Invisible Children Benefit

Wedding Day Bliss sponsored a screening of the latest Invisible Children video, "The Rescue". It was a heart wrenching update on the war in Uganda and its effect on the innocent children.

Now I know that doesn't sound very wedding-ish, but this is an organization that the three of us personally and professionally support. We have decided that a portion of our profits will be donated to this worthy cause.

Nov 17th, we were hosted by Judy and Steve Blaising in their lovely University Park home. Taylor Murdoch is the leader of the Texas Team of IC roadies. They drive all over the USA teaching people about the war in Uganda.

After the screening, Taylor told us about what is currently happening in Uganda. He saw firsthand what IC is doing to improve lives when he visited Uganda this fall. He was overwhelmed by what he saw. The people have nothing yet they know their way out is for their children to get an education and for the adults to learn a trade.

Through their schools for schools programs, they have been able to build new schools, get supplies and teachers for many of these children. They also have taught many of the women to make bracelets and MEND bags and purses. These are available at www.invisiblechildren.com. If you are interested in helping out, they have a program called TRI where you donate $3 a week. That is one less Starbucks for me!

Since this a wedding blog I guess I can best tie this together by saying, you can help IC two ways:

1. Consider making a donation to Invisible Children in lieu of giving favors (that usually end up in the back seat of the car anyway...sorry...it is true!)

2. Consider hiring us as your wedding consultants and know that part of your money is going to help the children of Uganda.

Oh and finally, that roadie that we love so much...he also happens to be my son, in whom I am well pleased (spoken like a true mom!!).

Blissfully,

Beth

Winning Bride is Revealed

Martha Evans is our latest winner of a FREE wedding coordination package. Martha and Josh, we look forward to working with you during this exciting time in your lives!

Photo courtesy of Allison Davis Photography

Green Living

We had a wonderful time exploring all the Earth-friendly treasures at Green Living's store in the Lakewood area. I was like a kid in a candy store! President and CEO, Tom Bazzone was so gracious to take us on a personal tour of this amazing store.

The store is full of eco-chic items for brides-to-be and newlyweds. I was blown away by the stunningly beautiful, recycled glass dinnerware and glassware products. My pictures do not do justice to the transluscent effect of the recycled glass products that are of the finest quality.                                                                    

Welcome your out-of-town guests with gift baskets filled with spa products, Equal Exchange coffee and tea, chocolate bars, and lavendar sachet.

Wine bottles have found new life as beautiful goblets and tumblers.

This beautiful table was made from reclaimed Longleaf Pine floorboards and provides a perfect setting for the lovely dinnerware. I could not pass up the attractive pale-turquoise splash candle in the bottom right corner of the picture. These would look striking at the base of a floral centerpiece.

Check out the Earth-friendly stationary and cards.

Yes, I bought an Elephant poo notepad, and no, you would never know the origin of the paper unless you were told. "The paper is really just fiber and vegetation." See, the paper has a pretty linen look.

Green Living carries Seed Paper that is embedded with wildflower seeds...great for Save-the-Date cards, favors, and Thank-you cards.

Beer bottles have been converted into tumblers... a groomsman's gift that they will actually use!

Dress your new nest with these lush organic cotton towels and sheets.                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Here's a unique gift idea for a guy...bicycle chain picture frames

I did some Holiday shopping while I was there...handmade tree ornaments, sari wristlet, and a Texas shaped cutting board for my son who recently moved to Chicago. We do not want him to forget where he is from!

Through their Fair Trade partnerships, Green Living offers products that benefit communities in need. I love purchasing items that have a far-reaching effect and I think the person receiving the gift is also blessed.

The angel ornaments made from soft drink cans are made by Zulu school children Angels Against Crime. The beautiful fabric angel ornament is made by Guatemalan women who are trying to pull their families out of poverty Hope Wear. The cute gingerbread couple are made in Nepal Fair Trade Holiday.  

Remember, just because an item is eco-friendly, it does not mean that it cannot be gorgeous...as evidenced by the products at Green Living.

Happy shopping, Karen

Resourceful Tips for the Savvy Bride...Is it possible to have the wedding of your dreams without going into debt?

Yes, but it will require preplanning and discipline. Many brides do it, and you can too!

Most people do not enjoy discussing budgets, and things may get a little tense around the house when determining the ultimate budget...The Wedding Budget. It will be less stressful for everyone involved if good communication and a sense of humor is maintained. The first step is to determine who is contributing to your wedding expenses and how much.

The next step is for the couple to envision what will make their wedding special and meaningful to them. Mindy Weiss, a celebrity wedding planner, says, “No matter how big or small their budget, every couple has to make decisions about their priorities. Here’s one good way to gauge how essential something is: Ask yourself, ‘Will anyone notice if we don’t have it?’”

Know the total amount of your wedding budget and stick to it. You can customize your budget according to the things that are the most important to you....for some couples it is photography, for others it is flowers and decor. Everyone has their own preferences and priorities.

Record ALL of your wedding expenses on a regular basis to help keep you on track. An EXCEL spreadsheet is an easy way to total up your expenses as you make purchases and submit deposits.

How do you know where to start when making a wedding budget if you do not know how much everything will cost? Real Simple Weddings provides a good starting point: Average Wedding Costs in Texas.


Another easy way to calculate your wedding budget is to use the basic guideline below. If you are planning a $20,000 wedding, the percentage listed for each topic will show you the budgeted expense. The percentages are just a guideline, customize them according to your priorities.


Reception                   50%-$10,000
Photography                9%-$1800
Flowers                          7%-$1400
Dress                              6%-$1200
Miscellaneous              6 %-$1200
Day-of Coordinator     5%-$1000
Reception Music          3%-$800
Cake                                3%-$600
Ceremony Music          2%-$400
Invitations                      2%-$400
Ceremony Site              2%-$400
Favors                             1%-$200
Hair, makeup                 1%-$200
Transportation              2%-$400


You have the opportunity to personalize your wedding by creating a budget that will reflect the areas that are the most significant to you as a couple. It IS possible to have a beautiful, unique, meaningful wedding without breaking the bank...and remember that clear communication and a sense of humor will see you through.
EXCEL is your friend!
Karen

Wedding Day Bliss at the City of Garland vendor fair hosted by The Atrium