For less than $250 dollars we got; 1 bridal bouquet, 2 bridesmaids bouquets, 2 corsages, and 4 Attendant boutonnieres!

Most wedding coordinators and bridal planning guides suggest that couples set aside between eight and ten percent of their total wedding budget to cover floral expenses. Depending on a couple’s budget, this may mean wedding flowers cost between $400 and $5,000, but the costs for specific types of flowers can vary widely based on several different factors.

Costs for Specific Wedding Flowers
General figures for wedding flower expenses, on average, include:

•Bride’s bouquet: $50-200
•Bridesmaids’ bouquets (each): $20-50
•Corsages and boutonnieres (each): $8-30
•Head wreaths
 and floral hair pins (each): $15-40
•Toss bouquet for the reception: $20-50
•Church altar flowers (each arrangement): $50-75 or higher
•Pew flowers (each): $10-40
•Reception centerpieces (each arrangement): $40-150
•Flower girl bouquet or petals: $20-35
•Floral cake topper: $30-100
 
Exotic colors can be expensive. In addition to these popular wedding flower arrangements, many couples also opt for more specialized flowers such as a wreath for the church or reception hall door, flowers to decorate a wedding arch, cake table accents, petals or floral urns to decorate the exterior of the church or reception venue, special flowers for the interior or exterior of the limousine, a small arrangement on the guest book table, and even a lovely arrangement for the restrooms at the reception.

There are many different ways to save money on flowers. Some ideas are:

• Less is more. Simple designs cut down on the cost of flowers, and is currently very trendy. Opt for a bouquet of fresh flowers tied together with a ribbon at the steams.
• Fresh flowers for wedding party only. Use vintage pins or cloth flowers to make unique centerpieces or accent decoration. For our wedding reception centerpieces we used feathers instead of flowers.
• Toss the bouquet. Literally use the bridal bouquet as the toss bouquet. Not having to have a ‘throw-away’ flower arrangement will save you money.
• Stay in season. Exotic flowers or selections that aren’t in bloom will cost your wallet. Choose fall flowers for weddings in October and likewise for the other seasons.

Saving money on our flowers gave us extra money to build a photo booth and even start our own business as newlyweds. But we were worried that ‘you get what you pay for’ as any couple typically is. I called Costco a couple of times before the delivery of the flowers to verify that they were not going to be wilted or of poor quality because they were being shipped to our house 4 days prior to our wedding.

Much to my surprise the flowers arrived and were just as promised. I followed the instructional CD to store the flowers in the proper temperature and add water as instructed. Our wedding came 4 days later and all of our party commented on how beautiful the flowers were, and the excellent quality.

My step-father even wrote:

“ I put my corsage (flower) after a week in my suitcase in water and by window and its peaking in bloom today . week and a half later. Its awesome ….”

Just goes to show, that you don’t have to pay a lot to get a lot.

At a recent bridal fair we visited 3 vendors offering photo booth services. Each one boasted how a photo booth at a wedding even can engage your guest, create photo memories and even promotes comaderadery amongst those waiting in line or squished into the booth during a photo. Everyone said that no matter what package you end up choosing that photo booths provide a good value for the experience.

Adding a photo booth to your event can increase the photography budget – somewhere in the ballpark of $500 for a few hours to $1500 for a full day service. But we thought while spending money on a photo booth might be breaking the bank, you can save money by skipping on the table cameras for candid snap-shots, and pair down photography services for the reception as most of your guest will give you a strip of photos for fun. When discussing the photo package with a photo vendor try to understand if it is a complete package or a base with add-on options:

• Is set-up and tear-down included in the cost and time allotment of rental
• Is double strip prints included (do your guest get a keepsake and you get a copy for a guest book)
• Is there a charge for providing your own guestbook or can you purchase one through the vendor
• Is there a delivery charge or distance charge
• Is there an extra hour fee for overage time
• Is there an attendant on-site and will they match personality-wise with your guest
• How big is the booth
• How many prints do you get, and are they archival
• What is the quality of the prints and are they available online
• Are props included or can you add them

After getting all your questions answered, try to assess if their booking schedule is available for the date you have selected for your event. With the growing popularity of photo booths, often reservations are booked early and you may find yourself with the perfect feature of your event but without the date you want.

If budget is a challange for you in preventing you from renting a photo booth, contact the vendor and explain your situation and ask for any promotional rates or reduced time packages to fit it into your perfect event.

Check out this local vendor for Utah Photo Booth Rental: Vintage Photo Booth Rental in Utah

Week 3 In Review

This week was a challenge to say the least when we found out the groom was called out of town on a two-week business trip. Between preparing his bags and getting groceries in the house, our well thought out plan has become a survival challenge.

We have been tracking our food intake using the mobile application for iPhone by WeightWatchers. Keeping track of everything that goes into your mouth is eye opening. Often times we say, “oh I don’t really eat that much when I am at work” but then one quick glance at my food diary reveals that I consume the majority of my calories for the day during one meal – lunch.

Trying to create a plan for while away on a trip (business or pleasure) is like trying to figure out why e=mc2. Good luck. But as luck would have it, the groom watched a fascinating series by the BBC on the flight over on 10 Things You Need to Know to Lose Weight.

Here they are:

1. Be more active. Yes the more you move the more calories you will burn. The more you burn, the less that stay on your body. Think you don’t have time? Why not do squats while talking on the phone at home? Take the stairs from the parking lot to your office – twice a day! Park in the furthest stall from the shopping store/center.
2. Take advantage if the “after burn” of exercise. Do you know that you only burn 1/4 of the fat during exercise and the remaining 3/4 during the next 18 hours? This is a great reason to feel good not only during your aerobic workout but know that even while you sleep your body is still working to lose weight.
3. High calcium dairy product helps to excrete fat.  This was new to me but with low-fat dairy products in your diet you will actually lose more weight then the same calorie diet that does not include these items. How does it work? Science has found that calcium intake increases the excretion of fat in feces. Nice, huh? But basically the calcium makes sure that less fat will be absorbed during digestion and instead you send it on it’s way. Better out of my body than residing on my hips.
4. Variety may be good for diversity but not good for our diet.You will most likely overeat at buffet restaurants by 30% just simply because you have more choices. It seems that our minds are hardwired to like choices and will try to sample it all, just because it is there. So say “no” to buffets or menus with sample choices, and instead opt. for a healthy full meal instead.
5. Eat healthy soup. Soup diets work and it is because the stomach feels fuller longer. We aren’t suggesting to eat only soup, but the study has shown that it will stay with you as much as one and a half hours longer and reduce your feeling of hunger.
6. More lean protein. It has been shown that lean proteins causes more PPY (digestive hormone that tells our brain we are full) to be produced therefore feeling more satisfied and hunger pains are controlled. Adding protein to your breakfast gives you a longer full feeling for the day.
7. Count your calorie intake.Using any method that is easy for you, record every piece of food that you eat during the day. The information you will gain is power over controlling your weight. Once you know how many calories you are consuming you will know how many you must burn to lose weight.
8. Don’t blame your metabolism. Most people do have a normal metabolism, it is just our excuses that are out of whack. We all like to blame something for why we can’t shed that 5 pounds, but expending energy blaming something chemical is just a waste of time that could be better spent being active, counting calories and losing weight.
9. Use smaller plates.We have been super sized in every way possible. Time to take some control back, and a very easy solution to controlling portions is to just use smaller plates. It is a visual thing and yes if you piled your food 6 inches high it would accomplish nothing, but the idea is to get fuller on a portion that is size appropriate for your body. Studies found that Americans eat typically 50% more than Europeans simply because our plates are 11-inches and the average European plate is 9-inches.
10. Don’t skip meals. You have heard it before and you know you should eat breakfast, but our brains are actually wired to alert us to EAT if we think we are hungry. So, don’t fool yourself into thinking you can save a few calories by skipping a meal. Eat regular meals to keep those basic instincts under control.

Bride to be says:

• Weight loss this week was 0 lbs (gained 0.3 lbs)
• Statistically most people gain on average 7 lbs on the mid-section per year from the time between Halloween to Christmas. I want to lose weight – which will be difficult. I am not taking this small gain as a set-back, but rather motivation to get focused for the upcoming holidays and lose that 1-2 lbs. per week that is my goal.

Groom to be says:

• Weight loss this week .5 lbs
• Traveling and eating out in a foreign place is going to be difficult. I have to try and walk as much as possible, and select healthy options while I am here.

Mother of the bride to be says:

• I am recording what I eat, and it is a great start for losing weight.

Gerald Ford met Elizabeth Bloomer Warren while practicing law in Grand Rapids, Mich., after World War II. They were married on Oct. 15, 1948, just before his election to Congress.

Year: 1948
Who: former President Gerald R. Ford and former first-lady Betty Bloomer Ford

A $50 wedding dress and muddy boots with a dark suit, the couple got married in Grand Rapids, Michigan during a campaign rally. Gerald even had to leave the rehersal dinner to go make a campaign speech and the day after the wedding they attended a political rally, went to a University of Michigan football game, and heard Thomas Dewey give a speech. For 58 years, they were a couple whose love story was the bedrock of their lives.

Create a vintage inspired wedding for not much more than it cost back in the 40′s. 

Dress: Stop Staring 40′s Style Dress by Unique-Vintage
Cost:  $138

Hat: Katherin Hepburn by BoringSidney on Etsy
Cost: $150

Shoes: Nine West Annaca at Zappos
Cost: $79

If you don’t want to show up in all black, try adding a splash of color to the look for a complete retro flair. Also you could find white versions of the same outfit by shopping at Unique-Vintage.com .

You don’t have to wear white just because it is what is on sale in the bridal store. Wearing white didn’t become fashionable until 1840 when Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe-Coburg. The white choice was to incorporate some lace the Queen had owned, and when the portraits from her wedding were published many brides chose to wear white as well to honor the Queen.

The tradition of white continues today and many believe it to be the color of virginity, however, that is untrue as it was blue that was connected to purity. In the 19th century Finland made it very fashionable to wear black to one’s own wedding and broke the taboo of a bride in red (which was connected to prostitution) or the color of mourning, which was black.

Today, many dresses are colored red, the traditional color of good luck and auspiciousness believed by cultures in China, India and Vietnam. Couture fashion designers are creating their most elegant dresses in a pure red to meet the rising demand for these colored gowns.

It’s easy to win. Just send the Wedding Vixen your story in 1000 words or less of why you should win free wedding planning services. You will be entered to win one of her top three wedding planning packages for free.

What is wedding planning?

Sometimes known as a wedding coordinator, bridal consultant or BFF for a wedding. A wedding planner will assist the bride/groom in all aspects of planning the event. They can give you ideas on themes, colors, decorations, venues and even help select music for your reception. Many wedding planners have their own company, like the Wedding Vixen, and some even have staff to help you plan every detail of your big event.

Choosing a Wedding Planner

1. Some planners offer “free” service but receive commisions from the wedding vendors they book for the bride and groom. This type of service often results in higher vendor cost to compensate for the planner fees, and you are limited to the vendors the coordinator works with.
2. Another payment plan is a percentage fee. Wedding consultants can charge 15-20% of the total wedding budget for their services. If you select this type of payment structure be sure to add in the cost of service to your overall budget.
3. Lastly, there are some planners that offer a flat rate fee or set price amount in packages for their services.  Like the Wedding Vixen, these planners tell the bride and groom what services they offer for exactly one set fee. Be sure to meet with your coordinator prior to signing any agreements so that you have a clear understanding of what is and is not included in the set price so that you do not have any unplanned surprises on your wedding day.

With any service you will find wedding planners that offer variations of the above fee structures which might include a set price for a package with a fee based structure for add-ons that you may want.

Generally speaking of you are planning for a large wedding with a budget around the national average of $27,000 then you will do better with a percentage fee package.  With most flat fee packages you are limited to hours and services offered. With a large wedding you will want flexibility of hours your planner will attend to your event, and options for services that meet your requirements for your function.

If you are having a smaller wedding or are on a tight budget then go with a flat fee package option.  You will be able to know exactly what services you will receive and can closely manage your cost associated with the package you select.

In any case, wedding planners can help to take away the stress that often accompanies planning a wedding. They will attend to the details and coordination of wedding vendor services and delivery. They will be your voice of reason during the chaos that often occurs during the moments leading up to the actual event.  They will be the solid piece in making sure it all comes together beautifully, making your special day just perfect.

Week 2 in review

Hello, gym. It has been so long since we last spent time together. Oh look at how you have redecorated, and I like the energy you have going here. I guess I should get going.  It has been nice talking to you.

Does this remind you of a recent conversation between you and exercise? Are you like us that at one time you used to be intimately familiar with the gym, or an aerobic schedule, and now it seems like a long lost friend that you have just reconnected with on Facebook?  Well we did, and yet there stands that looming 52 week body makeover goal of ours.

I did the math, and apparently the calories I consume in a day do not just magically work themselves off my body by sheer will. So I dusted off the old gym bag, and packed it with my get moving clothes and headed to the gym. Oh but the best part is that the groom was with me.  We are on this journey together through sweat, and yea gross sweat – we are in love.

In the past we have both had gym memberships to Gold’s Gym here in Salt Lake City. We mostly enjoyed the spin classes and he played raquet ball during lunch breaks with friends. However, we recently adjusted our budget and found that we could join our community recreation center for a fraction of the price and still enjoy all the same classes and machines of our gym. Many communities are building really nice rec centers that may surprise you on what they offer at an affordable price.

We went the first week or so and just did machines with the usual rotation between cardio and weight lifting. After a few sore days we figured out two things:

1. It really hurts to move your body when it is used to sitting all day
2. It takes a lot of said movement to burn off one little bite size candy bar

To make it a bit more easy for us to get the most out of our time at the gym, we once again went to our good pal the iPhone and searched for a trainer application that would track our efforts and give us workouts that would get the most calories burned during our 1 hour session.  We have been using THI Personal Trainer. It has over 120 exercises it comes loaded with pre-made work outs and the ability to create your own custom workouts and exercises. Plus the logging, graphing and videos make this app a steal for 99 cents.

WOW, what a difference a small application can make in your workout. With just an exercise ball, dumb bell weights and a cardio workout we were really working out. Sweat dripping, and cardio moving activities burned more calories in our short 45 minutes than we had done all week on our own. Working with the WeightWatchers system we earned ACTIVITY points that we could exchange for a bonus glass of wine to celebrate.

I highly suggest some structured workout program that keeps you moving even when you are ready to be done. Something about being able to “complete” the workout is not only mentally satisfying but gets you closer to toned and sexy for the big wedding day.

The results are in, and we are reporting out.

Bride to be says:

• Weight loss this week was .5 lbs
• I have figured out how to have the 1-2 glasses of wine I enjoy with my dinner by working out for at least 30 minutes and then it all feels like a true ‘reward’ for my hard work.

Groom to be says:

• Weight loss this week 2 lbs
• I feel like my appetite is decreasing a bit and seems to be more manageable than when we first started

Mother of the bride to be says:

• I got on the recombinant bike this week, and it was a good introduction back into regular exercise for me.

So what is a trunk show?  To begin with it is a showing of designer’s merchandise to entice buyers to make a purchase of a particular item that day. It started by designers bringing select clothing to a boutique to engage shoppers to view items in the trunk and buy on special from the maker of the design.

Today’s bridal trunk shows are more about seeing the latest line of gowns from a designer and being able to get custom dresses or same-day sale price that can often be hundreds under the retail price. Attending a trunk show can be a fun event where you can spend the day trying on couture fashion and enjoying a lively atmosphere at a bridal boutique. Often times boutiques have lots of brides-to-be trying on dresses during a trunk show event, so call ahead and schedule an appointment to secure a chance at seeing a designer gown on.  Also many times designers will bring dresses in only a few sizes, ranging from 2-10 so if you are a particular size be sure to state so when scheduling an appointment.

Want to save 10% off of a Maggie Sottero wedding gown? Attend the trunk show at Fantasy Bridal, October 19th-24th, during designer week. An authorized retail representative will be available during the show to answer any questions you have about a particular gown or the Maggie Sottero line.

Head up to Park City for the Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses trunk show, and see Jenny Yoo’s entire collection for bridesmaids. Make a day of it with your wedding party by including a brunch in Park City and a unique photo shoot for your bridesmaids.

Enjoy finding the perfect dress for your wedding day.

Last week was a crazy week to start a diet, or lifestyle change with the schedule we had.  I, the bride-to-be, was launching a new product at my job and working a 16-hour shift some days (and nights) during the week. The groom-to-be was trying to taxi the children to all the weekly scheduled activities while working long hours at his job. The Mother of the bride-to-be was just re-assigned job duties at her work and dealing with additional responsibilities and schedules.

Busy? Indeed.  But we committed to getting healthy and so on Monday we received an announcement that WeightWatchers had launched a mobile application and was now available for the iPhone.

We are all iPhone owners and this seemed like the perfect solution for those of us on a busy schedule. You can easily add your food to the tracker and see the points you have consumed at the touch of a button. This is great!

The groom was able to sign up on the plan (you need the online plan to use the full application for tracking) and within 5 minutes he had set his target goal, got his recommended point allotment and was already using the calculator to find point values for his favorite meals. I had an existing online account with WeightWatchers so I was able to quickly download the free application, sign into my account and add my current information.  My Mother is a lifetime member and therefore receives the benefits of the WeightWatchers plan for free by attending local meetings.

By having the WeightWatchers application easily available on our phones we got instant feedback on our food choices and the results of our existing eating habits. Old math never fails; you must burn more calories then you consume. The simplicity in that formula seems to leave me when I see a treat on the counter, or need a quick fast food dinner while I am on the go.  However, my “chubby” body tells me that no matter how I try to re-think it, the simple truth is:

Nothing taste as good as thin (or healthy) feels

So we have the new WW application on our iPhone and off to Moab, Utah we go.  This weekend is approximately 1 year to the date we get married. So we traveled to our destination wedding location to reserve the ceremony and reception venues. We also stayed in the hotel we want to reserve for our wedding group.

Challenge: To stay within points during a weekend vacation.

Solution:

• Research resturants and menus PRIOR to eating out.
• Record everything you eat (easy to do with WW mobile app), even if it breaks your balance for the day
• Reflect on how to make better choices the next day, and do it.

The results are in, and we are reporting out.

Bride to be says:

• Weight loss this week was .5 lbs
• Energy was UP and I even climbed to Delicate Arch in Moab
• Overall I found that I consume A LOT more calories than I thought.  Recording everything that goes into my mouth was a real eye opener. I feel good that even though this was a crazy busy week for me and a vacation I still saw the scale inch downwards. LOVE the iPhone app, it makes it easy for me to follow the plan.

Groom to be says:

• Weight loss this week 4 lbs
• Overall more energy and I got a workout application on my iPhone for days at the gym
• Thoughts on this last week: Low point: 2 pop tars = 8 points
  High point: Groggs Big-Ass Cajun mushroom burger was worth every dripping lick of 20 points.

Mother of the bride to be says:

• The biggest ah-ha was: Write down points.  I just did thanks to this reminder.  I MUST exercise!  Gotta do that.  I need to have more of a menu plan.

Next: Week 2 in Review – A Wedding Workout

Bridesmaid Dresses and Gowns

It isn’t 1983 and you don’t have to dress your bridesmaids in puffy sleeves and satin hot pink gowns. This is your wedding and you get to select dresses that will look beautiful on your day and please your wedding party as well.

1. Give them as much notice as possible.  As soon as you know a wedding date, work next on selecting your wedding party.  They will want to have as much time for getting ready for your event as you do.  Your maid of honor will help you plan and put together the wedding, and you will NEED her assistance.
2. Ask your bridesmaid about style and preferences. By selecting a gown that they can get multiple uses out of, you will have much more enthusiasm from your party on picking a gown that works for everyone. Be sure to voice your desires for look and style, remember, this is YOUR wedding.
3. Plan a day to go try on dresses for the wedding party. Set up a morning brunch where you meet and have a girls day of pampering and fun. Make this process an event to look forward to. You can send invites to a girls party where you will start the day with pedicures, then try on dresses and end it with dinner and cocktails. Be sure to schedule all appointments ahead of time with the vendors.
4. After selecting gowns that are flattering and fun, pick out accessories like shoes, handbags and hair pins if needed. This way you will know that the look is exactly what you want from head to toe.
5. As a bonus surprise to your wedding party, schedule a photo shoot with your photographer that will just feature your bridesmaid.  This is similar to your bridals but can be a bit more creative and gives your party a rehearsal practice for the big day. Your party will love having a photo shoot of them and they will get a few uses of the dress.

Bridesmaid gowns do not have to break the bank.  We purchased the dresses featured in the photo for this article from David’s Bridal who was having a special occasion sale and paid just $50 each! The photography was done by Bliss Media in Salt Lake City at a unique location by the Great Salt Lake near Saltair. It was a fun and creative way to feature the bridesmaids and dresses for a wedding event.

Bridesmaid Dress Etiquette

• It is the bride’s privilege to select the color and type of fabric of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
• It is traditional for bridesmaids to pay for their own attire, including accessories.

Bridesmaid Task

• If the bride asks about helping her with ideas on where to have the wedding, help her with scouting around and going to the different places. It may be a great idea to drive so she can focus on each location.
• Make sure to pick up your bridesmaid dress in a “reasonable” amount of time in case of additional fittings.
• Help the bride in the seating arrangement. This can be a very difficult process with the more people coming to the wedding. Many times it makes it easier to draw out the tables and move people around until you have a close to perfect fit. Note: It is very helpful to bring this drawing to the wedding just in case there are any mix-ups, you will save the day!
• Help Plan the Bridal Shower with the Maid of Honor as well as the Bachelorette Party!

This hemp dress by RGD is not only sexy and unique, but made of completely environmentally friendly material and processes. We love it!

The style, material and the fact that it uses Peace silk for the gold ruffle. Peace” silk means that the life cycle of the silk producing caterpillar is allowed to naturally fulfill itself.

Purchasing a dress that is earth-friendly goes towards creating the beautiful look for your special day and having a long-lasting impact on a much more global way for positive change in both environmental causes and good labor practices.

Purchase eco-friendly bridesmaid’s dresses for your wedding party, they will thank you and the earth will appreciate your attention to doing the right thing. Rene Geneva Designs creates bridesmaids dresses that are cutting-edge in fashion and right for the cause.  She is also supportive of women’s rights in critical places where she teaches fair trade for sewing skills in places like Central Nicaragua and has the support of the Whole Planet Foundation and Pro Mujer.

Complete the entire look with a unique wedding corset to set you apart from tradition and make a lasting impression on your guest without making a lasting impression on the earth.

Being green doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice fashion or a unique look.  Just means researching the provider to insure they are using environmentally friendly products and practices.  We are in love with the line by Rene Geneva Design and hope to be featuring the gown at our wedding.