Recently, the Budget Guru's good friend Sharon Naylor spoke with some other wedding experts about the big bad flower budget. Here, she shared her tips with us.

1. Go Green: "Use lots of greenery," says Michelle Rago, a wedding planner and Google’s wedding spokesperson. “Using unique, dramatic greenery creates an elegant look. I like to use big leaves such as palm and banana leaves to make a big impression on a lower budget.”

2. Use Just One Kind of Flower: Rago also suggests making a big impression on a budget with a grouping of one kind of flower, such as gladiolus.

3. Go Tall: Add dramatic height on a budget with branches like curly willow.

4. Use One Color: Georgianne Vinicombe, owner of Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Company in Princeton, New Jersey and Yardley, Pennsylvania says, “Centerpieces made with all one color of flower really pop on a budget, since the color stands out, especially when mixed with different textures for an elegant look.”

5. Mix Glass and Water: Glass vases filled with water and colorful or clear stones — in which an exotic flower floats — is as impressive as a $200 floral arrangement.

6. Get Glass Vases in Unique Shapes: At the craft store, you’ll find $5 to $8 rounds, ovals, and tall rectangular glass vases in which to hold your florals.

Unlike past episodes of Wedding Wars, where challenges were all about brawn and bravery—using giant Q-tips to knock each other over, and who could forget scarfing down dog food—last night was the battle of wits. First, the eight remaining couples had to recreate photos in a wedding album for this week’s gift challenge. Kevin and Angel had the fastest time, so they snapped up 12 Vivitar HD cameras and $3,000 towards their wedding photography. Next, this week’s security challenge required couples to persuade their fellow contestants why they deserve the $100,000 grand prize. After many heartbreaking stories, Mario and Melinda won almost unanimously. In the end, viewer faves Brandon H. and Stephanie were sent home.

Although the couple revealed that they were definitely angry after Kat and Hollywood were eliminated, Brandon told BG: “I don’t have any regrets…we played the game exactly the way we wanted to, going into it.” On the flip side, Stephanie admitted that she wears her emotions on her sleeve and “there were moments when I felt that I shouldn’t have said certain things.” However, both B&S can agree that the show improved their communication skills and brought them closer as an engaged couple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brides-to-be, you know the editors at BG are always looking for ways to help you scout the best bridal finds for the lowest prices. We think you're going to be really ecstatic about our latest discovery — ideeli.com and gilt.com, two of our fave shopping sites, are hosting their second bridal sales, since their first ones were such a success!

The Ready, Set, Wed! sale on ideeli.com starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. for first row members (who pay a fee to have exclusive access to select sales) and 12 p.m. for all other registered users. Be prepared to click items into your cart at lightning speed — items are up to 70% off, so the competition will probably be even fiercer than their first sale! Offerings run the gamut from big-ticket items (wedding gowns from Nicole Miller, bridesmaid dresses from Tahari, among others) to finishing touches (shoes from Badgley Mischka, photo books from mypublisher.com, even goodies off your registry). Experiencing a serious case of wanderlust? They've got honeymoons, too.

Bonjour mon cheri honeymooners: What do you get when you introduce one of the poshest hotel chains to one of the most gorgeous beauty brands? Why a beautiful marriage, of course! My absolute favorite skincare company in the world, the genius Clarins (aside: can’t get enough of the Anti-Aging Balm) has announced a partnership with one of the most beautiful resorts on the plant, the St. Regis Bora Bora.

The resort’s Miri Miri Spa, which sits on a grassy knoll surrounded by gorgeous Tahitian turquoise waters, will now feature the French company’s offerings for face and body. The treatments will focus on getting healthy, glowing skin and, of course, the ultimate in relaxation. Having experienced a massage at this fabulous spot, I can tell you the couples’ treatment room here is the tops! It’s so ample you could invite 20 of your best friends to hang out while you get pampered, but since you’re on your honeymoon you’ll probs want to skip that idea. After, sip herbal-infused waters and watch the sun set behind the palm trees as you swing on a hammock—trust me, it’s glorious.

BG brides, do you think you had the world's best proposal? Mark your calendars: The JIC (Jewelry Information Center) announced its second annual nationwide contest that allows couples to submit their engagement stories to win travel and jewelry prizes! The Ultimate Proposal Contest is accepting submissions now through May 23. These entries will be narrowed down to the top ten, and then America will vote for the winner from May 31- June 20! The winning couple will receive stunning MaeVona platinum and diamond rings and a seven-night Caribbean cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line. All ten finalists will receive a pearl necklace from Imperial.

This is not just any other contest; over 170 jewelry retailers are participating and encouraging submissions. JIC welcomes all kinds of stories, so submit yours, whether it was romance at its finest or laugh-out-loud funny! Last year, they received more than 1,200 submissions— brides-to-be, tell them how he popped the question NOW for a chance to win.

For more information, visit JIC.org/proposalcontest.

— Samantha Corbin

(Photo courtesy of MaeVona)

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott seem like the kind of couple you'd want to kick back and vent about wedding-planning over Cosmotinis with — they just happen to be television/film actors-cum-Hollywood power couple-turned-reality stars/executive producers, not to mention busy parents. Now they're adding "wedding planner fairy godparents" to that mega list, with the launch of their new eight-episode series, Tori and Dean: sTORIbook Weddings. The show premieres tonight on Oxygen at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), but BG staffers got a sneak peek!

Tori and Dean follow the bride-to-be and groom throughout every step of the planning process; whether it's finding that once-in-a-lifetime gown or something as simple as designing table numbers. In the pilot, T&D meet Samantha and Steven, who want a pug-chic themed wedding, complete with traditional Jewish rituals, including signing the katubah and dancing the horah. Fellow pug owner Tori decides to tackle the challenge: "Everytime I finish a wedding, it gives me that little like zest, that renewal towards our relationship...it inspires me." But can she pull off a classy party with plenty of pug, in less than a month, no less?

You'll have to stay tuned to find out!  Aside from jotting down their inventive (yet surprisingly attainable) ideas, you'll want to DVR it for the tender moments that other wedding shows like Platinum Weddings tend to gloss over. Keep a tissue handy for Sam and Steve's first look...

This past week on Wedding Wars was the most shocking elimination to date — we couldn't believe it when powerhouse couple Hollywood and Kat took their final walk down the aisle, especially after winning the gift challenge! The couples had to try and knock each other off of a platform with a giant Q-tip. Hollywood and Kat emerged victorious and won a $10,000 trip to Vegas for their bachelor and bachelorette parties, with eight of their nearest and dearest. “We think we won the best prize!” the couple said.

The security challenge lifted couples Rich and Marina, Brandon and Stephanie, and Kevin and Angel to immunity. The balloon arch challenge left some couples in higher spirits. Tensions were high as the wedding bells sounded, sending the group to the chapel to see who would go home.

The elimination came down to “M and M” (Mario and Melinda) and Hollywood and Kat. When BG asked the losing couple about their alliance, they revealed that they had felt “safe with the people they put their trust into” and the couples that turned were never really their friends.

Although Hollywood and Kat didn't win the $100,000 grand prize, they still have an amazing vacay to Vegas in the works, and their summer dream wedding will be fulfilled. According to Hollywood and Kat, “Our wedding will still be fire! It will be an evening candlelit ceremony full of friends, family, drinks and Cajun food!” Sign us up and we're there.

— Emily Gardner

(Photo courtesy of VH1)

The two-year-long engagement between Michael Bublé and Luisana Lopilato, an Argentine actress, finally came to a close with a wedding ceremony in Buenos Aires, this past weekend.

Lopilato wore a Marchesa gown and carried a bouquet of purple orchids as she walked down the isle to Bublé, who was wearing a sleek gray suit. The dress — a silk, chiffon, v-neck gown — had an embroidered waistline and shoulders. The flowing fabric and elegant design screams Marchesa.

The wedding, a civil ceremony, was for close friends and family, but there were of course fans gathered outside. The celebration continues this weekend with a larger ceremony. The couple is expecting 300 guests to be present for the extravagant affair outside Buenos Aires. Their honeymoon destination is most likely going to be Africa.
 
Lopilato’s wedding dress is part of the new collection from Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the designers behind Marchesa. It’s specifically designed by Georgina and the collection’s available in the U.S., Canada, London, Hong Kong, and Kuwait.

 

— Samantha Corbin

Candles and chocolates are practically the staples of any epic love affair — incorporate these sweet touches into your reception to instantly set the mood for the most romantic night of your life!

Let There Be Light

One of the coolest items to come my way recently are these gorgeous handmade GloLite candles from PartyLite. Why? Unlike most candles, these pillars literally glow from top to bottom when lit. Yep, the entire candle (not just the top part), is illuminated!

 

 

 

 

 

The effect is quite beautiful — I can just picture them grouped together on reception tables, casting a romantic light throughout the room. (Caveat: Make sure your venue site allows candles!) They’re also perfect for any other wedding celebration, from bridal showers to rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and after-parties.

 

But why wait for the wedding? Enjoy them in your home now and set the mood for romance and relaxation. Go to partylite.com or call 888-999-5706 and shine the light!