Monthly Archives: March 2012

29Mar2012

Coordinating Your Chandelier Wedding Theme

Theme weddings are so much fun and they really help focus the Bride on décor and creating her look. Chandeliers continue to be a popular theme. You’ve probably seen the silhouetted chandelier on personal stationery and home décor. If you love that look, why not tie it into your wedding and coordinate your whole day?

Chandelier Wedding Theme

Start with your wedding stationery. We’re showcasing the Chandelier Chic Invitation in ebony with grapevine imprint. This invitation even comes with a free respond card!

Next step is to incorporate the chandelier design into other elements of your wedding such as place cards, favor boxes, napkins (by the punch bowl or bar) and wedding seals.

Finally, tie your chandelier-wedding look together by stringing clear beads, pearls or crystals into reception centerpieces, altar candelabras and aisle arrangements.

Another idea we love! Display wall decals behind your head table or on the doors into your reception. Here’s one of my favorites from Dali Decals.

http://dalidecals.com/Fancy-Crystal-Chandelier-Vinyl-Wall-Decals.html

Have fun with your theme and enjoy the day!

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
26Mar2012

New Favor Boxes AND Our Favorite Favor Fillers

Find the favor box that fits your wedding style! From romantic hearts to pop-up palm trees, our new favor box designs are just what you need to create unique wedding favors. Plus, read further to see our favorite favor fillers.

New Favors from Ann's Bridal Bargains

Our Favorite Fillers

1. Chocolate, obviously!

Fun Idea: Check out www.mymms.com. Not only can you choose your wedding colors, you can have them personalized with your choice of wording and even photos! Visit their Ideas on a Budget page for stretching your dollars.

2. Hard Candy

Fun Idea: Choose a hard candy that fits your wedding theme or colors and personalize the favor box (or a favor card) with a custom verse like “This love is red hot!” or “Mint to be together.”

3. Potpourri

Fun Idea: Fill favor boxes, organza bags or netting circles with potpourri to create scented sachet wedding favors. Potpourri is affordable, and a few pounds will go a long way! We suggest Good Hope Potpourri for great variety and prices.

4. Of the Earth

Fun Idea: Mimic a bird’s nest with fake moss and chocolate eggs for a woodsy feel. For beach weddings, consider filling favor boxes with sand and seashells. Try agates and polished stones for a lakeside wedding.

5. Seeds

Fun Idea: Fill favor boxes with birdseed, flower seeds or plant seeds, and guests will enjoy your wedding favor in their very own backyard day after day.

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Bargains, Wedding Favors | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
22Mar2012

Decorate Your Wedding with Paper Lanterns

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to dress up your wedding, paper lanterns are an excellent idea. A step above balloons but still budget friendly, paper lanterns are a trend that I love to see at wedding receptions and along ceremony aisles.

Wedding Decorations with Paper Lanterns

Pick one color to make a dramatic impact or mix up the colors and add trailing ribbons for a splash of color. Try hanging them at different heights for a stunning visual and use them as a backdrop for your wedding photos or the reception’s photo booth. The lanterns can even be used as centerpieces filled with flowers popping out of the top or with battery-operated tea lights for a beautiful evening glow.

Dress up your ceremony aisle by tying paper lanterns to chairs with satin ribbon in colors that coordinate with your wedding. Paper lanterns can also be used to create a path at outdoor wedding locations or along the driveway.

Bonus! Use them after the wedding. These lanterns make great decorations for showers, birthday parties, anniversaries and other celebrations. Want to see more affordable decorations? Read “Top 5 Cheap Wedding Reception Decorations from Ann’s.”
Pin It

You May Also Like
Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, Wedding Tips | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment
19Mar2012

Forget these wedding must-haves? There’s still time!

In our experience, we’ve noticed a few important wedding items that are consistently forgotten. Make sure you have these wedding must-haves, and don’t worry if your wedding is fast approaching. These items are easy to order and will arrive quickly.

Last Minute Wedding Items

1. Wedding Programs

Somehow in the shuffle of wedding planning, wedding programs are often overlooked. Brides tend to think that because they’ve forgotten about them, they’ll have to settle for something simple and plain. Not true. Usually there’s enough time to order stylish, affordable wedding programs that are professionally printed. (See our shipping details below for timeframes.)

2. Wedding Napkins

Brides will often decide to purchase wedding napkins as a last-minute way to boost the color and décor at their wedding reception. Wedding napkins are vibrant, personalized and easy to add to any venue. You’ll be amazed at the impact they have on the overall look!

3. Gratuity Envelopes

Gratuity is a must, and although couples may remember to include it in the wedding budget, they often forget about how they will present it to the officiant, musicians, etc. Gratuity envelopes are an attractive, tasteful way to do so.

4. Thank You Cards

Although couples don’t usually forget to order thank you cards, they will often forget to order enough or to reorder in time. Thank you cards should go out as you receive gifts before the wedding and you might choose to use them for vendors and service providers on your wedding day. By the time you end up writing thank yous for gifts received at the wedding, you may be running low. Keep an eye on your thank yous and if in doubt, order extras. Depending on the design, you’ll be able to use them long after the wedding.   

A note on shipping: most orders are ready to ship within 3-5 business days of ordering. Ground shipping can take up to 5 business days, but we also offer next-day, second-day and third-day shipping for an additional cost. See our shipping information for more details.

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Bargains, Wedding Planning Guide, Wedding Tips | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment
15Mar2012

Check Out Ann’s “Creative and Crafty Ribbon Ideas” Featured on Project Wedding

 

Visit ProjectWedding.com for some fabulous DIY ribbon ideas you can add to your wedding invitations, favors and decorations. You’ll love the slideshow of colorful and creative photos, plus tips for achieving the look.

Wedding DIY Ribbon Ideas

You May Also Like
Posted in DIY Wedding Ideas, Wedding Invitations & Stationery | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
14Mar2012

Checking it off the list! Choosing the Perfect Bridal Party Gifts

 

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 6: Part 4 continued

Today we’re covering gifts for the parents. Show Mom and Dad how much their love and support means to the both of you.

Wedding Appreciation Gifts - Parents

The Classics

• Cuff links for Dad 

• Jewelry for Mom

• Embroidered handkerchiefs  

• Photo frames  

• Photo albums

Unique Ideas

• Photo canvas! Increasing in popularity, the photo canvas is a contemporary take on the traditional framed photo.

• Wine or movie basket tailored to fit your parents’ tastes.

• An evening out. Give them a gift card to a nice restaurant and a pair of theater or movie tickets.  

• A keepsake box with a collection of mementos from your wedding: photos, the invitation, the wedding program, a piece of décor from the reception, flower petals, etc.

• A photo book is another modern take on a traditional gift. Check out a few different sites to price check their offers.  Snapfish.com and Vistaprint.com are a couple options that produce quality photo books parents will really enjoy.

Gifts are typically given at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor / bachelorette party. There is no right or wrong gift and there is no set budget. You need to choose the item and price based on thoughtful, heartfelt consideration. With that in mind, you can’t go wrong!
Pin It

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Gifts, Wedding Planning Guide, Wedding Tips | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
13Mar2012

Checking it off the list! Choosing the Perfect Bridal Party Gifts

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 6: Part 4 continued

Today we’re covering gifts for your bridesmaids. Your lovely ladies deserve something extra special, and we hope this post will inspire just that!

Bridesmaids Gifts

The Classic

• Jewelry to match the dresses 

• Engraved jewelry boxes 

• Personalized tote bags 

• Cosmetic bags 

Unique Ideas

• Spa treatments such as massages, facials, pedicures and manicures.

• Personalized flip-flops. A fantastic idea for summer and destination weddings. Check out WeddingChannelStore.com for some affordable options.

• Shawls or scarves. Make them yourself for an extra special gift. Short on time? Purchase scarves and embroider them with a monogram or initials.

• Visit Etsy.com and search “Bridesmaids gifts,” then sort by lowest price. You’ll find a variety of handcrafted items, from custom dress hangers to personalized pocket mirrors.

What about the little princess in your wedding?

Classic flower girl gifts like necklaces, bracelets, piggy banks and t-shirts will surely get a smile, but consider tickets to an amusement park or children’s theater for something different. Promote good values with reusable water bottles sold by David’s Bridal, or give her a kid’s camera so she can play “photographer” throughout the day.

Gifts are typically given at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor / bachelorette party. There is no right or wrong gift and there is not set budget. You need to choose the item and price based on thoughtful, heartfelt consideration. With that in mind, you can’t go wrong!
Pin It

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Planning Guide, Wedding Tips | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
12Mar2012

Checking it off the list! Choosing the Perfect Bridal Party Gifts

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 6: Part 4

The big day is just around the corner, and you have yet to find the perfect bridal party gifts to show your appreciation. We’ve put together some classic choices as well as some unique ideas to get you inspired!

Today we’re covering groomsmen gifts. Check back tomorrow and Wednesday for bridesmaids gifts and gifts for the parents.

Men's Wedding Party Gifts

The Classics

• Cuff links 

• Engraved mugs or pilsners

• Shot glasses 

• Flasks 

• Money clips

Unique Ideas

• Game tickets, or gift certificates to a local golf course, bowling alley or go-kart track.

• A variety of beef jerky or other specialty meat products nicely gift wrapped.

• Lottery tickets just for the fun of it!

• For truly one-of-a-kind gifts, check out Etsy.com. You’ll find fun ideas like custom buckles, specialty shaving soaps and much more. (Sort by price for the best deals!)

What about the little man in your wedding?

Classic ring bearer gifts like piggy banks, t-shirts and mini mugs are great choices, but try something different. Both child and parents will appreciate tickets to an amusement park or children’s theater. David’s Bridal has some unique gift options like harmonicas and reusable water bottles. Or check out kids’ cameras to play with during the big day.

Gifts are typically given at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor / bachelorette party. There is no right or wrong gift and there is no set budget. You need to choose the item and price based on thoughtful, heartfelt consideration. With that in mind, you can’t go wrong!
Pin It

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Gifts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
08Mar2012

Ann’s Top Picks under $20: Sure to inspire fabulous budget wedding ideas!

Budget wedding ideas have to start somewhere! Why not start with some affordable items meant to jazz up your wedding look? Check out the unique ring bearer box for your ceremony or the colorful discount wedding napkins for your reception. No matter your favorite, these top picks are all under $20!

Top Picks Under $20
Pin It

You May Also Like
Posted in Bargains and Special Offers, Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, Wedding Bargains, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Favors, Wedding Reception | Tagged , , | 1 Comment
05Mar2012

The BIG Semi-Annual Sale Starts Thursday

It’s time to exercise those bargain shopping skills! Here are some warm-ups to help you get ready:

1. Stretch the arms,

2. bend those fingers,

3. give your neck a good roll…

4. and grab that mouse!

Start pre-shopping today so you’re ready to score great deals on the things you need, and the things you really want. Sale discounts will be revealed Thursday morning.  Click here to shop now!

Ann's Bridal Bargains Semi-Annual Sale

You May Also Like
Posted in Bargains and Special Offers | Tagged , | Leave a comment