When it comes to planning a wedding, your budget can be one of the major stress factors. Whether you are paying for your own nuptials or having help from your family, breaking the budget is bound to cause friction.  It may be tough but we have tips to help you stay on task.

1. Long before you begin planning, establish a budget that you want to stay within. It is also important to make sure everyone involved in the planning knows what your allowance is so you all stay within your means.

2.  Once you create a budget, set your priorities. Allocate a portion of your budget to individual categories such as catering, photography, transportation and more. Sit down and decide which things are must haves for your wedding and give a percentage of your resources to that category. It is easy to get caught up in all the wedding extras.

3. Be sure to leave room in the budget for incidentals. There are bound to be unexpected costs.

4. Before you settle on a vendor shop around. It is important to see what vendors you like and get quotes from them before you settle on one. You may be able to find something similar for a better price.

Project Wedding

5. If you are crafty DIYs will help you lessen costs. Creating your own favors and invitations can make a big difference in your budget.

6. Stay in season. By using flowers and food items that are in season, your expenses will be less. It can be costly for caterers and florists to import items that are out of season.

7. Lastly as the wedding planning progresses, don’t neglect your budget! Be sure to keep close track of your costs and constantly check in with the status of resources.

Follow these tips to stay within your matrimonial means. Try your best not stress and remember what the day is really about!

Amore Bello!

Maria

When planning a wedding there are endless details to consider. From flowers to venues to cake flavors, it is easy for the little details, such as makeup, to get lost in the mix. We are here to remind you that wedding season is rapidly approaching, and it is time to pick out your makeup look for your special day. Find a look that suits you from these Spring beauty trends.

Pinterest.com

For a classic look, go retro. Winged liquid eyeliner and red lips make for a beautiful vintage bridal look. You can’t go wrong with this elegant makeup.

Elle Magazine

Show off your flawless complexion with dewy makeup. You will already be radiating on your special day, but a little blush and highlighter will have you simply glowing. Keep the rest of your makeup soft and neutral.

Google Images

There is nothing wrong with keeping your makeup natural and light. You still want to look and feel like yourself walking down the aisle.

One Wed

Are you a BOLD bride? Rock a bright lip and stand out. Hot pink or red are colors that will keep you right on trend and looking gorgeous!

Pinterest

It is your day to shine… don’t be afraid to bring the glamour! Amp up your style with a gorgeous smokey eye.

What ever makeup look you opt for, make sure to have a trial before the day of your wedding. If you don’t feel like yourself it may not be the look for you. Retro, smokey eye, bold lip, or natural? I’m sure  you’ll be gorgeous!

Amore Bello,

Maria

I don’t know about you, but my excitement is building for the release of The Great Gatsby on the silver screen.You may be thinking that Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in the film has some influence on my anticipation ( and your not entirely wrong); However, I am mostly eager to see the style and energy of the 1920′s come to life. With all the amazing imagery and fashion in the movie, The Great Gatsby is bound to be influential on upcoming wedding trends. So for all you molls and dolls out there, here are some tips and inspiration for hosting a Gatsby themed wedding that will be the cat’s meow!

Wedding Gown from BHLDNPhoto courtesy of Pinterest

The jazz age was full of sparkle and pizazz, and your wedding should be too! The easiest way to incorporate this time period is through your attire. The 1920′s attire is elegant and fun at the same time. Try a glamorous bedazzled full length gown or even a short flirty flapper dress for the reception!  Be sure to add some art deco accessories to top off the look. Channel Daisy with a bird cage veil, a headband, or even feathers! AND don’t forget to encourage your guests to dress in The Gatsby theme too!

Photo from Ruffled; Peppernix Photography

The Roaring Twenties was a time of economic prosperity. With that comes extravagance and indulgence. Capture the feeling of the times with a gilded art deco cake adorned with gold.  This is a cake worthy of a party at Jay Gatsby’s mansion!

Photo from Heavenly Blooms

Really transport yourself back in time,by renting a 1920′s style car. You will instantly feel as though you are back in the jazz age, and it makes for a great photo opt!

Photo courtesy of Wedding Bells

Mustache flasks for the groomsmen? If that doesn’t say 1920′s prohibition era than I don’t know what does. Plus they would make a great gift for the bridal party!

Photos Courtesy of Wedding Bells and Two Hearts Inspiration

Feathers and glitz were a huge part of the 1920′s. Incorporate them into your decor to make your venue feel like a jazz age affair. Another way to give the day a vintage feel is by adding antiques such as typewriters and art deco mirrors around your reception. Your guests will fly back in time!

All this 1920′s inspiration has made me fall in love with the 1920′s even more! With all the glamour and glitz of the jazz age, the theme makes for a fabulous event that is bound to be the bee’s knees. Your wedding will certainly be an affair that everyone wants to be invited to and where nobody wants to leave!

“Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!”

Maria

A light dusting of snow on the ground set a storybook background to Stephanie and Jeremy’s wedding day.  On December 29, the adorable couple and their guests gathered at the Philadelphia Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park where they held both their ceremony and reception.

As they exchanged vows under the greenhouse roof, you could see the snow glimmering outside. It was incredibly romantic and it was a perfect setting for their winter wedding.

They had the most adorable ring bearer! He did a great job getting that ring down the aisle!

The wedding was bursting with gorgeous flowers in deep reds and purples including the brides bouquet. The colors beautifully complimented the greenhouse setting and were perfect for the time of year.  Sullivan Owen did an incredible job on the flowers!

In the reception room white lanterns and strings of lights livened up the venue. The tables around the room were both rectangular and round, fitting perfectly around the dance floor. We love the idea of using different shape tables to add interest to your reception area.

The couple provided Philadelphia and Christmas themed cookies for their guests to take home. These delicious cookies doubled as escort cards so guests could find their tables and have treat!

The couple added a personal touch to the reception by hanging old family photos on the lattice wall. This is such a fun idea and an easy way to make the space your own!

Guests at a blast posing with props in the JPG photobooth! The guests loved it and continued to get back in line all night to strike a new pose.

The cake from Three Cat Kitchen was absolutely stunning and the pattern matched Stephanie’s dress.

Guests looked on as this wonderful couple shared their first dance. Stephanie and Jeremy were such a sweet couple and a pleasure to work with!

As soon as DJ Mike from Synergetic Sound started the dance beats, guests wasted no time hitting the dance floor. They certainly knew how to get down! (some pun intended)

The night ended on a sweet note with an assortment of scrumptious mini desserts. A perfect treat after a fun night of dancing!

The blanket of snow, the beautiful greenhouse, delicious food, amazing music, and the wonderful couple all made for an incredible night! Thank you to Stephanie and Jeremy for allowing us to be a part of your special day.

Many thanks also to all the wedding professionals we had the pleasure of working with: JPG Photography, Synergetic Sound, Stephen STARR Events, Three Cat Kitchen, and Sullivan Owen.

]]> http://chillweddings.com/2013/03/stephanie-and-jeremy-get-married/feed/ 0 http://chillweddings.com/2013/03/its-all-fun-and-games/ http://chillweddings.com/2013/03/its-all-fun-and-games/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:00:44 +0000 Maria http://chillweddings.com/?p=3329

Photo Courtesy of 217 Photography

When planning your wedding, many of you will be focused on the guest experience. You want those attending your special day to have an incredible time that they’ll rave about for years. As wedding planners, we have seen our fair share of weddings in which the guests are too shy or aren’t interested in dancing (and than there are those people who won’t leave the dance floor!). With this said it is always a good idea to provide other activities to keep them entertained throughout the night. Here are some fun ways to liven up the reception!

Photo courtesy of Google.com

Perhaps your cultural background has traditional dances. Hiring a professional dancer to exhibit these ethnic dances will keep everyone interested. It may even inspire them to dance. Even if you don’t have dance traditions in the family, certain dances such as belly dancing or salsa dancers may go with your theme.

Photo Courtesy of Gala Events Facility

Photo booths are also a popular form of entertainment at weddings. Guests can have their photo taken while trying on crazy fun props. Photo booths always make for a good laugh for everyone! It will be even more entertaining for you when you look at the photos later! You can hire a professional photo booth company or just make your own props for the guests to be photographed in.

Photo Courtesy of JDN Photography

Another exciting way to spice up your reception is by providing games for everyone to play. Leave games on each guest table such as I spy or trivia about the couple. You could even have a section of side tables where guests can mingle and play board games. If you have an outdoor wedding, lawn games are also a great idea. Who doesn’t love a rousing game of corn hole or croquet?!

Yum! Photo Courtesy of Style Me Pretty

It is also important to keep your guests well fed. If you have a lull in your reception and guests are hungry, nobody will be happy. A lively way to keep them full AND entertained is by having interactive stations. Have a s’mores bar or coffee station where guests can make their own desserts or prepare a variety of coffees for themselves.This will be a fun and delicious activity for your guests! You could even provide a late night snack to keep them energized and dancing all night long!

Photo Courtesy of Emmaline Bride

If you aren’t interested in a live entertainer, an alternative to this could be a live artist. It is a fun and creative idea to have a caricaturist or a silhouette artist at your wedding. Kids and adults alike will love this! It also gives them a fun souvenir to remind them of your special day.

Keep your guests well fed and well entertained and they will have a blast! Don’t forget to enjoy these fun activities yourselves. It is your day to make memories and have fun!

Amore Bello!

Maria

The national day of love is upon us, VALENTINE’S DAY! The day when the most flowers are sold, heart shaped boxes of chocolates are consumed, and romantic sentiments are purchased at Hallmark. While we here at cHill think that love should be celebrated every day, we aren’t against embracing the amorous holiday. Let us help you incorporate a V-day theme into your wedding with out being too over the top.

Style Me Pretty

In order to balance out the girly pinks and reds, incorporate romantic vintage elements. Pieces like this antique table will fit in with the theme, but won’t overwhelm your venue with the V-day motif.

Photo courtesy of Inspired by This

Use different textures, such as lace and sequins, to add warmth and glamour to your decor. We love these flower vessels used by Dolce Design. It is an unexpected way to add interest and depth to your wedding design.

Piteira Photography

Courtesy of Bridal Musings and Natalie Spencer Photography

While reds and pinks may be the obvious choice (and look great) for a Valentine’s Day wedding, you may want to try a different variation. Try other shades of the colors or incorporate colors that may be complimentary such as purple and ivory. Neutrals such as gray and brown add warmth and balance out the feminine colors.

Photo Courtesy of Amy Atlas Events

Valentine’s Day is a day for sweets! Leave your guests with a sugary heart-shaped favors or have a candy buffet for them to snack on. It wouldn’t be the day of love without some confectionery goodness.

If you choose to have your wedding on the day of love, these are great ways to incorporate the theme with out being too over the top. Even if your special day isn’t around V-day you can still use these tips. After all your wedding day is going to forever be YOUR day of love. Watch out for cupid’s arrow!

Amore bello,

Maria

I’ll be the first to admit that I love love love lace! In the past few years this frilly fabric has been at the forefront of fashion. You can find it on everything from shirts, dresses, and even tights. Lace is a very romantic, elegant, and ladylike material. Hence why I think it can transition perfectly into your wedding. Now you may be thinking that lace and weddings is obvious. However, I’m not just talking a lace wedding dress, think décor, invitations, cake, and more! Lace is no longer the matronly and overly traditional fabric it used to be. Below I have gathered modern and creative lacy ideas that frill me! Get inspired with me and let the matrimonial elegance blossom.

Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas

Incorporate lace in an unexpected way on your invitations. You don’t have to go with the traditional white lace or conventional all over pattern. Have a hint of a lace print in a surprising color like this invitation from Wedding Paper Divas . They are one of the wedding invitation vendors we love working with in Philadelphia!

Image courtesy of Google

Laser cut lace can also make for an elegant and unusual wedding invitation! It gives the invite a romantic edge.

Photo from Elizabeth Anne Designs / Clary Pfieffer Photography

Another trend in lace that I find elegant and delicate is a lace wedding cake. A frilly pattern on your wedding cake is fun yet still sophisticated. A way to make a lacy cake even more fun? Use the same pattern as your lace wedding dress!

Photo from Style Me Pretty

Perhaps you only view lace as being too frou frou? Well this isn’t the case! Make the fabric a little more country with some burlap! Who would have thought lace and burlap were the perfect pair! ( almost as perfect as you and your future “to be”) You can combine these two fabrics as a table runner to create an earthy chic look. They even look beautiful wrapped around a candle or gracing your invitations!

Colorful, unexpected, and edible lace…Hopefully all of these creative ideas have inspired you, just as much as they inspired me! With so many possibilities, you no longer have to view lace as matronly and traditional. Brides with different styles can easily incorporate my favorite fabric without straying from their personalities.

Intimate, elegant, and heart-warming are words I would use to describe Lee and Tim’s wedding. It was a Friday evening in August when they said their ” I Do’s” aboard the historical Moshulu along the edge of the Delaware. The day started with a traditional tea ceremony, in which the couple presented tea to their elders, and then the elders reciprocated the love with gifts for the couple.  Later in the day as a perfect breeze blew, guests embarked the Moshulu, where the couple said their vows on the top deck.

Rose petals led the bride up the U shaped aisle where beautiful birch branches flanked each side. Once again one of our favorites, Papertini , out did themselves with the gorgeous blooms!

Lee looked absolutely stunning in her light pink strapless Jemma gown by Lea-Ann Belter! She was also dripping in unforgettable jewels. Tim is one lucky guy!

As guests arrived on deck, they were greeted by the guest book table. The table was filled with baby pictures of the couple, as well as pictures of the couples’ parents. It was also adorned with an elegant birdcage filled with flowers. It was a beautiful sight with the river in the background!

The ceremony was followed by an intimate cocktail style reception on the covered deck. White paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, gave the reception area a fun and chic feel. The reception had a variety of small tables, where guests to choose to dine. Modest arrangements bursting with purples, pinks, and creams were placed all throughout . Overall it was a very friendly and inviting event space.

You could feel the love all around as family members shared their blessings, and showed a slideshow of the couple through the years.

Simple and elegant,the tiramisu wedding cake looked scrumptious! The paisley design even matched the groom’s tie! Moshulu provided the delicious cake, as well as the bountiful dinner stations full of fish, pasta, and even a roasted pig.

The night ended with an unexpected bang! Penn’s Landing’s weekly fireworks lit up the sky surprising the couple and their guests. What a way to end the night!

Lee and Tim’s wedding turned out to be a magical evening on board the Moshulu. It even made it into the Spring / Summer 2013 issue of Philadelphia Wedding Magazine! Pick it up on newstands now!

Many blessings to the wonderful couple! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day! Also many thanks to the amazing wedding professionals we were able to work with on this wedding: Moshulu, Papertini , Ben Ostroff from EBE Events & Entertainment, and Love Me Do Photography .

Amore bello!

Maria

Tis the season of giving! It is the holidays and we are all hustling and bustling around to find the perfect gifts for our family and friends. While my head is full of a list of Christmas “to dos”,  my mind some how still goes to “I dos”; therefore, the idea for this post was born… BRIDAL PARTY PRESENTS! Your bridesmaids and groomsmen are putting a lot of time and energy ( and money) into being a part of your wedding and it is a nice idea to give them a gift to show your gratitude. However, it can be difficult to decide what to give them. Whether you are on a budget or have eclectic members of your party, there is a gift to suit everyone! For great gift ideas that say thank you, keep reading…

Green Wedding Shoes Photo by Aaron Delesie

Budget Bride and Groom

If you are on a budget there is no reason to forget about your bridal party. There are plenty of gift options that won’t break the bank. There are lots of great websites that offer personalized products that your friends will love. It is a great idea to give something that your party will get use out of long past your wedding, such as a silk robe, or beautiful stationary. Even a cute bridesmaid survival kit( including bobby pins, kleenex, and flip flops) makes a great gift! Beau Coup is one of my favorite spots for personalized budget friendly gifts. This site offers some great gifts such as personalized frames and jewelry boxes. Being able to personalize shows extra thought but these options still allow you to spend what you are comfortable with. My favorites are jewelry boxes for your maids, and a monogram flask for the groomsmen.

Monogram Jewelry Box by Beau Coup

Monogram Flask by Beau Coup

Special Splurge

If budget isn’t your biggest concern and you are looking to splurge to express your gratitude, these gift ideas may be for you! A very generous way to say thank you could be to buy your bridesmaids their dresses. If this is within reason for your budget, purchasing the dresses could alleviate pressure that your maids are put under when you ask them to be in your wedding. This is actually the custom in some cultures! However, if you can’t afford to spend that much, you could buy the jewelry or shoes they wear on the day of your wedding, which they could wear again. Stella & Dot has lots of fun accessories and jewelry for your maids!

Stella & Dot Necklace

If you want to splurge on your groomsmen, there are plenty of great options. There are many man’s man gifts that will leave your friends impressed and feeling appreciated. If they have an affinity for cigars, you could get them a personalized humidor for their man caves. A pair of nice cufflinks or a watch that they can wear on your special day also makes for a great way to say thank you! One of my favorite gift ideas is a personalized shaving kit. What man doesn’t need a shaving kit! Groomstand has these gifts and many other ideas.

Shaving Kit from Groomstand

There is no limit to your gift giving ideas. Don’t let budget get in your way of saying thank you to your family and friends who have helped make your wedding special. Just get creative! From budget friendly to splurge worthy, the possibilities are endless. You can individualize the gifts or give everyone the same thing. All in all in doesn’t matter how grand or small, as long as you say thanks!

Amore Bello!

Maria

]]> http://chillweddings.com/2012/12/get-gifty/feed/ 0 http://chillweddings.com/2012/11/save-the-date/ http://chillweddings.com/2012/11/save-the-date/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:15:27 +0000 Maria http://chillweddings.com/?p=3030 Belle The Magazine

So here it is… you have found” the one” and you have the ring. You have the perfect wedding dress in your head, and have asked your closest friends and family to be in your wedding. But now the hard part, you have to choose a date. When is the best time of year to get married? Well, there are many factors that you should consider while picking your wedding day. Check out the pros and cons of each season below before you save the date.

Green Wedding Shoes

Winter

Winter can be a magical time of year, perfect for a wedding setting. With the snow and the twinkling holiday lights, romance is in the air.  It can also be cheaper since it is the wedding off peak. You can find discounted prices on venues and some caterers. You could also save money on a northern honeymoon!  If you love the holiday season and have a limited budget this could be the right time to plan your special day! Just keep in mind you may run into issues with snowy weather that may prevent out of town guests from making it.

Keep holidays in mind when planning. While a New Years Eve or Valentine’s Day wedding may sound romantic and exciting, some guests may not be able to make your wedding or may not want to come if it falls on a holiday.  You should also consider other events happening such as the Superbowl… even your groom may not show up if you choose Superbowl Sunday for your wedding. Venues and vendors on a holiday may also have more expensive pricing.

Martha Stewart Weddings

Fall

Autumn provides lovely crisp weather and beautiful colors as a drop back for your wedding. One positive is that this time of year lends itself to earthy harvest inspired decor. Also you generally don’t have to worry about the weather being too extreme. For the most part, you can expect a moderately cool day ( though you can never be too sure). You can also find cheaper venues, especially after October. Keep in mind you may want to avoid the time around baseball playoff season. Fall is also a peak season in the Philadelphia region, so be sure to book your vendors early!

Brides.com

Spring

The weather starts to warm up and flowers start to bloom!Spring is a time of new beginnings and excitement. In fact,this is the most popular time of the year to get married.  If you decide to have your wedding in the Spring, you have the best flowers to choose from, and fun bright colors for your decor. However, since most couples get married this time of year, you have to keep in mind that prices will be higher. You will also have more couples vying for the same venues and dates, so book early! Also Spring can be a rainy season. If you are planning something outside be sure to have a back up plan!

Martha Stewart Weddings

Summer

Many people dream of a warm outdoor wedding in the Summer. This can be a great idea but you have to consider that you can have very hot uncomfortable weather. This could put your guests in a foul mood and even put older guests in danger. However, many times at the beginning of the summer the weather is consistently nice, and chances are your event will go off without a hitch! However May and June are peak times for weddings, so you may find higher rates. If you are on a budget you may want to consider July and August which are considered off season. Summer can also allow for creativity when it comes to fun colorful decor. One added bonus? The month of June, it is named after Juno, the Roman Goddess of Marriage! This fun fact  could add a little extra symbolism to your already special day!

As you can see, there are many good and bad aspects to each season. In order to narrow down the time of year you would like to hold your nuptials, think about what is most important to you. If keeping your wedding budget low is crucial, consider getting married in the off peak seasons. If you have a favorite season or memorable event, hold your wedding around that. Just keep in mind, you should allow at least a year to plan. Whatever season it may be, there is no right answer, only what is right for you!

Amore Bello,

Maria