How To Not Get Broke Preparing A Wedding

Wedding Planning + Procrastination = Major Mess

2007-06-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that procrastinating is bad, however most people do it. Who prefers to fix a leaking shower when your favorite sitcom comes up on TV? The shower can wait until tomorrow, but once the episode is gone, you need to wait for reruns, which God knows when.

For weddings, however, being one of the most stressful event any couple would plan together, procrastination might lead to fights, and sometimes canceled weddings!

Lesson 1: Even if you are a procrastinator, force yourself not to be when planning your wedding.

I own a wedding retailer store, which most of the customers often do their shopping at the last minute. They would order and email if we can send them immediately because their wedding is next week. The thing is, we love to work with you, but we hate to see you being stressful wondering whether the goods would arrive on time, not to mention having to pay more for rush and express shipment fees, which aren't cheap.

If you're just buying a new pair of shoes and they don't come on time, you'd be fine because you won't need them immediately. But imagine if you order 300 boxes of wedding favors at the last minute and they could not come in time for your wedding. What would you going to do? This happened to an actual bride. I don't know what she ended up doing, but during our last conversation, she mentioned going to Michael's, the art & craft store, to see what she can get as wedding favors.

It's also good practice to allow enough time so when disasters happen, you have enough time to make arrangements. One customer once ordered a wedding cake topper and apparently the packaging was ripped and one of the bride's hand was cracked as a result. While this kind of incident is rare because we always package them safely, it is not impossible to happen. Turns out that the topper was a best seller and we were out of stock of it until one month later. Fortunately the bride told us not to worry.. her wedding was not until 3 months away. We were able to send her a replacement and it arrive on time for her wedding.

Lesson 2: While choosing bridal party, choose people who are responsible and will make your day easier, not more stressful.

Now what if the people who are helping you are the ones who are major procrastinators? One friend told me a story about her MIL, who were given the tasks to handle the bridesmaid dresses and work out the wedding songs with the band. She didn't do either tasks until 10 days before the wedding! Imagine the bride's shock when she found out that not only the bridesmaid dresses been picked, but none of the bridesmaids had been fitted as well. In fact, none of the 4 bridemaid had ever been to a dress shop.

The bride had to rush the bridesmaids to a dress shop who had 2 piece dress - a top that allows tightening on the back so that it fits most girls, and a skirt that can be shortened with a pin for emergency.

As for the songs, her MIL insisted that she picked the processional song, which was chosen only one day before the wedding.

Lesson 3: Check, check and recheck

Review your to-do list carefully every few weeks. Don't depend on what people say, especially if they're flakey. Don't make the same mistake like one bride who had her sister in law as her maid of honor. She trusted her SIL to dress shop herself, only to find out that SIL was also wearing white on her wedding. It was too late to change but this clueless girl didn't have any spare gown anyway. Apparently this maid of honor didn't know the top rule of wedding no-no: Don't wear white to a wedding, especially if you are an important bridal party!

Do research, inform people and hope for the best!

Ms. Pang is a writer for www.AbsoluteWeddingStore.com

Why Are Wedding Veils So Expensive?

2007-05-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

The reason why wedding veils are so expensive are the same with why wedding dresses are so expensive. Because the customers are willing to pay for them.

During my research to several wedding shops, I found that several of them have veils ranging from $100-$200. Not too bad. It's just a fraction of the dress' price. At the more upscale bridal shops though, I found nothing below $200. However, the fabric is much softer and the making more detailed. I guess that contributes to the higher price.

The bridal associate explained that good quality bridal veils are made of good quality fabric such as tulle and organza. Most of them are handmade. Those reasons are why they are expensive. However how much tulle cost per yard? I'm guessing the fact that they are being displayed in an exclusive bridal salon contribute a lot to the price.

The more I researched, the more I understand the difference between the veils' qualities. The stiff ones are usually made of 'bridal illusion' fabric, which some retailers would say that it's a special fabric used for wedding veils. The reality, it is nylon fabric, which is a derivative of plastic. Come on! You're paying thousands of dollars for your gown, why would you want to wear plastic on your head?

The softer veils are made of tulle and I like them a lot. They shimmer under the light and enhance the beauty of the bride. They're soft, flowy and move gracefully and give a very romantic illusion. In the movies, I love how Julie Andrews looked when she got married to the Captain in 'The Sounds of Music'. She was wearing a cathedral tulle veil -- plain, without any decoration, but it really was the wedding attire which made the dress.

Because it is very hard for brides to find high quality wedding veils at affordable prices, we are providing them now. Please visit our site at http://www.absoluteweddingstore.com/ to view our products. We hope you will find one that is perfect for you.

Or if not, we also custom make wedding veils at very affordable prices. Price starts at $150 for custom veils, which includes complimentary design sketch for your custom veil. Contact us at AbsoluteWeddingStore@gmail.com for details.

Ms. Pang is a writer for www.AbsoluteWeddingStore.com, a discount wedding store featuring 1200+ wedding items from veils to wedding reception items.

Wedding Favors -- How This Cheap, Little Items Are Actually Expensive

2007-05-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

As a thank you for your guests, give them a wedding favor to remember your special event by. This little items may cost from 50 cents to $15 or more. Most couple, though, limit themselves by having a budget somewhere from $2-$4 per item.

If they have 200 guests, they'd have to spend $400 - $800 on this little gifts alone.

See what I mean by the little things are actually expensive?

So how do I get cheap wedding favors but also high quality favors?

That needs a little bit of research. First ask yourself if you have a theme for your wedding. For example, if you're having a celebration on the beach, you could give wedding favors along the beach theme like Shell and Starfish Frosted Glass Coasters.

If both you and your fiance are wine enthusiasts and will be serving select wine at your reception, give something to remember the moment by like this Great Combination Wine Set.

For more wedding favor options, go to this site, which features more than 1200 wedding items from wedding veils to honeymoon items with very competitive prices.

Absolute Wedding Store is able to offer brides-to-be competitive prices because they source their items directly from manufacturers, therefore reducing costs and passing the savings to its customers.

Ms. Pang is a writer for www.AbsoluteWeddingStore.com, a discount wedding store featuring 1200+ wedding items from veils to wedding reception items.

Oh Bridal Shoes, How High Art Thou?

2007-05-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

When I got married, I purposely chose a pair of 1.5 inch heels because my husband isn't that much *ahem* taller than me. If he was taller, I would gladly wear at least 3 inch heels.

Anybody who thinks 1.5" heel is sexier than 3" heels is crazy.

At the end of the night, though, I stroked my bridal sandals lovingly and was glad that I wore them. Even at very low heels, my feet were killing me. I could barely walk and was stiff all over my body. I was actually thinking about getting a full body massage that day because I really needed it.

Each woman has her own comfortable heel height. For me, it is 2". Other women may be comfortable with 3 or even 4 inches. After studying the effect of walking all day on high heels, I come up with these suggestions on how to wear high bridal shoes comfortably on your wedding day:

- If you're wearing high heels (more than 2" tall), choose the pair with heel or ankle straps, or both. The straps give the shoes more secure footing, which would allow you more comfort as well.

- Choose bridal shoes with wide front band because it holds your feet in and therefore gives more support.
- Add foam rubber or foot petals on the base of the shoes for more comfort.
- Bring a pair of white rubber sandals to change into whenever you have a chance to, for example, during a break on photo sessions. Give your feet a chance to relax.
- Don't wear higher heels that what you're accustomed to. For example, if you're used to 4" heels for every day wear, go down an inch. Wear 3" heels because you will be walking all day and you will get tired. Trust me.

View a large collection of Bridal & Formal Shoes at competitive prices.

Ms. Pang is a writer for www.AbsoluteWeddingStore.com, a discount wedding store featuring 1200+ wedding items from veils to wedding reception items.

The Search For the Perfect Wedding Veil

2007-05-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Shoulder length, Fingertip length.
Lace, chiffon, nylon, tulle.

Which color to choose, length to consider, best material to have?

Unlike choosing clothes, choosing wedding items can be confusing because it's the first time most brides are doing it.

For material, tulle is the best.

For Crystal-embellished Veils, please click here to view several designs.

For Lace Veils, please click here to view several designs.

For Wedding Veil Lengths, here are our guidelines:

SHOULDER LENGTH

This veil length is often referred to as the "Madonna" veil because it resembles a halo. Doubled tulle is cut into a circle and folded to form a face blusher. Ranging in length from 18" to 27," just coming to or passing the shoulders. Simple style sheath gowns look fabulous with this length of veil.

ELBOW LENGTH

Just a bit longer than the shoulder length veil. It measures anywhere from 28" to 36 " in length and covers the shoulders and ends at or near the elbows. A perfect classic for when you want a more dramatic length of tulle at the back. To view some of elbow length veils, please click here.

FINGERTIP

This veil is meant to extend to your outstretched fingertips. This length works with most wedding dresses and that's the reason it’s one of the most popular lengths. The fingertip veil can be single layer or doubled with a blusher front. To view some of fingertip length veils, please click here.

WALTZ LENGTH

Known as a "Walking Veil," the tulle should end between the calf of the leg and the ankle. The usual length is 54" to 60" and the veil is usually double layer with a shorter blusher worn at the front. This length is very popular in the 1970's during the Victorian Revival period.

CHAPEL LENGTH

A Chapel length veil is meant to just barely skim the floor. This is a tricky veil to individually measure, as it may mean customizing a veil with a pair of scissors to suit the bride’s height. The usual length for chapel length veil is around 75" long. A bride must also account for her heels when trying on a chapel length veil.

CATHEDRAL LENGTH

Cathedral Veils are meant for very formal weddings since its dramatic beauty can be the focal point of attention over the dress. Many Brides choose to embellish a simple floor length dress with a Cathedral Veil to give the impression of a long train. A Cathedral Veil can extend for more than 5 yards if desired, but your best guide is to have the veil extend at least a foot beyond your gown's train. To view some of cathedral length veils, please click here.

MANTILLA VEIL
Inspired by Spanish style lace mantilla, this veil type is gaining popularity amongst brides who want to look traditional in a different way. To view some of cathedral length veils, please click here.

TIP: If your gown is simple, you can choose more intricate your wedding veils. If your wedding gown is already embellished, choose simpler wedding veils.

For more information, go to this website to learn more.

Ms. Pang is a writer for www.AbsoluteWeddingStore.com, a discount wedding store featuring 1200+ wedding items from veils to wedding reception items.

How to Search For Wedding Items That Won't Break The Bank

2007-05-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

So.. after spending $5500 on my wedding dress (perfectly worth it, though, it was a very pretty Reem Acra), I realized that I didn't have that much money for my accessories. After the initial surprise went off, my first thought after getting engaged was that 'I can start shopping for my wedding!!' I must admit that I've been sneaking peeks at Bridal magazines when my fiance (sigh how romantic that word is) and I were hanging out at Borders. Anyway... first thing to buy was the dress, right?

That's what I did. After scouring 5 bridal boutiques, I found 'the one'. It was love at first sight, so detailed and meticulous the work that it was not just a dress.. it was a work of art. I thought... omy God.. I'm gonna be a beautiful bride.

After many thousands coming out of my fiance's pockets ($4000 for photographer package, $20K for reception, $2800 for flowers, etc etc etc) I realized... I haven't got my accessories! I totally forgot about getting a tiara, veil, gloves, shoes... not to mention that I have to also get matching necklace and earrings.

I instantly got cold feet. No, not from marrying Jimmy, but my feet got cold because I dreaded that those so-called accessories might ring a pretty expensive tab.

I did a little research, and found that the average tiara was $200 at the bridal shop. Even the ugly ones were $100 or more. Veil was $200, and that was not the good quality ones! The one I wanted, made of soft tulle, was $300 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Shoes -- forget about Vera Wang or anything like that. I won't spend $500 on shoes that would hurt my feet and nobody would see anyway. Once I got to the accessories counter at Barneys New York, though, my eyes started to water because my wedding budget was spiralling out of control.

How on earth are we going to pay for all this? Do we still enough money to buy the dream townhouse Jimmy and I really want?

I suddenly realize that a wedding day is just a day in our lives. We still have a lot of days together beyond that day; in fact, a wedding day is just the starting point in our lives together. Should we spend all of our financial resources on the first day and go through our lives scraping for food?

No way.

Suddenly my Reem Acra dress didn't look that beautiful to me. However, it was unrefundable. That's okay, I thought. I could always sell it on Ebay and at least got a portion of my money back.

I switched gears fast. I went online and researched. After a week, from extensive resources, I was able to find a tiara, a veil, a pair of bridal shoes for a grand total of $176. Afterwards I got my matching necklace and earrings for less than $100 and pearl earrings as gifts for my mother and mother-in-law for very reasonable prices. We bought wedding favors for only $1.25 each, nicely packaged and tied with pretty chiffon ribbon and wedding decoration candles to create a romantic atmosphere, all from different places.

The wedding was nice. We were happy and not broke. We're able to purchase our little townhouse and actually just moved in :)

Remembering other brides' painstaking effort in finding good quality wedding items with good prices like we did, we launched www.jeanneriche.com, an online wedding resources where brides can shop for wedding veils, bridal tiaras, bridal shoes, bridal jewelry, wedding reception, and ceremony, items, wedding favor, wedding party gifts, and every thing you could think of (except wedding dresses).

Brides could find most things they need in http://www.jeanneriche.com/, making it easier to shop. We purposely sought our items straight from the manufacturers and sell them at very competitive prices. Think of our site as the IKEA of bridal shops. Visit our site and we hope you'd find what you're looking for.