The Broke-Ass Bride: Bad-ass Wedding Inspiration on a Broke-Ass Budget

{DIY or DIE} The Evolution of Our Homemade Bouquets

When I set out to DIY our wedding, I had no idea what I was in for. I knew there would be a lot of trial and error, mixed with hair pulling frustration, but I also knew that I was capable of pulling it off.  My heart was certainly in it, my attitude was positive, and therefore I was able approach the difficulty of it all with an open mind and a smile.  The one project that I have been working on since April (4 months, people) is our DIY bouquets.  I declared these bouquets finished at least 3 different times.  The first time I declared them “finished” was at the end of April after my “Hey, Bridesmaids! Let’s Make Some Bouquets!” Party.  Here are a few shots of the bouquet in PHASE 1:

DIY Bouquets: PHASE 1

More of PHASE 1

This first night of bouquet crafting left us all feeling successful.  I was truly impressed with what we did.  But just days after that night, I started to futz with the bouquets again. I saw little gaps that needed fixing and pieces that needed gluing.  This was to be expected, though. We were DIYing bouquets blind, pretty much. You see, at first, we did the “glue-as-you-go” method where we basically took some pretty crap and glued it to the bouquet handle base, trying our hardest to keep it looking spherical.  I’d say for our first attempts, we did a pretty damn good job.

But then I decided I wanted different colors than the materials I had on the bouquet. So instead of starting from scratch (which would have ended up costing us nearly as much as a set of real floral bouquets), I decided to paint over what I had.  And this is what I came up with (you may recognize this picture from my previous DIY Bouquet post):

DIY Bouquets: PHASE 2

I truly loved this phase of the bouquets. In fact, after I completed said “phase,” I believed it to be the last and final.  But no. I decided I wanted lighter colors. So I started painting again. And the I decided some of the bouquets didn’t have the right shape, so I began to reshape.  And then I looked at a picture of a real bouquet, and I decided that the handles on my bouquets looked skinnier than everyone else’s.  And I didn’t like that.  So I found some soft cardboard used to pack fragile things with, rolled them into cylinders, then glued them to the current handle.  Then I noticed that “real” bouquets have some sort of ribbon or lace wrap around the handle. So I went and bought some lace ribbon, wrapped it around the handles, and pinned it.

Annnnd 80 glue gun burns later, this is the final look of the bouquets:

DIY Bouquets: PHASE 3 - The (Actual) Final Phase

My bouquet: PHASE 3

PHASE 3: Complete.

I am very VERY happy with the end result. Don’t get me wrong, I would have been happy with the phase 1 result, but since I had time to tweak and perfect, I was able to let the bouquets evolve into my original vision.

Lessons learned:

1. There is no right or wrong way to make a DIY bouquet.
2. Do not feel pressured to make your DIY bouquet perfect on the first go-around.  Give yourself time to let the bouquets evolve.
3. It’s ok to be a perfectionist — just make sure you give yourself enough time to be said perfectionist. I finished my bouquets 5 days before the wedding, people. This perfectionist likes to cut it close… So starting four months prior to W-Day was a must for me. Assess your perfectionist tendencies and plan your DIY bouquet plan of attack accordingly.
4. If you do not plan on painting your bouquet, make sure you pick colors you like and want to commit to.  My bouquet colors changed completely from start to finish.  Just look at Phase 1 compared to Phase 3. Same bouquet, totally different look.
5. Do a glue test to make sure everything holds.  For example, hold your bouquet by the handle, upside down and shake it a tad. If it feels loose, it’s not glued down enough. Don’t wait until the last minute. You’ll find yourself in a hot glue gun mess.
6. Build from the center of the bouquet out.  This way you can decide layer by layer how big you want your sphere to be, and you will have an easier time keeping the sphere even and symmetrical.
7. Make the handle of the bouquet LAST.  I made 3 different handles before I landed on a style that worked. Trial and error: get used to it.

What are your DIY lessons learned? Anyone have similar experiences with crafting their bouquets? Have they evolved as much as mine have?

{We’re Loving} Custom budget wedding rings + gifts!

Ring a ding ding. When I came across Tina H. Dee, who handcrafts bad-ass alternative, affordable unique wedding rings and custom gifts that your wedding party will be thrilled to rock. I took one peek at her etsy site and started writing this post. Its, like, broke-ass to the max.

Perfect for your unfussy fiance(e), or your own unfussy finger, these rings and things start at around $30, don’t go much higher than $150, and many are customizable. Personalizing rings and gift jewelry with people’s names, special dates or quotes is a bonus that even broke-asses can get behind!

This ring set below is $68. Yup, that’s right. And its gawgeous.

People. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Etsy is where its AT!

You’re welcome.

These Boots Were Made For Drinkin’ {And For Fun}

I like fun.  Been a huge fan of it my whole life, really.  Take me to a dance club and I’m usually the weirdo intensely pelvic thrusting to the music while everyone points and chuckles, not believing their eyes.   I love theme parties and scavenger hunts… arts and crafts… attending pool parties dressed as a German Beer Girl just for the hell of it… starting dance parties in the middle of a casino floor in Vegas… drinking games… dance-offs… impromptu guitar sing-alongs… the list goes on.

And I am very lucky to say that my closest friends and wedding party share my same interest in “the fun.”  They are the ones who have constantly encouraged me to let my inner silly out… so I thought, as a tribute to our amazing wedding party, we would do something a little special for ourselves and them. Give us all gift that will keep on giving and keep us collectively laughing for years to come. Call it ours and their “gift of fun.” Since Mike and I are German, and my Dad is graciously making us a couple kegs of his delicious homebrew, I originally wanted to get each other steins. But steins were a little pricey. Way cool, but too expensive. And then I found something that was just as awesome, and just as fun… I present to you… DAS BOOT:

A plastic boot. You fill with beer. That hangs around your neck. Life.Is.Good.

I got all 14 members of our wedding party each one of these babies. And you better bet your bottom dollar that these boots will be filled with homebrew and worn proudly during the reception. Hands-free, spill-free dancing while drinking? Sign me up! Since these puppies can hold an entire liter of booze, we won’t have to leave the dance floor as much… and for our wedding, maximum dancing time is crucial. And the pictures are going to be downright hysterical. See…? FUN.  And of  course I wasn’t going to neglect the stars of the party… for my sweet love and I, the bride and groom, I purchased two of these bad boys:

1 Liter of glass boot awesomeness, complete with engravable crest!

I can’t reveal exactly *what* will be engraved on our beer boots… but I will tell you that it is most-certainly fun, and most-certainly meaningful to both Mike and I and our German heritage. I cannot wait to share it with you all!

What sort of “fun” elements are you including in your wedding?  What are some other fun ideas for groomsmen/bridesmaids gifts? Or am I the only weirdo gifting our wedding party boot-shaped drinking receptacles you hang around your neck?

The Ride of our Lives: A pre-ceremony pitstop

When we left off…. I was just arriving at the ceremony site, along with the ladies of my bridal party. We took off our shoes before ascending the stairs, as was tradition at the Shumei Center, in whose Hollywood garden we had our ceremony.

I knew the time had come, and all I wanted was to peer out the upstairs window at the guests gathering, but I was quarantined upstairs so as to avoid being spotted by Hunter. We hid out in a spare room, and waited, all a-buzz with bridal delight.

Ta-Dizzle!

Our dear friends own a company specializing in tea, accessories, and gourmet goods called Algabar (in whose former shop I worked for years) which also offers marvelous tea-inspired catering as Fete du The. As a wedding gift to us, they offered to serve a ceremony refreshment, and we loved the idea!

They served our favorite tea cocktail that they had invented, The Mrs. Palmer: a lavender-infused lemonade blended with earl grey and lavender tea, (with an option to spike with vodka), and sweetened with lavender syrup. As soon as we got upstairs, I was all… “someone get this bride a drink!” Just one… to take the edge off. Hey, I may be an actress – but standing in front of everyone without a character to hide behind, is still intimidating. And, I was about to get freaking married!

wetting my wedding whistle

Our friends served the drinks in mason jars that I BrideShared with a bride I met on the indiebride kvetch forum, at a table off to the side of the ceremony seating. The guests later gushed about how much they loved and appreciated the tasty drinks.

Then of course, thanks to my drink and the nerves, I had to pee. Now, I am posting this out of love for you readers, and because I keeps it real. But you gotta know, it probably will happen to you. And you’ll need help. That’s what your maid of honor is for. That’s what sisters are for. So, ladies and gentleman (that’s you, dad)… I give you, The Broke-Ass Bride at her very finest!

It happens to the best of us...

I just had to post this picture because MaPo took it and I love it. (and in the hopes it will help you forget the previous photo)

Feels like a fairy tale.

Headpiece and earrings by TS Tiara

Next thing I knew, Sharlene our intrepid DOC, was upstairs telling the ladies it was time to line up for the processional. I quickly rallied the troops for some last-minute wall pushups to get strong and make ourselves feel ultra bad-ass.

for last minute toning...

And it was time to go! I took a moment to be alone upstairs after the girls left, to breathe, to give myself a moment. I gave myself a “be present” pep talk and felt a HUGE smile creep across my face. I was nervous, but mostly just excited and calm and steady and ready.

I could hear the processional music beginning, and I knew that everyone was lined up downstairs, ready to walk that aisle before me. That my father was waiting to walk with me on that path. That the garden would be full of my favorite faces and most beloved friends and family. I knew at the end of that aisle stood my husband.

The Ride of Our Lives: The Day I Became a Hubby part. 1

The Ride of our Lives: A Cinderella Story, part 1

I relished in every single minute of the “prettifying” part of my wedding day like it the sleepover party of my dreams. Surrounded by my favorite ladies (sisters Dawn and Kim, future SIL Cathy, bestie Mapo, future SIL Judith and my mom), getting the royal treatment, feeling full of joy, relaxed and openhearted, my body buzzing with anticipation. It was a fairy tale transformation that made me feel like a bad-ass princess, ready to take on the day, find my prince charming and waltz our way into our happily-ever-after.

Cinderella smile.

It started with my hairdresser Martina putting tight Shirley Temple curls all around my head….

Curlsplosion!

…which she then had to brush completely out to achieve the perfect look, before fastening my gorgeous, custom TS Tiara headband across me like a whimsical crystal halo.  At this point, Martina had been my hairdresser for nearly 2 years by the point we reached this day. She’s adorable and bubbly and warm, and she made my hair look ultrafly. I loved having her there to share in the excitement.

tying the knot before tying the knot.

Meanwhile, my dress was waiting patiently….. showing off for the camera.

with my coat of many colors.

Even the dresses had their own special makeover party.  A few days before the rehearsal, my wedding dress designer Deborah Lindquist saved the day by doing a last-minute alteration on my rehearsal dress.  When we picked it up, she thrilled us with a generous offer to come over the morning of the wedding not only deliver but steam my dress and help me into it. You might remember that I worked with Deb for nearly a year, after bartering a work-trade for a discount on the gown, and we bonded through that experience. I was so touched when she offered to come help.  That morning she surprised us by offering to also steam the bridesmaid’s dresses so everyone would look perfect. I felt so spoiled with love! Having her there was so special.

a colorful gaggle of tafetta.

I took care of some last minute hygiene (to make sure that first kiss would be as sweet as ever)

brusha brusha brusha!

And carefully nested the bottle of wine given to us by our friend Nick, who crafted us the most gorgeous box for the box ceremony….

here's hoping we don't meet again soon.

I swathed it in a vintage sari depicting the Baraat (an indian wedding processional) which was a recurring element in our paper goods.

yards of marital marching.

Paco wanted to wish me a happy wedding day, too.

today, we become a true family.

I checked in with my mom for some girlish giggly glee…

Mamaw, you look marvelous!

While my vows, our rings and a letter from our best homey in absentia to include in the box ceremony canoodled quietly.  Our rings are nestled into a seashell from the beach in San Felipe on which Hunter proposed to me. My dad fastened a bit of ribbon onto the lip of the seashell with epoxy, we strung a ring on each side, and tied a bow. That way it could be passed around during the Ring Warming Ceremony (more to come on that) in a ‘cradle of love’, as-it-were.

Our rings sat in a seashell from the beach where he proposed.

I inserted my “cutlets” and maid of honor Dawn felt me up to make sure they were secure. I needed them to fill out the bustier of my dress a little better. What can I say, I”m a proud member of the itty bitty titty committee. These cutlets would prove to be the only thing that save me from certain death by mortification later that night.

Tune in tokyo.

Our incredible makeup gal, Jessica Rinsky, put the finishing touches on my momma’s lips. We found Jessica at the Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom – The Grove, in a moment of desperation after a failed makeup trial elsewhere and hired her on the spot. Her personality and talent were bright shining stars! I am very particular about makeup… but she made me and my mother glow as if it were completely natural. If you don’t like feeling like you’re wearing lots of makeup, and want a really natural radiance, I totes recommend Laura Mercier’s line.

a perfect pout.

Then it was my turn to hop in the (effing fabulous) chair once more to get my final touchups done.

My sweatpants said "Love this Life" across the rear. And how I do.

Painting on the perfect pucker.

Waterproof mascara please (I'm a crier).

Pucker up, buttercup!

My ladies each signed the sole of my shoe, so their support would keep me sure-footed through the day.

What a gorgeous momma I've got!

Mapo drew a margarita. She knows me too well.

Sister Kim left her mark while Paco made a fort underfoot.

Let's play dress up!

….Then it was time to get in the gown! Come back for part 2: Dress up time!

(Catch up on past recaps here. See more details in our wedding highlight video here.)

Holla-worthy Headbands

Oh hello. Could you get any cuter?

I require a few of these delicious creations from Old Soul New Heart. My mom thoughtfully forwarded me today’s Daily Candy featuring these sweeties, which is extra nice when you consider that the duo behind Old Soul New Heart is a mother-daughter team, who keep it real by mixing vintage notions with modern twists, and make a bad hair day into something fun. Headbands, necklaces, and belts – oh my, I just love them!

I also love the prices – everything is less than $65.  Wouldn’t a row of badass bridesmaids absolutely kill it in a sampling of these?  Maybe they’d dress up your rehearsal look with just the right amount of jazz?  I know my Tuesday would be greatly improved with a little headband action….

What about using one of these belts as a wedding dress sash?  I DIE!!!!

The trouble is, of course, deciding between them all!  Which one should I get?  Which is your favorite?

Her Pants May Stink – Her Invitations Do Not.

If you followed my wedding plans, you know there’s nothing I love more than custom illustrations. They add a level of personal flair and uniqueness that truly befits a  unique wedding. We had custom drawings done for our save the dates, our invitations, and even for our maps and thank you cards (more to come on those later) – but if I could go back and do it again (or run into a future project that could use our cartoon likenesses), I’d have Sara from Stinkerpants Celebrations do something for us, too!

I love her sunny style and rich, colorful backgrounds! All her characters have tons of personality infused with the classic Stinkerpants touch. She makes a point of including little things that help define a couple’s style, and I love how quirky and sweet all of the designs are! Ultrafly!

Check out this cutesypie Venice themed Save the Date

Or this feast for the eyes tri-fold invitation – aren’t the settings the sweetest?

Her thank you cards give props in a personal and memorable way!

She also does greeting cards. I mean, who could resist this hysterical invitation? (ps: I have a photo of my MOH and BM holding up my dress while I pee, pre-ceremony. It happens to everyone!)

Thirsty?

Now, I might be a tad bit biased, since Sara is also the inimitable Mrs. Creampuff, but her creativity and talent here speaks for its adorable self! She also stands up for what she believes in, which I really admire, and has a sense of humor about her business that I really appreciate. See?

I hope y’all love her work as much as I do – it just makes me smile every time I see it!

‘Cuz a Girl Gotsta Eat…

There are few things that make me feel more pampered then a nice meal out when I don’t have to worry about every penny going into it; and few gifts please me better than that of good food for free. Let’s be real – who doesn’t love eating out? But honestly, who wants to pay full price? Not this broke-ass!

When I lived in Chicago, my favorite ‘in the know” deal was that a local radio station’s website had a 1/2 off section where you could score restaurant gift certificates for, you guessed it, half price! They had some of the best grubs in Chi-town on there… we even went to the uber-romantic Signature Room on our 3rd anniversary for half-price dinner!

Now there are tons of resources for similar deals in dining and entertainment, all over the US – and I’m all over that like curry on tofu! Many local radio and TV affiliates have the same kind of resources – so poke around and see what you can find! Try googling “half-price deals + your city”. I also find great results when I google “your city: mediawebconnect.com” like these for Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

Another super-duper deal resource is Groupon.com – which lists a new amazing deal in each of 17 cities (and growing) every day! The trick is that enough people have to want the deal for it to become available, so bookmark this site and make sure you give props to the best deals! But it doesn’t take many to get something available, and the savings are fantastic.

Looking to get your drink on, but can’t bear full bar prices? Check out unthirsty.com and use their happy hour finder! While they missed a couple favorite local happy hours of choice, they had a lot of new suggestions I hadn’t heard about before.

I highly endorse self-pampering, whether you be in the thick of wedding planning and need a night-off of cooking without the hefty price tag, or you’re celebrating an anniversary on a tight budget, or just because Monday and you want to! But, remember, restaurant gift certificates make terrific thank you gifts to parents, in-laws, bridal party members, and all those ’special helpers’ that make your wedding day beautiful. This way, you can give a substantial gift that won’t rock your bank balance too hard, and the lucky recipients will be loving you long time.

Or get creative and book your rehearsal dinner or day-after brunch somewhere that participates in these deals – you might be able to score some great gift certificates to use toward the bill! Trust me, your in-laws will love you for it!

What are your favorite online resources for cheap eats or nights out on the town?