The Look for Less (Smart Ideas for Saving)

I’m very excited to announce a new, and regular feature, on our blog!  On the first Monday of each month, Tricia Huddas will share some of her best tips, suggestions and examples of how to make your wedding look great, for less.

Tricia Huddas is the owner and lead consultant at Tricia Huddas & Co., Savannah Georgia’s  premier wedding and event planning company.

Tricia’s weddings are nothing short of spectacular. (See Molly and Bill’s which we featured here in January).  Elegance, style and grace are defining elements in the events she creates.  And her great suggestions will help you bring some of that same great style to your wedding – without breaking the bank.

Here is Tricia’s first fabulous post:

Today’s economy is finding many brides in a wedding budget pinch. More and more couples are paying for a big portion of wedding costs themselves, and the money that exciting and expectant parents once had saved up for children’s weddings has slipped down the drain in this awful market, along with, in some cases, retirement savings!  So what is a girl to do?

The best wedding budget solutions involve creative thinking and old fashioned DIY lessons!  That being said, I will be posting wedding budget saving ideas monthly here on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.

Today’s wedding budget saving idea is one that I wish more brides employed – re-using bridesmaids’ bouquets as floral décor at the reception. Beautiful wedding flowers are an element that really enhances a wedding.  If you have already made that investment by outfitting your bridesmaids with lush floral bouquets, why not showcase them all night?

The image below is of the head table from a recent wedding of ours.  The florist decorated the table with a small succulents and candles to fill in space, but the main decoration comes from the pink bridesmaid bouquets that stand above the rest.  Ask your florist to set the table with empty, appropriate-sized vases, ask your wedding planner or banquet manager to collect the bouquets during cocktail hour and drop them in before your guests enter the reception area.

Bridesmaid bouquets as centerpiecesPhoto: Chia and Hon Photography

This is solution is perfect for a head table, which should be different, and set with low-standing arrangements so that all of your guests can see the bride and groom.  If you are using a round table, try a grouping of  3 vases to hold the bridesmaids’ bouquets, mix in some candles and a perfect centerpiece is born.

Bridesmaid bouquets as centerpiecesPhoto: Jose Villa

If a clear vase seems too boring, bring in even more color and texture, and make the bridesmaid bouquet take on a new look with your container – check out stores like Target, Ikea or your local craft or hobby store for great, affordable containers in all colors shapes and sizes!

Bridemaid bouquets as table centerpiecesPhoto: via Style Me Pretty

I know you’ll look forward to Tricia’s posts as much as I do.  And, if you have a question for Tricia or budget area you’d like her to address, please send it to us!

Thank you Tricia!