Really!? The actual cost of an $18,000 wedding is between $90,000 and $200,000? Really!?

Yes, if you think of money and wedding costs in a very particular way…

(more…)

Topsy Turvy Cake from Shortstreet Cakes in Asheville

Happy Birthday Shortstreet Cakes! [belated]

In this tough economy, it’s always nice to celebrate local business birthdays. And who doesn’t love birthday cakes?

(more…)

When I was in college I would not buy anything made in China. This was difficult (to say the least.) Everything, it seems, is made in China. Especially when it comes to clothes–wedding dresses included. Again, nearly everything is made in China. To get around this, I created a loop hole for myself. I only bought clothes from thrift stores. That way, if my jeans were made in China, a local business got my cash, not Chinese businesses. The added bonus? I also reduced my carbon footprint by reusing something already made and buying locally.

This same can be said for pre-owned wedding gowns. Buying a once-worn dress is not only thrifty, it's green. You are not using new resources. You are using what is already made. And often times, you are buying locally.

(more…)

From Martha Stewart Weddings

Inspired by Martha’s MSW cover, (and given that I couldn’t master caWe ordered the butterflies for our wedding cake through Floral Trims. I also got pheasant feathers for my bouquet cheaply through them. The florist wanted to charge me several dollars per feather. The local craft store was no better. I think I got a dozen from FloralTrims for a few bucks.  These are great for a number of DIY wedding projects. Just off the top of my head you could use them to decorate your wedding cake, as an embellishment on DIY favors, as DIY napkin rings, in your hair, the possibilities are endless.

Check out their butterfly and bird sale:

(more…)

Ladies, I have uploaded the majority of my DIY cake attempts to my new Flickr account. Once you’re on my page, click “sets” to see the different attempts and read some of my thoughts on the process.

I have also added a Fkickr sidebar to this blog. Look down and to the right. Every time I upload more pictures, the sidebar badge will update.

As always, feel free to share your own hindsight advice, add comments, or ask questions. Thanks!

(more…)