Welcome!...all blushing brides, handsome grooms and fellow wedding industry professionals.
Thanks for stopping by and viewing or BRAND NEW BLOG!!... Rubies & Pearls is also introducing our bi-monthly newsletter that will be filled with great information on all of the hottest trends, coolest venues, and a firsthand look into everything R&P!
With the uncertain economy, we decided to start our blog with a post on “5 great money saving tips” that can help you stick to your budget without sacrificing the elegance you are looking for on your big day.
1. Cutting corners and cutting cake- Instead of having the traditional tiered wedding cake to serve all your guests, have your baker prepare a faux cake and a sheet cake to cut at your reception. The bottom tier of your faux cake will be made of real cake for you and your groom to cut, and the rest of it will be beautifully decorated Styrofoam. The best thing is, the guests will never know!! You can also try having a smaller tiered cake and supplement it with a cookie, candy or cupcake station.
Thanks for stopping by and viewing or BRAND NEW BLOG!!... Rubies & Pearls is also introducing our bi-monthly newsletter that will be filled with great information on all of the hottest trends, coolest venues, and a firsthand look into everything R&P!
With the uncertain economy, we decided to start our blog with a post on “5 great money saving tips” that can help you stick to your budget without sacrificing the elegance you are looking for on your big day.
1. Cutting corners and cutting cake- Instead of having the traditional tiered wedding cake to serve all your guests, have your baker prepare a faux cake and a sheet cake to cut at your reception. The bottom tier of your faux cake will be made of real cake for you and your groom to cut, and the rest of it will be beautifully decorated Styrofoam. The best thing is, the guests will never know!! You can also try having a smaller tiered cake and supplement it with a cookie, candy or cupcake station.
2. Digital DJ- Thanks to the wonderful world of technology, you can save money by making your own playlists on your IPOD and plugging it into the sound system at your reception site. Ask a reliable friend or family member to announce the bridal party and program your IPOD to play your lists for the different reception events (pre-reception, announcement of the bride and groom and bridal party, first dance, father-daughter dance, party time, etc.)
3. “Part-time” photographers- For those of you who don’t want tons and tons of posed pictures, consider having a photographer just to shoot those oh-so-unnatural posed pictures, and have throw-away cameras for your wedding and/or reception. Your guests will be able to take candid shots and as many or more pictures than a single photographer (just be sure to purchase cameras with 800 speed; they take clear pictures under most lighting conditions). After your wedding, have the film developed to DVD’s. You can even pick the ones you and your groom like, and have your own wedding album printed. It's as easy as that!
4. “Stick” to your floral budget- Cut back on the cost of a florist by replacing your flower-filled centerpieces with sticks (natural or spray painted in your wedding colors) or candles with smaller floral accents. You can also buy flowers in bulk and put together a simply elegant centerpiece on your own. You may want to have a florist make your wedding bouquets and boutonnieres.
5. Savvy shopping- Start early and look everywhere, not just in bridal stores and boutiques. You’ll be surprised what great deals you can find online or even in your local department stores. Shop the sale racks to save money on your dress, your bridesmaids’ dresses, and the tuxes for your “honey” and his groomsmen. Shop venues and vendors with an alternate day in mind. You can save 10% to 20% just by moving your wedding to either Friday or Sunday. And last but not least, hire a Wedding Planner! No matter how unnecessary you may think it is to hire a planner, the years of experience and knowledge of the best vendors and venues can be worth MUCH MORE than the fee you pay them.
We hope you found our first blog helpful! If you have any other questions about ways to save money while planning your wedding leave your comments and Rubies & Pearls will address them! We look forward to hearing from you and helping you make your wedding…an Occasion to Remember!
The Lovely Ladies of R&P!!
