Easy Fall Home Decor

The cooler weather is on its way and with that comes the smell of autumn leaves, warm cider, and the beautiful rich colors. Here are a few ideas that go passed the pumpkins and leaves to make your home an autumn oasis.







Add coffee beans to your candle centerpieces. (Notice the woven basket used a riser.) You can also use candy corn pieces.

The Loopy Ewe

Debbie Mumm

Use a fall colored scarf as a table runner, or even a piece of burlap or old wooden board!

Good Housekeeping

Design Sherpa

Living with Lindsay

Add some unique tree branches to large vases or planters. If the branches are strong enough, you can even hang votive cups from it with wire.

Simple Solutions

Use large chunks of branches or tree to create a unique centerpiece.

Apartment Therapy

Or use just one wooden slab with candles and some fall accents. This idea looks really cute

with candles in a mason jar, gourds and fall flowers.

Design Sponge

Make sure to dress up the outside of your home too, not just the inside! Use cornstalks, mums, wagon wheels, garlands, season appropriate wreaths, burlap, pumpkins, gourds and more. You can even change your "Welcome Mat" to one more appropriate for the season.

Calla Magazine

Viette's Beautiful Gardens

This pumpkin has been covered with artificial flowers to make a festive centerpiece!

Fill a large bowl with everything autumn--- leaves, small gourds, berries, pine cones, and acorns.

Sullivan and Murphy

 

Use orchard's bushel baskets as planters for your mums and other fall flowers. 

Hensler Nursery

Use patterned paper and large letters in mix-n-match frames to create a festive addition to any autumn decoration.

Tatertots & Jello

Lil' Pumpkin- An Autumn Themed Baby Shower

1) Create a darling baby face on a pumpkin, cut out a mouth and insert a pacifier, add a bow or hat on top and you have an adorable pumpkin centerpiece or decoration. Photo by Thrifty Fun.

2) Cut holes in the top of a pumpkin and gut it. Then insert a bowl into the hole. This can be used a "cooler," chip bowl, punch bowl, etc.

3) Sprinkle the tables in rich autumn leaves-- whether silk or real.

4) Rust, Red, Gold or Brown table cloths will create a dramatic atmosphere in the party space.

5) Incorporate hay, mums, gourds, leaves, coffee beans, seeds/beans, corn, or sunflowers.

6) Serve drinks out of mason jars, or use them as centerpieces. They can also be hung from ceiling, arches, or hooks by wrapping wire around the rim and create a large hanger.

Hostess with the Mostess

The Knot

7) Serve warm cider, pumpkin pie, zucchini bread, and other delicious fall favorites.

8) Burlap is a cheap way to create a table runner, or to wrap around potted plants. Add a beautiful satin bow and you're good to go! BVWeddings

9) Create a pumpkin shaped cake with two bundt pans, and an ice cream cone as the stem. Check out the first few cakes here.   You may also consider skipping the cake and just serving pies! Delish

Bed Time Story- A Book Themed Baby Shower

Start a library for the baby with this book themed shower.

1) Encourage guests to include a children's book in place of a card. By signing the inside of the book, the baby and parents will always remember the guests that helped create the library of books that were read to the child. Suggest that the book they bring is one of their favorites as child.

2) Decorate each table as if it were a bed. Use bed sheets or linen table cloths to "make the bed." Complete the look with a pillow, books, and a stuffed animal on one end. To save space, the tables can be pushed up against the wall with the pillow propped up as if it were resting on a headboard. Hostess with the Mostess

3) Use foam, plastic or wooden letters painted to match the color scheme. Set up random letters on each table for an ABC look.

4) Scatter children's books around the room. Remember to keep them away from areas that could cause them to get ruined-- beside a punch bowl for example.

5) Give away DIY personalized bookmarks as favors.

6) Pick a few favorites and create themed tables or food: Dr. Seuss, Curious George, Peter Rabbit, Pokey Little Puppy, etc. CraftPad

7) For a fun game, make copies of graphics from famous children's book and play "Name That Character."

Care for a Cup of Tea? A Tea Party Themed Baby Shower

1) Shop local thrift stores for as many of the items you'll need as possible.
        - Pick up mismatch tea cups, plates, sauces, teapots, crystal, cake stands, etc.
        - Look around for old bedsheets in vintage patterns. Of course, check for cleanliness and quality. Be    
           sure to look for toile or any pastel floral print.

2) Doilies and lace at place settings or with centerpieces add an old-fashioned feel.

3) Use soft pastels for dishes (whether real or disposable), flowers, invitations, and other details for the party.

4) Use cake stands, oversized tea cups, teapots and more create beautiful centerpieces. Fill with flowers, bows, etc. A Bloom in Time

5) Beautiful cloths or wallpaper can become a table runner. Wedding Bee

6) Turn over women's hats and fill with flowers and/or baby items.

7) For a whimsical feel, add dragonflies, butterflies and bumble bees.

8) A few coordinating candles and create a warm atmosphere for your tea party.

9) Add a few rabbits, pocket watches, & butterflies to connect your shower to the famous movie.

Bzzzzzzzz! A Bee Themed Baby Shower

For the "Baby-to-Bee" that is as "Cute-as-can-Bee," try a bumble bee and honey theme. It's especially cute if the baby's name will begin with the letter B.


Check out: Sweet T Events for photos of a baby shower that used this theme on a tight budget.
1) Create a bee-hive out of a balloon, yarn or streamer, and store bought bumblebees...

 Frost Me

2) Serve food on yellow supplies with black tableclothes, or vice versa.

 The Little Things

 Manolo Brides

3) Serve honey themed, yellow or "B" foods (Brownies, bagels, biscotti, banana, brocolli, beans, berries, etc).

4) Create a yellow and black candy buffet. Jelly beans, black licorice, lemon heads, lemon drops, oreos and others will make a great selection.

 Design Dazzle

5) Embrace rich black, white and yellow fabrics. Check out toile or damask. Add yellow grosgrain ribbon for a nice accent.

6) A beehive shaped cake will be the hit of the party, especially if surrounded by bee cupcakes or cookies.

7) Add yellow and white flowers or poms to centerpieces. Make it even more fitting by adding small bees to the flowers.

Frost Me

8) Teddy bears can be used to create a honey themed centerpiece. Buy a small wooden pot at a craft store, fill with yellow hot glue, add a small twig as a stir stick, and attach a bumble bee or two.

9) Find great craft ideas here.  The balloon bumblebees are adorable!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! A Baby Shower Fit for a Prince or Princess...

Think Pink! or Think Blue!

1) Make the cake in the shape of a castle, or create a diaper cake that looks like one. You could also do a pillow with a crown, or a frog cake! Simply Sweets                                           Piece-A-Cake

2) Spray paint sand castle molds to be used as centerpieces.

3) Make or cover pillows to look like a pillow that a crown would be presented on. Remember fancy fabrics, cords, and tassels really make the look!

4) Add frogs around the room for a fairy tale feel.

5) Make crowns or purchase some from a fast food restaurant. Paint them or decorate them. They can be used to put around vases or pots of flowers.

6) For a princess party, add shiny confetti, jewels and sparkles. You can also add pink feather boas for a girly addition.

Come Sail Away--- A Boat Themed Baby shower

Here are some ideas to help you keep afloat while planning a boat themed baby shower.

1) Make sails out of dowel rods and patterned paper. Put the sails in buckets or bowls of food or pots of flowers.

2) Buy blue & white striped material and use it as a table runner. After the shower, the material can be made into pillows for the baby's room!

3) Buy a cheap decorative fish net to hang on a wall or to decorate some tables. Add some kick with sea shells or fish hanging on the net.

4) Borrow sail boats, pelicans, oars, messaged bottles, starfish, alphabet flags, maps, steering wheels, artificial anchors, lighthouses, knotted rope, or life preservers from friends. One of your friends probably has a nautical themed room in their house.

5) Use removable letters to create a welcome message on a life preserver for a welcome message to guests.

6) Add a more delicate feel to the room with simple vases of white flowers as centerpieces.

7) Use reds, blues, and whites throughout the room!

8) Get wooden letters to spell out the baby's name and decorate them with thin rope. Make it more creative by adding some knots to some.

Check out these links for photos and inspiration: Enchanted Expectations   Celebrations at Home

There's a Baby Blooming-- Flower Themed Baby Shower

Is everything coming up roses?? Here are some ideas to help you plan a flower themed baby shower.

1) Buy potted plants to use as centerpieces. Wrap the pots with fabric and attach with a beautiful matching bow. After the shower, give some of the plants away--- or use them as prices. You can also take some of them home and plant them in your flowerbeds.

2) If using silk flowers, search dollar stores for bundles of flowers. Use a pair of scissors to trim up any frayed edges.  If you desire to buy more expensive flowers, sign up for coupons from the store you'll be buying them from.

3) Five balloons can be attached to make them look like the petals of a flower, with a balloon of a different color as the center of the flower. These can be used in an entry way, or around the exterior of the room or party area.

4) Decorate cheap flower pots with bows, fabric and baby items as centerpieces.

5) Cakes can be made into flowers in many different ways. Create a garden look on the cake with artificial flowers, decorate one big cake to look like a flower, make small flowers on cupcakes, or create edible flowers out of soft candies and toothpicks.

6) Make tissue paper flowers for decorations around the room, on tables or to mark a mailbox.

7) Make a baby bootie bouquet.

8) Use a flower pen to sign the guest book.

E-I-E-I-O... A Barnyard Baby Shower

Are you trying to create a farm like Old McDonald's?? Try some of these ideas!

1) Decorate your venue with straw and straw baskets, and galvanized buckets! Fill with flowers, baby items, material (gingham, paisley, or cow print) or stuffed animals.

2) Complete your decorating with stuffed cows, horses and other farm animals.

3) Make a small sheet cake into the shape of a barn and then use cupcakes as animals around the barn. Make chicks, pigs, or lambs. Here's a picture for inspiration, or try this.

4) Ask all of your friends that have kids if they have any farm toys you can borrow! Most little boys have some type of tractors, animals, or cowboy toys.... To mark who loaned you what, put their name or initials on a piece of masking tape on the bottom of each piece. This way, the toy isn't permanently marked. Don't worry if they don't all match!

5) Look around antique stores & garage sales and ask friends & neighbors if they have old barn wood, wagon wheels, or small hay bales that you could borrow. This can create adorable entry decorations or to spruce up the decor around the room.

6) Create themed food: chicken feed (chex mix), hay (pretzels), and vegetables (garden). Get creative!

7) Hit Easter sales (if timing allows) for stuffed animals, baskets, and more. Many stores offer stuffed chicks, lambs, cows and other animals for Easter. You might also be able to find great favors!

8) Cow or handkerchief scrapbook paper can be used as place mats or  to emphasize a centerpiece.

Monkey-in' Around... Monkey Themed Baby Shower

The idea of decorating with monkeys has several options-- sock monkeys, brown cartoon monkeys, a full jungle theme or monkeys with bananas. You have to decide what branch of the tree you want to climb!



1) Decorate with bundles of bananas. Then, send some home with any guests that will take them!


2) Decorate cupcakes to look like cute monkey faces!! Or make a large cake in the shape of a banana!


3) Have small bowls of the banana candies (bought separately in candy stores) on tables for guests to enjoy during the shower.


4) If using sock monkeys, use browns, whites and reds. Incorporate the use of an old red wagon, or small red bicycle. Stars, stripes and polka dots work well also!

5) If using monkeys with bananas, create a rich feel with chocolate brown and yellow!

6) If using brown jungle monkeys, you may want to create a color pallete-- such as blue and yellow! http://www.modmonkeypartysupplies.com/

7) If using a full jungle theme, embrace the use of animal prints, palm trees, and all jungle animals-- giraffes, lions, hippos, elephants, etc.

8) Check out Oriental Trading for items such as these palm trees, or this inflatable monkey.

Choo Choo! Baby Shower Ideas

Here are a few ideas for that Train themed baby shower you have to throw.

1) Cover your table with a white table cloth and make train tracks with black construction paper or streamers running down the middle of the table.

2) Use a train shaped cookie cutter to cut your foods into trains! Try cookies, brownies, sandwiches, cheese, etc.

3) Serve food on blue or denim colored plates/napkins/cups.

4) Dress a big stuffed bear in overalls and a red bandanna so he can be the conductor.

5) Set up a toy train set on the sign in table or cake table. Borrow one if you don't have one. The day after Thanksgiving or after Christmas would be a great time to buy if you want to purchase it!

6) Create train tracks on the floor in the room with black electrical tape. The tracks can lead from the front door, to the sign in table, gift table, cake table, food table, etc.

Party Planning--- A baby shower!

Trying to plan a baby shower on a budget?? Here are a few things that might help!

1) Buy a little at a time. Instead of buying everything for the shower at once, but a few things every time you go to the store. It will be much easier on the pocket book if you spent $5-$10 every week instead of $100 or more at once! Buy things that will keep well and store them in a safe place! One idea is to get a tote and keep it accessible to add items as you find/buy them.

2) Purchase items at discount stores. All your party supplies don't need to be purchased at a party supply store. Try dollar stores, dollar sections, Wal-Mart, Big Lots, etc. They have great deals! You can purchase things such as streamers, balloons, table cloths, basket fill, place settings, and more and save a big hunk of change! You will definitely want to check the durability and quality of some of these--- you don't want Aunt Betty trying to eat cake with a broken fork!

3) Plan early. Decide on a theme early in the game and plan quickly. This will allow more time to buy in advance and to shop for good deals! For example, if the baby shower will be in the middle of the year or later and you know you're hosting a bunny or duck themed shower, you can take advance of Easter deals for some decor or favors.

4) Use games as part of your gift. If you're playing a memory or pricing game, use the items to memorize or guess the price of as part of the gift you're giving the mom-to-be. Use a game that incorporates baby bottles to start off the mom's needed supply.

5) Utilize some of the decorations as the gift, also. You can hang a clothesline full of baby clothes, display clothes as a centerpiece, decorate with stuffed animals/books, fill baby bottles with tissue paper or candies, and more. Get creative! Centerpieces definitely make the atmosphere of the room, but you can still save money on them!

6) Add some pizazz to your table by placing a piece of colorful scrapbook paper that corresponds with your themes/colors at each place setting. It's cheaper than place mats and can be tossed after the shower. Also, shop for cheap material (by the yard or in the scrap bins) that matches or looks good with your colors or theme and can be used to spruse up your tables!

7) Design your own invitations (and other necessary paper products.) Design companies can charge as much as $2 for an invitation, so they can become a big part of your budget. Take a few hours to learn a design program such as Photoshop or something as simple as Microsoft Picture It! Premium (found on most Dell computers). Then look around online for an inspiration of what you want your invite to look like, decide on a size, create a design, buy some cardstock and envelopes (found at an office supply store) and you're ready to go!

8) Make your own food! Some caterers will charge $5 or more a person for a shower's meal--- and most budgets won't allow for that! Make ham salad/egg salad sandwiches, serve veggies & fruits, chip and dips, cheese ball and crackers, etc. Of course a cute baby shower idea is to serve a themed meal-- all the same color, baby themed or baby sized.

9) Use the theme of the nursery as the theme of the shower. Then ask the mom if she has already purchased decorations that can be used to help decorate the shower.

10) Make your own cake-- or cupcakes! A bundle of cupcakes can be dressed up by placing them in a shape that correlates with the shower--- a fish, a monkey head, a baby's rattle, a duck, a teddy bear, flowers, etc. You can also decorate each cupcake to look like a cute baby's face!

11) Host the shower from your home or privately owned facility instead of renting a hall or banquet room. Of course, the area will need to be large enough for your guest list and have a flow that will work for a party of this nature.

New Uses for... a cake stand

Uses for a Cake Stand

Set a mood. Use cake stands as platforms for votive and pillar candles in assorted sizes.

Exhibit your treasures. Display your collections--old toys, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, etc.

Remind yourself to do what you have to do. Place a cake stand (or two) on a table near the front door to hold letters to be mailed, bills to be paid, and your shopping list.

Show off. Display small photos and mementos, which look more important on a platform.

Raise the bar. Heighten the appeal of guest soaps and washcloths, or even use one to display your condiments for guests at a family get together.

Feel pretty. Organize your perfume bottles or jewelry on an elevated tray on the vanity table or dresser.

New Uses for.... Ziploc Bags

Use Ziploc Bags to:

1. Knead dough. Place dough in a Ziploc bag so your fingers don’t get sticky. Or slip your hand into the bag and wear it like a glove.
2. Store panty hose. Nude, Tan, Nearly Naked―they look the same out of the package. Tear off the corner of the package listing the brand, size, and color, then slip it into a bag. Store each pair in its own bag to keep hose organized and prevent snags.
3. Remove chewing gum or candle wax from a tablecloth, a couch, or carpeting. Gently rub gum or wax with a Ziploc bag filled with ice cubes until the substance hardens. Shatter gum with a blunt object, then vacuum up the chips. Carefully peel off frozen wax with a plastic spatula.
4. Pipe frosting. Snip off a tiny corner to use a Ziploc as a pastry bag.
5. Store homemade soup. Fill up bags, then lay them flat in the freezer. When the bags of soup freeze flat, you’ll be able to pile them up like stacked books for easy, space-saving storage.
6. Protect precious cargo. No bubble wrap? Slip a straw into the top of a nearly closed Ziploc bag and inflate. Remove the straw and seal to make a cushion. (Heirlooms, however, should wait for that bubble wrap.)
7. Break up graham crackers or vanilla wafers to make a piecrust. Fill a bag with the cookies, then roll a rolling pin over it.
8. Prevent a handbag from turning into a snow globe. Store pressed powder and other compacts in Ziploc bags.
9. Gather herbs from the garden. Before winter frost sets in, wash, pat dry, and freeze the herbs in Ziploc bags.
10. Ice an injury. Fill a bag with ice cubes to create a cold compress.

New Uses for.... Velcro

Use Velcro to:
1. Hang pieces of art or photos on a wall. Stick several strips of Velcro to the wall and to the back of a lightweight frame.
2. Prevent a jacket or a blouse from gaping open. Sew small pieces of Velcro between the buttons to create a smooth surface.
3. Keep a rug in place. Stick pieces of Velcro to the floor and to the bottom of the rug.
4. Stop seat cushions from sliding off kitchen chairs. Place strips of Velcro on the chair and on the cushion.
5. Organize toys. Affix a Velcro strip to the wall and Velcro pieces to stuffed animals to make cleanup fun for toddlers.
6. Keep track of the remote. Use Velcro to attach the remote to the side of the TV when it’s not in use.
7. Remove pills from sweaters. Use the hook side of Velcro to pull off pesky balls.
8. Restrain wayward cords. Keep them in one place with a strip of Velcro.
9. Keep a pen or paper handy. Place a small piece of Velcro next to a desk calendar and on a pen so you can jot down to-dos ASAP. In the car, stick a notepad to the dashboard or the door of the glove compartment and you’ll always have paper for a brilliant thought or a last-minute errand.
10. Picnic in peace. Keep a tablecloth from flying away by applying Velcro to the underside of the cloth and to the picnic table.

New Uses for.... Coffee Filters

Use Coffee Filters to:
1. Diffuse the flash on a camera. When you’re taking a close-up, soften the brightness by placing a coffee filter over the flash.
2. Strain wine from a bottle with a broken cork. Place the filter over a pitcher or a carafe and slowly pour the wine into it.
3. Serve popcorn or other snacks. The filters act as disposable bowls, so there’s no dishwashing.
4. Make yogurt dip. Use a rubber band to secure a paper coffee filter over the mouth of a deep cup or jar. Slowly pour 8 ounces of plain yogurt onto the filter. Let drain for one hour. In a bowl, mix the thickened yogurt with 1 small minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers.
5. Heat up leftovers in the microwave. Use a filter as the protective covering over a bowl or a plate.
6. Prevent soil from draining out of flowerpots. When repotting, place a filter at the bottom, over the drainage hole, then add the soil.
7. Prevent scuffs and scratches on fine china. Use flattened coffee filters as spacers when you stack your dishes.
8. Protect hands from Popsicle drippage. Slide the wooden stick of an ice pop through a coffee filter so your hands stay mess-free.
9. Serve pita sandwiches. A circular filter is the perfect size for carrying a sandwich on the go.
10. Clean windows and glass when you’re out of paper towels. Coffee filters leave no lint or other residue.

New Uses for.....dryer sheets

Use Dryer Sheets to:

1.Freshen smelly shoes. Insert a dryer sheet into the offending pair and let sit overnight.
2. Remove static from clothing, hair, TV screens, and computer monitors. Wipe the surface with a sheet.
3. Clean pet hair from the floor or furniture. Rub a dryer sheet over the spot where Fluffy left her fur.
4. Replace a sachet. Keep a dresser drawer smelling fresh and clean by placing a dryer sheet on the bottom of it.
5. Loosen caked-on food from a pan. Place a fresh sheet in the bottom of a dirty pan, fill with lukewarm tap water, and let sit in the sink overnight. The pan will be easier to clean in the morning.
6. Tackle suitcase and gym-bag odors. Place a dryer sheet in your suitcase or gym bag so your clean clothes won’t take on the odors of the dirty ones.
7. Prevent old books from smelling musty when in storage. Stick a dryer sheet between the pages of your beloved copy of Pride and Prejudice.
8. Wipe up sawdust after working in the garage. Rub a dryer sheet over the fine wood particles.
9. Prevent thread from tangling when sewing. Run a threaded needle through a dryer sheet right before you begin your handiwork.
10. Dust venetian blinds. Close the blinds, then wipe up and down with a dryer sheet.

New Uses for.... newspaper

Use Newspaper to:

1. Deodorize food containers. Stuff a balled-up piece of newspaper into a lunch box or thermos, seal it, and let sit overnight.
2. Ripen tomatoes. Wrap them individually and leave them out at room temperature.
3. Pack delicate items.Wrap frames and figurines with several pieces of newspaper, then crumple the remaining sections to fill extra space in the box.
4. Wipe away tough streaks on glass. Use newspaper with cleaning fluid to clean mirrors and windows.
5. Preserve antique glass. Some older frames have finishes on the glass that can be damaged by cleaning solutions. Remove smudges by rubbing with newspaper dipped in a solution of one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Let air-dry.
6. Dry shoes. Place crumpled paper in them overnight.
7. Wrap gifts. Use the comics to wrap a child’s birthday gift, or try the wedding announcements for an engagement gift.
8. Create a home for slushy snow boots. During the winter, keep a pile of newspaper near the entryway. When your little snowmen and -women come home, they can toss their winter wear onto the newspaper instead of creating puddles on the floor.
9. Prepare a garden. In the fall, mow a patch of lawn to make room for a dedicated bed. Cover it with four layers of newspaper, then a four-inch layer of shredded leaves or bark mulch. Hose it down. Come spring, the compost blanket will have smothered the grass roots, and the bed will be primed for planting.
10. Keep the refrigerator vegetable drawer dry and free of smells. Line the bottom with newspaper.

New Uses for.... a lemon

Use Lemon to:

1. Sanitize a chopping block. Run a slice of lemon over the surface to disinfect.
2. Eliminate the browning that occurs when food sits out too long. Sprinkle apple or pear slices with lemon juice before serving, or squeeze a bit into guacamole and give it a stir.
3. Remove tough food stains from plastic and light-colored wooden cutting boards. Slice a lemon in half, squeeze the juice onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with water.
4. Fade tea stains on cloth. Dilute lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Use an eyedropper or a Q-tip to make sure the juice targets the stain. Thoroughly flush with cool water.
5. Decorate on the cheap. Fill a glass bowl with lemons for a sunny centerpiece. Or display a row of them along a windowsill.
6. Relieve a sore throat. Cut a lemon in half. Skewer one half over a medium flame on a gas stove or an electric burner set on high and roast until the peel turns golden brown. Let cool slightly, then mix the juice with 1 teaspoon of honey. Swallow the mixture.
7. Whiten fingernails. Rub a wedge on the surface of your nails.
8. Shine the interior of copper cookware. Sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub.
9. Brighten laundry whites. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice to the wash cycle of a normal-size load.
10. Remove soft cheese or other sticky foods from a grater. Rub both sides of the grater with the pulp side of a cut lemon.

Wedding Planning on a Budget

We are still ten months away from our wedding, but we've already had to make some money saving tips. A lot of what I've read about how to save money when planning a wedding is, well---unrealistic. For instance, one of the biggest ways to save money is to NOT mention the word "wedding" when speaking to a vendor.... or to plan a wedding on any day other than Saturday. Well, unless a wedding is planned on a holiday, such as New Year's Eve or Christmas Eve, planning a wedding on a weekday is a little difficult. Also, not mentioning to a vendor that you're needing them for a wedding is a bit difficult. I mean, how are you to explain to a DJ that you're going to need a song for a "group entrance" without telling what they're being booked for.



Anyway, here are some money saving tips I've found most helpful.

- Sign up at stores to be a part of their mailing list. Stores such as Michael's Craft Store sends out coupons a couple of times a month and they can be worth as much as 50% off one item. Sometimes, the coupons are 10%-20% off for your entire purchase--including clearance items. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to print them and USE them! (that's my biggest problem--I feel like I'm cheating someone by USING a coupon, but that's why they're there!)

-Use silk flowers! So much money (and time and stress) can be saved by using silk flowers. Table arrangements and bouquets can be arranged so far ahead of time when silk flowers are used, not to mention that they don't cost nearly as much!

- Take your time. If you're having a long engagement and have time to, then take your time and shop around. Many stores and dress shops have BIG sales a few times a year. Shop around, get some ideas of what you're wanting, but take your time when it comes to purchasing. Also, your taste and ideas will change, so think choices through and don't buy items for the first idea you have. You will most likely change your mind.

- Buy gradually. For items you most likely won't change your mind about (such as the guest book, unity candle, aisle runner, and so on), buy gradually. Put some cash back and when you're out (and have a coupon) pick up something you still need.

- Keep your eyes open for a deal at yard sales! Look for things you can use and store-- flowers, decorations, cake topper, candles, and so on.

- Find a seamstress. Ask around for the name of a seamstress in your area to make your bridesmaid dresses. A lot of seamstresses will make a dress for less than $50!

-Pick a top priority, splurge on it, and save money in other places. For most couples, they splurge on either the photos/video, decorations, venues, the dress or the food. In my case, we're splurging on the photographers and saving money on the dinner (I'm working for the caterer and getting the dinner "at cost"), the decorations, and the dress (well, I'm getting a reasonably priced one--not a couture or anything! haha) Pick one passion...and save on the other stuff!

- Do your own looking and shopping around. Don't just book a vendor because someone you know used them. Do some looking around--- the internet can be your best friend! As previously stated, if you have the time to shop around, do it. Spend a day or two doing some searches for photographers, DJs, venues and so on. Try to find vendors that aren't the ones you hear about often. You'd be surprised at the amount of talent out that that's not well known!

- Downsize your wedding cake. By eliminating a layer or two or your fancy cake and making up for it in a sheet cake, you can save a little bit of money. Most guests will never see the cake being cut once the bride and groom step away and go about their business, so who cares if the slice of cake a guest eats come from the layered cake or from a sheet cake that's rolled out? No one. Save yourself some money!

- Buy books of the Forever stamps in advance. It may not save you much money each time the price of postage goes up, but every bit you can save will help!

- Look into DIY projects. Making a bouquet probably isn't as difficult as you may think. Also, you can learn to make your own pew bows, how to decorate your own unity candle, or how to create your own flower girl baskets. Again, the internet is your friend! Search for instructional videos or "how-to" pages.

- Rethink those decisions. Do you really need a limo? Do your guests really need that big, fancy dinner? Do you really need a dress for the wedding AND the reception, or that couture gown? Do you need that expensive wedding video, or can a family member just film it? Do you really need those expensive wedding invitations? Just take a moment to step back and rethink some of the ideas you've had. Are they really that important? Will you still think it's important in five or ten years?

And last, but not least-
- Stay focused on the marriage you're creating, not on the wedding. The wedding lasts only one day, but your marriage lasts (hopefully) for the rest of your lives. Take time to still "date" while you're planning a wedding and talk about things besides the wedding and its plans.