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Posted on September 26, 2013 by Cari
Categories: in WEDDINGS
When it comes to saving money on wedding expenses, most brides think that DIY projects are the only option. But don’t be fooled! Sometimes DIY projects end up costing the same (if not more) in supplies, not to mention taking up a LOT of your time. (Let’s be honest – who really wants to spend their spare time on tons of DIY projects in the weeks/days prior to the wedding?)
 
Instead of risking the quality & style of your wedding décor, here are a few alternative ideas to put some ease on your wedding budget….
  1. Get married in the “off season.” Many venues, DJs and photographers offer discounted services between the months of November through March.
  2. Ask your seamstress to create a veil to match your dress. This will save you a small chunk of change.
  3. When it comes to ordering programs for your ceremony, only order about 65-70% of your confirmed guest count. Many guests will only take one per couple/family. This will save on the amount of extras you’re left with, after the ceremony is over. (Bonus tip: Have door greeters handing them out, ensuring only one is given to each couple/family.) 
  4. Stick with wedding flowers that are in-season - these will most likely be grown locally, cutting down on your floral costs.
  5. When working with your stationer to create your invites, keep it simple! A flat-panel invitation set & envelope will most likely only require a single first-class stamp. Compared to postage costs of much more elaborate {and bulkier} invitations, this will help put some ease on your stationery budget.
  6. Before you go out and buy your bridal jewelry, check with your mother, grandmother, and other female family members about heirlooms or other pieces you might be able to wear for your big day. Not only will it save you some money, it will be your something old AND something borrowed!
  7. When it comes to your reception, get more bang for your buck. Perhaps you can frame one menu per table, instead of one menu per place setting. If you’re thinking of providing guests with favors, perhaps attach tags with the guest’s name and table number, and they instantly double as seating cards!
  8. Skip the splurge on the getaway car. Instead, ask around to friends and family…perhaps someone owns a vintage or otherwise unique vehicle that would work just as well. I’m guessing they would even be willing to chauffeur you, so you can relax & enjoy your exit from the reception!

Have more great money-saving tips for brides-to-be?
We’d love to hear from you – feel free to share them below!
Best,
 
Posted on September 23, 2013 by Cari
Categories: in THE HOME
 
While cramming in another late night work session last night, one of my fave SATC episodes was airing – you know, the one where it’s suddenly Fall? Carrie says it perfectly…
 
“….even before the first leaf falls, you can feel the seasons click. The air is crisp, the summer is gone. And for the first night in a long time, you need a blanket on your bed.”
 
That’s exactly where we are right now. And I love this feeling. Cooler temps & hoodies. Everything is pumpkin flavored & scented. It makes my heart feel warm and fuzzy knowing that cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, football games and many cups of hot cocoa are now in season. It’s no coincidence that the first full day of Autumn AND my birthday coincide. My mom always tells me I was a couple of weeks overdue – I think I was just waiting around for Fall. =)
 
For many people, this season signifies the end of summer break, the end of warm weather, and the beginning of the end of another year. But for me, I’ve always felt more refreshed during Fall than any other season. When I was in college, I always loved Fall semester – new classes, new faces, and sometimes even a new place to live. I would reunite with my sorority sisters for recruitment & other fun semester happenings. Just thinking about it all makes me want to go back….even just for one day. There was something absolutely exciting and intoxicating about each Fall semester at Purdue.
 
So, here I am, curled up with my laptop and sipping my first hot chocolate of the season {Thanks to my wonderful husband for this delicious birthday treat!}. A fresh season is exactly what I needed to rejuvenate, restart, and refuel my creativity. I’m suddenly oozing with loads of ideas & I can’t wait to get the down on paper and into motion.
 
Ahhhh…….
Fall, you are exactly what my heart, soul, and tired, over-worked brain needed right now. =)
 
 
Now that the season has shifted, how are you spending this first full day of Autumn?
 
Best,
 
Posted on May 17, 2013 by Cari
Categories: in MOTHERHOOD
It’s warming up outside and the sound of Indy Cars are buzzing. Yep, it’s definitely May in good ol’ Indiana! =)
 
I’ll apologize in advance, as things start to get quieter around the blog. Wedding season has begun to consume our workdays {and most weekends}. So the limited spare time I have, I plan to spend most of it with this sweet little man…
 
 
I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend all their free time taking outdoor strolls & snuggling with this handsome fella? And those chubby cheeks. O.M.G. Simply irresistible!
 
However, we do promise not to be completely absent. Stay tuned later this month, as we share recaps of some of our spring client weddings. Ooooo, the loveliness that’s in store for you. Teaser: Think wineries, jazz spots, and country clubs. =)
 
Happy May!
I’m a country girl, small business owner, wife, mother of three, and a proud alumna of Purdue University (Boiler Up!).
 
Wondering what life is like for a busy mom with a graphic design & laser cutting business? My days are filled with pretty paper, blissful brides, half-finished sketchbooks, half-eaten lunches, and lots of cuddling with my little ones. I look forward to sharing with you all of life's fun happenings (both in & out of the studio) here on the blog!
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