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April 25, 2017

How I Saved More Than $1,600 on My Wedding: Invitations

My fiancé, Ryan, and I are planning a wedding in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of wine country. Like so many couples, we’re learning that planning a wedding means lots of shopping. Whether it’s paper for invitations or ties for your groomsmen, spending becomes second nature. So, as a bride with a budget she’d like to stick to, I’m obsessed with getting the best deals when I can. Thankfully, Ebates helped me save on so many wedding essentials, such as invitations, decor, attire — even our honeymoon. In this series of posts, you’ll get a chance to see exactly how much I was able to save and how.

The Knot 2016 Real Wedding Study puts the average cost of wedding invitations at $462. (Is it just me or do these numbers seem to be going up every year?) Ryan and I budgeted $400 for our save-the-dates and invitations. I’m happy to report that, thanks to the great deals we found at our favorite Ebates stores, we came in comfortably under budget and well below the national average.

In the end, we saved $124 on save-the-dates and invitations, which was about a third of what we had budgeted.

So how did we do it?

Save-the-Dates

Since Ryan and I live in the Bay Area, our wine-country wedding is not technically a destination wedding. But because so many of our family and friends are traveling from around the U.S. and the world to be there, we decided that sending out save-the-date cards was in order.

We decided to go with Etsy to find a great PDF — created by a talented designer — that we could simply customize and download to send to a separate printing service. We chose a vibrant watercolor design for our save-the-dates. This design from Etsy shop RoseGoldandCopper almost had a feeling of spilled wine, which was lovely and on-theme for us. Cost: $25

After ordering the save-the-dates, I decided to also order a self-ink stamp with our return address, to make labeling our envelopes much easier. Cost: $9.90

Etsy didn’t have any coupons at the time of our purchases, but we were able to take advantage of 1% Cash Back at Ebates. It’s a pretty small return, but I knew I was saving by doing a little DIY.

Savings:

Ebates Cash Back savings: $0.10

Total saved at Etsy: $0.10

Once our Etsy design was ready, we were able to easily download the PDF and upload it to Vistaprint. The process was simple and completely painless. Vistaprint has a foolproof ordering process for save-the-date postcards (and other add-on goodies, such as thank-you cards and save-the-date magnets). We ordered a set of 90 cards, which came with 90 free envelopes.

At the time I ordered, there was a 40% off coupon for invitations and announcements. After that deal, I also qualified for a site-wide $5 off coupon. These deals, which I was able to access instantly with the help of my browser’s Ebates Cash Back button, brought the printing cost down from $51.30 to $25.77. On top of that, I saved even more with 4% Cash Back at Ebates.

Savings:

Coupon savings: $25.53

Ebates Cash Back: $1.03

Total saved at Vistaprint: $26.56

The save-the-dates from Vistaprint turned out gorgeous — just as they looked in the store. Now, our task was to stamp the back of all the envelopes and then print all the addresses on the front. We were counting on a hand-me-down printer to do the job, which we dusted off — and realized required some fresh ink.

We jumped back online and found InkCartridges.com. Not only were we able to score an awesome deal on two new cartridges that outlasted our save-the-dates, but InkCartridges also delivered the ink to our door that day, which meant I didn’t have to take time to run yet another wedding errand. That was impressive.

I was able to access a 10% off coupon for the ink cartridges. Plus, I got an incredible 11% Cash Back at Ebates. Yay, more savings!

Savings:

Coupon savings: $3.20

Ebates Cash Back: $3.16

Total saved at InkCartridges.com: $6.36

Invitations

When it came time to send the actual wedding invitations, we decided to eliminate any possible stress. At this point in the planning process, we had a lot more on our plates, including two full-time jobs and an energetic puppy!

We went with an all-inclusive, fully customizable invite package through Wedding Paper Divas, and we loved it. With some incredible coupons and Cash Back at Ebates, we were able to get some awesome savings.

Our favorite design was Heritage Vineyard, since it kept a consistent watercolor look but brought more of our wine theme into it. All we had to do was customize an existing template, and we had control over everything from the typeface to what the text said. We changed the font to something a bit more rustic and playful, and we changed the wording to fit our casual style.

Then we personalized our envelopes. All we had to do was upload a Google sheet with all our guests’ addresses on it, and our envelopes were created and sent to us. So simple.

Now to the savings. Ebates found us a Wedding Paper Divas coupon for new customers, and we automatically got $50 off our order! Plus, Ebates found another coupon for an additional 20% off wedding invitations. And then, of course, we saved even more with our 2% Cash Back at Ebates. Once Ebates worked its magic, I saved $91.02. Not too shabby.

Savings:

Coupon savings: $86.38

Ebates Cash Back: $4.64

Total saved on invitations: $91.02

Total saved on save-the-date cards: $33.02

To sum up all these incredible deals, I saved about $124 and spent just under $265 on invitations and save-the-date cards. That’s about $200 less than the national average and $135 less than our budget.

I’d say that’s a win.

Next up, I’ll share even more wedding deals. Stay tuned to learn how I was able to save big on honeymoon travel.

April 25, 2017

8 Ways to Get In Tip-Top Shape for Your Wedding

You’ve been planning for months, but now that your wedding date is approaching, the pressure of having all eyes on you is really starting to sink in. The best method of attack is to commit to a fitness and wellness plan well before you say, “I do.” Below, eight tips to help you be your physical and mental best for your wedding.

Plan in Advance

Although it’s tempting to freak out and fall prey to crash diets, experts advise starting early. Keep a morning journal to track your progress. What are your specific goals for how you’d like to feel and look? What types of exercise do you enjoy? Writing down your plan will help you feel a sense of control and keep you focused even when life gets busy.

Change Your Diet

Even if you’re committing to amazing workouts, it’ll be challenging to meet your goals if you’re still pounding down margaritas after work. The easiest trick: Eat your veggies. Not only will it make your skin, hair and nails look great, but it also will help you feel fuller longer.

Adjust Your Attitude

When you’re not in the mood to go to the gym, remind yourself that your wedding body is something you can control. There might be a million glitches and last-minute changes with the rest of your plans, but you’re in charge of your daily exercise.

Balance Is Key

Some brides amp up their workout routines into overdrive, leaving them more prone to burnout. Schedule specific times each week for you to hit the gym — and treat it like any wedding appointment. Make it a priority and give yourself time to get in the groove.

Start Small

It’s all about baby steps. Challenge yourself to new fitness goals. Take a yoga class after work or work with hand weights during one of your breaks. If you commit to making a little effort every day, you’ll soon notice big results.

Meditate

Whether you’re getting hitched at city hall or planning a big blowout, weddings add new challenges and issues to your everyday routine. Clear your head of worries. In the mornings, take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. It will slow your heart rate and help you be better prepared when problems arise.

Connect with Your Fiance

During the wedding process, it’s easy to forget the reason you’re doing it in the first place. Take time each day to connect with your fiance. Schedule a date night, cook a healthy dinner together or go for a long hike outdoors.

Treat Yourself

You may have your hair and makeup team for the big day under control, but it’s also helpful to pamper yourself before you say, “I do.” Book a manicure, try out a facial mask or spring for a massage.

April 8, 2017

How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Hair

Your wedding photographs aren’t just another Facebook profile picture — these are the images you’ll be looking at for the rest of your life. To look your best on the big day, it’s important to be mindful of beauty appointments and upkeep, especially regarding your hair. Here’s a countdown to help you get everything under control.

One Month Before

Invest in a keratin treatment. If your hair is naturally wild or super frizzy, an in-salon keratin treatment can remedy the situation. Experts advise booking these one month before the wedding to get your texture in tip-top shape.

Find inspiration online. Anyone who has come home from the salon in tears over a bad haircut knows that style is subjective. Your version of loose curls may be totally different than your stylist’s. The best way to prevent miscommunication is to search for pictures. Pinterest is an amazing tool. Pin the looks you love and consult with your stylist before the wedding to avoid any hairstyle confusion.

Two Weeks Before

Start conditioning. If you’re planning to wear your hair down, you’ll want it to look super healthy. Stylists suggest booking an in-salon deep-conditioning treatment to repair split ends and leave your hair looking silky. You also may wish to invest in a deep-conditioning hair treatment to use once a week to increase softness.

Fix your color. Whatever your dream shade, this is the time to book your colorist. It’ll give the dye a chance to settle and still look fresh without roots growing back in. Although a bold hue is one way to make a statement, many experts recommend keeping it natural. This is a day when you’ll want to rock the color that makes you feel most like yourself.

One Week Before

Get a trim. Stylists don’t recommend dramatic changes prior to the wedding — it’s already a sensitive time and any major snip could send you into a spiral. Book a stylist you trust and opt instead for a light trim.

Add shine. Dirt, oil and products can leave hair looking less than lustrous. Try a clarifying product to cut out gunk. You also can schedule a last-minute in-salon gloss treatment.

March 29, 2017

Cute Alternatives to the Standard Wedding Cocktail Hour

A wedding is a time for tradition. That’s why most couples in the U.S. opt for the traditional order of wedding events: ceremony first, followed by a cocktail hour, then dinner and dancing. But what if you want to break with tradition and do something different for your cocktail hour. Or (gasp!) not have a cocktail hour at all? With more and more couples opting for creativity over tradition during cocktail hour, wedding guests are increasingly surprised and delighted by cute options like these that create even more memorable moments.

Play lawn games

Custom wedding cornhole boards

Croquet, cornhole, giant Jenga, giant checkers, homemade Twister — there are dozens of fun lawn-game options to keep your more playful guests entertained. Having games set up for your guests to play at their leisure is a fun and memorable way to make your cocktail hour unique. Etsy is an incredible resource for finding gems for cocktail hour lawn games, like these custom wedding cornhole boards. And, as a perk, you’ll have the games to keep for future parties.

Create a cigar bar

Montecristo

There are plenty of ways to signify a celebration is in order, but two of the most celebratory are champagne and cigars. If you have some cigar lovers in attendance, hosting a cigar bar during your wedding cocktail hour is an impressive and distinct way to make your day even more special. JR Cigar has an incredible selection, including world-renowned Montecristo cigars, and you can add a special DIY flair by creating your own handmade description cards to highlight the distinct tasting notes for each type of cigar.

Do your toasts (or even cake) early

Cava

If your ceremony is earlier in the day, why not forgo the traditional cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and serve cake and coffee immediately following the ceremony? This is a great alternative to the traditional wedding-cake cutting at the end of the night, and it’s a great way to save money. Cutting down on the amount of alcohol served is always better for the budget.

Another cute alternative is to have champagne poured and do your wedding toasts a little early. It’s a less formal way of bringing everyone together in recognition of the bride and groom, but it’s a fun way to kick off the cocktail hour. If your venue allows you to supply your own, stock up on plenty of bubbles from wine.com. (Tip: Go for cava or dry prosecco, rather than true champagne, to save some money.)

Host wine or beer tasting

If you think your guests are going to appreciate an activity that will keep them entertained beyond toasting and mingling, you could offer a wine- or beer-tasting bar. This little addition to a cocktail hour could amplify the festivities, especially if you and your fiancé are avid wine tasters or beer aficionados. A tasting bar could add an adorable touch to share with your guests something personal and special from your life.

Completely mix it up

For nontraditional couples who want to save money, replacing a standard cocktail hour with, well, nothing might be a good option. Replace that hour with late-night bonfires and s’mores, or simply make a quick getaway after the ceremony to greet your guests and kick off the reception.

Or, for a complete flip on tradition, make your wedding reception one long cocktail hour. As long as your guests get plenty of food and drinks, a formal dinner might not be missed — especially if there’s ample music and dancing!