I also write about weddings at Blisstree’s Our One Heart, and about party planning and entertaining at She Knows Parties, and planning children’s parties at The Kid’s Birthday Fun Review.

I have the opportunity to attend several wedding shows, and expos every year. So I hope to share all the fun stuff I see and learn there, along with wedding fashions and anything else I find along the way.

I love entertaining and taking my own photos, so I hope to have plenty of great wedding fun to share in the upcoming weeks.

Image (c) L Gerlach

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An Introduction

Image: sxc.hu

I did trades or just simply asked friends and family for their help with quite a few things.

• My brother & his friend are both professional audio technicians, and together with my iPod, they replaced a DJ.
• My Dad is a jazz musician, and he played during cocktails at the reception.
• My MIL-to-be wanted to help, and so she folded hundreds of origami butterflies to decorate the ceremony location.
• Several of my girlfriends helped me put together wedding favors. I made some munchies and we spent the evening hanging out together.
• The girlfriend of one of my Dad’s musicians is a talented photographer – so we bartered for wedding photographs.
• One of my closest friends is a videographer, so as part of her present to us, she filmed the ceremony.

You don’t want to burn your friends or family out with requests for help – but you’d be surprised by what happens when you ask!

Photo: juliaf

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Helping Hands

If you have the time, inclination (some might call it insanity), or creativity to do your own wedding flowers, there are a lot of online flower vendors that can help you get the materials you need. For my wedding, which is relatively small in scale and simple in decor, I am using tulips in mason jars as centerpieces. Since I have bought several bouquets from Flowerbud in the past, I decided to give them a try. I ordered 40 of the tulips to give them a trial run, and the results were amazing! The tulips were gorgeous and perfect, just like they look in the picture, and of the 40, only one had any petal damage (and it was minor).

So, if your bridal party is up to the challenge, flowers are one way you can save money planning your wedding in these harsh economic times. Prices start at around $75 at Flowerbud.

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DIY Wedding Flowers

They were kind enough to share with us these images from their latest runway show in New York in October. Check out the beautiful array of gowns, along with their anniversary ad spot. Whether you are looking for something long or short, mermaid or ball gown, you will find something perfect in this collection.

From Michael Shettel, Vice President of Design for Alfred Angelo:

This season’s trumpet and body conscious mermaid shapes combined with contemporary red carpet necklines recall the 1930’s & 40’s. Using a modern, soft taffeta and iridescent satin I created opulent ball gowns with luxurious trains reminiscent of 1950’s styling. The mod 60’s are represented by short destination and reception dresses, while crystal beaded empire and A-Line styles reflect a 1970’s sensibility.

I am very excited about our 2009 collection. While inspired by fashion from the past 75 years, this Alfred Angelo collection leaps into the future and creates new modern classics.

Photo credit: Alfred Angelo

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Celebrate Alfred Angelo’s 75th Anniversary

This wedding dress comes in white or pearl and a matching shawl is included. Find the nearest Mori Lee shop near you by visiting MoriLee.com. They also have a terrific selection of affordable bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, prom gowns and other party dresses.

Photo credit: Mori Lee

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Mori Lee Bridal Voyage Ball Gown

Wedding dress designer Rita Vinieriss creates modern designs with an charming bit of vintage elegance. The result is a very chic collection that is appealing to many. This gorgeous bridal gown is just of the wonderful choices. To learn more about the company and find out where to shop for Rivini bridal gowns, visit their website at Rivini.com.

Photo credit: Rivini

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Rivini Bridal Gowns

Last time I was in New York City, I checked out the Kleinfeld Bridal – you know, the one that’s featured on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress. They carry the largest selection of wedding dresses in the world. This is where I first saw Liancarlo couture bridal gowns.

Here is one of my favorites from Liancarlo. This bridal gown (style: 2883) features French chantilly lace and pearl and crystal bands on the bodice. It’s simply gorgeous.

Check out more Liancarlo gowns at Liancarlo.com and some of their exclusives to Kleinfeld Bridal.

Photo credit: Liancarlo

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Liancarlo Bridal Gowns

This gown is one of my favorites. I just adore the skirt! You can find out more about Reem Acra and find a shop near you by visiting ReemAcra.com.

Photo credit: Reem Acra

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Reem Acra Gowns

Destination weddings are very hot right now, making up of 20% of all weddings. Jamaica, Italy and Mexico are the popular places for a destination wedding. Marcy’s tips include information on choosing your guests, keeping costs down, planning activities and more.

When planning an destination wedding at an outdoor beach location, you should normally choose a more simple wedding dress. Mon Cheri Bridals offers a terrific collection of bridal gowns just for destination weddings.

Here is one of my favorites (style 28107).

This sleeveless bridal gown comes in sizes 4-20 and 16W-26W. It’s a modified mermaid design with pinched bodice and chapel length train. This wedding dress is perfect for a destination wedding ceremony that isn’t too casual. It comes in Ivory or Coffee. Check out the rest of the wedding dresses at moncheribridals.com.

Photo credit: Mon Cheri Bridals

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How to Plan the Perfect Destination Wedding

You can view this and other wedding gowns from the collection at MoriLee.com. This particular gown is Style #1028. I also found it online at Best Bridal Prices for $1,199 plus free shipping in sizes 2-24 (large sizes extra).

Photo credit: Morilee

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Angelina Faccenda Bridal Gown