I apologize for not being able to update the blog for almost 2 weeks now.  A lot has happened and a lot is still happening.  As I mentioned earlier in this blog, we decided that it was time for John to move in with me.  He’s here now!  Yup, I’m officially living with a boy .

We’re still not done fixing the place, including some throwing away of stuff.  We’re both still adjusting to living with one another and doing everything ourselves.  We feel like adults now lol.  Our lifestyle has changed as well.  We’re now eating healthier and joined the gym.  It does make it easier when you do it with someone.

So I promise I’ll update this blog as much as I can.  I did do a few wedding planning in between so I’ll blog about that in a little while.  Talk to you later!

Pasta Italiana Tablesetting Collection via Hostess with the Mostess – ends 7/14

Favor Affair $25 Gift Certificate via The Perfect Palette – ends 7/15

Dance Floor Monogram Decal via Brenda’s Wedding Blog – ends 7/27

Bleu Garters $50 Gift Certificate via Wedding Fanatic – ends 7/28

And you thought chalkboards are for classrooms only.  Nowadays, we see more of them at weddings.  Why?  They’re very useful from creating wedding signs to seating charts.  And the best part, you can just erase what was written and re-use.  It’s so practical, it’s great for an eco-friendly wedding.

Above: Spice up photo booth photos with personal messages on a chalkboard; a variety of chalkboards with people’s messages fills up those empty corners in a venue; hang a door sign to keep the boys from entering the bridal suite (or vice versa); the escort card stakes are perfect for a garden wedding; chalkboard place cards are easy to use and re-use; send guests away with chalkboard favor boxes with their names written on them

Above: A chalkboard seating chart is perfect for a beachside wedding; display a word puzzle to entertain guests during cocktail hour; chalkboard tags do double duty as napkin rings and place cards; write table numbers on mini chalkboards or chalkboard votive candles; keep the kids entertained with a chalk(board) fabric tablecloth

Above: Write your menu bistro-style on a chalkboard; label desserts at your dessert buffet with mini chalkboards; display cheeses on slate risers during cocktail hour; write your thank yous on chalkboard napkin rings or use as placecards; put up chalkboard signs to direct guests; say more in your photo booth photos with a chalkboard speech bubble

DO-IT-YOURSELF

If you’re having a hard time finding the right chalkboard for you, you can of course DIY!  You can use chalkboard paint, chalkboard contact paper, or chalkboard fabric!  The possibilities are almost endless.

Stay tuned for the next installment of my Chalkboards post - my collection of DIY Chalkboards.

Lela Rose Sample Sale
80% off wedding dresses

July 15-17, 2009
10am – 5pm

224 W 30th St, 13th floor
New York, NY
(212) 947-9204 ext 11

Is the current state of our economy affecting your wedding plans?

With the rough economy, we find more and more people wary of their spending and more conscientious of their finances.  Wedding being a big money-magnet, it’s just logical to think that the wedding industry will be affected as much as the other industries.  Based on this article at Edmonton Journal, this doesn’t seem to be the case.

Photo from London Wedding Car

If there’s one thing that just might be recession-proof, it’s the wedding dreams of young brides-to-be.

Despite a slumping Canadian economy and rising unemployment in Alberta, there was little talk of cutting back at the Edmonton Bridal Fair on Sunday.

“I don’t think the economy affects the wedding business as much as other retail businesses, because you’re shopping for a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” said Denilore Bridal owner Pat Montour.

“If you’ve had a dream since you were a little girl, you’re probably not going to change it much.”

The wedding industry may be almost recession-proof, but brides still have to be more cautious.  Here are some tips to plan your wedding at this economy.

Don’t go deeply into debt.  We don’t know what the future holds, so I suggest looking into that budget again and see if you can pay for most of it now without oweing any money.

Choose well-established and financially secure vendors.  You wouldn’t want your vendor bailing out before your wedding day.

Do not expect less people to come to your wedding.  Even though it is likely that you will have less guests than you expected in the beginning because of the economy, do not factor that in your budget.  If you’re trying to cut down on your budget, do not lessen your RSVP expectations, but instead invite less people.

Do not expect monetary gifts.  Guests are affected by the sagging economy as well.  When it really comes down to it, gifts are not even required at weddings.

When determining your budget, do not factor in future revenues.  With struggling economy comes uncertainty.  More people are unsure whether they’ll still have a job this year or next.  So use money that you already have and can spare, for your wedding.

I’m not a cake topper fan.  But every now and then I come across cake toppers that are just too irresistable.  This topper was the bride’s own creation.  She used it on her wedding stationery as well.  Isn’t it just too cute?  Photos were taken by the fabulous Kristin Spencer.

I stumbled upon this awesome nautical theme from Wedding Moments Magazine that uses red, white and blue color motif.  Isn’t it perfect for a seaside 4th of July party?  Happy 4th of July!!

Urban Unveiled Wedding Event
October 15, 2009

Benaroya Hall
200 University St
Seattle WA
www.urbanunveiled.com

Discounted tickets on sale now!
Click here to purchase.

If you already have a dress in mind for your bridal party and you’re having a hard time finding it, check out Coco Myles.  Coco Myles allows you to customize your bridesmaid dresses.  You can choose the top, bottom, fabric, color, even beading!

Coco Myles also offers maternity and celebrity-inspirted dreses.  The best part, the dresses are affordable!