The Limited, an Ohio-based fashion brand, has just slashed prices on its already budget-friendly bridal collection. The 13 dresses in the line are all selling at up to 70 percent off, with some going for as little as $59.99. Take a peek through some of the gowns up for grabs and get your hands on them while you can! At these prices you can afford to get more than one.

See the entire cost-effective collection here.

Image courtesy iStockphoto.com

Celebrity wedding planner David Connolly from Rich Bride, Poor Bride has joined Weddingbells as a guest blogger answering all of your burning wedding-related questions. Need some help with the planning process? Have a question about etiquette, organization or budgeting? Post your question in the comment field below and we’ll forward it directly to David.

Here is this week’s reader question:

Q: Where do you think the most important part of your budget should go to on your big day?
- Melissa Ann Dorey via Facebook

A: Hi Melissa,

This is completely up to the priorities you have set as a couple when creating your overall budget. It’s usually determined by your culture, custom and desires.

Traditionally 40% to 50% is allocated for reception venue costs: staffing, food and beverages, taxes and tip, which makes it the “most” but not always the most “important.” Most brides will argue that the most important element is the gown, even though total attire costs, including accessories and the groom’s suit, usually only make up 10% of the entire budget.

For some, however, a destination or photography trumps an expensive wedding wardrobe. So you see, it’s completely dependent on how you’ve decided to bring your vision to life.

The good news is that by asking the question, it indicates that you realize the most important part of wedding planning is creating a comprehensive, realistic budget. When dividing your total figure amongst these line items, you are setting your priorities and the “most important” or “most costly” elements will appear as a result.

Hope this helps!

David

Find David on Facebook at Facebook.com/theaislefile

Sometimes less is more. When it comes to your wedding floral arrangements nothing says elegant simplicity better than a single bloom bouquet. This trendy floral idea is sometimes more cost-effective than a full traditional bouquet and it makes for an easy DIY project. Consider opting for single flowers for your bridesmaids’ bouquets and a composite arrangement, petals from multiple flowers glued together to make one large bloom, for your bouquet. You can even mix and match colours for a truly unique look.

Show up to your pre-wedding celebrations in style wearing one of these adorable (and ultra-affordable) party dresses. We’ve collected 15 great frocks for day or evening all under $100. Complement your ring with an evening dress that has a little sparkle and shine or sport a fun little colourful number to your daytime affair without breaking the bank.

Celebrity wedding planner David Connolly from Rich Bride, Poor Bride has joined Weddingbells as a guest blogger answering all of your burning wedding-related questions. Need some help with the planning process? Have a question about etiquette, organization or budgeting? Post your question in the comment field below and we’ll forward it directly to David.

Here is this week’s reader question:

Q: I heard some people tip everyone (the church, the wedding planner, the people who work at the reception, etc). How much is appropriate? For example say it cost 600 to get married in your church, how much would you tip on that? I totally get/agree that you would want to show your gratitude and appreciation for your vendors … I’m just concerned with looking cheap. Is there a magic percentage like there is for restaurants? I don’t want anyone to feel insulted and this is totally stressing me out haha :) Thanks in advance for any advice you have!
- Courtney McKay via Facebook

A: Hi Courtney,

Great question. To ease your stress, I offer these “Tips On Tipping.” To obliterate your stress, I offer them in a video game metaphor with the hope that your groom may consider taking on this great-for-grooms task. And now, without further i-do, we proudly introduce: VENDOR QUEST: T.Y.100.

LEVEL ONE: The Thank Yous
Your first task is to extend verbal or written thanks to everyone involved in the planning, design and management of your day. “It takes a village” as they say and 100 percent of the village deserves to be recognized by you personally. Bonus points for giving extra cupcakes to the rental company movers or left over flowers to the coat check attendant.

LEVEL TWO: Gratuity-ville
In this level you are encouraged to offer something EXTRA to those who do something EXTRA. How do you know the difference between “extra” and “expected”? Collect the signed contracts that you made with everyone supplying goods or services. The specific details of your expectations and a mutually agreed upon compensation, including any anticipated gratuity, should be outlined. Your mission is to recognize and tip when work is done outside that agreement or is of an unexpectedly personal or higher-than-anticipated calibre.

On this level, remember to tip those who fulfill extra requests you have texted like: “I love it but can you make it in persimmon stripes/two feet taller/an hour later/fully submersible?” Or Facebook-ed “I know we said absolutely 100, final number, but I anxiously sent the B list so we’re at 155. Actually 153 plus 2 more junior bridesmaids. Not a big deal right? Don’t worry if you can’t get the extra custom table cloths in time…although it sure would be nice.”

Others to consider tipping: Anyone who provided personal connections or referrals, creative solutions or budget-conscious DIY ideas which resulted in considerable cost- or stress-savings.

How many magical tipping tokens to give away is player’s choice with the standard being 15 to 20 percent of the service. The Wedding Wizard suggests buying tickets (available in all price points) to something the vendor has shown
interest in during your time together (live theatre, sporting events, movies, concerts, hobby shows). Bonus points for giving them out at the rehearsal or last meeting before the wedding day. This marks a substantial difference between trusting gratitude and dangling reward.

LEVEL THREE: The Final Test-imonial
On level three, you hold the most valuable reward, one everyone wants and that money can’t buy: A testimonial and offer of future referral. It should be given to those who have earned it and, as such, understand nothing is more valuable than reputation. You offering permission to be a future reference and actively sharing a good word of mouth is, well, priceless.

APPRECIATION RECAP
1. Thank You = 100% of All vendors/suppliers (verbal or written)
2. Gratuity = Extra 15-20% of fee for extra service.
3. Reward = Reference and testimonials.

Hope this helps you navigate your way to top scorer in record time.

Thankfully Yours,
David

“Feeling gratitude but not sharing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
- William Arthur Wars

Find David on Facebook at Facebook.com/theaislefile

For lovely wedding locks it’s important to pick a ‘do that matches your personality, gown, and existing hairstyle. The easiest way to have your tresses looking extra pretty on your big day is to accentuate them with a unique hair accessory. We’ve collected 32 of our favourite budget-friendly hairpieces (some are under $10!) from over-the-top flower barrettes and stunning hairbands to simple pins and rhinestone combs. These hair accessories work for long or short hair, up or down ‘dos, and every wedding theme from elegant to whimsical.

Chilly winter weddings call for a plethora of warm comfort foods — and what better way to serve them than in bite-sized form? Serving up snack-sized portions during an evening cocktail reception is also a nice budget-friendly alternative to the traditional full sit-down dinner. Warm up your invitees with classic bites like mini hamburgers, mac and cheese, or grilled cheese sandwiches and soup. Then wow them with tiny helpings of classic desserts like milk and cookies, cotton candy, and coffee and doughnuts. The possibilities are endless. Take a look at some of our favourites and share with us some of your own.

Trying to pull off the wedding of your dreams on a tight budget? Here’s some good news: You don’t need to sacrifice elements of your dream day just because you can’t afford to spend six figures on your event. The key is putting a bit more time and effort into the planning process to source out deals. Start with these 13 tips. We’ll spill the details on how to score a less expensive venue, hire a photographer on the cheap, find a gown for less and share ideas for cutting costs on everything from catering to flowers.