If you’re in the Metro Detroit area, chances are you’ve heard of Roma Sposa. It’s a couture bridal salon in Birmingham. While there’s no way I could deny that their dresses are gorgeous, I will tell you that they probably carry several gowns that cost more than our entire wedding.

But you’re in luck, my dear readers. Turns out they’re having a sale during the last weekend of this month. They’re calling it the Bride on a Budget Sales Event. There is a $5 entrance fee, but apparently it’s to benefit a charitable cause.

And get this:
Gown pricing will start at $599.

My advice is that you not go in with a single no-other-Vera-Wang-dress-will-do in mind. That’ll likely still cost you an arm, a leg, and your first born child.

Instead, go in with an open mind. Shoot, try on a dress opposite from they style you think you want for yourself. You might be pleasantly surprised. And if not, no harm done.

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• Anthropologie to offer Wedding Dresses!
• Getting Things (MYSELF) In Order
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• DIY Contest at The Bride’s Cafe

Technorati Tags: Bridal, Bridal Gown, Dress, Wedding Dress

I just found out about this contest over at The Bride’s Cafe. All you have to do is send in pictures and a description of your DIY project by 6/30/09. That means you have this weekend to get it done. If you win, you get:

• An autographed copy of the book, Wedding Photography Unveiled
• An address or monogram rubber stamp
• A $50 gift certificate to Pottery Barn

So go over to Bride’s Cafe, enter, and keep your fingers crossed!

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• Bride on a Budget Sale at Roma Sposa
• Getting Things (MYSELF) In Order
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Technorati Tags: Book, contest, DIY, Free Stuff, Discounts, Contests, gift certificate, monogram, project, stamp

Hello 12k Readers!

I’m 12k’s little (and unmarried) sister and I’m here to announce the winner of the Bridal Bargains Book Contest! I’ve seen this book first-hand and it offers a a plethora of tips and tricks to saving money for your big day. She received many responses and there was no way to choose based on the responses so we used a website Random.org that helped us in the decision-making process.

And the winner is–

Crystal!!

Thanks again for participating and continue following Ms. 12k on her quest for a 12k wedding!

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• Bride on a Budget Sale at Roma Sposa
• DIY Contest at The Bride’s Cafe
• Bridal Bargains Book Giveaway!
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• Blurb Book Giveaway

Now I know it’s not a set of custom letterpress invitations or a honeymoon trip to Fiji, however, I figured it’s the thought that counts.

So, here’s how it will work.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post. Doesn’t have to be anything super-inspired but here are a few suggestions:

Your comment could be about:

• why you want the book
• what kind of stuff you’d like to see me write about
• what budget obstacles you’re facing
• or anything else, as long as it’s remotely related

The contest will end Friday at 6pm ET. I’ll randomly choose a comment and that person gets the book. Easy Peasy.

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• DIY Contest at The Bride’s Cafe
• Bridal Bargains Contest Winner
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Technorati Tags: Bargain, Book, Bridal Bargains, Free, giveaway

Heads Up!

If you’re a DIY bride or even a wannabe like me, head over to Project Wedding where they’re hosting a DIY challenge. All you have to do is create a wiki article, which is probably much easier than actually completing the project.

I know the prizes range from $250-$500. You’ll have to check their site for all the fine print though.

After you’ve created your wiki page/entry, post a link in the comments here so the rest of us can have a look-see.

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• Getting Things (MYSELF) In Order
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Technorati Tags: contest, DIY, project

I don’t think I’ve told you guys about Blurb yet, but I came across it a few months ago and of course I was immediately taken. The tagline explains it best: Real Books. Made by You. They look so artistic and professional and are all listed at pretty reasonable prices. I planned on using the site sooner than later, but I hadn’t quite decided for what.

Well today, I found out that WeddingBee is giving away 3 Blurb gift certificates! So I entered (sidenote: I was entry #504) and commented that I would use my Blurb books as bridesmaids gifts. We’re all very close and have known each other for so long, what better way to document the occasion than with a bounded picture book.

Even I don’t win WeddingBee’s contest, I still plan on doing this. It’s too perfect an opportunity to pass up.

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• Bride on a Budget Sale at Roma Sposa
• DIY Contest at The Bride’s Cafe
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Technorati Tags: Free, Idea

Look for opportunities to enter contests for free giveaways. Often blogs or companies hold contests to give away all kinds of things.

I’ve seen:

• Honeymoons
• Favors
• Flowers
• Photography
• Bridesmaid’s Gifts
• Bridal Gowns
• Shoes
• Headpiece

Here are a few running currently

• Wedding Stationery by Whitney English
• Gift Certificate to Invitation Consultant

Of course there’s probably only a slim chance that you’ll win, but some chance is always better than no chance at all. So take a few minutes and enter the two contests above. And keep your eyes peeled for others. They come up every day.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Bride on a Budget Sale at Roma Sposa
• DIY Contest at The Bride’s Cafe
• Bridal Bargains Contest Winner
• Bridal Bargains Book Giveaway!
• DIY Wedding Challenge

Technorati Tags: Budget, Free, Inexpensive, Invitations