. The Food

• Make it a daytime reception. “It’s always cheaper to serve lunch or brunch than dinner,” says Fields.
• Try a combination plate. Eliminate a choice of entrée to save on your food bill. “Serve a couple of grilled shrimp with a couple of beef medallions," Naylor says. “This cuts down on the cost, since the chef doesn’t need to buy enough of all the entrées to allow for people to change their minds.” Or serve an inexpensive dish like chicken and pasta and let the chef shine by creating great sauces.
• Avoid the traditional sit-down dinner or buffet meal altogether. Instead, host a cocktail reception with cake and punch or cake and cocktails. Or have a potluck reception, which makes for a less formal, more intimate wedding with a nice feeling of community.

6. The Liquor

• Serve signature cocktails. “Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding and can burn a hole in your budget fast,” says Fields. Since most reception sites charge for every bottle opened, even if it was for just one drink, consider offering a limited bar. Choose a signature cocktail (or a series of signature cocktails) that use one type of liquor. Then, ask to stock a few other bottles based on the wedding party’s preferences (i.e., if your dad drinks only scotch). Another option is to serve just beer, wine, and enough champagne for toasts.

7. The Wedding Cake

• Add finishing touches yourself. “The cost of a wedding cake is all about the labor,” says Naylor, “so forget sugar-paste flowers or matching the lace from your gown in fondant.” Instead, try using real lace or satin ribbon wrapped around each layer. It costs almost nothing; just pin it on and it looks lovely. Or use a few real flowers here and there, scattered artistically. Also, go low, says Fields: “The more height, the more money―it takes more labor to build a taller cake.”
• Have a small cake. You can have a wonderfully decorated, yet smaller cake on display that’s used for cutting, and then have a sheet cake in the kitchen for serving.

8. The Flowers

• Make your own centerpieces. This is definitely a time commitment, so consider making the centerpieces for the cocktail tables or the rehearsal dinner. “A lot of people are using freshroses.com and other websites to order wholesale flowers to make their own centerpieces,” says Fields. “You can order enough flowers to do 15 for about $300, then check out how-to sites for DIY instructions.” (See Turn Supermarket Flowers Into Beautiful Bouquets) Or go online to check out the wedding flower packages from Costco―have bouquets and centerpieces shipped to you for huge savings.
• Choose seasonal and local flowers for your reception. “This not only brings the season into your event but it also cuts costs, because your florist won’t have to import any exotic or out-of-season blooms,” says David Tutera, an event planner. (Learn what will be blossoming on your big day with the Wedding Flower Finder Tool.)
• Use one kind of flowers in your bouquets and arrangements. It’s a budget-friendly move because your florist will need to place only one bulk order. “This brings a chic monochromatic look to your event,” adds Tutera.
• Avoid cascades. Like cakes, the hidden cost of flowers is the labor. “Order or make small, hand-tied bouquets for the bride and attendants―cascades require a lot of wiring, and more labor means higher cost,” says Naylor.

9. The Photographer and Videographer

• Try a less-expensive package. "Photographers usually offer packages based on the hours they’ll work," says Naylor. To buy a less expensive (shorter) package, she suggests, “do your at-home, getting-ready pictures as candids. Cut the cake early so you can release the on-the-clock shooters, and let your guests supplement your album with candids.”
• Talk to former brides. To help you decide whether you’re really going to need the 1,000-picture package or whether 500 will do, find people “with similar sensibilities to yours and see what their experience was,” says Naylor.
• Consider hiring a photography-school student. Make sure you check out his or her portfolio, with examples of portraits. Though, Fields says, “it can cut the bill in half,” it’s not worth the savings if photos aren’t in focus.

10. The Invitations, Programs, and Favors

• Take advantage of the talents of the bridal party and other friends and family. Anything you can make yourself becomes a fun shared effort and can save a lot. “My aunt did her own invitations and program for her wedding because she wanted the personal touch,” says Post.
• Make some items do double duty. To save the cost of printed place cards, add guests’ names to the favors and set one at each place, or print the names at the top of your menu cards.
• Make your own favors. If you have time, whip up your grandma’s famous macaroons or make your own chocolate-covered almonds. “Edibles are the most appreciated,” says Naylor. “Especially for nighttime weddings―a bag of cookies will be gone before the guests hit the car.”
• Skip favors. Place a bowl of candies on the cake table with a note saying, “Please enjoy these candies. In lieu of favors we’ve made a donation to charity.”

(source)

*~Sassy Bride~*

Woe is Me!

On my vast quest to find all that I need to know about planning my wedding, I stumbled across Real Simple magazine’s Wedding section online. One of the first sections I noticed, obviously, was the budget section. They have a breakdown for each state of what an average wedding costs today. Upon discovering this, I immediately felt the need to share this information!! It is quite eye-opening. Of course, I’ll only be sharing the TN average cost breakdown, but you can find EVERY state’s breakdown here.

AVERAGE WEDDING COST IN TENNESSEE

ATTIRE: $1,738 – $2,874
Bride accessories: $221 to $365
Groom accessories: $116 to $192
Groom suit/tux: $160 to $264
Hair/makeup service: $116 to $192
Headpiece/veil: $207 to $343
Wedding dress: $918 to $1,518

CEREMONY: $2,002 – $3,310
Ceremony accessories: $129 to $214
Ceremony decorations: $385 to $637
Ceremony location: $451 to $745
Officiate/pastor/priest: $162 to $267
Rehearsal dinner: $875 to $1,447

ENTERTAINMENT: $2,231 – $3,692
Ceremony/reception band: $1,315 to $2,176
Ceremony/reception DJ: $502 to $831
Ceremony/reception musicians: $414 to $685

FLOWERS: $1,402 – $2,320
Boutonnieres/corsages: $122 to $202
Bride bouquet: $105 to $173
Bridesmaid bouquets: $167 to $277
Ceremony flowers: $299 to $495
Flower girl flowers: $34 to $56
Reception flowers: $675 to $1,117

GIFTS AND FAVORS: $705 – $1,165
Gifts for attendant: $326 to $539
Gifts for each other: $263 to $435
Gifts for parents: $116 to $191

INVITATIONS AND STATIONERY: $663 – $1,100
Bridal shower invitations: $69 to $115
Guestbook: $34 to $56
Invitations & reply cards: $294 to $487
Personal stationery: $93 to $154
Save the date cards: $113 to $188
Thank you cards: $60 to $100

JEWELRY: $4,265 – $7,056
Engagement ring: $3,174 to $5,251
Her ring: $640 to $1,059
His ring: $451 to $746

HONEYMOON/PLANNING: $3,474 – $5,747
Honeymoon: $2,556 to $4,228
Bridal consultant/planner: $918 to $1,519

PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER: $2,421 – $4,004
Photographer: $1,402 to $2,319
Videographer: $1,019 to $1,685

RECEPTION: $10,781 – $17,836
Reception beverages/bartender: $1,528 to $2,527
Bride/groom hotel: $192 to $318
Cake: $369 to $611
Cake knife set: $30 to $49
Cake topper: $28 to $47
Reception decorations/centerpieces: $738 to $1,221
Favors: $246 to $407
Reception food service: $5,202 to $8,605
Reception location: $1,691 to $2,798
Reception rentals: $757 to $1,253

TRANSPORTATION: $667 – $1,105
Car rental: $208 to $345
Limo rental: $459 to $760

(source)

Essentially, if you were to spend the maximum mentioned in this budget breakdown, you would spend $50,209!!!!! That’s 4 times my budget. AND, if you were to spend this minimum amount of money calculated from this breakdown, you would end out spending $30,349!!! This is 2 times my budget. Woe is me and the rest of the TN population who is trying to plan a budget wedding worthy of a princess!

C.