A Real Frugal but Fancy Wedding

Yes your wedding can be really frugal and fancy at the same time! You just need to spend the $$ in the right place and know the tricks to find ways to save on big items. The following are the 5 big items that probably added up to 90% of your wedding cost. If you follow the advice below and find ways to save in the 5 areas you will be golden.

1. Food - negotiate a deal
If possible get all the food at one place. You might have different types of food to consider and different reception parties, try to get them from one main food vendor. In this way you can negotiate the price for the whole package and will most likely get a better deal because of the scale. But definitely remember to label your food carefully to avoid awkward situation like hungry wedding party guests.

When talking to your wedding party food vendor candidates, don't mention it is a wedding in the beginning...Just say that you have a big party to cater, the time, the estimated number, and the type of food. In this way you can get their "normal quotation" first. You know many food vendors "mark up" prices for wedding reception. The mark up doesn't necessarily mean higher quality or any special service. They just know that you are more cautious and more willing to pay. If you get your normal quotation first and they will not be able to mark up in front of you so easily just because you are a wedding.

2. Wine - get your own
Most wedding venues allow you to prepare your own wine for your wedding reception. It is easy to get very good wine these days at marginal cost. Did you know that most people in the world don't care and cannot really tell the difference between a 1948 chateau from Bordeaux and a 2014 pinot from Napa? Directly call up a winery to get a bulk order and avoid the many intermediate distributors that add to the price. Or you can check with your grandpa or uncle to see if they have some secretly stored wine to donate to your wedding.

3. Venue - have you considered barn style? 
Borrow your dad's summer house, lakehouse or your grandparents' barn. They will be willing to contribute to your wedding that way. It is going to have special vintage style like all these beautiful pictures here. And of course, the best thing is, it cost $0. :) You are welcome.

4. Dress, did you know you can rent one?
Beautiful designer dresses can be very expensive indeed. But did you know that you can rent one for only 30% of the retail price? This can cut your wedding cost by $1000 like immediately. I know culturally people want to buy a wedding dress. But think about it, are you really going to spend thousands of dollars on a dress that you will wear only several hours? Also you can save the fun to your future daughter to find a wedding dress herself.  If you are still not convinced, check out this video.

5. Wedding favor - little price difference matters
The wedding favors tend to be inexpensive individually but the quantity of order is usually huge. So even small price difference matters. Definitely spend some time researching on ways to get cheaper price for the same item. Try google shopping for comparison and ebay. Order some sample if you want to make sure the quality if what you want. Or you can make your own wedding favor...haha, they are more personalized and special anyways, right?

If you can get 30% reduction on the above 5 items' costs, your wedding can be as fancy as you wanted with significantly lower cost.

Image sources:
[1] http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/articles/wedding-food-tips-menu-drink-and-dessert-ideas
[2] http://www.winesbyjennifer.com/
[3] http://www.varietyworksmadison.com/
[4] http://beaut.ie/2013/special-occasion-dressing-do-you-ever-rent-your-outfit/#.VPJuRbPF-_Q
[5] http://chicink.com/2012/03/unique-and-fun-wedding-favors/

5 Mistakes To Avoid on Wedding Day

The wedding day schedule is very tight and cannot afford even the slightest delay. However, some parts of the wedding are often prone to some problems. These mistakes may affect the overall wedding day flow or even screw up the overall wedding memory and experience. So watch out for these 8 mistakes:

1. Wedding Flower 

If you are getting married during summer-autumn time, because of the hot weather, the flowers may lose the freshness in just 1-2 hours. So for the hot days of marriage tulips are not suitable. Also it may be a good idea to prepare some empty bottles with small holes on the cap to serve as special spray bottles.

Another situation is the rose petals as venue decor may go wilt very soon too. It is probably a good idea to mix the real flower petals with some silk ones.  In case the whether is really hot, you can still have the fake ones to stay "fresh".

2. Item Organization 

It is very important to keep things organized for easy reference. Many couples forgot important details like rings right before the wedding. In the end they had to ask around and borrow a ring to complete the ceremony. The bride may get extremely stressful under such situation. As we mentioned in the 10 things that make your wedding day awkward, to avoid mistakes like this you can prepare a list of items and get and get some friends/relatives responsible for inventory items.



3. Food for the Bride and Groom

You may mess up the food experience of guests by not labeling them. But don't forget that the bride and the groom also need to eat. Some couples just starved for the whole day because they barely had any time for a quick bite. The bride maid can carry some quick energy bar and bottled water handy to fuel the couple.

4. Smile to Every Guest 

Some brides just get so nervous that they forgot to smile on the wedding day. If anything, remember that always put a smile on your face. Of course things can be overwhelming. However, if you show stiff facial expression or even subconsciously worried look it may mess up the atmosphere and even important relationships. Keep smiling so that everyone would feel relieved.

5. Create Memorable Wedding Experience

While it is very easy to get caught in the many details of the wedding, remember to compliment each other and care for one another. After all the love for one another is the most important thing for your wedding.

Sources:
[1] http://flowers-kid.com/wilting-flowers-in-vase.htm
[2] http://estadosanacronicos.blogspot.com/2014/09/wedding-ring-background.html
[3] http://cakechocolate-pizza.blogspot.com/2011/07/a-bride-and-groom-cutting-wedding-cake.html
[4] http://www.musicboxinvites.com/tag/celebrity/
[5] http://greenweddingshoes.com/retro-woodsy-mountain-wedding-elisabeth-mike/

来美国旅拍婚纱吧！

与其在国内婚纱影楼里摆做作的造型，很多年轻夫妇都会选择在美国旅拍婚纱。既相当于蜜月浪漫之旅又能留下青春的美好回忆。但是旅拍婚纱筹备起来也相当麻烦。小编总结了几个注意事项，以供大家参考：
1. 婚纱选择：切勿拍出浓浓淘宝风
很多国内来的朋友们都会在物美价廉的淘宝上买婚纱。但是淘宝上的婚纱和国外大牌的婚纱设计和效果还是差很多的。弄不好整个图集都变成了浓浓淘宝风。而且国内现在许多婚纱影楼也会模仿国外设景，不要最后拍出来和国内巷子里影楼拍的差不多效果就不好了。可以考虑在像preownedweddingdress之类的二手婚纱市场上购买二手婚纱或者租婚纱。对于时间行程比较紧迫的童鞋们来说租婚纱是一个不错的选择，强烈推荐memorablewedding.me。

2. 摄影师选择：朋友才是最好的摄影师
在美国专业摄影师非常昂贵，好一点的经常要一天1000刀以上。很多请了专业摄影师的朋友都纷纷反映效果也没有想象中的那么好。而且如果找老美摄影师可能还会出现交流上的问题以及沟通上的不愉快。如果有门路可以找摄影系或者艺术系的学生帮忙做这个“project",一天100-200刀应该可以拿下。其实还有一个好方法就是找留学生圈子里的朋友帮忙。北美留学生中间摄影爱好者非常多，不少人也有较为专业的装备。如果刚好有这样的朋友可以约着拍一拍，方便交流也能一起游玩，价钱的话就看你们的交情了。

3. 旅行路线选择：不要太细致
拍婚纱是一个非常累的活动。。。摆姿势端表情神马的都很耗精力。许多新人本来雄心勃勃要一天跑5-6个景点结果刚跑了1-2个就精疲力竭，之后的计划也全部泡汤。专业旅拍婚纱师的建议其实是把主线定好，每天2-3个大景点，留一些缓冲时间可以走走停停。许多好的照片也是在路边计划外的景点中不经意照出来的。所以计划狂人们可以放一放手，到时候多留意路边的风景。

4. 其他注意事项：安全第一
许多美国美丽的景点也有些危险。美国西海岸著名的一号公路风景优美却因为风大很容易翻车。许多国家森林公园也有可能有熊或其他野兽出没。美国交通规则整体和国内也不大一样，需要小心注意。晚上美国有些区非常不适合单独出行，即使只是去旅馆旁边买泡面也最好结伴出去。千万不要图一时的方便而疏忽大意。出门在外还是安全第一。

Sources: 
[1] http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/3090104.html
[2] http://jiaren.org/2012/03/02/sheying-17/
[3] http://www.hunantv.com/c/20120628/0834524494.html
[4] http://www.lntv.cn/ly/2059.htm

Top 10 Winter Honeymoon Destinations

Why is winter honeymoon a great idea? Rather than shivering in the snow, why not spend some quality time with your new spouse in some exotic place?

1. Hawaii
Of course you want to go to Hawaii for honeymoon! Hawaii is a great choice because it is different from everywhere else. It has distinct culture, exotic shows, different foods, unusually beautiful beaches...you are going to leave many worries and troubles far far behind. Plus, who doesn't like the sunshine, beach, bikini, seafood and all the other good stuff brought to you by warm weather?

Consider room rental services like airbnb. Not only they can make your trip significantly cheaper, living with some families in other cultures can be eye-opening for you too. However, definitely blend your whole trip with some days just in hotels. You will need some private intimate time with one another.  

Tip: When you are there, mention to everyone that you are married/engaged. People in Hawaii are very friendly so they may give you special discount or flowers just because you are on your honeymoon.  

2. New Zealand
Nothing beats exploring the vast nature together with your loved one. It is simply a big escape from the usual city life. Plus it is summer in New Zealand when it is winter in most other countries like the United States and United Kingdom. Perfect place to enjoy the sunshine and green grass while most of your friends are stuck in snow. One thing to note is that New Zealand is very addictive. After you got back you will be constantly thinking that "wish I were in the New Zealand jungle".

Tip: The jetlag to New Zealand is typically quite bad because of the north/south banqiu difference. Do watch out for that. 

3. Finland 
Did you know that you can sleep in igloos like these to watch the stars or even Northern Lights in Finland? These private igloos are cozy and romantic rooms by themselves. Plus you can have a crystal clear view of the sky with stars and enjoy the real "white christmas" there. With the unique tranquility brought by the snow, enjoying the burst of colored light together will definitely be an unforgettable experience.

Tip: Get super warm clothes and covering from head to toe. Even if you think you are pretty good with keep warm, get some extra clothing would not be a bad idea.

4. Singapore
Singapore is extremely unique with a mix of different culture and food. You will see all kinds of people there: Chinese, Malaysian, Indians, Caucasions...but they are not exactly the same from the ones you met in other places. One thing nice about Singapore is you can get very luxury experience if you throw almost equivalent budget. 

Tip: The hotel/housing rates are getting extremely expensive there. Try to book way in advance to get good rates or bribe a friend in Singapore to squeeze in.

5. Japan
Another exotic places to check out. The country is extremely clean and delicate. The nature is preserved very well and extremely beautiful too in Hokkaido. Remember to check out some big cities like Tokyo. Even if you've lived in big cities all your life, you will be amazed by how convenient and busy the big cities in Japan are. The authentic hot spring experiences, food tasting can all be interesting things to do as a couple. Bring your wedding dress there and get some special wedding photos!

 
Tip: The winter in Japan is very cold too. Also you may want to learn some basic Japanese together before you go for your honeymoon. It will be instrumental and also good bonding exercises as a couple.

6. Israel
Israel is all about exploration. You can go to  New Jerusalem and explore all kinds of things together one whole day. From Calvary to Jacob's well, from Golgotha to Galilee see, this religiously and culturally important city is just impossible to exhaust. As much as you want to just stick to one another, definitely consider following a tour guide to some extent. It is helpful to have someone knowing what is going on to be at the side so that you can fully appreciate the many interesting places.

Tip: If you have Jewish heritage and you've not been to Isarale before, you may be qualified for a "birthright trip" to Israel. Your airfares can be paid. Check it out for more information. 

7. France
You can only experience the "French-style" romance by visiting France yourself. Besides busy Paris, Provence can also be a great choice for honeymoon. There is huge lavender field to take breath-taking wedding photos. Because of the windy weather, he best wedding gowns there for photos are the simple mermaid or chiffon styles, not the bulky ones. 

Tip: The “French-style" romance is actually not something very visible, you need to walk down the streets, talk to different people and experience it.

8. Australia
Just like New Zealand, this country will be summer too when you are visiting in U.S.'s winter time.  Besides the beautiful beaches, koala bears, he "mateship" between Australians is something you want to experience as reported by this Facebook post. Also they have this "philosophy" of slow pace life may change your workaholic lifestyle.

Tip: If you are on a budget, do a lot of research to find good deals before going to Australia. It is very possible to save a lot of money by sharing economy means.

9. Antarctica 

Who are the best flower girls? Penguins. Where you can best escape away from the daily routines? Glacier. Where can you spend the sweetest time with one another during honeymoon? Antarctica. While it is absolutely romantic to go out there and chill out with the Penguins, remember to keep warm and check out tourist guides to the Antarctica too. Antarctica is a nice wedding destination area too.

Tip: Remember it is illegal to ship back penguins, so don't try.

10. Chile 
This is a nice country to explore with your newly-wed husband/wife. Besides the mysterious Easter Island, you can also enjoy the beautiful night view in the capital city Santiago. 

Tip: People speak Spanish there. You will enjoy the trip much more if you can speak some.

Source:
[1] http://th00.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2013/150/8/0/hawaii__life_is_beautiful__hawaii_by_alierturk-d6764rj.jpg
[2] http://seasonsagents.com/new-zealand.php
[3] http://inhabitat.com/finlands-hotel-kakslauttanen-offers-unrivaled-views-of-northern-lights-from-your-own-private-thermal-glass-igloo/
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Bay,_Singapore
[5] http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/planyourtrip/modelcourse/course10.php
[6] http://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/israel
[7] http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/provence/things-to-do/top-things-to-do-in-provence-the-cote-d-azur
[8] http://simone.co.in/about_austrailia.html
[9] http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2010/05/antarctica-at-risk-from-flood-of-people
[10] http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ist/?next=/lifelists/the-statues-of-easter-island-11248888/

10 Things Make Your Wedding Day Awkward

Now it is finally coming toward your big wedding day. The wedding dress is chosen, the wedding venue is decorated, the wedding wine is ordered, the wedding planner is having a break...what else might go wrong? Yes, with all these detailed planning, things can still go wrong. Here we've listed 10 things that will make it really awkward on your wedding day. Check through them and let us make your wedding day really smooth and full of sweet memory.

1.  Heels stepped into the grass
I am sure you've prepared one of the thinnest, most delicate, and sexy pair of heels for your wedding. But it is very possible that your heels will make it almost impossible to move elegantly cross the equally delicate wedding venue - grass, beach, pebbles. The wedding photographer will not be able to capture graceful and natural moments of yours because of these wedding shoes. So do be careful! One possible solution is to get heel protectors like this. Of course, only get those if your wedding gowns are long enough to cover your heels. Otherwise you will indeed look awkward with your wedding shoes on a piece of plastic! 

2. Muddy venue that trashes your dress
If your wedding dress is those kind with huge long tail, and you are going to walk through some exposed ground...think twice. White or ivory color wedding dresses can go dirty really fast on exposed grounds. Also if it rains, things will be 500% worse. Update your wedding plan. Long wedding gowns look best on grasses or indoor aisles.

3. Force guests to talk to people they don't know
You must have invited all the important people in your life to be the honored guests of your wedding party. But bear in mind that they may not know one another. It would be extremely awkward if one of them are assigned to sit with complete strangers and need to "bear" with that throughout the whole wedding ceremony. They most likely would know quite a number of your other guests, but definitely not all of them. You can either let them pick their own seat...so that they will naturally aggregate into groups that they are comfortable with. Or if you really want to assign the seats, make sure to do it according to their natural social circles and don't leave anyone alone.

4. Forget to enjoy each other
The number one thing to celebrate in your wedding party is the love between two of you. Some couples are so nervous about the food, the wine, the arrangement, that they forget to enjoy each other. People say that the wedding parties that the guests would enjoy the most are the ones where the couples are just enjoying each others' presence.Your love will strengthen their faith in love and bring back great memories of their own. No matter what happens, rain or shine, just enjoy each other and celebrate your love.

5. A bad MC
A MC can make or break your wedding reception. Some weddings would have MCs to talk through the process. It is not natural at all to hire some MC that don't know you at all. They may be "professional" MCs but they can totally say or do things so awkward that the whole wedding party feel is destroyed. One tip is to get the MC from the wedding venue itself so that at least they are very familiar with the venue. Also those MCs will not be so talkative and will mainly serve as a person who will smooth-en the process. Otherwise get a friend of yours to "volunteer“ as the MC. It is much cheaper and also your friend would know best how to use anecdotes and harmless teases to entertain all the guests.

6. Food with no distinction 
This world is full of diversity. You may or may not know that some of your guests are actually vegetarian, vegan, diary-allergic or gluten-allergic. They will feel extremely alone if they cannot eat anything because those dietary restrictions were not taken care of. In your wedding invitations, make sure to collect your guests' dietary restrictions so that...no one will go back home hungry from your wedding party.  

7. Ignored a certain group of guests
Is it a must to say Hi to every single guest in your wedding party? Probably not. But don't make any group feel that they are "ignored". While you are enjoying one another, roam around naturally and say Hi to each group. If you greet them by groups it is not that hard to reach every one. Have a checklist somewhere in your pocket or smartphone.  

8. Just coping with photographers
We all love photos. Wedding photos are extremely important to keep the memory. You've also got all the beautiful wedding dress, cocktail dress, lace veils, bride hairpieces to look pretty on this day. But remember the best wedding photos are the natural moments of yourself. Some wedding photographers like to "arrange posts" for you and some brides would just be busily coping with those "requests" throughout the wedding. That would make all the other guests feel extremely awkward and you will not have the chance to focus on the more important things such as celebrating with your guests. Book a separate session with the photographer to just capture the beauty of yourself and the wedding dress. But when you are on the wedding party, just be natural and enjoy yourself. 

9. Lost track of important things like ring
There are many details on your wedding party to take care. The wedding venue, the cumbersome wedding dress, the nails, the hair, the mother-in-law...Don't lose track of super important things like the ring, the wedding bands, your phone, your speech script. The only way to avoid this is to be organized. Keep a clear mind and know where to get things. Get a clear plastic organizer like this so that you can see clearly where things are. Also don't bear all the responsibility on your own shoulder. Assign tasks to your bride-maids and your husband so that the important details will not be forgotten.

10. Too nervous
After all, it is YOUR wedding party! You can pick whatever wedding dress you want and look however you want. Just be confident and natural. Some brides get too nervous the previous night and cannot be their best selves on the actual big day. If you didn't have enough sleep the previous night or got all nervous in your party, the wedding photos wouldn't be as nice and your guests can tell.  So forget about many rules and..have fun!

Sources: 
www.heelsabove.com
http://brandx10.com
www.bridalmusings.com
www.laughingsquid.com
http://www.weddingemcee.com/
http://www.weddingbee.com
http://www.people.com
http://www.glamour.com/
http://estadosanacronicos.blogspot.com/2014/09/wedding-ring-background.html
http://bridalmusings.com