Color Schemer

Posted by Khris in Crafter's Toolbox

“You’re engaged? How wonderful! What are your colors?”

Have you heard this ad naseum yet? I remember everyone wanting to know what our colors were going to be when I was planning my wedding. (We really didn’t have a set palette but ended up using a lot of green and purple.)

If you’re in need of some color inspiration, head on over to ColorSchemer. The Color Schemer tool allows you to input a color value and it’ll generate a palette for you. They also have a lovely gallery of themes submitted by users.

Questions To Ask: The Cake Baker

Posted by Khris in Wedding Planning

I’ve absolutely adore cake decorating and I’m learning as much as I can. It’s a lot harder than it looks on paper, I tell ya. I have the utmost respect for anyone that can produce perfect, flawless fondant, consistent icing colors, and smooth-as-silk buttercream … and do it with original style. Kudos to all the pros out there who do it day after day.

In light of my recent foray into the world of cake design, I have a list of questions to ask any cake baker you may be considering. Some of the questions are pretty obvious while some of them have come from things I’ve learned about the cake design business.

1. Are you a full-time or part-time baker?

2. Do you work out of your home or in a commercial kitchen?

3. If you work from your home, are you licensed to do so? [Many states have strict rules about running (or even prohibiting) home bakeries.]

4. Do you personally bake and decorate each cake or do you have help?

5. Are your cakes baked from scratch or from boxed mixes? (I was shocked to learn that many small and home-based bakers use boxed mixes!)

6. What are your cake flavor and filling options?

7. Do you create 100% custom designs or do you offer a selection of stock/standard designs?

8. How far in advance is the cake made? Will it ever be frozen prior to it being served?

9. How many people may I bring with me to a tasting?

10. How many flavors (and which ones) will be available at the tasting?

11. Do you have a price list? Are there any charges not on the price list such as cutting and delivery fees?

12. Do you have a portfolio?

13. May I check your references?

14. How much is the deposit and when is it due? When is final payment due?

15. Is the cost of pillars, cake stand, support pieces included in the cake price or are these separate rentals?

The 10 Cent Tea Light Photo Holder

Posted by Khris in Ceremony & Reception Accessories, DIY Projects & Tutorials

I ran across this great little project from atelier v. {via Photojojo} this morning. The project could be used for seating cards, pictures, and table numbers. The metal bases can even be painted if brushed silver just isn’t your thang.

If you haven’t been to Photojojo yet, rush over there right away. They have great DIY projects that can be used for weddings and an abundance of tips for taking great pics.

Wedding Gowns Under $300.00

Posted by Khris in Steals + Deals

Are you looking for a pretty gown that doesn’t break the bank? I have some swell options that might tickle your fancy (and your pocketbook).

I’ve poked around the internets and found some great deals for under $300.00. All these gowns are new and currently available at retailers. Some are specifically labelled as bridal gowns, some are just formals, and some are bridesmaids dresses. These gowns are all $300 or under.

Purposelly omitted are gowns from eBay. Stock from there varies widely from day to day so it wouldn’t have been prudent to include them in this round. Do check out eBay, though, for excellent deals.

These gowns aren’t the only available on the cheap. Most of the retailers mentioned below carry other gowns in the under $300.00 price range. My other tip is to look at bridesmaids gowns. Most manufacturers offer them in white or ivory. Watters + Watters is a favorite.

Under $100.00

Sequin-Trimmed Gown (shrug sold separately)

Newport News

Sizes 4 – 18

Available at Newport-News.com

$59.00

Sleek Spaghetti Strap with Lace-up Back

GOJane

Sizes Xsmall – XLarge

Available via GoJane.com

$79.99

Halter with Rhinestone Pin

Sizes Xsmall – XLarge

Available from Amazon.com

$94.99 (Sale)

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Under $200

Beaded Halter

PacificPlex

Available via Amazon.com

$119.00

Twist-Back Halter

JCPenney

Sizes 4 – 16

$129.99

Chiffon Spaghetti Strap

Lane Bryant

Sizes 14-24 Only

Available at LaneBryant.Com

$149.50

Lace Halter with Sash

Sizes to 14

Bari Jay

Available at Nordstrom

$178.00

Grecian-inspired

Plus-sizes Only 14 – 32

IGIGI

Available via IGIGI.com

$189.00

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Under $300

Empire Waist Silk Gown

J. Crew

Sizes 0 – 16

Available from JCrew.Com

$295.00

Beaded Gown with Slit

Xsmall – XLarge (Whatever that means! Ask for a size chart.)

DCD

Available at Amazon.com

$299.00

Ruffle Gown with Cap Sleeves

Sean Collection

Sizes XXS – 3X

Available at Nordstrom

$299.00 (Plus sizes extra)

Cap Sleeve Charmeuse

A.B.S by Allen Schwartz

Sizes to 12

Available at Nordstrom

$300.00

CRAFT Magazine

Posted by Khris in DIYBride News

Hiya Brides,

I picked up the first issue of CRAFT Magazine yesterday. It’s awesome! They feature a fun, eclectic mix of projects. While there’s nothing specifically for weddings in this issue, they have a great tutorial on screen printing. For anyone considering DIY invites, screen printing opens up a whole new level of crafty goodness. You can print nearly any color of ink on any color of paper. I’ve been learning this on my own and can say their tutorial is really, really good.

Check out Craft’s website or pick up a copy of the magazine at newsstands now.