David's Bridal

What Should a Wedding Cost?
BY CATEY HILL

Almost every future bride has a moment when she wonders: How can my wedding be costing this much?! Don’t worry, that’s totally normal — and it’s true, weddings can be pricey.  So what’s “normal” for a wedding to cost?

Estimates on what the average wedding in America costs usually range from about $25,000 – $28,000, not including the honeymoon.  Here’s a breakdown of how the average bride likely spends that money (based on a $25,000 wedding):

• $13,250 on the reception.
  This may include the venue, catering, bar, cake or dessert, lighting and music.
• $3,000 on photos and video.
  This includes not only the photographer and videographers fees but also prints and albums.
• $2,500 on attire.
  This may include the dress, alterations, veil, accessories, hair, makeup, and tux.
• $2,000 on flowers.
  This includes flowers for both the ceremony and reception.
• $1,500 on the ceremony.
  This may include the venue, officiant, marriage license, ring pillow and musician.
• $750 on stationary.
  This may include save-the-date cards, invitations, RSVP cards, programs, seating name cards, thank-you notes, postage and menu cards. Definitely check out David’s Bridal’s line of invitations and stationary- they have just about any theme you’re looking for and are reasonably priced!
• $750 on rings.
  This includes the wedding bands for the bride and groom.
• $750 on favors and gifts.
  This may include favors for wedding guests, welcome bags for guests in their hotel rooms and gifts for the wedding party.  If you’re looking for inexpensive but cute favors from photo albums and sweets to note pads and bottle stoppers, be sure to check out the assortment from David’s Bridal- the more you buy the more you save!
• $500 on transportation.
  This may include transportation for guests to and from the venue, valet parking, car rental or limo for bride and groom and limo for the wedding party.

Of course, every bride is different, and her wedding could cost far less or more than average.  Some of that will depend on where you have the wedding.  It tends to be more expensive to get married in the Northeast — New York City is usually the priciest place, but Boston isn’t too far behind — than most other areas of the country.  It’s also expensive to get married in California, especially popular spots like Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, as well as in cities like Chicago and Philadelphia.  If you’re looking to save money, head to the Midwest or South and to smaller cities or rural areas (doesn’t a quaint country wedding sound nice!).

Surprisingly, it’s often less expensive to do a destination wedding than to get married in or near your hometown.  Part of that is that fewer guests tend to come to destination weddings, so you’re paying for a lot less food and alcohol that you might otherwise.  Plus, if you go somewhere like the Riviera Maya or Jamaica, you can find great deals on beautiful beachside hotel venues.  Grab your flip flops, ladies!

Even if your wedding is going to cost a lot less – or a lot more – than average, don’t worry.  As long as you can afford it (no credit card debt, please!), go for it!

Happy Cyber Monday DB Readers! As you all know, today is THE DAY to shop online and receive the best deals as the holiday season has kicked off!  Shoppers can take full advantage of the sales- even when it comes to wedding items!!

David’s Bridal is offering online sales and promotions for the day at www.davidsbridal.com. Savings include:

●        10% off your entire online order OR 20% off orders $200 or more using the code HOLIDAY

●        Free shipping on all orders of $200 or more

●        16X20 signature frame style SM1620M4800-R marked down to $99 from $149

●        Purchase 100 invites, get 25 free (at www.invitationsbydavidsbridal.com only)

Plus, we are offering even greater savings as shoppers will receive an additional 40% – 50% off select items including personalized beverage napkins and sand ceremony sets!

Planning the Perfect Quinceañera on the Budget

by Carmen Ordonez

Quinceañeras can get pretty expensive, but with these simple tips you can easily throw a fabulous party without spending mucho dinero!

Get creative. Instead of spending money on store bought decorations, why not make them yourself? Choose from table centerpieces and quinceañera party favors–buy the materials and gather up some friends and family for a night of DIY projects. Pinterest is a great place to get ideas and inspiration.

Narrow your guest list. By limiting the number of guests on your list you’ll be able to save tons of money on food, and invitation costs—allowing you to get exactly what you want, like these invitations from David’s Bridal!

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Make your own invitations. Looking to coordinate your DIY centerpieces and favors? Why not make your own invitations, and save some money in the process! You can easily print an image at an office supply store using cardstock paper, or go green and send out invitations via email.

Look for dresses on sale. David’s Bridal has some amazing Quinceañera dresses that will leave you looking stylish and fabulous without breaking the bank like this gorgeous gown!

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Let them eat cake cupcake. Instead of buying an extravagant cake, consider cupcakes. They are less expensive and look super cute–you can even make your own cupcake toppers to dress them up.

Buy flowers that are in season. Sure you love hydrangeas, but at $7 a bunch they can get pretty expensive. Look for flowers that are in season to help stay within your budget.

Happy Monday everyone! Today we are bringing you Glamour’s Top 5 Personalized Wedding ideas to make your wedding super special! From monogrammed rings for your bridesmaids to chairs that say “bride” and “groom” in a different language…. with these cute touches you’re day is sure to be unforgettable! Check out their top 5 ideas here!

Good Afternoon DB Brides! Today we were featured on Daytime Florida on a segment about budget friendly wedding tips! Since today is Wedding Wednesday, I figured I’d share the segment for you to watch!

Here is the footage of our fabulous manager Joy Williams sharing her tips!

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Other tips that might spark an interest:

ome pointers that weren’t mentioned on the show!

• No need for a wedding planner, everything can conveniently be done online!

• Incorporate your bridal party, family and friends to help back your cake, do your hair and make-up, create decorations, be the photographer, or even DJ! Your guest list is sure to have great talent so utilize them!
• Make a CD of your favorite playlist or have a guest bake treats as your favors.
• Stick to appetizer and dessert, people tend to get full on finger foods anyway.

• You can save a ton of money booking your wedding on a day other than Saturday. Look for a Friday or even a Sunday and compare prices.
• Find a venue that isn’t known for wedding, they tend to be less expensive.
• Buy flowers that are in season, they tend to be less expensive!
• Use your bridesmaid’s flowers as centerpieces.

We hope that these tips inspire inspiration to keep your wedding fun and affordable!

DIY Wedding Favors

by Nicole Brewer

Traditionally, wedding favors are given out to guests as mementos from your wedding. But the truth is—most guests dread receiving another knick knack that will collect dust, and inevitably be tossed out. Since the intention is really to thank every guest who came to support and witness your marriage, it’s no surprise that many couples are taking the DIY approach to wedding favors.

Sweet Treats
Simple snacks make delicious edible favors that won’t go to waste. Buy your favorite sweet or salty treat in bulk and find innovative ways to package them. Then, shop craft stores or online shops for discount boxes or bags and wrap with a ribbon or personalized sticker. It’s all about the packaging, so finding the right presentation can transform inexpensive treats into sophisticated gifts worthy of the celebration—like these great favor boxes.

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Green Day
Today, it’s all about going green. A green offering can also represent growth and new beginnings. Available at bulk prices, consider individually potted flowers or seeds that mean something to you as a couple. Personalize with your names, wedding date or a special message and give them something to nurture and care for, like any new relationship.

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Digital Age
Creating a CD of your favorite songs or reception tunes is a great keepsake your guests will enjoy and share with others. After all, music is the universal language. But for something totally different, consider creating a DVD. Before your big day, film a short video of you and your fiancé thanking everyone who was there to support you. Burn copies of the DVD and tie a pretty ribbon around it with a hangtag for a personalized touch.

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When it comes to wedding favors, why not give ‘em something to talk about? With a little creativity, you can easily create a favor for under a buck each, that your guests will appreciate, long after the cake and the last dance!

PlanningThe Bachelorette Party
by Katrina Mitzeliotis

While bachelorette parties in movies always seem to incorporate pink cocktails and corny games, there are many ways to celebrate. I recently experienced a very traditional bachelorette party for one of my closest girlfriends. Since she was the first of our group to get engaged, we thought the best way to celebrate would be in Vegas. In a couple of years it probably won’t be so easy to round up a big group of girls for a trip to Vegas, so we seized the opportunity to celebrate in a big way!

Luckily, this trip didn’t end in a Bridesmaids movie style debacle. We stayed at the Cosmopolitan hotel and planned a variety of activities. From a nice dinner to a day at the Encore Beach Club pool party, the trip managed to strike the perfect balance between relaxing and fun. We surprised her with decorations in the room and a basket, which included a towel with her new last name embroidered on it that she can use after the wedding. Another cute option could have been this personalized super cute bathing suit, which would be perfect for our days lounging poolside.

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Planning a friend’s bachelorette party doesn’t have to include travel or be over-the-top—as long as you’re creative you can plan the perfect day!

If the bride-to-be is more of a homebody, brunch and a day at the spa would be a nice option. In fact, many places offer specials to accommodate groups and make the day that much more memorable. Kick off this type of bash with a chic spa-inspired invitation.

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Wine-tasting is another great option for the bride-to-be who wants an alternative to a big night out. Whether you turn this into a weekend getaway or just go for the day, you’re bound to enjoy the festivities while trying new flavors.

For the fitness enthusiast, a private yoga or spin class could be a great way to work out all together while still having fun. Finish the day with a relaxing mani/pedi and leave guests with this super cute manicure set.

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If you’re looking to keep it classic and fun, you can also plan a cocktail party or a dinner. Make the bride-to-be’s favorite foods, mix up some creative cocktails and create a playlist of her favorite tunes and get ready to have fun.

Regardless of what you decide to do, it should celebrate your friendship and represent what she loves to do the most!

15 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Quinceañera Party
by Carmen Ondonez

Planning the ultimate Quinceañera party doesn’t have to be a challenge. With some preparation and creativity it’s easy to host a great party! Here are my top 15 tips on how to plan the perfect party:

1. Plan your budget – Talk to your parents about the budget for the party—it is important to know how much money you have to spend. And remember, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or have an MTV style party to make it memorable.

2. Pick a theme – I absolutely love themed parties! They’re always so much fun. For your Quinceañera, choose a theme that matches your personality, like a Masquerade Ball, Hollywood Glamour or Winter Wonderland.

3. Invitations – Pick out themed invitations that go with the theme of your party. If you’re going for a fashion-forward glamour theme, I love this Watermelon pink and zebra option.

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4. Pick a venue – Research venue spaces at least four months in advance and visit them in person before making your choice. You can even host the party at your home or in your backyard—and with the money you saved on the venue, you can put it towards the decorations.

5. Have a signature “mocktail” – Personalize your party with a signature non-alcoholic “mocktail” for an extra special touch!

6. Grand Entrance – Whether it’s in a horse and carriage or perhaps a fun choreographed dance with your court, plan a fun grand entrance that will help set the mood for the rest of the night.

7. The dress – No Quinceañera party is complete without the perfect dress. David’s Bridal has several options to pick from that range from size 0-26. Plan to start searching for your dress at least 2 months in advance. This white strapless tulle ball gown screams “princess for the day.”

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8. Party Favors – Pick party favors that go with the theme of your party. Feeling creative? Why not try your hand at some do-it-yourself party favors. It’s a great way to save money and personalize your favors.

9. Music – Having the right music is essential to any Quinceañera party. Talk with your DJ ahead of time to plan out what music will be played or better yet, make your own playlist.

10. Photo booth – Set up a fun photo booth where your friends can take pictures. Have some props handy like a moustache or big lips on a stick to add some fun for your guests.

11. Cake – Choose a cake with custom colors and decorations to match your party theme.

12. Photographer – Make sure you have a photographer or get tio to take some pictures during the party to capture your big day.

13. Food – Decide on what menu items you want for your party. Want to create a relaxed and intimate setting? Opt for a family style meal instead of a buffet.

14. Guest list – Make sure to create a guest list well in advance to avoid over inviting and going over budget.

15. Have a great time – Your Quinceañera party only happens once in a lifetime. So enjoy it! Cheers.

Planning a Celeb-Worthy Wedding for Less
by Katrina Mitzeliotis

While so many celebs are known for throwing over-the-top affairs, lately we’re seeing a shift when it comes to saying ‘I Do.’ Rather than go all out, the celeb set is really into weddings that are both intimate and personal. Brides like Camila Alves to Drew Barrymore prove that you don’t need an extravagant affair—it really all comes down to the details. From the invitations to the place cards, read on for ways you can throw an affair just like a celeb, without having to break the bank.

Invitations:

We’re seeing a huge DIY trend lately, and it’s a great way to save a little money on your special day especially when you’re having a smaller wedding like Camilla and Matt did. Come up with a creative and personal way to share the news of the big day in your own words with a DIY invitation kit like this one.

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Place cards:

I recently attended a wedding for a bride who loves vintage-inspired details, so she incorporated that into her special day. Rather than have place cards on a table, guests took old fashion keys hanging on the wall with their table number. If you are looking for a creative way to display your place cards, try putting them on decorated clothes pins—it adds such a nice natural touch.

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Well wishes:

Having guests sign a large photo or frame at a wedding is a great keepsake for the bride and groom to remember who attended. I once went to a wedding with a photo booth, where guests snapped a shot and then glued the image into a book next to their well wishes—it was such a fun way to share in the special day! A great alternative to the book is this card box—I love how compact it is.

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Decorations:

A lovely alternative to small candle votives are lanterns, especially if you’re planning a rustic wedding like Drew did. They add a nice touch to the table and really tie the whole affair together.

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Big Day Savings
by Nicole Brewer

This week, I did a segment on ways to save on your wedding day. Here are a few of my money saving tips I shared with Fox News anchor and newlywed, Lauren Simonetti, who admitted she spent more than she planned on her wedding. She was excited to hear how future brides could save, and I think you will too!

The Dress
Sticking to your budget is more important for brides than ever before. So if you’re looking for designer wedding gowns at affordable prices, David’s Bridal delivers! They even offer fabulous wedding gowns for under $100 with the same quality fabrics and design details you dream about.

Location
Location and refreshments are a huge part of most wedding budgets. To save on the venue, consider an off-season wedding month like January or November, and try to avoid May through September which is prime wedding season. Also, look into planning a Friday or Sunday wedding which is often less expensive than a Saturday affair.

Consider an alternate location like a fun and affordable cruise! Carnival has several wedding packages complete with photography, appetizers, champagne and cake. Check out packages starting under $2,000 at Carnival.com.

As far as refreshments, limit your open bar to wine and beer only. Or, if a full open bar is a must, opt for well liquors rather than top shelf.

Invitations
High-end stationary stores can be outrageously expensive, so many couples are surfing the internet for do-it-yourself ways to save.

David’s Bridal offers 100 personalized thermograph invitations for under $60. They look polished and professional and can be customized based on your chosen wedding colors and themes. And, if you purchase your dream dress at David’s Bridal, your invitations are even less expensive!

Flowers
Flowers are a big business, especially when the word “wedding” is attached. Florists can quote a wide range of pricing that can make your head spin. So, if you want to save money, consider ordering in-season flowers in bulk, and enlist a few friends for help in making the arrangements. PremiumBlooms.com offers a fabulous 11 piece collection for $360. This includes bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, petals for the flower girl and a toss-away-bouquet.

Party Favors
It is always nice to have wedding mementos, but the thought of spending thousands on a keepsake that may get thrown away can seem like an unnecessary expense.

To save, consider buying candy at a wholesaler, baking cookies, or sourcing something local to the area in which you’re getting married. You’ll be surprised how simple it is to create cute favors for under one dollar that your guests can eat and toss without the guilt!