Brilliant Tips to Save Cash on Your Weddings, from Cakes to Pearl Earrings

Re-capturing that fairy tale vision that many brides -to be-have is even harder these days because of the tough economic conditions. But the dreams that brides have had since childhood do not need to be a shattered. Weddings are undoubtedly expensive but here's how you can stay in budget.

Firstly, something positive. You are in a brilliant position to negotiate. Many venues will be finding it hard to book out their facilities at the moment so negotiating the price down should be easy. Work out the lowest acceptable price you are willing to pay and the highest price you can afford. When you are offered the price by the venue, don't be afraid to decline it until the price has come down to your acceptable level.

Always, have in mind an alternative venue should the price still not be agreeable. Remember, that you might be able supply your own wine or ask the hotels to throw in free balloons.

Don't forget you can negotiate too on flowers, wedding car etc. If your budget won't stretch to a venue, consider hiring a village hall where you can arrange the catering yourselves. You don't necessarily need outside contractors as dishes like like oven-roasted salmon or oven-fried chicken, roasted vegetables are ideal for a large number of guests.

The traditional tiered -wedding cake can be another area to be cut back on. Have you considered dense chocolate mouse, along with after-dinner pours of a liquor for instance? How about asking your mum to make the cake, the decoration could be left to the professionals.

As for the wedding dress itself, look round charity shops or online to see if you can find a second-hand dress. This really will make buying a dress exceptional value. To set the dress off, invest in some good quality pearl earrings. Pearl earrings can be worn with any item and can be passed down the generations. They are one of the few fashion accessories which have the ability to span the decades and fashion trends. You can save money on pearl earrings by looking to see how 'pure' the pearl is. The more blemishes, the cheaper price of the pearl will be. And on your big day, who will notice the quality of your pearl, not even your new husband.

Which Wedding Jewelry Pieces Should You Wear?

As a bride, you want the elements of your wedding ensemble to complement and enhance your natural beauty, not compete for attention. That is why most experts recommend wearing simple wedding jewelry sets. What should your jewelry ensemble consist of? That depends on your hair and dress. Here are some tips to help you pull it all together.
Earrings
Keep your dress and hairstyle in mind when you choose earrings. Chandelier or dangly earrings can look wonderful with an up do, but can become tangled if you wear your hair down. If your dress is elaborate, keep the earrings simple. Popular choices for a formal wedding include pearl studs, diamonds, and crystal solitaire earrings.
Hair Jewelry
Tiaras, hairpins, combs, and decorated headbands can all add interest and glamour to your wedding hair. If you choose an eye-catching piece, such as a crown-like tiara, let this be the central element in your jewelry ensemble. A subtle piece, like a pearl comb, can complement more elaborate jewelry.
Back jewelry
You can enhance the look of a backless or low-cut gown by wearing a back drop, backwards strands of opera-length pearls, or lariat. This also adds more interest for the guests during the ceremony.
Necklace or pearls
The necklace can be bold (to complement a simple wedding dress) or delicate (to balance the look of an elaborate gown). If your gown has an interesting neckline, you may want to go without. Keep in mind that different lengths work best with different necklines. Generally, leave a gap between the neckline and necklace. Alternately, you can wear long pearls or a necklace below the neckline if your dress is unadorned.
Wrist wear
Unless your dress is strapless, the general rule is to keep hands and wrists unadorned (except for the wedding ring set, of course). Or, wear a delicate bracelet as an accent piece. Too much "going on" around your wrists or hands will distract attention away from you and the gown, and fragment the look. The strapless gown is the exception. A cuff or other substantial bracelet can enhance bared shoulders and arms.

Tips for Finding Cheap Wedding Jewelry

If you are like most brides you have unplanned wedding expenses and must somehow reduce the budget. Fortunately, you can find a variety of wedding jewelry for less than you thought possible. Here are eight tips for doing so:

1. Buy replicas. From a distance and to the undiscerning eye, cubic zirconia and crystal are indistinguishable from real stones. If you have fallen in love with a piece of fine jewelry you cannot afford, a similar piece made with these less expensive materials can look exquisite.

2. Opt for silver or gold-plated jewelry instead of solid gold or platinum. To a casual observer, the difference in quality is not obvious. Also, silver is perennially in style.

3. Consider inexpensive pearls (freshwater cultured pearls are generally cheaper than other types). Or, buy pearl-shaped crystals.

4. Ask for a discount if you plan to buy several pieces. Also, it cannot hurt to make an offer on a piece. Designers, online stores, and other independents have some latitude when pricing their goods.

5. Buy on eBay. There is always a wide variety of inexpensive pieces available through auction or eBay stores. Inventory changes constantly, so return often if you do not find the right piece on your first visit.

6. Rent jewelry for your wedding. If you must have fine jewelry but cannot afford it, rent pieces for the ceremony and reception.

7. Make your own jewelry. You will enjoy the added benefit of complete customization. Craft stores like Ben Franklin and Hobby Lobby have aisles dedicated to jewelry-making supplies. You can also purchase supplies on eBay.

8. Consider borrowing. Wearing a piece from Mom, Aunt Ellen, or a special friend can add sentimental value to the wedding while doing wonders for a strained budget.

There you have it! Eight ways to ease budget strain and still wear the perfect jewelry ensemble on your big day.

The Wedding Guest Attire Guide

The dress of the bride will draw the attention of everyone, but the wedding guest attire will also be important. At such events it is best to be well informed about what to wear and what to avoid, in order to be able to mingle in and feel good at this celebration party. When deciding on your wedding garments, you should be fully informed on where and when the event will take place. The level of formality is also important when choosing the wedding guest attire. All these are essential things to consider as you need to be appropriately dressed. Women and the wedding clothes

Women pay a lot of attention on the wedding guest attire and they always want to be in style and suitable to the occasion. Consequently, here are some indications for them. For day weddings, a suit or a short dress is what you need to get a hold of. For evening weddings, a cocktail dress is perfect. Long dresses are in for evening and night weddings. These may be adorned with beads and glittery jewelry. The color of your dress should be according to your taste and preferences. However, avoid white, as the white is the color of the bride at this event. Dark colors should be avoided during day and may be great for evening and night. Be decent when choosing the wedding guest attire, as you might offend people at the wedding with see through or if you show too much skin.

Men and wedding guest attire

Even if men do not care too much about what they wear there are certain codes which must be kept when going to a wedding. For day weddings suits are recommended. For late afternoon weddings, suits are also suggested, and this time they may be in darker colors. If you are invited to an ultra formal wedding, the ties must be worn plus a vest and a fancy suit. A tuxedo is not exactly a hot item during day time weddings; it’s too much for wedding guest attire. You are allowed to wear it at an evening event. However, the simplest attire is a black suit, and this will be suitable in any possible case. Wear a black suit and you will be chic and trendy.

Should I wear this?

These brief guide lines in wedding guest attire are essential. If you wear decent and recommended clothes, you will be safe and feel good and it is like a sign of respect to your hosts and the other guests. Last but not least, the wedding guest attire should be comfortable as you will have to dance and have a good time when such a joyful event occurs.