Wonder if any one has read the article published earlier this year (January 2012), shedding the light on expenses on uniquely themed weddings -
'Freelance television director and cameraman Helmindra Halim, 29, spent close to $100,000 on food and decorations last November to make sure he had his dream wedding.'
Read the news article here: My Big Fat Void Deck Wedding
Amy Cheong sure hasn't read this :p
Wedding photos flooded my facebook news feed each weekend, seems like there are more wedding bells ringing in the year 2012! Oh well, even my own wedding is coming up this year end :)
With less than 5 months to the actual day, I am starting on my shopping list - bridesmaid dresses, acessories, unique veil, ring holder, tea ceremony set and decors for bedroom, car, guest tables.....endless! I wonder where I should keep these items after the wedding comes to an end (O_o)?!
And so I thought, "Even 2nd hand items will need storage space. Might as well rent!" Or if any happily-married brides would be so kind to let me inherit their items, I will be extremely grateful!
Here are the top 10 things I am looking to rent for my wedding:
1. Bridesmaid Accessories x 5
Looking for spring-themed accessories for my bridesmaids to match their teal toga dresses! See those floral garlands on their hair? So lovely!
2. Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow x 1
If you have some really awesome out-of-the world kind of ring bearer pillows, please....rent it to me. I have seen many designs in the retail shops, but none are catching my eye.
Also, I am interested if you own a customized/handmade ring pillow (click here to view)!
3. Flower Girl Baskets x 2
Need flower baskets with embroidery for adorable flower girls. Something petite for 7 year olds.
4. Bride's Hand Bouquet
It has become quite a trend for brides to carry bouquet made of materials such as crystals (click here to view), pearls or sparkling bits... Good that these bouquets are re-usable! For new brides like myself to rent :D
5. Guest Registration Table Decor
Need a mix of aqua & clear acrylic gems to decorate the table. Open to consider other colours too!
6. Ang Bao Box x 1
Would love to have such extravagant ang bao box to be sitting at my guest table!! Bigger space to welcome more ang baos :p Prefer if your box has lace or pearls on it.
7. Wedding Parasols/Umbrellas x 1
Fashionable pieces to spice up my actual day photos. Vintage white parasol wanted!
8. Traditional Tea Ceremony Set x 1
Gonna rent this set (click here to view) with chopsticks & bowls! Will need to rent another complete set so I can minimize washing and packing chore when we move between houses.
9. Photography Props
Yes, I hired a photo booth for my wedding :) It'll be so fun and I am gonna need a handful of quirky props for my guests' to spice up their photos.
10. 'Gatecrash' Outfits & Props x 5
Lastly, creative gatecrash outfits for the groom's xiongdi/brothers are in high demand. Looking for something casual so that the guys can have some fun without feeling uncomfortable. Best if you could rent me the props together with the outfits :D
If you have any of the above (post wedding items!) sitting somewhere in your house, please upload on Rent Tycoons as soon as possible so that I (or other brides) can rent them! Delight new brides, earn some cash...anything better than letting these beautiful items collect dust.
P.s / Recently, I also got to meet a friend who is going to set up her own bridal gown rental service. Visit her Facebook page - Cyllene Bridal - for updates, if you are currently scouting for pretty gowns!
Love, New Bride-To-Be
You want the wedding of your dreams, but the economy and your bank account are less than dreamy. No worries… Lauren form the fantastic wedding planning website www.theBIGstep.co.nz has got some great tips to help you keep costs down!
- Recycle Heirlooms: If you have family heirlooms, reuse the diamonds or metal to make your wedding rings; or wear them on your wedding day to compliment your attire – they can double as your something borrowed and something old. It’s a great way to save money, but it’s also an eco-friendly alternative and a nod to the past!
- RSVP Online: Don’t worry about ordering return envelopes and postage for your stationery. Invite your guests to RSVP online via your theBIGstep wedding homepage.
- Lollies in the Middle: Instead of flower arrangements or other pricey centrepieces, fill glass vases or jars with candy. These can add colour to your tables and can be used as after dinner treats!
- Dessert with a Twist: Skip a plated or buffet dessert in favour of your wedding cake. Many couples are opting for less traditional cakes and choosing more favourable flavours, including mud cake, carrot cake, banana cake, or a combination of flavours to serve to their guests. Alternatively, get the girls together and bake a cupcake for each guest that you can arrange on a tower of cloth-covered boxes – a cute wedding cake and dessert in one!
- Rent your wedding dress: Dresses can be one of the most expensive items on the wedding budget list. You spend all this money for one item that you will never wear again. Many of the bridal boutiques hire out some beautiful gowns – no one needs to know and you can still look fabulous on the day in an amazing wedding dress. It is also common to rent bridesmaids dresses.
- Friends & Family: You will be amazed at how helpful and resourceful friends and family can be. Consider your guest list and ask around to see if anyone can source alcohol at wholesale prices, arrange your flowers, design your invitations, decorate your wedding venue, make your wedding cake or make you wedding jewellery.
- One Long Course: Feed your guests all evening without the cost of a 3-course meal! Replacing the traditional meal with a constant stream of canapés is a modern twist that will keep guests’ stomachs full while also keeping costs down.
- Candlelight: Candles can add elegance to a venue with the light of a match. Grab a bunch of different sized candles or a pile of tea lights from The Warehouse, Briscoes or Farmers, but don’t light them until just before your guests arrive, as you don’t want them burning out before the last dance!
- Palladium Rings: Palladium is a platinum group metal that, in its latest alloy composition, has an amazing similarity to platinum, but it wears like gold. It’s less expensive than gold and considerably more affordable than platinum, but feels like one and looks like the other!
- Rent Tycoons for Wedding:If you search carefully you will find that there are businesses out there that hire all sorts of interesting bits and pieces for a wedding. From the big item things such as marques to crystal chandeliers – right down to small accessories to decorate your table with.
The key things when trying to save money on your big day are to research, shop around and think outside the square.
Good luck and happy planning!
