Recessionista Bride Event
January 22, 2010 by: Laura
Who knew being a "recessionista" could be so popular and so chic? 45 stylish Chicago recessionistas came out to meet 6 wedding experts Wednesday night. Amidst the St. Germaine champagne cocktails (thanks Binny’s!) and plates of Spring rolls and Spanish meatballs courtesy of F.I.G. catering, engagement rings sparkled, unveiling the true reason they were gathered (although the food definitely could have been enough), to get expert advice on planning for and executing every aspect of their wedding, while sticking to a budget. Where to skimp, how to do it yourself, what to ask when booking space, how to combine finances and have the “money talk” – these are just a sampling of the questions we heard. Each expert gave advice pertaining to their wedding industry specific experience and their responses were both heartfelt and showed how they really have seen it all! After filling up on both knowledge and champagne cocktails (served generously by Carol's Event Staffing), one lucky bride took home a Groom Mojuba wedding kit and Fritz Pastry pulled out all the stops for a macaron grand finale – you have got to stop by and have some of those, they were divine!
Thank you to all the experts that answered everyone’s burning questions about budget wedding planning.
Stephanie Schranz, Financial Advisor: www.waddell.com
Danielle Perrino, DIY Bride Blogger: www.sugarandspiceink.com
Elise Hofer, Editor-in-Chief, CS Brides: www.modernluxurybrides.com/chicago
Anthony Navarro, Wedding Planner: www.livenitup.com
Kyra Fitzgerald, Wedding Gown Expert: www.whiteXchange.com/blog “Newlywed News”
Erin Carpenter, Personal Stylist: www.erinpersonalstylist.com
Our top 6 takeaway tips are:
- Don’t feel like you have to buy a different dress for each “bride” event you go to. Restyle the same dress with different jewelry, hairstyles or shoes for the various showers and brunches. Use these restyling tips when purchasing your wedding gown as well. If you find a steal but don’t love everything about the dress, remember you can add lace, tulle, sleeves, brooches, the possibilities are endless.
- If you want to save money in the flower department and buy silk flowers, the best way to showcase them is to submerge them in water. It’s free and a lot of times you can use the vases from the reception venue.
- Although planners are an additional cost, they often times have negotiating power with the various vendors and can get you deals you wouldn’t otherwise have. Plus, a day of coordinator will take off the stress and that is invaluable on the big day!
- If you want to be a “DIY” bride, don’t take on every aspect of the wedding. Pick one or two things that you want to DIY so it isn’t as overwhelming and make sure that you have a good team of workers and helpers behind you.
- If you choose to use an iPod at your reception, music selection is key. Make sure that you leave room for some slow songs and play for the crowd that you invited.
- Discuss finances before you start planning away. Find out what is most important to the two of you and then budget around that. Talking about how you are going to manage your money after the big day is also an important step to take earlier rather than later.
The advice that seemed to really float above everything else that was being discussed, especially when it came to figuring out how to stay within your means and still produce that perfect, magical evening, is to relax and enjoy yourself. If you look happy and content, everyone else will enjoy themselves that much more. All in all, remember that the day is really about the two of you becoming a couple and starting the rest of your lives together!
View photos from the event courtesy of Andre LaCour Photography - they look wonderful!
