As an official bridesmaid and matron of honor, I wanted to do a Raleigh, NC wedding themed Sunday Afternoon Tea. Here are some links and tips to consider if you're short on time and money, but you want to jump the broom in style. You don't have to pay the fairy tail price for a magical wedding ceremony.
1. The dress; one of the key elements in any wedding. Every bride wants to step into her marriage looking her best, but what if a thousand dollar gown just isn't in the stars? I suggest you click on over to JJ's House. Cute dress, even cuter prices. Budget even smaller? How about renting? My two favorite dresses come from Rent the Runway: The Amber Gown and the Say I Do Tulle Gown are head turners.
2. Location. Location. Location. Need some where lovely to perform your nuptials on a dime? Seek out a garden or any outdoor space with a great view. I offer you the Island Gazebo at Pullen Park. Its capacity is 50-100 people, and it's $30 an hour to rent. Find some chairs, decor, an acoustic guitar player/singer and maybe even a tent, and voila! Elegance for pennies.
3. The reception is usually the most expensive part of the festivities. Venue + catering + DJ + cake + linens & more. It can cause a couple to go bankrupt. Thousands of dollars....gone... unless your photographer caught it all on camera. Those are some pretty, expensive memories. Here in Raleigh (or in any other city in any state) you can find a few great restaurants that have a banquet room. Make some calls and find what's best for you. I love the Mezzanine in Zinda, an Asian inspired restaurant in Downtown Raleigh. Serve two types of appetizers, desserts, and provide a drink list, and you have a memorable reception. And, if you want pictures, ask your guests to capture the events on their phones and use a designated hashtag.
4. The cake! The bride and groom are supposed to enjoy that tense yet silly moment of ruining their clothes (and her makeup) with wedding cake. May I suggest wedding cupcakes? Order (or make) several dozens of cupcakes, and a small cake for the B&G and enjoy the taste of a large cake in smaller portions and price. Here's a hint...Walmart Bakery.
5. The tux.....Really? I have to tell you to rent one? That's a given!
6. Bouquets are lovely but costly. First things first, do you want fresh or fake? I prefer fresh. So head on over to your grocery store. I like Lowes because they carry several different types of flowers. Next, visit the craft store, and grab ribbon that compliments your wedding colors or use white. Wrap the stems and you have a bridal bouquet.
7. The honeymoon is just as important as the wedding. It's time to unwind after the stresses of wedding planning, may I suggest a stay-cation.... or not. We're in Raleigh right? Hop on the train and go to Charlotte. Enjoy the ride together. Enjoy a 3 day stay, sight see, check out the night life, or just live in the hotel...if you know what I mean. Whatever town you live in, visit another city that's not too far so you can pay a local price but feel like you've traveled far.
I hope all/any/some of this helps anyone in the area who may be having a difficult time with their wedding planning.
Until next time,
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