December 20th

Photo Credit: ForYourParty.com

Tip of the Day: 'Tis the season for holiday parties, but if you're still paying off the wedding, wining and dining can be a huge budget-buster. If you're accustomed to going out to eat together or with friends often, limit yourself to just one or two special dinners per week, while you're recuperating financially. Also, instead of going to pricey restaurants, invite loved ones over for a cocktails-and-dessert party in your home or host a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish.

Plus, check out more Budget Tips for Newlyweds.

BluePrint For Wedding Weight Loss

Are you feeling sluggish and worn out in the final days leading up to your nuptials? Do you find yourself in a state of sheer panic over your inability to ban the bloat? Here, a last-minute fix to your final-stretch funk.

BluePrint Cleanse is the first 100% USDA certified organic juice cleanse and offers a wide array of nutritious and delicious fruits and veggies blended down into a lusciously liquefied confection. They offer three different degrees of intensity — so whether you’re someone who counts French fries towards your daily intake of vegetables or you’re a true juicing junkie, there is a program that caters to everybody. I chose the beginner level, Renovation:

blueprint cleanse renevation

Glow On! Romantic Lighting for Your Table

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner-for-two, a chic New Year’s Eve party or just want a unique look for your reception tables, you’ll love these super-cool paper shades from dipotter.com. Not only do they look fantastic, they’re also economical (six shades for $22). Simply put a battery-operated tea light (six for $15) in a wine or champagne glass, and place the appropriately sized shade over the glass for a soft, dreamy glow.dipotter wine shades

You can choose from silver, white, gray and parchment tones to graphic black and white shades:

dipotter wine shades

dipotter wine shades

dipotter wine shades

 You can even have them monogrammed:

dipotter wine shades

DIY We Love: Wedding Invitation Ornament

Why buy a generic ornament to mark your first wedded Christmas when you can create one that is truly unique to you? These Wedding Invitation Ornaments from our blogger friend Jen at SomethingTurquoise.com are quick, easy, and inexpensive to make; they'll showcase a couple's love for years to come. Grab a pair of scissors and start creating some holiday magic!

Materials:

  • Wedding invitation
  • Large 4'' globe ornament
  • Your choice of glitter or paint (you can also use both)
  • Ribbon
  • Mod Podge
  • Scissors
  • Paper trimmer
  • Paint brush

​Option 1: Glitter-Glam Ornament
purple wedding invitation ornament

Step 1: Assemble the Paper Strips

  • Gather your invite card, RSVP card, and map card (if you have one). 

glam wedding invitation ornament

December 18th

Photo Credit: Kiera Photo

Tip of the Day: Chalkboards are popping up in more of our real weddings submissions lately! Use them to add a nostalgic element to your big day and display meaningful messages.

Create chalk hearts leading up to your home driveway or ask for permission to draw them on your ceremony site's walkways.


Photo Credit: Monica Valenzuela, Hart + Sol Photo East via A Practical Wedding

This word search "wedding program" keeps guests entertained before you make your wedding debut!

Photo by Carl Zoch via OnceWed

Say "thank you" with flair.


Photo Credit: Heather Sali Photography

Hang bride/groom chalkboards on the back of your chairs for a sweet touch.


Photo by: Bend the Light Photography on Heart Love Weddings via Lover.ly

Add personality to your table numbers with chalkboard signs.
Photo Credit: Right Look Photo

Identify each food with a corresponding chalk label.
Photo Credit: Wilton Photography

15+ Creative Wedding Program Ideas

They say the devil is in the details, but I happen to think that personality is what makes any wedding shine. One of my favorite places to add creativity is in the wedding programs—they don't have to cost a fortune to be a winner with guests. From whimsical to romantic to modern, here are a few of my favorite things (can you tell I'm in the holiday spirit?).

Unique Packaging

I've been in love with chalkboards for as long as I can remember, so this idea is my personal favorite. My mom was a schoolteacher for over 20 years and every day after class, I would make pretend that I was a teacher, just like her, by doodling all over the board! There are so many ways that you can incorporate this nostalgic element into your wedding. Check out more chalkboard-inspired décor here.

chalkboard wedding program
Photo Credit: Jessamyn Harris

How adorable is this crossword puzzle? You can also include fun facts about your bridal party—we can't wait to try this steal-worthy idea.

Party Jams for Your Bachelor or Bachelorette Party

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Qlassick. DJ Qlassick has spent close to a decade perfecting his DJ craft, and his brilliant technique has led him to open for the likes of Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and The Roots. As a mainstay in the Philly nightlife scene, DJ Qlassick is known for his fresh blend of genres. "A client's big day is as important to me as if it were my own friend or relative. I have become a part of it, so I am now dedicated to making sure it's everything they hoped it would be".

Your wedding day will be filled with traditions. But before you get there, another time-honored tradition should be taken into consideration, one that will usher you into marital bliss. No, we’re not talking about a rehearsal dinner. We’re talking about  the last hurrah, your final memories of the single life: your bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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