I recently got engaged and before I had even chosen a date, a friend offered to be bridesmaid. I was touched that she was so eager to help me through this experience and naturally asked her to be part of the wedding party. I also asked her twin daughters to be the flower girls. Even though I felt a bit cornered into asking her, we are close and I was comfortable with it.... until recently.
She commented on my limited budget by suggesting that I postpone the wedding for a year or two until I can throw a real wedding. My budget is small, but when did weddings stop being about the union and become all about entertaining our family?! I know, I know, that is a big part of it, but not at the expense of going into debt. It made me wonder if she has my best interests at heart and would be a good bridesmaid after all. I will be including five friends total in my side of the bridal party, should I hope that my more respectful (and budget minded) friends will balance her out?
My husband-to-be and I crunched some numbers and found out we can only afford $70 for ALL the flowers (including bouquets) in order to make the important things (my dress for one) part of our big day. It is obvious that flower girls are beyond our means, but are bridesmaids? How can I make it work with such a tiny budget while still throwing a fabulous church ceremony and reception that won't seem cheap?!?! HELP? I'd love to have bridesmaids to offer encouragement right now, but the only one I've asked so far only tells me to go into debt for it to be a good wedding.
Thanks.
Nancy Tucker
PRESIDENT - WEDDINGS BEAUTIFUL
Sep 6, 2005, 8:08 AM
Post #2 of 5
(1021 views)
Re: [SnoopyGirl] Bridesmaid with an opinion
[In reply to]
Dear Snoopy Girl,
Please don't be offended by your bridesmaid's selfish input. Many bridesmaids forget that it's not about them. You know your finances and should never go into debt to please the masses. Do what you are comfortable with. As for the $70 budget for the flowers, you are really up against it with that amount. An average bridal bouquet alone is around $125 so you are behind the 8 ball already. I can suggest only that you attempt to work with a floral market to create minimal bouquets for you and the bridesmaids. The other very necessary item is boutoneers and may also be affordably created from a market with you making them yourself. As far as church and reception decorations, you'd have to work with whatever the site offers in their package.
The number of attendants could be reduced to lessen the budget burden. Best of luck, keep it in your mind that it is about the union of two lives, not what you can show off. Nancy Tucker President of Weddings Beautiful US http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Sep 6, 2005, 4:18 PM
Post #3 of 5
(1011 views)
Re: [SnoopyGirl] Bridesmaid with an opinion
[In reply to]
Dear Smart Bride,
I completely agree with Nancy and am impressed with your views. So many couples go deeply into debt for their weddings. A wedding doesn't have to break the budget to be beautiful and enjoyable.
My husband and I had much the same budget--very small. We concentrate more of our funds on early retirement:) So, flowers were not a big priority. Our bridesmaids (two) held a single red rose wrapped in ribbon. I made all of the corsages from small red rose buds and ribbons. My bouquet was all red roses. Nancy is correct that so much can be accomplished if you make these yourself. Of course it always helps to use a lot of baby's breath, it is cheap and goes a long way.
The number of attendants is typically based on how many guests you invite. Not that this is a mandate. However, the more attendants you have, the more formal the wedding appears. So, having fewer bridesmaids may be a great idea if you are not inviting very many guests and if your wedding is less formal.
Re: [SnoopyGirl] Bridesmaid with an opinion
[In reply to]
Check out michaels.com which is a crafting supplies site. They have lots of instructions for making bouquets and such.
Single Rose Boutonniere:
Rosebud, ivory
Baby's breath, white, 1 sprig
Paddle wire
Floral tape
Wire cutters
Glue gun
Glue sticks
Cost of each project will vary depending on materials used.
Clip stem of rosebud to about 1½ inches. Wire around stem, leaving long tails on the wire.
Glue a sprig of rose leaves behind the rosebud. Wrap the stems of the leaves and rosebud together with floral tape, wrapping beyond the rosebud's stem about 2 inches. Clip away excess wire.
Coil the wire around the end of a pencil to create a vine effect at the end of the boutonniere.
Glue a sprig of baby's breath behind the rosebud, between the bud and the rose leaves. Glue one small leaf to the front of the bout.
See pictures out at their website. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Sep 6, 2005, 6:19 PM)
SnoopyGirl
Sep 7, 2005, 4:49 PM
Post #5 of 5
(995 views)
Re: [Et.byRebecca] Bridesmaid with an opinion
[In reply to]
The single rose for bridesmaids is beautiful and affordable! Thank you! Simplicty can be elegant and budget friendly.
Bridesmaid with an opinion
