Poll: Real Wedding Budget

There seems to be some controversy over what the average couple really spends on their wedding. Are a few high-end weddings skewing the data? Are brides under reporting what was really spent?

For the purposes of our poll (see sidebar), please include:

Accessories - cake knife, flutes, guest book, etc.
Attire
Beauty
Cake
Calligrapher
Ceremony
Dance Lessons
Decor
Favors
Flowers
Gifts
Stationery (invitations, save the date, thank you)
Postage
Reception/Catering (inc. rentals)
Photography and Video
Ceremony and Reception Music
Transportation

Take our poll (sidebar) and leave us a comment with your thoughts on wedding costs.

Thanks!

Designer Guest Towels

When you're thinking about your wedding details, don't forget the powder rooms. In addition to amenity baskets and/or an attendant, add monogrammed guest towels. It's a nice finishing touch!

All these designs from To Bee Named may be personalized with your monogram!



from American Stationery:


I love the understated look of blind embossing - an option from most printers. You can also purchase your own embosser, like I did, and emboss your towels, letterhead, and everything!

I am thankful for...

...my faith, my family, freedom, great friends, good health, and my wonderful clients who allow me to do what I love!

image: Flickr

Bridal Capes and Capelets

Having a winter wedding? Want to cover up and still be beautiful? Try these from Vladana on Etsy:




From Princess Bride Tiaras


From Luxe


From ErinaWang

Bonzie!

I was intrigued by the custom-made collar that I saw over on The Brides Cafe. I tracked down the designer on Etsy and fell in love. Aquaint yourself with the vintage inspired beauty that is Bonzie!


Couture Neck Adornment - for the stylish bride!




Ethereal Light Baroque Wrap - Very romantic, and a perfect cover up for the church or as the designer says "adding a bit of couture to a plain and simple dress".




A Haunted Bloom Corsage - This would be great for the Mother of the Bride or everyday on your favorite jacket or coat!

I kinda fancy the Vaudeville Inspired Wrap.

But this Velvet Couture Bubble Scarf - LOVED it, BOUGHT it!

Autumn themed drinks!

Looking for the perfect drink for your fall wedding? Try these:

Caramel Apple Martini (azcentral.com)

Ingredients:

Caramel sundae syrup
1 ounce apple-flavored vodka
1 ounce Sour Apple Pucker schnapps
1 ounce butterscotch schnapps
Slice of Granny Smith apple for garnish

Drizzle a swirl of caramel in empty martini glass. Pour liquors into a shaker over ice and mix. Strain into glass. Garnish with thin slice of apple.
Makes 1 drink.

Cranberry Apple Cider (allrecipes.com)

Ingredients:

4 cups water
4 cups apple juice
1 (12 ounce) can frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 medium apple - peeled, cored and diced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned
1 cinnamon stick

In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or until cider reaches desired temperature. Discard cinnamon stick. If desired, remove fruit with a slotted spoon before serving.

Maple Egg Nog (barnonedrinks.com)

4 cups prepared Egg Nog

1/2 cup Maple Syrup

Stir in a pitcher and chill. Stir again before serving and garnish with nutmeg.

Invite the wedding party over for a tasting!

Enjoy,

Amanda & Kevin

Amanda and Kevin are married! The ceremony took place at their church in Virginia Beach, VA.

all images: by Sam Hughes Photography

Amanda arrived by horse and carriage and the couple departed the same way!

Their wedding reception followed at Cavalier Golf & Yacht on a perfect autumn day!

I love these images of Amanda - so regal and pretty.


Amanda is a doctor, she delivers babies for the US NAVY! She and Kevin cut the cake with her beautiful sword - a gift from her adorable father!


But it is not all about the bride. Kevin is awesome! With Amanda's busy schedule, he did a LOT - and with a smile! He designed the ice sculpture, a double luge with monogram. It served the caramel apple and pumpkin spice martinis in the cutout opening - sweet!



In keeping with the fall 'theme' apples, displayed on the piano, made lovely place card holders.

The wedding was held the day after Halloween so the candy buffet was the perfect treat for all the big kids!


It was a really fun night. There were heartfelt toasts, lots of dancing, and sparklers when the couple made their exit by boat!

Stephanie and I enjoyed the year of planning with this couple and meeting their families and friends. We will miss them and wish them all the best.

Veronica & Craig!

Veronica and Craig's wedding at Aqua on the Eastern Shore of Virginia was idyllic!

Everyone who has ever met Veronica loves her - including mother nature. It stormed for two days, but cleared up for a few hours for the ceremony and cocktail hour under the tent. Here is a preview (non-pro photos) but check back for images from the amazing Eleise Theuer!

Veronica had a clear picture of the feeling she wanted for her wedding. Check out her inspiration board in our last post.

Chuppah and floral design: The New Leaf

These pails were done by a friend of the bride. So simple, and so perfect!

We suggested the tent for cocktails in order to take advantage of the awesome view. We arranged rental of lounge furniture from Distinctive Event Rental and added some of our accessories.

We adapted the place card display to 'marry' both of Veronica's inspirations.

Floral Design: The New Leaf

There is so much more I want to say about this wedding and this very special couple. Over the next few days I will be sharing Veronica & Craig's love story, professional images of the wedding and Veronica's makeover/photo shoot with Kim Wadsworth of Brides Made. We'll also gift a lucky reader with some fantastic beauty products and accessories! Keep checking back!

Inspiration: Seaside

I am excited about this weekend's wedding on Virginia's Eastern Shore! Mostly because the bride, Veronica, is awesome! I can't wait for you to meet her. We'll be introducing her in the next week or so and sharing her bridal beauty makeover with Kim Wadsworth of Wadsworth Style and Brides Made! You'll see her 'before' shots by Eleise Theuer Photography and then 3 'after' looks for morning, midday, and evening weddings.

For now, take a look at Veronica's inspiration for her wedding (created with Bridal Canvas):

Seaside images: Michelle Rago for Modern Bride

Winter image: Isha Foss Events & The New Leaf for VOW Magazine

The wedding won't copy this exactly (no fun in that!), but I'd love to hear if we capture the feeling. Check back next week!

Pop! With Cork

I don't even remember what I was looking for when I found these cork votives - perfect with soy candles for a green wedding! They seemed so cool that it sent me on the hunt for more cork products.

Plum Party votives

I found some interesting furniture, then stumbled across these beauties!

Via Spiga 'Taunt'

I love a cork-heeled shoe, but check out these with cork uppers: 'PB & J' from Oh Deer! are available at Overstock.com

Found this JCFdesign bracelet on Etsy.

This sling bag from CorkandCotton can also be found on Etsy.

Cork is a renewable resource so buy all you want!