Eco BagsI fully support the notion of reusing the same shopping bags for groceries. Week in and week out people fill up their supermarket trolleys and then proceed to pack the items they have bought into plastic bags at the checkout, once they have been paid for. The majority of these plastic bags only make two trips in their lifetime. One is to the supermarket from the suppliers and the other is to the customer`s home where they tend to end their life prematurely in the bin. If
Eco Bags were used instead they could make hundreds of trips in their lifetime. The bags could be left ion the boot of the car after they have been unpacked ready to be used at the next grocery shop. All it takes is a little thought and a slight change of routine and the
Eco Bags could become regular features down at the supermarket. Concerns about the effect that plastic bags have on the planet should be enough to prick the conscious of people`s minds. If more and more people started to use the
Eco Bags when they went shopping, at least this would be one way that the planet could be looked after.
As a floral designer for over 10 years- I have seen the stress of planning a wedding can take on the bride- and her family. Whenever there is high emotion and money involved- stress is sure to follow. There are some strategies that can help relieve the anxiety involved with planning your wedding and working within your budget.
Find out first who is paying for what and how much. Keep in mind that anyone who contributes money will feel entitled to express their opinion- sometimes loudly! So try and make clear what expectations are. Your future mother-in-law may want to help out- but she also might want her second cousins daughter in your wedding party. If possible try and pay for as much of the wedding yourself and not rely on anyone else.
Take a realistic look at how much money you have to work with- avoid going into debt. Most important- Have a budget!
Be honest with your wedding professional- tell then how much you want to spend and have them help you give you the biggest bang for your buck. They know their field and what is possible and affordable. I know from experience that most creative people want to do their best work for you- and want your wedding flowers to be spectacular or your wedding dress to suit your body type. It is a business but most bridal shop owners, wedding photographers or florists I have met all have pride in their work- if you are getting a sense that they don`t or feel like just another dollar sign then move on and find some one else.
Ask their advice- they know their stuff! They have seen hundreds if not thousands of brides and have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn`t. I remember one year when a famous Kennedy got married- and pictures of his bride were all over newspapers and magazines of her holding a wedding bouquet of solid lily of the valley. I had DOZENS of brides walk in wanting this exact look. This is great if your are getting married in the 3 week window in June when lily of the valley is available. Any other time it is imported from Holland and packs a staggering price tag. For a 1/10 th of the money I could have given those brides stunning wedding flowers.
Take a look at your budget and decide which is important to you. For some brides it might be the dress; others the wedding flowers or wedding cake. Maybe you have always dreamed of a live band at your wedding reception. With a limited budget you will have to make choices. If you want to have 350 people to your wedding- you may have to have chicken and not surf and turf for your guests. Something will have to give. Some good advice- you will be looking at your wedding photos for the next 50+ years. I would invest money into anything that shows up in those photos. Get the best photographer you can afford- do not give this job to your brother or friend who took a Learning Annex course in Photoshop. Good hair and makeup. I suggest nothing TOO trendy in a head piece unless you want to suffer the jibes of your children? and grand children. Do not skimp on your bridal bouquet. This will be staring back at you for years in an 8x10 glossy. Your wedding attire- gets a lovely dress and something nice for your groom.
Anything else is really is just icing on the cake.
Trust me - you may regret spending all your money on a custom designed wedding cake. You will not regret beautiful and professional wedding photographs. It varies from person to person- but certain things really don`t matter and some do- I will share my opinions on this. Your dress, wedding photos, your bridal bouquet, location, grooms attire MATTER. Bridesmaid dresses, bridesmaid`s flowers and other wedding flowers, wedding cake, head table flowers, table centerpieces, food do not! If it?s not in the wedding photo that will be above your mantle- it probably doesn`t matter.
Find our how much money you have to work with, who is responsible for what- make a plan and stick to it. Remember all weddings are beautiful and all wedding days are perfect- Try not to let the stress of money ruin the panning process for you. Best Wishes on your Wedding Day!
LJ Stewart was award winning floral designer and owner of successful floral studio for over 10 years. For more information on wedding flowers please visit Toronto Wedding Flowers and Toronto Wedding Decorations. She now works as freelance writer based in Toronto, Canada.
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