Telling the World

So you've got the perfect ring on your finger, the perfect man to spend the rest of your life with...now what? If you're anything like myself, you are avoiding discussing a budget. Well, prepare yourself ladies...the B-word is not one to fear and you will eventually need to face it head-on (I will help). However before hacking out the budget, you need to tell the world about your big news!!

If you want to announce your engagement on stationary, then I HIGHLY recommend that you work on your budget before doing so. Paper can get costly...we will cover that in later posts. Because I'm a bride on a budget, I found a really fun way to share my news with the world for FREE.

My 96-year old great grandmother is the only person I know who does not own or have access to a computer/internet so GG gets a free pass on this one. Know where I'm going? ....WEBSITES!

There are dozens of free wedding websites online, where you register (for free), pick a template and fill out the information. The sites walk you through the entire process and it can be a really fun way to share information with friends and family...did I mention that is is free?

If you know someone with computer skills, you can always ask them to create a website for you (this can be their wedding gift to you). Creating your own site takes a lot of work and time however, it is well worth it when you are able to add personal touches that express your love for each other.

Lucky for me, my fiance is a computer technician. We started our website a few months back but as mentioned, it takes time to complete. Here is the site's URL: www.jasonandkatey.com

We hope to complete it soon. Ok, back to YOUR site...

Once you get your site set up, you will want to let everyone know that it exists. Running on the theme of technology, you can email or text the link to your friends and family. Social sites such as Facebook and Myspace are also great ways to share the link with friends.

If you are concerned that some of your family members or friends won't see the sight, you can always give them a call or wait until you send out your save-the-dates. Many couples print their website URL on their save-the-dates to let family members know where to find addition information. Your website will pick up LOTS more traffic after save-the-dates are sent so if you don't get the word out right away, don't worry...sooner or later, they will find your website.

Important: This is a no-brainer, however I must mention it anyway. Remember one of the most important rules of wedding planning: FAMILY IS FIRST.

If you plan to create a website, let your family know about your engagement before they hear about it from someone else who has seen your site. Same goes for all other plans - you might not be super close to your family but do you best to keep them in the loop. They don't have to make decisions or sway your opinions about certain details however, including them on the adventure will make the ride much smoother.

Links: Below are a list of free wedding websites that I reccommend...

www.ewedding.com
www.momentville.com
www.superweds.com
www.onewed.com

Happy Planning!

Bling, Bling...The Perfect Ring

The more brides I meet, the more stories I hear about the adventures of finding the "perfect ring". Often, these adventures include dragging the future groom from store to store, several weeks before he actually pops the question.

While some gals are happy with whatever their sweetheart surprises them with, most of us would rather have a hand in picking out the bling. Let's face it - we can be pretty picky. With ring-hunting in mind, I thought that I would introduce a few money saving ideas to the equation...

1. Diamonds are not always a girl's best friend.
You must think I'm crazy, but hear me out. I'm sure that we are all aware of the beautifully colored stones and the timelessness of pearls but today, I'm shifting focus.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral found in very limited quantities or as minute particles in the earth. Because of its natural rarity, the stone is limited however, jewelers now carry lab-made Moissanite. Yes, lab-made....Don't turn off your brains just yet.

As a result of blood-diamonds, women all over the world are turning to Moissanite as an alternative. The stone looks like a diamond, is strong like a diamond but does not come with the price tag of a diamond. And most importantly, lives are spared. For more information, check out this site: www.whatismoissanite.com

Cubic Zirnonia is also a lab-made, budget-friendly stone. Although some may turn their noses up to the stone, it has actually earned an outstanding reputation. The stone is durable and can be ordered in any color or cut, making it more desirable.

The CZ is a great way for the bride and groom to compromise. If the bride wants a larger ring, but a large diamond is not feasible, it is common that the couple will opt for a CZ stone and later replace it with a diamond (usually on one-year anniversary).

2. Dainty is in!
Perhaps you are a gal similar to my own taste - the ring doesn't make the marriage. It is important that every bride recognize the importance of the commitment that her man is making. When you think of his love and devotion, it makes the importance of the ring seem like a silly subject when compared to his everlasting love. And if you've been blessed with a man like my own, you know fully well that he would break the bank to give you everything your heart desires...be nice ladies!

I've always loved the look of older, vintage rings and after researching estate jewelry, I realized that I wanted a new ring with an older look. I thought I was in for a world of frustration but I was wrong. The first ring I found was the one that is now on my finger. It is dainty, vintage-inspired and most importantly, it was AFFORDABLE!

Smaller rings usually have matching bands so if you're looking for a little more bulk, you can add a band on your wedding day.

3. Family Jewels
Many of my friends have been blessed with their precious family jewels. Grandmothers and great grandmothers are often eager to pass down their wedding rings, providing a very inexpensive way to get blinged while honoring your family and the generations before you.

Wearing a relative's ring often allows room in the budget for a bigger diamond. Make sure to factor in the cost of sizing and cleaning - older rings are often tarnished.

4. Band Together
If you want to focus on a large diamond, be willing to compromise on the band. Fewer embellishments on the band help to lower the cost. If you're looking for a silver hue, forgo platinum and opt for white gold - it will cost about 45% less.

Buying in sets also helps lower the cost. Remember, your salesman wants to meet his quota and if you're ready to look at groom rings, you might find yourself saving a bundle. Buying the rings in a set also guarantees that you are matchy, matchy...if that's what you're going for.

If you don't get a deal for buying the rings together, just think of the gas money you will save...getting everything done in one trip means that you have an extra $20-something to put towards the wedding, or a night out on the town.

5. Let's Make a Deal
Although big corporations and companies offer a wide variety of rings, their prices are usually set in stone (no pun intended). If you are the haggling type, I recommend that you try your hand at a smaller store that is locally owned. The jeweler will be more likely to lower the price of your ring AND if they don't have exactly what you are looking for, they have plenty of catalogs that you can flip through.

It's important that when making a deal, you do your homework first. Know what you want and research the value. Don't get emotional while trying to make a deal - it needs to remain professional. If you can't keep your emotions under control, send your honey to do the talking while you read your bridal magazines in the car.

Use your connections. If you are from a small town like myself, connections almost always work. Don't be afraid to drop names - it isn't tacky, it's resourceful. And most importantly, always be willing to walk away. Don't make a deal in haste.

Last but not least...

The most important aspect of ring shopping is setting your budget. Respect and honor your man's hard-earned dollar by keeping within the budget. If you can't afford Hearts on Fire, you have no business looking in that case. Don't allow yourself the room to be tempted....trust me, it's dangerous and brings out a very ugly, whinny side of you.

With the five tips in mind, I was able to find my dream ring. Our budget was $5,500 and my ring (band included) started at $4,000. Although we were under budget, I caught the money-saving bug and found myself determined to lower the price. It took several visits to the jeweler and lots of self control - we had to walk away many times. After making a few more compromises (which I am very happy with), our final cost was a little over $3,000,whch made my fiance a very happy man.

Happy Bling-Shopping!!!

About the Bride

Welcome to my blog!

Like most girls, I grew up with a wild imagination and enjoyed planning my fairytale wedding long before my prince entered the picture. When Jason proposed, the reality of a budget hit me between the eyes and to be honest, it took a while for me to warm up to the idea.

With the creative genes of my mother and the thrifty influence of my mother-in-law, I quickly discovered that there are lots of fun and creative ways to master the budget while keeping to the fairytale wedding from my childhood dreams. Having several friends who are heading down the aisle in the months surrounding my wedding (October 18, 2009), I felt inspired to share my saving secrets with all budgeting brides.

When the last piece of cake is cut, the music stops and the lights go out, it won't be the stunning centerpieces or the fancy guest book that people remember most. Instead, they will talk about your special vows and the contagious love that filled the air. After all, your wedding is a day to celebrate your love and commitment to your groom...

Saving money along the way is a bonus!! =)