A dress I’ve been stalking on J. Crew’s website went on super sale two weeks ago (from $215 to $59.99) and then dropped $10 (to $49.99) last week. So – my girls JUMPED on it and now have the perfect dress in the perfect color.. and we’re ALL wearing J. Crew. It is totally unintentional that I have a name brand wedding – but when things go on sale and they are in the perfect color.. it just works out.

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Technorati Tags: Bridesmaids, Dresses, j. crew

For some reason, I’m always getting requests for ivory bridesmaid dresses. I wrote once about a wedding that I saw and loved where the bridesmaids all wore ivory and decided to go on a hunt of my own.

So I’m in the store, looking through the racks and I see a couple dresses I like and of course the sales lady asks a few questions and realizes I’m looking for bridesmaid dresses. I ask about ivory dresses and you would’ve thought I committed a cardinal sin.

The woman proceeds to tell me about how it’s utterly ridiculous for anyone but the bride to be in white or ivory, especially the bridesmaids. And that my wedding will never be a success if my girls wore withe or ivory.

Needless to say, I gave her my two cents, set the items I had in my hand on the counter and left without a thing.

That said, I still love the ivory bridesmaid dress. We didn’t end up doing it, but I still think it looks so classic. So I’ve put together a short list of dresses that aren’t really sold as bridesmaid dresses but that I think would work nonetheless.

And, in case you missed it, this was the original post that sparked my love for ivory bridesmaid dresses: Overstocked and Ivory Bridesmaid Dresses

Source: Maggy London at Nordstrom

Source: Suzi Chin at Nordstrom

Source: Ellen Tracy at Bloomingdale’s

Source: Arden B.

Source: Anthropologie

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Technorati Tags: Bridesmaid Dress, Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridesmaids

Here’s How it Went Down.

I ordered 8 pair of the Anjelica shoe from Steve Madden. After successfully placing my order, I got an email a few days later saying that four of the pairs of shoes were not available and that the remaining 4 would be sent in separate shipments.

Let’s back up here for a minute.

First of all, why would they sell me shoes that they don’t have available?

Second of all, why are they sending 4 pair of shoes in separate shipments?

When the four pair of shoes all arrived (at different times mind you), instead of being in brown shipping boxes, the shoeboxes were shipped in plastic bags.

Yes that’s right, the same bags you would send clothing in. Now, how Steve Madden determined that these flimsy plastic bags would be sturdy enough to ship cardboard shoeboxes is beyond me.

Upon taking the shoeboxes out of the bags, you could really see how beat up the boxes were. They were falling apart to the point where I had to put two of them back together.

Here’s the kicker: one of the shoeboxes doesn’t even have a top.

When I buy a pair of shoes, I expect the box to have a top unless its off the clearance rack at DSW. And at that point, I’ve consented to buy the shoes without a box top.

So of the four pair of shoes I had in my posession, there were two size 10s and two size 7.5s. Between the time I ordered the shoes and the time they arrived, we discovered that neither of my girls who I ordered the 10 for would be able to fit them. I had ordered one of the 7.5s as an extra size because a few people were in between sizes.

So of four pair of shoes, we ended up being able to keep just 1.

I clicked to chat with a Steve Madden representative online to explain find out what I had to do return the remaining three pair. We’ll just call her Jane. She sent me a return authorization email, but said that I’d have to pay a $6.95 restocking fee per item.

Whoa whoa whoa. Why should I be penalized when Steve Madden misrepresented their available inventory online?

I explained my position to Jane but she just apologized and told me that’s the policy. I understand policies are put in place to serve a purpose, but I also understand that Steve Madden has a responsibility to show accurate inventory counts.

Jane also said that online inventory is only updated once per day.

Excuse me? Once per day?

How do you run an e-commerce site that I’m sure gets plenty of traffic every day on such antiquated practices?!

I thanked Jane for her time, but decided that I need to call and speak with a manager or supervisor to this thing straightened out.

So I called Steve Madden’s 800 number. Wouldn’t you know it – they have one of those stupid stupid stupid voice recognition phone systems. The little automated lady started talking to me and before she could get her first full sentence out, she interrupted herself with, “I’m sorry. I didn’t get that…”

I tried pressing 0 for an operator, but all I got was, “I’m sorry that’s not a valid option”

I hung up. I figured it was the best thing to do if I wanted to keep my sanity for the rest of the night.

And let me just say – this entire experience is even worse because I know it’s possible to offer a great experience as a shoe company. Companies like Zappos and Piperlime do it every day.

So here I am. I am still the not-so-proud owner of 3 pair of Steve Madden Anjelica shoes.

What do you all suggest I do to get my little situation resolved?

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Technorati Tags: Anjelica, Bridesmaids, customer service, shipping, Shoes, steve madden

1. Hold your wedding on any day other than Saturday. Saturday’s are priced at premium rates so try a Friday or Sunday instead
2. Negotiate with your vendors. They might be willing to cut the rate if you’re willing to go without some of their services that aren’t essential
3. Share décor/supplies with another bride
4. Provide liquor yourself from a wholesale store, like BevMo, Sam’s Club or Costco
5. Purchase a used dress from a site like OnceWed.com, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com or the WeddingBee.com Classifieds
6. Purchase a bridesmaid dress as a bridal gown
7. Create your own bouquet with store bought flowers. Check out DIY Instructional videos like this one here
8. Get ready at home and don’t pay for a hotel room
9. Drive your own car and don’t rent a limo
10. Get married at a public place with little or no rental fee like a local community center
11. Shop for décor at the dollar store. Just be aware that they might have a better in-store selection than online
12. Wear borrowed jewelry from a friend or family member to add a free personal touch
13. Wear shoes you already own
14. Don’t use flowers on the reception tables. Use other items that are less expensive but that have just as much character, like feathers, moss and books
15. Don’t give out favors. Guests usually throw them away anyway, making them a general waste of moneyDon’t rent chair covers. Use the chairs that come with your venue. In most pictures the guests will be sitting in the chairs anyway
16. Don’t rent chair covers. Use the chairs that come with your venue. In most pictures the guests will be sitting in the chairs anyway
17. Skip the aisle runner
18. Buy Christmas lights on clearance after the holiday and use them to set the mood at your wedding
19. Use weekly coupons mailed from craft stores like Michael’s and Jo-Ann Fabrics. Each one is usually good for about 20% off
20. If you’re purchasing the flower girl dresses, look for them during or right after the Easter holiday for deep discounts
21. Instead of expensive gifts, give your attendants handwritten notes of thanks
22. Put the money you don’t need right away in a CD to allow the money to grow for you with little effort. Check rates on a site like bankrate.com
23. Purchase décor from an auction site like ebay.com
24. Visit sample sales at local dress boutiques to find your bridal gown
25. Instead of buying bridal magazines, check them out from the library for free

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Technorati Tags: Bridal Gown, Bridesmaids, Budget, Caterer, Decor, Favors, Food, Venue

Remember my bridesmaids said they wanted gold or silver shoes? Of course you do. Well I went looking. Here’s what I came up with on the first pass, but I’m interested to know what you all think, especially my bridesmaids.

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Technorati Tags: Bridesmaids, Shoes

We have a dress!

My bridesmaids and I got together yesterday and pored over hundreds of dresses before finally deciding on one. They will be wearing a dress we found at Nordstrom by Suzi Chin. It’s affordable, has straps for support and can be worn again.

If this dress looks familiar, it’s because it was featured in one my original sets of dresses that I thought the girls might end up wearing. It got a lukewarm reception then, but as we were scrolling through Nordstrom’s site, everyone seemed to like it.

Next up are shoes. I first suggested black shoes, because everyone could wear a pair they already have. Apparently, my girls had other ideas. They don’t mind spending the extra money because it gives them an excuse to shop and they don’t want to wear all black. Which is fine with me. There were suggestions for gold or silver, either of which might be okay.

The shoes can wait for now, I’m just happy to have another thing off the list. Check.

——————-

Side note: If you’re in the same boat we were in and need some dress resources, try these retailers:

jcrew, nordstrom, marciano, overstock, windsor store, ann taylor, white house black market, banana republic, edressme, shopstyle

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Technorati Tags: Bridesmaid, Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridesmaids, Dress, Dresses, Inexpensive, knee-length, Nordstrom, Suzi Chin

Let me just say upfront that I can  not take credit for this list. I found it at About.com and thought that it would be worth sharing. Not everyone will agree with every item, but you can probably take away at least one thing. So without further ado:

Top 5 Wedding Money Wasters

1. Meaningless and expensive wedding favors

   Wedding favors can be a thoughtful way of saying thank you to your guests. But far too often they’re a meaningless knickknack. Your guests don’t need a candy dish, or a little silver bell. Don’t think their cute place card holder doubles as a favor; what are they going to do with one place card? And do you really want a plastic Frisbee with your friends’ wedding date on it?

   You’re going to spend a lot of money on things that will just collect dust, or end up in the trash. I think it’s far better to not give favors, or to make a donation to a charity. But cute favors include ones that are personal to the bride and groom. You might give food favors from the city you live in, or a box of your very favorite chocolates.

   One of my favorite ideas is a breakfast bag. Send guests home with some beautiful muffins, a couple of good quality tea bags, and perhaps a little pot of jam or honey. The next morning they’ll be sure to enjoy your treat as they reminisce about everything that happened.

   Money Saving Tip: Some of the most thoughtful wedding favors can be handmade. Put together a booklet of family recipes, or create a CD with an insert explaining why you chose each song.

2. Endless bride and groom swag

   It may be fun to have a pair of track pants that say “Bride” across your butt, but how long are you really going to wear them? You certainly don’t need to own multiple pieces of clothing that say “bride” or “groom” because they’ve got a limited shelf-life. And, you do have an identity beyond that of a bride. You don’t own a sweatshirt that trumpets your profession, do you? So why would you want people out in public to see you first and foremost as a bride?

   Perhaps the biggest money waster of all is giving your bridal party “bridesmaid” and “groomsman” gear. Do you really think that groomsman is ever going to wear that tacky hat ever again? Do you think he’ll even enjoy wearing it the first time?

   Money Saving Tip Buy a pair of pajama pants or underwear that says “bride” or “groom.” Rather than feeling embarrassed about wearing a bride sweatshirt out in public, clothing meant for the home will remind the two of you of your wedding day. Leave the other bridal swag at the store.

3. Huge wedding cakes

   Some couples only invite 50 guests, but they still order a cake that serves 300. With cakes going for $2-$15 a slice, that extra size adds up quickly. While a large cake looks impressive, a small cake can be charming. If height is a priority, consider asking your baker to use a separator set, and adding fresh flowers between the layers. Or, use a large cake topper, such as this tiered floral centerpiece.

   Money Saving Tip If you are having more than 100 guests, ask for a display cake that only feeds 100 people. Use inexpensive sheet cakes in the back to feed the extra guests. No one will know the difference!

   Read More: Questions to Ask Your Wedding Cake Designer

4. Too many mementos

   The wedding industry loves to sell you goods by promising they will be keepsakes you can pass down to your children. Having mementos of your special day is a good thing, but you don’t need very many. Put together a wedding album, and perhaps preserve your wedding dress. But deeply consider every other item. Do you really need a personalized pen to sign the guest book? Is preserving your bouquet worth the money and the space in your home? You don’t need to have a wedding video, unless you will really watch it and enjoy it regularly. And not every toasting glass, picture frame, and photo album needs to be monogrammed with your wedding date.

   Rather than filling up your house with tons of wedding mementos, leave room for creating new memories.

   Money Saving Tip If an album is not included in your wedding photography package, consider doing it for yourself! That way, you can include the shots that are most important to you, as well as any mementos like your wedding program.

   Read More: Capture those memories on film with a Wedding Photography Shot Checklist

5. Too many bridesmaids and groomsmen

   Have you ever seen a wedding with more than a dozen attendants? It starts to look like a wedding army. Of course, if you are inviting lots of guests, it makes sense to have a large wedding party. But before you start adding your friend who you haven’t seen since high school, and all of your cousins, consider what the role of the wedding party should be.

   Even if you’re not paying for the wedding party’s attire, each of those attendants requires a bouquet or boutonniere, a thank you gift, and an invitation to the rehearsal dinner and other parties. Tack on just a few unnecessary bridesmaids or groomsmen and you’re potentially talking about hundreds of dollars.

   Money Saving Tip Give some of your friends and loved ones different roles in the wedding. Consider asking them to read during the ceremony or give them a special role at the reception. You might even just thank them in the program for helping to support you during the wedding planning process.

   Read More: How Many Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Should You Have?

What’s missing from the list? What, in your opinion is a waste of money and could just be eliminated?

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Technorati Tags: Bridesmaids, Budget, Cake, Favors, Groomsmen, Wedding, wedding budget

I was in Anthropologie today picking up a few tops and I saw this dress. I really like it, but I don’t know if it would work as a bridesmaid dress. Plus, it’s $188. And while I don’t think that’s out of the question, we’ve definitely already seen some dresses for less that we like more. But I still like it.

I also like this idea, posted by Heather at We Met in a Bar. All the bridesmaids wore black dresses of their own choosing and they were all tied together with a red ribbon around the waist. This way my girls could save some money if they wanted to and wear something already have. And everyone would still look coherent and it would be apparent that they are in fact bridesmaid. The one change I’d make: I’d probably tie the ribbons in front.

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Technorati Tags: Black, Bridesmaid Dress, Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridesmaids

I can’t not mention the upcoming shopping day, Black Friday. As I’m sure you’re heard, our nation’s economy is in a slump. That equal more deals on Friday. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I’ll point you to The DIY Bride, who has compiled yet another good list. This one tells you all the things to look out for while fight the crowds to snatch the best deals.

I can personally attest to hitting Joann Fabrics last year on Black Friday. I got fabric for curtains in my house at somewhere between 50% and 75% off.

The things I’ll be looking for off the DIY Bride’s list:

• Printer Ink Cartridges
• Cardstock
• Rubber stamps and ink
• Ribbon
• Double-stick tape

Things I’ll be looking for that she didn’t mention:

• Envelopes
• Photo printer
• Bridesmaid dresses
• Silk flowers, feathers ( for a hairpiece maybe?)

That’s all I can think of for now. You guys tell me – am I missing anything?

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Technorati Tags: Black Friday, Bridesmaids, Cardstock, DIY, diy supplies, ink, Invitations, Joann Fabrics, Paper Products, silk flowers, stamp, tape

Okay ladies. This is primarily for my bridesmaids. Two new bridesmaid dresses to weigh in on. I know the one on the right is in ivory. I wasn’t looking for it – it found me. Both are about $150 and are listed in the cocktail dresses/evening dresses category. Let me know if you like either of these.

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Technorati Tags: Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridesmaids, Dresses