Archive for December, 2010

If you just got engaged over the holidays, congratulations! Now is the time to start thinking about how you’re going to put together the wedding of your dreams. But before you dive into some serious planning, it’s important to lay out a budget that both you and your groom can stick to. After all, that budget is going to be your guideline for all of your wedding planning activities.

Now, if you’re working with a smaller budget, you’re probably feeling a bit stressed. Don’t! There are plenty of ways to have a gorgeous wedding without having to break the bank. Sure, it’ll take a little bit more time to sniff out some great deals and some DIY wedding tips, but we know that you affair will be beautiful with a little help from us

At Dimitra Designs, we’re all about helping brides plan for their big day with the best selection of wedding gowns on the net. Our designer wedding dresses can match just about any budget or sense of style, but most importantly, they make you feel your best on your special day. Anyways, when it comes time to start planning your big day, you can trust that we’ll help you look and feel your best without having to spend a ton. In fact, we have an exclusive section of our site that’s dedicated just to sharing our special deals!

From savings on tuxedo rentals to hair and makeup specials, we have deals on everything one could need when planning a wedding. Start off the preparation for your special day by checking out our sales and savings. They may be just what you were looking for to stay on budget for your 2011 wedding!

Congratulations and as always, we’re here to make your big day even better!

Most brides worry about paying for the wedding so when it comes time to pay for the honeymoon, they can often be caught off guard. Not to worry though – Dimitra Designs has some tips on saving for your honeymoon:

Decide on a Budget: This is the first step toward making any decisions when it comes to your honeymoon. Decide on how much you want to spend and then put a savings plan in place so that you can meet that goal. Some banks can let you set up an automatic savings plan so that you meet your goal by the time your wedding rolls around. You can also look into registering for a honeymoon registry to get some extra cash toward this special trip.

Make a Short List of Destinations: Decide on a few core destinations that you and your hubby-to-be want to go to and then narrow it down from there. The shorter the list, the easier the decision. Remember to consider your budget, the climate, the pricing at the time of year you plan on going, what to get before you go (e.g. passport) and what there is to do there.

Research, Research, Research: Do some research on different resorts, hotels, or B&Bs you can stay at. Look at package deals for accommodations and dining. Consider resorts that offer all-inclusive packages. Do your homework on what options you have once you pick a destination. From there, you’ll have a better idea on how much you have to spend and what exactly you’ll be able to do while you’re there.

Keep Your Eyes Out for Deals: Always be on the lookout for deals on airfare, accommodations, dining, or attractions. Sign up for updates from every vendor surrounding your honeymoon. Check Twitter and Facebook. When you’re calling the vendor to set something up, mention that it’s for your honeymoon. There may be a special deal that you’re not aware of.

Cut Down on Credit Card Fees
Did you know that many credit card companies apply fees to purchases made in foreign currencies? If you’re planning on traveling internationally, be sure to check with your credit card and see how their fees compare with international ATM surcharges. Or, see if there are other payment options available. Also, when it comes time to book, be careful about using credit cards. It can make your post-wedding debt surge. If you can, pay in cash or use funds from the honeymoon registry to help keep costs lower.

Do you have any tips for saving for your honeymoon? Ways that you traveled on a dime? Share them with us in the comments!

If you’ve been invited to a wedding (or several!) this coming spring or summer, it’s important to remember that you have to reign in those expenses, especially if you were planning on taking a vacation! Here are some ways that you can save on being a bridesmaid or guest at a wedding this spring and summer:

1. Choose a cocktail dress or bridesmaid dress that can be worn over and over again. Classic little black dresses are always a favorite, but you can also go for a simple eyelet or pretty cotton dress that can be worn throughout the summer months. Look for something that can be dressed up or down with the right shoes and accessories.
2. Don’t go crazy with accommodations. Stay with a friend or family member if you can. If you can’t, go for a cheap but clean hotel room. Remember – you’ll only be there for a night or two.
3. Don’t charge all of your wedding-related expenses on a credit card. It’ll rack up some unnecessary debt that can get you in trouble later.
4. Don’t be afraid to stay no. If your friend has invited you to a destination wedding where you’ll need to pay for food, hotels, airfare, and something to wear, it’s OK to say that you can’t afford it. Send her a nice gift once she gets back instead.

What are some of your tips for saving on attending a wedding? We’d love to hear them!

At Dimitra Designs, we’re always mindful of the latest trends in weddings and for 2011, we have a couple of predictions on what will become the hot new thing for brides. If you’re planning on getting married next year and want to know what you can do to stay in line with what’s in vogue, then be sure to check out some of our 2011 wedding trends to watch:

Local Chic: Because of the high costs of having a wedding, more and more couples will instead choose to keep things local and lovely, sourcing local ingredients for catering, local vendors for services, and of course, a local locale to keep travel costs low. Also expect to see much more DIY in the wedding planning process.

Bridal Headpieces: Forget the veil – 2011 is all about fascinators! Brides will skip the veil in favor of heirloom or modern fascinators, smaller birdcage veils, vintage hats, or even just some cool floral or rhinestone hairpieces.

Over The Top Cakes: The classic three tier wedding cake is about to get an upgrade. Watch in 2011 to see more interesting and unique wedding cakes that use fondant as the main decorative element, as inspired by hit cake making TV shows.

Informal Attire: Instead of getting married in a tux, expect more grooms to opt for a sharply tailored suit instead. Brides will also forgo the huge gowns in favor of something sleeker and lighter, like a chiffon sheath or a playful tea length wedding gown in tulle. As for bridesmaids, it’s all about silk, linen, cotton, and tweed dresses that can be worn again and again.

Colorful Wedding Gowns: Wedding dresses are about to get colorful, and we’re not just talking about embroidery or sashes. Wedding gowns in pastels, ballerina pinks, pale blues, buttery yellows, platinum, and even springy greens will make a splash as more brides look to be a vision in a color other than white.
What are some other 2011 wedding trends that you expect to see?