Monday, February 8, 2010

Weekly Savings Tip: February 8, 2010


Creative Ideas to Save on Your Wedding

Your wedding may be a year or more away but you're probably already aware that the big day can be expensive. Use the months leading up to the big day to budget and plan. Here are some tips to help ensure that money is the last thing on your mind
when you say "I do."

• Date: If you avoid planning your wedding on a Saturday, or during the months of June and August, vendors may be more accessible, and less expensive. Also keep in mind that brunch and lunch are less expensive than dinner.

• Spirits: Alcoholic beverages dramatically increase the cost of any event. One money saving idea would be to hold the wedding earlier in the day. Another option would be to only offer wine and champagne.

• Location: Consider free locations to host your wedding, such as your home, a friend's home or a park. Additionally, your church or synagogue will likely be less expensive than commercial venues. Having the freedom to choose your own caterer or bring your own beverages can also be a great cost saver.

• Decorations: When it comes to the flowers and decorations, keep it simple! Try your local farmer's market, where you can choose from a wide variety of flowers that are grown locally and in season. Also consider working with local florists' programs at technical colleges or high schools to make your wedding a final project for a student.

• Invitations: Discount warehouses or online stationery stores may be an inexpensive option, since you generally get the same quality in exchange for a smaller selection. Or try getting a simple printed card and adding your own creative details.

Remember that the wedding only marks the beginning of a partnership that extends to your finances! Read more financial tips on Couples & Marriage.

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Our Pre-Baby Bucket List

It seems that since the wedding, EVERYONE has been baby-crazed. Not saying that we don't want children, but there are a few other things we would like to be able to do before our lives are turned upside down as well as preparing for any new additions. We also understand that the timing is ultimately left in God's hands, but we can do our best to be as prepared as possible.

Some things are just to secure more financial comfort...some things are just pure fun!

Without further adieu, here's our pre-baby bucket list...

Eliminate the PMI on our home (in progress)
Build the Emergency Fund (in progress)
Invest said fund (in progress)
Baby fund (in progress)
Find a church home (in progress)
Life Insurance (check!)
Have a budget (check!)
Reassess Insurance (check!)

Get involved in community/volunteer work (in progress)
Get Disability Insurance
Exercise regularly (Me)
Have a Cinco de Mayo Party
Declutter our home (in progress)
Decorate our Home (in progress)
Attend the Essence Festival in New Orleans
Attend Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards
Attend a live Tyler Perry/Madea play
Visit Chicago
Participate in a Christian Couples’ Book Club (in progress)
Complete our wedding shadow box
Weekly Date Nights (in progress)
Visit Disney World
Treat our Parents to a really nice vacation (or something similar)
Pay off all credit card debt (in progress)
Visit a vineyard for wine tasting
Sleep in on weekends
Take up a hobby, as a couple


For now, I'll just enjoy being a DINK ;)

Do you have any types of bucket lists?


Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Our Wedding Day: Love is in the Air...

...as was

and



We decided to wear special fragrances on our special day. Thank God we did - we were able to get some alone time during the crazy week before to go out and find our signature scents. Not only that, but now we get to wear them on special occasions (or date weekly nights, in our case) to relive that day.

This was probably one of the simplest, yet best ideas that we followed through with!

What's your signature scent?

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Our Wedding Day: A Special Gift

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let the photos tell this story.
Enjoy!














Ciao Bella,

TheConsciousBride

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Our Wedding: My Ensemble and Meet the Girls!

As promised, here's my ensemble for the best day of my life:



And we can't forget these:




I wish there were words to describe how comfortable these are! Okay, so there are....can you believe I managed to stay in them until we left the reception?!?!?!? Yep! And I danced. And danced. And danced some more! Believe it or not, I actually lead the stroll line with my awesome Sorority Sisters (pictures to come)! In the Loubs!


And, the day would not have been complete without these gorgeous ladies:


It's all about the shoes!



Did I mention that we also had some GORGEOUS hostesses?


Since I wasn't able to show pics of some of my maids before, here are a few of them in all their beauty:






Lakina AKA the Most "Bout IT" Bridesmaid EVA!


Leah the Diva (also pretty darn BOUT IT):


Sidenote: Do you know how many people asked me if she was/is a model??? And I had the privilege of having her grace our wedding photos!!! How lucky are we?!?!?!

ChaFonda


This is my first cousin who was always like a sister...

Shannon the GigglePot

This is actually Mr. CB's cousin. She instantly embraced me like we had grown up together...

Chanelle, Queen of the Side-Eye


And last, but certainly not least - my MOH, Shonetta AKA Christian's Mommy


And just for fun, here are some randoms:


Negotiating use of the Crackberry




SUCCESS!





Ciao Bella,

TheConsciousBride

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Our Wedding Day: My Handsome Groom

Since these posts are feeling a little girl heavy, I'll share some of my fave shots of my handsome groom (and his guys). Let's face it - there would be no wedding day without him!

I'll double back and post the bride's ensemble and all the maids in one posting.

Enjoy!

This is one of my absolute faves (can you tell I have ALOT of faves)!


His Best Man, Chevis


Aren't they all handsome??? And let's not even talk about swag?!?!!?


LOVING this shot:

:::: SWOON::::

:::Wipes drool from keyboard:::


Ciao Bella,

TheConsciousBride

Monday, January 11, 2010

Our Wedding Day: Details

One thing I can say about Mango Pixels Photography, Joyce has an uncanny knack of paying special attention to detail! Here are a few of my favorite shots:


Wine for our Unity Wine Ceremony


Our corsages and bouts were delivered from the florist like this:


When I saw "groom" attached to Mr. CB's bout - it all became real for me!

This was a very special gift from my brother's wife or *GULP* sister-in-law. This hanky was given to her on her wedding day.




The hanky (something old) and sapphire earring (something blue) were given to her by my Mom. She added the shiny 2009 penny for my something new. My Mother has since gone on to be with God, but how SWEET was my sister (in-law) to pass on such a treasured heirloom?!?!?! I know she's technically my sister-in-law, but it's really hard to call her that. She's more of a sister-from-another-mother.

And here she is (making sure everything is everything):

(Now you see why I can't call her my SIL?)


And here I am all made-up with no where to go (and still finishing one last DIY)...


Ciao Bella,

TheConsciousBride