Brilliant Event Planning Blog » budget

Flower Girl Headpiece Alternative

Sarah — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:46:34 +0000

Love the look of a flowery headpiece for your adorable flower girl but can’t stomach the price? Check out the lovely headpiece alternative below, courtesy of our friends at 100 Layer Cake.

Photo by Garret Grove and James Moes.

Avoid a DIY Disaster

Sarah — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:01:36 +0000

Before you take on any DIY projects you should check out this decision flow chart from Heart of Light via 100 Layer Cake. Not just funny & cute, the message is absolutely right on the money. Click here to download the full version. Instead of planning DIY for everything, pick and choose a few elements you want to do yourself and purchase the others ready-made. Your sanity will thank you.

Valentine’s Day: Photo Session

Sarah — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:17:04 +0000

Looking for a unique way to surprise your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? Kirstin Frazell is offering Valentine’s Day mini-sessions in Central Park. Bundle up and bring along some playful props – a bouquet of red roses or some chocolates to share! You’ll have a blast and get some beautiful shots at one of NYC’s most popular backdrops. For those brides & grooms on a budget, here’s your perfect chance to get gorgeous, professional engagement photos at an amazing discount. Here are all the details:

Kiss Package – $150: 45 minute shoot, 20 digital images, private online gallery, 1 8×10 print and 1 5×7 print

Love Package – $200: 45 minute shoot, 45 digital images, private online gallery, 1 8×10 print, 1 5×7 print and 2 4×6 prints

Check out more information at Kirstin’s website.

Drink Calculator for Holiday Parties

Sarah — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:16:49 +0000

If you’re hosting a holiday party this season, Evite’s drink calculator is a must have! Enter in the number of hours your party will last and the guest count and the drink calculator will tell you how much beer, wine and spirits you’ll need.

Extra tip: always buy one extra case of beer or bottle of wine as your ace in hole (or for an after-party drink for yourself!)

We’re Featured on Betty Confidential!

Sarah — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:53:47 +0000

I was recently interviewed by Betty Confidential on the fast-growing trend of Friday weddings! Read the full article here.

Platinum for Pennies: Draping Done Easy

Sarah — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:40:24 +0000

When it comes to event decor, I’m a huge fan of ceiling features like draping. For those DIY hosts/brides out there who have their hearts set on indoor or outdoor draping, check out your local Ikea for an amazing, budget friendly option with these shade sails.

The Dyning shade costs $25 and you get a great triangular shade that comes complete with hooks and cord to hang it. For an indoor wedding, pick up a few super strong magnets with a built-in hook from Northern Tool at $3 each and clip to the ceiling. For outdoor decor, string the shade up between trees or lamp posts. It’s the perfect touch of drama and really makes the space your own…and all for less than $50!

Photo courtesy of Shaded Nation

Platinum for Pennies: Candle Table

Sarah — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:48:16 +0000

With our recession brides in mind, we’ve created a new type of post called Platinum for Pennies. Enjoy!

On a recent visit to a florist, I spied a gorgeous table filled with oversized silver candlesticks in varying styles like the photo below. It’s a simple, yet inspired approach to decor and lighting and a great way to display your escort cards, guest book or favors. But, it’s tough to find beautiful candlesticks on a budget.

Enter your friend and mine: Ikea! For the bargain price of $8 to $10 each (depending on size), you can fill a table with their expensive-looking “Skimmer” candles without breaking your budget. Still out of your budget? Raid your nearest Salvation Army and pick up candle holders there for around $1 each and mix and match.

Inexpensive Glass Vases

Sarah — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:42:13 +0000

If you’ve been trolling the internet day and night for beautiful glass vases that don’t bust your budget – troll no more! Check out CYS Excel. Yes, their website looks a little shady, but you get great customer service, prompt delivery and good quality products.

They have all types of glass vases from tower vases to huge cylinder vases to giant glass jars for your candy bar at really really great prices. It’s a bargain hunter’s (and event planner’s) dream! One last tip – many times their website will say they’re sold out of an item…try giving them a call directly to see if they do have it in stock. Chances are they have it and the website just hasn’t been updated yet!

Customize your Coasters

Sarah — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:53:23 +0000

Expand your wedding, event or company logo to coasters! In addition to customized stationary and napkins, have custom coasters printed for your event. This inexpensive detail will create a cohesive look for your party and will stick in the minds of your guests. Try Absorbent Ink or or Coasters for Less where they allow you to upload your own design or choose from a variety of templates. Pocketbook not an issue? Give custom tile coasters as part of your favors!

Chandeliers in the Outdoors

Sarah — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:22:14 +0000

One of my favorite ways to create a touch of elegance for outdoor weddings is the use of chandeliers. You can hang them in trees for the ceremony, under a rustic overhang for cocktail hour or inside a restored barn for the reception.

They add just a bit of elegance without being too stuffy, add interest to the ceiling and improve the ambiance with their soft lighting. For couples on a budget or wanting a non-traditional feel, there are all types for all price ranges, tastes and colors! For inexpensive ones try Ikea or Shop Wild Things. Here are a few pictures to inspire you…