Cara Davis shares her thoughts about finding ways to trim some of the cost of your wedding. Cara is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.
1. Save-the-Dates
Skip the printed postcards announcing your wedding date and use e-vites, Facebook, [...]]]>Cara Davis shares her thoughts about finding ways to trim some of the cost of your wedding. Cara is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.
1. Save-the-Dates
Skip the printed postcards announcing your wedding date and use e-vites, Facebook, email and the old-fashioned phone to spread the word to out-of-town guests. If you’re committed to hardcopies, check out TheWeddingChicks.com for free, elegant printables.
2. A professional wedding planner
If you’re fairly well organized, you can get away without the services of a professional, so long as you have some reliable people to delegate to, like your mom and maids. Don’t use this as an excuse to not do your homework and get referrals for the services you do spend your money on, like flowers and catering. For some digital help, check out this article from Mashable on the best wedding-planning apps.
3. Relatives twice removed
The more you can trim you guest list, the more money you’ll save overall. Keep the invite list to the must-haves, then send out a wedding announcement (perhaps with your photo) to the masses when all is said and done.
4. Large bridal party
While it may look impressive in wedding photos, a large bridal party is going to cause more headache and strain on the wallet than you need. Ask your closest friends and family who are willing to help you pull off your big day, and assign other tasks to those you feel just need to be involved somehow (user, parking attendant, server, greeter, etc.)
5. Matchy-matchy dresses
Don’t even pretend you’re going to find a magical dress that looks good on all the girls that they’ll treasure forever. Ain’t gonna happen. Choose a theme or color and allow the girls to find their own dresses that fit them (and their wallet). Provide accessories as your gift instead. If you’re still not convinced, take a look at these mismatched bridesmaid dresses on Pinterest and reconsider.
6. Professional hair & makeup
For some, this is a non-negotiable, and if it is, don’t feel guilty spending money on it. But, if you have a friend who’s great at hair and/or makeup, enlist their services and splurge by buying new makeup and hair products that you’ll have for the honeymoon and months to come (and don’t forget to tip the person who ends up doing the job).
7. Tuxes
Weddings aren’t the formal affairs they used to be. If you’re wanting a more laid-back and personality-infused wedding, allow your guys to relax and wear suits (ties, bow-ties, suspenders or not…) They’ll love you for it.
8. Formal wedding registry
Brides and grooms are getting married later in their 20s, and the need for a formal or traditional wedding registry is waning. Take advantage of new services like CardAvenue, an online wedding registry that allows you to register for gift cards from national retailers — from restaurants to home stores.
9. Dinner
No one’s coming to the wedding for the Cornish game hen, folks. Let’s skip the formal dinner and do something fun and themed instead – perhaps a self-serve brunch for an 11 a.m. wedding, or a dessert buffet for a 2 p.m. one. You’ll save a bundle and it’ll be more fun for you and your guests.
10. Alcohol
If drinking at your wedding isn’t that important to you, skip it. You’ll be amazed at how much this will ease your wedding budget. If you do feel strongly about it, choose one drink you’ll be serving, or purchase your liquor at a big-box warehouse store.
11. A “wedding” cake
When ordering the cake for your wedding, don’t mention that it’s for a wedding. It will automatically double the price. Order a birthday cake, in whatever style you want (three-tiered, etc.). The difference is that bakers make wedding cakes with four layers and cake and three layers of filling. Birthday cakes have two layers of cake and one layer of filling. We seriously doubt your guests will notice.
12. Party favors
Unless you can pull this off for cheap and in a non-tacky way, I wouldn’t sweat the wedding favors. Instead, sprinkle your tables with Hershey’s Kisses, or provide little treat bags to fill at a candy station on the way out. A votive candle with your wedding date on it is not going to last long in anyone’s house, except for your mother-in-law’s. And even that’s questionable.
Share this page:
]]>
The time is drawing near!
Only a week left until Halloween and chances are some of us still have not finalized a costume yet. Not to worry. I have a simple rule to help find the perfect costume. Just follow the three S’s:
Sexy
Smart
Scary
Sexy: It really is this easy. Any costume can be sexy, and with the [...]]]>The time is drawing near!
Only a week left until Halloween and chances are some of us still have not finalized a costume yet. Not to worry. I have a simple rule to help find the perfect costume. Just follow the three S’s:
- Sexy
- Smart
- Scary
Sexy: It really is this easy. Any costume can be sexy, and with the wide range of costumes now for women it is already done for us. New costumes based off the classic horror movie characters such as Freddy Kreuger and Jason have been made into sexy yet tasteful costumes. at The Halloween Costume store on Leetsdale in South Denver, I personally saw a women’s Edward Scissor Hands and Hugh Hefner. Even Marvel superheroes have made there way into the women’s costumes making Batman and Robin sexier than ever. The general rule with sexy is show enough but don’t show too much. For example show the legs, and nothing else.
Smart: Don’t be afraid to be creative. By using thrift stores or going through your own closet you can find a lot of options without going broke and being original. Have an old prom dress? Put on some fake blood and paint yourself pale. Instant zombie prom queen. Have torn-up jeans you have no idea why you kept and a ratty old band tshirt? Tease your hair, add some color and heels. BOOM! 80′s rocker girl. No one will have your same look, and you will be a hit without your wallet taking one.
Scary: Scary costumes are more of a tradition for Halloween mainly because they are fun and have the most variety. You can turn any character into a zombie, a vampire, or create your own take on a classic spook. The key to these is the makeup effects which are extremely cheap and easy to find. Target, Walgreens, or any local costume shop will have the things you need, from gruesome gore effects to pale dead and vampire teeth.
You can also combine all 3 of the S’s to create a look that will truly show off your talent and creativity. Most importantly have fun while you’re doing it.
Now, go out there and make a statement for Halloween!
Share this page:
]]>
By Amanda Sheahan
When trying to find the perfect costume, it is often difficult to decide with so many options available. Just like every other fashion season, Halloween has its own change in trends.
from Disney Pictures' "Alice in Wonderland"
While visiting Halloween Street, a popular costume shop, I asked the staff about this year’s trick or [...]]]>By Amanda Sheahan
When trying to find the perfect costume, it is often difficult to decide with so many options available. Just like every other fashion season, Halloween has its own change in trends.
from Disney Pictures' "Alice in Wonderland"
While visiting Halloween Street, a popular costume shop, I asked the staff about this year’s trick or treats in fashion. One clerk said, “Easy, Lady Gaga and Alice in Wonderland. I haven’t gone a day without someone buying a costume of those two yet.”
These costumes are popular this year for two reasons. First, both characters have the largest variety of possibilities. Alice-inspired looks range from the innocent to the ultra-sexy. A few versions include the “traditional” Disney look, some versions come from the recent Tim Burton character, the darker video game version, one that’s Playboy inspired, and even a gothic version of this classic heroine. She is a versatile costume that any age can wear, and there’s a version that’s appropriate to fit each different personality.
And then we have Lady Gaga. She has become more and more popular as an inspiration for Halloween the last two years for a number of reasons. One, she is easy and fun to impersonate. Male or female, you can usually get a laugh out of these costumes because of how over the top she is as a performer. In one costume shop alone, there were five different costumes, four wigs, and countless accessories to recreate your favorite Gaga look. No two costumes are the same, and the more outrageous the better. It’s a costume you can have fun with and one that everyone will recognize.
The common factor in both of these costumes is that they are incredibly easy to recreate for a very low cost. If you find yourself on a budget, a simple leotard, a crazy wig and a lot of glitter can give you an authentic Gaga look. For Alice, a blue skirt, ruffle top and a head band is sufficient. For both of these characters the most important thing to remember is to accessorize.
You can go over the top or simple. Spend a fortune, or use what you have laying around the house. Either way, Make your way “down the rabbit hole” and welcome the “Paparazzi”. These costumes will be a hit.
Share this page:
]]>
by Amanda Sheahan
Halloween is the one night a year when we get to be kids again. We get to dress up in costumes, bob for apples, visit haunted houses and corn mazes, and not care how silly we look while doing all of it with our closest friends.
Personally, I am addicted to Halloween. It is [...]]]>by Amanda Sheahan
Halloween is the one night a year when we get to be kids again. We get to dress up in costumes, bob for apples, visit haunted houses and corn mazes, and not care how silly we look while doing all of it with our closest friends.
Personally, I am addicted to Halloween. It is my favorite holiday and I regularly look up Halloween costumes, visit Halloween stores, and even began making my own costumes while in college to save money.
Every year we are faced with the age old question “What should I be this year?” It is often a struggle to figure out not only what costume to wear, but also how to keep a budget while also trying to be authentic. For the rest of October I will be bringing you tips on the most popular costumes for this year, how to make your own creative looks and the most cost effective ways to keepthe fun in Halloween.
Let’s have some fun!
Share this page:
]]>
by Amanda Sheahan
We covered CommUnity Service earlier this year, noting that a strong love for their community and the people in it is what drives this company.
Sadly, last week the unfortunate happened. CommUnity Service’s boutique was broken into and robbed. “They shattered our front doors and did some damage to the shop andmanaged to make [...]]]>by Amanda Sheahan
We covered CommUnity Service earlier this year, noting that a strong love for their community and the people in it is what drives this company.
Sadly, last week the unfortunate happened. CommUnity Service’s boutique was broken into and robbed. “They shattered our front doors and did some damage to the shop andmanaged to make off with some merchandise. This was a crime based on stupidity and greed…an attack like this feels like the worse kind of backstabbing.” said founder Richard Langdon.
Understandably, the team is asking the community to help out in finding who is responsible. CommUnity Service’s customer base is responding with strong support, with Facebook posts of offers to help in any way they can.
Merchandise valued at approximately $2,000 was stolen, and it appears that the thieves focused on items exclusive to CommUnity Service, such as Royal Stain items. Also taken were four limited edition LRG artist series from Ironlak Collabs, an item also only sold by CommUnity Service.
Anyone with information about the break-in and theft is encouraged to contact your local police.
Share this page:
]]>
by Amanda Sheahan
The first time I saw the amazing tutus by House of Arden at this year’s Denver Style Expo, I fell in love. They were edgy, romantic, original, and best of all, local. At the end of the runway show, we were graced with the presence of not only Lesley Temple, the designer of [...]]]>by Amanda Sheahan
The first time I saw the amazing tutus by House of Arden at this year’s Denver Style Expo, I fell in love. They were edgy, romantic, original, and best of all, local. At the end of the runway show, we were graced with the presence of not only Lesley Temple, the designer of these gamine tutus, but also her two beautiful daughters, Arden and Lael, who worked the runway like true professionals. After getting a chance to meet with Lesley, it was clear that this family affair is deeply imbedded in the fabric of this brand.
The stunning Raven II
The first thing I had to ask Lesley was how she came up with the name, House of Arden. It is no surprise that it came from her daughter. “We had done a photo shoot and she just worked that camera. The photographer and I were joking that it was like House of Arden, the way she was posing. So the tutus are called Princess Lael after my oldest daughter and the company is House of Arden after my youngest.”
From the very beginning, this business has been all about family. “I started designing tutus for my girls. They were in dance and they are very tall. It’s difficult to find tutus that fit them correctly. One day I took a close look at the tutus they had and thought, “I can do that!’ So I gave it a shot.”
After experimenting and having a little fun with the material and designs, they began to be noticed, and she was encouraged by her husband to continue. She then began designing not only for her daughters and little girls, but was also catching the attention of teenagers and adults. “Girls started wearing them as prom dresses, and I wore one that I made for myself to a Mother’s Day brunch. That’s how the adult line began.”
By having a little fun and mixing materials she has been able to create something completely unique while drawing inspiration from the high end fashion Icons. “I love runway shows and fashion magazines. I think I own every issue of Vogue that has been printed. I love Dior andMcQueen, which have been huge inspirations to me. I also have two very girly little girls so, fairy tales also give me a lot of inspiration.”
Sizzling in the Hot Rod
The big attention-getting feature of these dramatic designs were the trains that have been added to the tutus, along with the embellishments such as flowers. When asked how she came up with these amazing designs, her response was simply “It’s a lot of trial anderror.” By playing around with materials she discovered what works and what doesn’t, and understanding that perfection generally doesn’t happen the first time around. “Seam ripping is NEVER pretty.”
Having to balance work, family, friends or any other combination of hectic schedules is a difficult proposition for many. Imagine having all of that, plus a talent that is starting to grow from a local business to, hopefully, a nationally-known brand. Lesley is a mom and wife with a full-time job and designs on the side, and the whole family is involved.
I asked Lesley how she finds the balance? “We are machines! My husband and I run this business together, and our kids are the best verbal partners we could have. It’s insanity but you learn to monitor time. ”
From home to the runway, House of Arden maintains a poise and balance of a loving,creative and talented family. We think this local brand will soon take the fashion world by storm.
House of Arden is available all over the Denver metro area, and you can learn where to find them, at http://houseofarden.com/.
Share this page:
]]>
We are so giddy with excitement about the news that Denver’s own, Fallene Wells, has been selected for Project Runway’s 9th season’s cast. She joins last season’s sensation, Mondo Guerra, in the growing chain of incredible Denver-based designers.
Read more at Project Runway’s page here, and we’ve posted Fallene’s video in this post.
Congratulations, Fallene!
Share this page:
]]>We are so giddy with excitement about the news that Denver’s own, Fallene Wells, has been selected for Project Runway’s 9th season’s cast. She joins last season’s sensation, Mondo Guerra, in the growing chain of incredible Denver-based designers.
Read more at Project Runway’s page here, and we’ve posted Fallene’s video in this post.
Congratulations, Fallene!
Share this page:
]]>
The Green Cube Project, northwest Denver’s 1st LEED platinum sustainable single family home, will be hosting a "green" fashion show in August. We are looking for designers who trend green and sustainable to showcase their latest eco fashions.]]>The Green Cube Project, northwest Denver’s 1st LEED platinum sustainable single family home, will be hosting a “green” fashion show on August 6, 2011, at 7 p.m. The show’s producers are looking for designers who trend green and sustainable to showcase their latest eco fashions. For more details, contact brettrobben@comcast.net
From the Green Cube website:
Things are turning green at 3310 Shoshone Street in the Lower Highlands neighborhood, where a unique single-family residence is taking shape. Currently under construction, the Denver Green Cube Show Home is scheduled for completion in August 2011, when its project managers will introduce the home as a green pavilion to raise funds for the North High scholarship while educating attendees about affordable, sustainable building through tours, open houses, seminars, and special events showcasing its green vendors.
To become a LEED Platinum residence, the home must use just 40 percent of the energy of a similar-sized home. This is the highest level for a green sustainable building from the U.S. Green Building Council. Green Cube will not only leverage sustainable and reusable products, but will serve as an on-going fundraiser to support an annual scholarship fund for North High School students to pursue careers in the field of sustainable construction and engineering.
As the project progresses, Urban Green Development and a team of real estate professionals are seeking community sponsors to participate in both the project’s construction and staging and to join in pavilion events showcasing green building and sustainable lifestyles. After an August 5 kickoff, the home will be open for three weeks to showcase its unique green accomplishment and raise scholarship funds.
For more information about the home, visit http://greencubedenver.com
Share this page:
]]>
A national phenomenon is coming back to Denver, and it’s not just a night out with your best gal pals.
Then again, it is, except that it’s a girls’ night out on steroids. Shecky’s creates fun experiences that empower and reward women to socialize and discover with their girlfriends. What could be better?
SHECKY’S GIRLS NIGHT [...]]]>A national phenomenon is coming back to Denver, and it’s not just a night out with your best gal pals.
Then again, it is, except that it’s a girls’ night out on steroids. Shecky’s creates fun experiences that empower and reward women to socialize and discover with their girlfriends. What could be better?
SHECKY’S GIRLS NIGHT OUT
When: May 17th; 5pm-10pm
Where: Denver Merchandise Mart
Our event features:
- Shopping local designers
- Complimentary cocktails
- Amazing goodie bags
- Makeovers
And so much more!
Buy event tickets at http://www.sheckys.com/events/6783/girls-night-out-denver-spring-2011/
Share this page:
]]>
For those of you, who like myself find it incredibly hard to accomplish anything ahead of time, I have put together a comprehensive list of fool proof, smile producing, hug inducing, pat-on-the-back for being such a thoughtful child, gifts for the one and only mom. It may be crunch time to Mother’s Day, but your solution to last minute shopping can be found here.]]>by Kelsy McCain
For those of you, who like myself find it incredibly hard to accomplish anything ahead of time, I have put together a comprehensive list of fool proof, smile producing, hug inducing, pat-on-the-back for being such a thoughtful child, gifts for the one and only mom. It may be crunch time to Mother’s Day, but your solution to last minute shopping can be found here.
Gifts That Give Back:
This Mother’s Day give a gift that supports a great cause.
Lady Gaga's earthquake relief band, $5
Japan Earthquake Relief Bands-With sayings such as, “We Pray For Japan” and “Hope For Japan” these silicone wristbands range anywhere from $5.00 to $8.00 with proceeds benefiting those effected by the devastating events of the March 11, 2011 quake. Find yours online at www.amazon.com or ladygaga.shop.bravadousa.com (yes, she did create her own Japan Relief fund and you can add on an extra donation in any denomination during checkout)
Breast Cancer Awareness-Today, many of us have in some way been touched or affected by this disease. Show your support to the many woman diagnosed, battling, and surviving Breast Cancer everyday. Think pink with “Hop, Faith, Strength, Courage”, “Fight Like a Girl”, and “Survivor” silicone wristbands available at www.pinkribbonshop.com.
Uganda Relief-Help make a difference in the quality of life for a family one bead at a time. Handmade in Uganda, pieces range from loose beads to necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. No two beads are alike and customized pieces can be made upon inquiry. With your support the war on poverty can continue to be fought and overcome. Check out the many varieties at www.outreachuganda.org or www.beadforlifestore.org.
Wrap It Up:
Give your mom the perfect Spring companion that takes any outfit form sweet to chic. Perfect for gusty days, running errands, and luncheons with her ladies. Whether you choose a scarf from one of these hot designers or create a DIY project of your own, make sure to select an over-sized, ultra soft, lightweight fabric with a good amount of drape.
Paula Bianco-Her popular wrap scarf, which is frequently seen on the Kardashian sisters, is a great open-knit, layering scarf offered in an assortment of colors. For optimum outfit pairings go for a neutral or earth tone shade such as mocha, light grey, and wine.
Love Quotes-If you are looking for that extra pop of color with a luxurious feel, look no further than Love Quotes. Made from an Italian linen and viscose blend complete with hand-knotted fringe, these vibrant scarves are a welcome addition to the arrival of Spring. Be bold with confetti, aqau, garden, and papaya.
Tolani-When solid colors just won’t cut it there is always Tolani. With chic reptile snakeskin, daring tie dye, geometric shapes, and frisky leopard there is a print for every kind of woman. Not to mention every scarf is made from either supple silk, linen, viscose, or pashmina.
Puttin’ on the Ritz:
Go glitz this mother’s day with a sparkly trinket to adorn the Queen bee. While nothing will dazzle quite as glamorously as she does, the jewelry created by these designers will definitely make her feel like royalty.
Fancy Tiger-Owned and operated by Matthew Brown in our very own Baker neighborhood, this eclectic, contemporary boutique offers a great selection of one-of-a-kind locally crafted pieces. For the mother looking for a little bit of edge, an unexpected statement piece, or an understated original this is definitely the place. FYI, many of the designers can create custom designed pieces by request.
Jennifer Zaeuner Hamsa sterling pendant, $297
Jennifer Zeuner-Initials are all the rage and no one does them more justice than Jennifer Zeuner (www.jenniferzeuner.com). With a vast array of monogram silhouettes to choose from you can personalize an elegant necklace, ring, or bracelet using anywhere from one initial to a full name. In addition there are pendants ranging from a delicate cross, heart, and wishbone to the Hamsa hand and eye.
Dogeared-Known for their sophistication and understated elegance, the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets of Dogeared add the perfect touch to your mother’s everyday accessory needs. Carried at either your neighborhood Nordstrom department store or online at www.dogeared.com, are the petite charms that range from inspirational, motivational, to thoughtful and loving. Feeling indecisive from the numerous choices? Never fear there is an entire line specifically designed for Mother’s Day.
Rest and Relaxation:
Give the lady of the house ample time to recharge her overworked batteries with a trip to the spa. Any of the dozen or so treatments available will undoubtedly make her day, but when in doubt let her indulge with foot reflexology, a mani-pedi, or a swedish massage.
Old Faithful:
When time is no longer on your side and you are down to the wire nothing says “the thought that counts” like a personalized card and spring colored flowers. Never has a woman met a bouquet and kind words that did not touch her heart and bring a smile to her face.
No matter the amount of money spent, or time and energy put into her gift be sure to make her feel appreciated, loved, and recognized for all the big and little things she does today and everyday.
Happy Mother’s Day!
]]>