This is Going to Cost You! The Budget

Over the last several years, "big" weddings have become hugely popular for brides and big business for wedding vendors. During this time, a slew of "urban legends for wedding planning" have sprung up. Many brides get caught up in these myths as they seem simple enough and, on the surface, sometimes even logical. Don't be fooled. Dispelling the unfortunately too common fallacies of wedding planning will help you avoid disappointment and disaster. No one ever said planning a wedding was easy.

 MYTH: I know exactly what it takes to pull off a wedding, and I will not go over budget.

TRUTH: There is a good chance you probably will. Many brides "forget" to include some necessary expenses and/or incur additional costs at the last minute. Some brides also "fall in love" with certain items and must have them whether or not they were originally budgeted for. Work with a trusted professional wedding planner to detail out a budget for you based on your needs. Professional planners deal with budgets all of the time and know what costs are involved in a wedding.

As a final precaution, take 5-10% off of your budget total and hold it back for those unexpected expenses - if you need it, it will not push you over the edge, and if you don't you will have some extra cash for the honeymoon (or bank account!).

Happy Planning!

DIY...Tattooed Fruit and Pumpkins

I always am trying to think of new ideas for
weddings, home decor, crafts...life!

When I was asked to do a giveaway
for Silhouette products at 504 Main! 

giveaway--CLOSED

I was thrilled and when I received their Tattoo Paper!

My mind went crazy with ideas.

I wanted to try something new!

{at least I have not seen this before}

Tattooed Fruit and Pumpkins!

You can create your own designs and really do something special and unique!

Amazing Centerpieces

 

Table number, place cards, or just a special detail!

 

How excited am I!!!!

I did all of this WITH SCISSORS AND AN EXACTO KNIFE. 

NO MACHINE NECESSARY to use these cool products!

Here's what you need:

You just need the Silhouette Tattoo Paper and some fruit or a pumpkin.

Now,I discovers that the bumpier the object {like all those ridges on a pumpkin} the trickier it is to get it to stick...but it is just a learning curve...after a try or two...I got it!

The pumpkins were more challenging than the pears because the pears were smoother.
My images are from The Graphics Fairy.

Here's what to do:
Just decide on a design, print it out using your computer and printer, apply the adhesive, cut out - with your scissors, apply to the surface!
DONE and quick!
And these are the easiest to apply tattoos I have ever tried!

I did a tablescape that I will be showing off on Thursday at 504 Main!
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I was supplied with a product bundle from Silhouette to review and try out for this giveaway. Read my disclosure HERE.

Who Are All These People? Wedding Planners and Location Managers

There seems to be a never ending list of myths

when it comes to wedding planning...

well, let's start talking about the reality!

MYTH: I do not need a wedding planner. The location/venue/catering manager will help me.

TRUTH: Simply speaking, a location manager is not the same as a wedding planner. The location manager works for the venue and the wedding planner works for you! The three of you (+ the groom) should work together to ensure your wedding runs smoothly.

That said, it works differently at all locations, so you cannot make assumptions. There are venues where the location managers (sometimes called a catering or site manager) will work closely with you on all details from the moment you book the location until you leave the reception as husband and wife, offering vendors referrals, advice, and suggestions to assist you. Still, some venues work with a more hands-off approach, assisting you with details related to the venue (pricing, menu, times) and nothing more. In many instances, the location manager is onsite for the beginning of your wedding to ensure everything is ready to go but may leave sometime after the reception begins, leaving you in the hands of the banquet captain.

A wedding planner works independently of the venue and is hired by you, to be your advocate. Now, depending on what services you hire a wedding planner for, she can be available to accompany you on appointments, taste menus, assemble invitations, run errands, or to simply manage the wedding day. (Check back later in the week for the skinny on the different types of wedding planning services!)

So, don't get the services and responsibilities of wedding planners and location managers confused. Lastly, don't be surprised...ask questions, specific questions. Be sure you understand the extent of the assistance your location manager offers.

Happy Planning!

P.S. I always recommend the services of a professional wedding planner. 

Happily Ever After Sign

I created this chic sign that can be used at the wedding...how fabulous would it be hanging on a garden gate for the guests to see as they exit, at the end of the aisle, or even as part of the couple's dining table decor...so many possibilities!

The sign could absolutely be customized with the wedding colors, a wedding date or the couple's names too. Oh yeah...I think this sign turned out pretty cute...so why not add different vinyl lettering for any occasion!

Supplies

Click HERE for a full pdf

1 wood board. I used a 6x1 cut to X" long

Design Diva vinyl lettering #1204

Decoart American Acrylic, white

Decoart Enamel, Black

Decoart Stencil Paint, Grey

Cutting Edge Stencil Brush Set

Cutting Edge Wall Art Stencil, Birds on a Branch

Dremel Multi-Max

Rockler Deft Wood Finish Semi-Gloss

DISChangers

Ribbon (optional)

Go check out The DIY Club for the full tutorial.

And visit 504 Main for more DIYing!

Simple Advice: Rehearsal Dinner

I am feeling very nostalgic today - it is my anniversary {you can read all about that craziness HERE}. I was thinking about all that happened before and during and after my wedding. I thought I would share some great advice with you.

Rehearsal Day for many couples. It is a crazy exciting day that is packed with emotions. If you are reading this and you are not yet married, let me tell you, you cannot even imagine the little (and sometimes big) "tiffs" I have seen between bride and groom on rehearsal day.

Why? As a bride (or groom), you have been working and planning to make this day perfect, and as the day approaches you are surrounded by family and friends, attending bridesmaids lunches and rehearsals, attending to all those last minute details...and probably have not seen a whole lot of your fiance...remember him, the man this is all for?

When I was a (crazy) bride, my Matron of Honor gave me the best advice ever - advice I passed on to the many brides I worked with over the years - spend some time with your man! You can make time for the manicurist...make time for the man! Even if all you can swing is driving with your fiance - and only your fiance - to the rehearsal dinner, do it!

Happy Planning!

Do You See This Giveaway? Win One @ 504 Main

GIVEAWAY CLOSED
Did you see this giveaway??????
It is happening right now at 504 Main.

.

These personal stampers are awesome beyond belief!

You have until Wednesday 9/22/10 at 5:00 pm PST to enter to win one!

Here's what you get:

You win the stamper body and one personalized stamp. The great - no amazingly fun thing - is that you can then purchase other stamps, to use on the stamper because PSA Essentials has cool peel and stick technology.

Go visit this {POST} to enter
 THIS GIVEAWAY IS BEING HELD AT 504 MAIN

The winner will be selected on Wednesday,

September 22 at 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.

I will randomly select a winner by pulling names out of a hat.

Winner will be announced on Thursday, 9/23 on 504 Main.

Good luck!

***COMMENTS OFF***

DISCLAIMER:

I am not good at the legal speak, but I am responsible for this stamp giveaway myself. The company did not and is not providing me with a sample or with the prize.
GIVEAWAY CLOSED 

Faux Vintage Crate

I originally posted this over at 504 Main, but just had to share!

Can't you just imagine this holding

your programs, favors, wine bottles?

Add your name, wedding date, location, etc. on these crates for custom decor!
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I love old crates. I dream of them. I search for them...

I cannot find a single one in my area!

I am taking matters into my own hands NOW!

I have the skills. I have the supplies. I am making my own!

SUPPLIES

CLICK {HERE} FOR A PDF

1. 3 - 1" x 4" boards cut as follows: 5 cut at 11", 2 cut at 11.5"

2. Gorilla Wood Glue

3. Gorilla Tape

4. Dremel Mulit-Max (Sander option)

5. Decoart acrylic paint in Burnt Umber.

6. Decoart glazing medium 

7. Handful of Nails

8. Hammer

9. Wood Stain and/or Paint I used a medium color stain 

10. Rockler sponge brushed.

11. Upholstery Tacks (for decoration, optional)

12. Preferred decoration**

DIY It!

1. Cut Boards ( 5 cut at 11", 2 cut at 11.5"). The two longer pieces are the front and back of the crate.

2. Bottom of crate: Take 3 cut pieces and run Gorilla Wood Glue along the edges. Make the bottom of the crate by pushing these together. Tape them with some Gorilla Tape to keep them tight while they dry.

3. Make the perimeter of the crate. Add Gorilla Wood Glue to the corners of the remaining cut pieces. Use Gorilla Tape to hold the four corners together. I actually formed the box around the base from the above step made it really easy to keep is all squared up and easy to see where the 2 longer pieces fit in.

4. Let dry completely.

5. Remove Gorilla Tape.

6. I hit in some nails to give it the hand made look and for character. I did 3 nails on the front and back and 1 for each base board. And I did one on each side.

7. Using my Dremel Multi-Max with the Sander, I sanded all over the box. I really wanted to take off the edges but also make certain areas appear more rounded and worn.

8. Wipe crate clean and apply wood stain. Let Dry.

9. Mix Glazing Medium with Water and Burnt Umber acrylic paint as per directions on bottle.

10. Apply glaze to entire crate and wipe off excess.

11. Come back in with a darker paint {Burnt Umber} and using a DRY brush hit the corners, edges, etc. to give some character. Think about where the crate would be worn.

12. Add some upholstery tacks for decoration (optional)
13. Add decor. 

Transfer IT!**

My preferred decor for the box was the French word for Marriage "Le Mariage" {since I was a wedding planner and still love weddings, it seemed apropos}.

Supplies

Image or wording

Transfer Paper

Iron

Directions

I simply printed it out using a French Script font on my computer onto T-shirt Transfer Paper. I think this would be fun with the couple name and wedding date on the other sides. Iron on decor - this take more time than when using this on a T-shirt or cloth item. They can easily be painted! I will be trying the waterslide decal method next time!

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I L-O-V-E-D this project.

So, expect to see some variations!

I am already working on a bigger rolling version! 

Did you know the DIY Club September Party

is happening right now and open until9/16...

there is plenty of time to create a project...

$500+ in prizes are up for grabs!

DISCLOSURE: As part of the DIY Club, I have been supplied with vendor sponsored products to complete my projects. The opinions are projects are my own. See, my disclosure policy for more information.