Guest Post: For the Bride on a Budget!

Inspired by this photoset from The Tiny Closet. Natalie, the bride, is wearing a vintage reconstructed Max Mara dress

Calling all soon-to-be-betrothed beauties of the world!

Are you on a tight budget?

Does the trial-by-entourage process of choosing a wedding gown give you ulcers?

Is your wedding months away and you haven’t found “the one”?

Are you looking for a style change?

Is saying “I do” more important than a high price tag?

If you’ve answered “YES” to any of those questions then this post is for you! Read on for dresses and gowns under < $150!!

April Showers, SPRING FLOWERS!

Although it seems like a far-fetched idea, Spring is right around the corner! With a new season comes a new wave of flowers ready to bloom. A way to keep flowers costs down is to use flowers that are in season. This limits the exportation of flowers which raises your decor price easily. It is good to remember that some flowers stay in bloom longer than others, stretching into a second season of flowers. Here are some of the favorites for the spring season:

Available in multiple colors, this flower is perfect for a day-time wedding.
Late March

Some think that viburnum is an accent for bouquets and arrangements, but the beauty of viburnum can hold its own in a bouquet, accented with green leaves and flowers.
Mid-April

The flower associated with romance, roses have a long blooming period.
Early-May

My favorite flower, a peony, is available in shades of pink, white, purple and more. They can be used as tight buds or open and full (even fuller than in the photo!)
Mid-May

Asiatic Lily's are commonly used in white or orange.
Mid-June

                                                             

Tipping Cheat Sheet!

Tips are not an obligation for the Bride and Groom, so do not consider it mandatory to provide one. A tip is a token of gratitude for wonderful service, beyond what is contracted of the vendor. Make sure you read your contract thoroughly; Some vendors and caterers include gratuity in their final cost. Most company owners do not expect a tip, they are normally reserved for employees. A personal note, glowing online review or a professional wedding day photo is a wonderful gesture of gratitude instead.

Plan to budget for gratuity when creating your list of expenses. Plan to distribute the tips at the conclusion of the event. Prior to the wedding, ideally the night before, allocate the funds into individual labeled envelopes and trusted to a bridal attendant, trusted family member or the wedding coordinator.

Here is a Tipping "Cheat Sheet" to help you with any tipping confusion:

Wedding Planner: Tipping your wedding planner is optional, based on service. Situations in which you may want to tip as a "thank you" include the planner going above and beyond their obligations, or a large discount you may have received. 10-20% of their contracted price is a great number.

Caterer: 15-20% is an appropriate range if gratuity is not included in the contract. You can also offer $50-100 to the chef and $20-50 per server.

Photographer and Videographer: Tips are not expected if they are the owner(s) of the company. $50-200 is a nice gesture if they do not own the company. $50-100 per shooter if there are more than one. The amount of shooters will be stated in your contract.

Officiant: Officiants normally do not accept tips, but a $100 donation to their church is a wonderful way to say thank you. If the Officiant is non-denominational, consider giving them $100 as a tip.

DJ: Most DJs carry their own equipment, transporting it to the location of the event. 10-15% is a great way to show appreciation for bringing the energy to your reception.

Band: $25-50 per musician/band member

Hair and Makeup: Like any professional salon visit, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is expected but not mandatory.

Transportation: 15% if not included in the contract.

Floral and Decor: Florists do not expect a tip, but if they do an exceptional job, you can consider giving a 10-15% tip