Planning for Rain on Your Wedding Day!

You have everything planned but can't decide on what your wedding day game plan is for rain!

As you fret trying to decide what to do or where to go and the additional cost that maybe involved you begin to pull your hair out.  Below we have some items that you may find helpful to toss into that bridal day survival bag.

1) Umbrella's - use as props for photos,  rain or keep safely tucked away in the car to take back to the store if you don't need them when you return from your honeymoon.  

2) Towels - towels are helpful to wipe down chairs or benches that guest may need to sit on at the ceremony or reception if outdoors.

3)Trash bags are also helpful to keep decoration, benches or other items a bit more protected if it rains.
4) Outdoor tents, pavilions or other buildings that you may have to rent can provide a great place for the reception as well as an alternative for the ceremony outdoors if rain is in the forecast.

How to add safety measures to you honeymoon when traveling outside the U.S.

The weddings over and now its time for the two of you to relax and enjoy the beginning of married life together on your awesome honeymoon.  With many details planned for the wedding day, the honeymoon planning tends to lack a bit of details.  When traveling to parts of the world undiscovered by the two of you, once arriving to your lavish destination be sure to take some of these measures.

1)Check with concierge before leaving the resort, get directions, a cab or additional information like how's the neighborhood before leaving to sight see.  Ask for details to be safe such has high crime areas on the map. Ask for recommendations for restaurants and other sightseeing areas.

2) Always go in public in pairs, don't just one of you go into a store and leave the other standing there on the street.  A lot could happen in that short time.

3) Know where the U.S. embassy is if traveling abroad.

4) Google for scams or tourist traps for that area before you make your reservations and refresh them in your mind before arriving.

5) Call someone at home to check in daily.  It may seem motherly, but if parents know that they should expect a call, then if something happens such as a car accident or hotel fire, they know they should call/text you if they haven't heard from one of you. Don't rely on text messages or emails from smart phones if for some reason you were robbed then they could reply and your parents would think it was you.

6) Use traveler checks or Visa/MasterCard for secure purchases. Check to make sure you have them before and after you leave your room.

7) Keep some money on your person just not in your clothing or pursue in case you are robbed and don't know it until you reach for your wallet.

8)Call your credit card companies to let them know you are traveling and to where.  This will help so the card company will not freeze your card, thinking it is stolen.  You will be able to have full access in using your card without limitations.  If you run into a big purchase that is a must have you are able to buy it.

We hope that you find these tips helpful and have that fabulous honeymoon hassle free!

Wedding Collection Sale!

Save Now until September 30 on wedding collections.  Our collections come complete with the guest book, pen, flower girl basket, ring pillow and garter.  Some sets come with toasting glasses and cake servers. Choose your own cake topper while they are on sale too for even more savings. Below are some of our wonderful products that offer huge savings for today's bride.

 Seaside Allure Collection with Toasting Glasses with free personalization 

Sale Price $124.99 Save 23%

Scattered Pearls and Crystals Wedding Accessories Collection Sale Price $115.99 Save 15%

Cherry Blossom Wedding Accessories Collection Sale Price $92.84 Save 23%

 Basic Celtic Charm Wedding Accessories Collection Sale Price $139.99 Save 30%

Butterfly Dreams Wedding Accessories Collection Sale Price $124.99 Save 23%

 

 Basic Classic Double Heart Wedding Accessories Collection Sale Price $124.42 Save 25%

Basic Love Birds Wedding Accessories Collection Sale Price $101.99 Save 30%

Places Where You Can Reorganize Your Budget

The wedding budget has a lot of wants and desires but in an economy like today we normally cut some of those wants to obtain the objective of getting married on a certain day.  The budget can be one of the most time consuming and stressful task.  If you over spend in one area, then you cut from another area, its only natural.  But today we are going to focus on key areas where to reorganize the budget.

The rule of thumb for what the wedding budget is:

Reception Hall and Food 41%

Honeymoon 12% 

Wedding Attire 12%

Photography & Video 12%

Flowers 5%

Ceremony 4% 

Invitations 3%

Gifts 3%

Music 3%

Rings 3%

Transportation 2%

The above percentages is where majority of your money will normally go.   So where you can cut and how to trim your budget?

Reception:  Price compare venues see what is included in the price. Compare just using a catering and tent rental company and having the reception outside verses having it indoors. Consider a less elborate menu or paying a family member to make some of the if they are not in the wedding.

Honeymoon:  If you want a honeymoon start thinking and pricing out what airline tickets cost, hotel and food expense, along with what activities will cost.  Booking early will save you, then booking less than 21 days on airline tickets.  Check other airports near you for deals too.  See if hotel rates can be discounted with a longer stay or include food.  See if buying a package that includes air, lodging, car rental and meals is cheaper. If you are going some place that is tourist filled like a national park, think of renting a cabin and just shopping locally at the store for food.

Photography and Video: Look at purchasing package verses adding items after the wedding.  Money becomes tight after the wedding and honeymoon is over. Your normal routine will kick in and reality will set in.  You may not purchase that wedding album you wanted or your hi res image files.  Don't just shop for price.

Wedding Attire:  You can save usually on the Groom's tux if you have enough Groomsmen in your party.  Consider shopping at a discounted store for a suit instead of a tux.  Use payment plans at bridal shops if there's no fees instead of charging it on your credit card.

Flowers:  Consider using artificial flowers instead of real and buy them when they are 50% off.  You will also be able to use them as a keepsake.

Ceremony: To save consider using an officiant that charges a small fee and can come to you.  Look at ceremony sites outside at parks instead of indoors.

Invitations:  Consider buying a basic white or ivory invitation printed in the ink color of your wedding day color and just embellishing it with a ribbon or overlay to create a more unique look.  We offer sales where you can get 100 invites for under $100.

Gifts: Shop around for gifts for your wedding party.  Try to find a gift that is meaningful to each person in your party.  Consider buying a practical gift that can used in the wedding and again later when they get home.

Music: Today with technology, music for your reception has gotten easier.  Just bring your MP3 player and hook up to some speakers, then choose you music. Borrow a karaoke machine for the microphone to do the toast and have a groomsmen announce the cake cutting or garter toss. Open up the machine for guest to show off their talent for a few minutes.

Rings: Purchase wedding rings early and make payments so they will be paid for before the wedding day.

Transportation: Consider using a vintage car from a family friend and pay them a little something for their time then renting a party bus. 

We hope you find these tips helpful when planning your dream wedding.

August Savings at Dreamland Wedding Shoppe

Save on "A Kiss We're Off", "True Romance Couple" or "Showered with Love" Cake Toppers and many more popular styles.

Looking for Toasting Glasses, and Cake Servers save on a wide range of styles all month long.

Budgeting for the Wedding of your Dreams!

When you get the ring on your finger you immediately start planning for the big day even though you don't have a date set. While this is normal for most brides, the hardest part is figuring out how to get what you want at a price you can afford.  But some areas you should not try to skimp on as they will be remembered long after the big day has passed. Today we will discuss five areas not to skimp on and why.

First the top 5 items not to skimp on your wedding:

1) The Photographer

2) Reception Food

3) Venues (Church and Reception)

4) Wedding Gown

5) Your vision of the one must have thing you have to have.

So lets explain why we chose these items and ranked them as we did.

In First place we chose wedding photography. Long after the big day is over you will look back at your wedding.  What will you look at, the photos.  That is why we chose Photography at the number one spot.  When reminiscing about the past you reach for a photo or the wedding album.  When you have kids and they are getting married you reach for the wedding photos or wedding album again to talk about style, what was around then, pricing, etc. to give advice.

Choosing a professional wedding photographer should be based on the quality not pricing.  Most professional photographers are not cheap.  Why you ask - they have schooling, seminars, and participate in continuing education to keep on top of the latest trends.  Their lighting, technique, equipment all play a role to capture those moments you see on their website.  A professional will know how to flatter the lighting so you as the couple don't look washed out or blended into the background if you are in the church, outside or in a dark reception hall.  You should base your photographer on how vivid the colors are, the style, the emotion the pictures you see on their website create within you.  Then finally on price.  Chances are your first initial budget on what you thought you would spend is blown out of the water.  So we will look at other factors and options in coming blog post on where to save.

For Second place we chose reception food.  This is due in fact of the many guest you have attending the reception that are family, friends and co-workers.  You have a style and presence with each that are define differently.  You yourself, will want a memorable meal after a long day.  The last thing after a long day that you don't want is to be left with the feeling we should have done that instead of what you did.  That filling will stick with you for years to come.  Meanwhile, family, friends and co-workers will feel the same as you but may not say anything.

For Third place we chose Venue.  This encompasses the photos you will remember and the feeling you get when looking back at them.  If your church or reception hall is what you want then you should push your date back, save and go with the gut feeling if its more than you can afford or find a equally memorable venue that creates the same emotion as the first choice.

Fourth place is the wedding gown.  You want to feel like a princess and this is your day.  After trying on hundreds of gowns, go with the one you feel most comfortable in.  Its a long day, so after considering the weather and how you feel on this day in that gown, and how it looks on you, go with your favorite.  Most bridal shops have payments plans so you don't have to worry so much about not having the dress of your dreams.

For Fifth place we chose, that one must have item.  Be it a cake topper, garter, a favorite aunt attending your day or one of the above mentioned choices, having that one must have thing will make you feel your wedding is complete and you be more relaxed and able to enjoy your big day.

Check back with us as we discuss more tips to have a fabulous dream wedding.

Memorial Day Sales Event!

We are beginning early to roll out sale prices on some of this seasons hottest wedding items for our Big Memorial Day Event. We are beginning with Cake Toppers which lets today's bride save up to 25% off.  No Coupons will be accepted for this event.  Free Shipping is still available if your total applies.  See our Promos page for more details.  Check back frequently for more sale items added daily. This is a sale no bride wants to miss!

Event begins May 18, 2011 to June 11, 2011

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Congratulations to all the newly engaged couples.

Be sure to check out our monthly deals and sale items.  Only 2 weeks to save on some of our popular cake toppers, ring pillows, cake knife and servers, toasting glasses and wedding accessories. 

January 23 Bridal Show Reminder for Indiana, Michigan, Chicagoland Area

Indiana

1/23/2011 – Bridal Show at The Pearl Venue

Location: 07 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN

2 pm - FREE admission

Phone: 219-809-4400

Michigan

01/23/2011 – Battle Creek Bridal Show

Location: Kellogg Arena

1 McCamly Square, Battle Creek, MI  49107

Hours: Noon – 3:30 pm

Admission: $5.00

$1.00 for first 2 hours parking at Kellogg Arena Parking Ramp

01/23/2011 – Dearborn Inn

Location: 20301 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI  48124

Hours: 1 pm - 4 pm

Admission: $7.00

Website:  www.cbride.com

Chicagoland

01/23/2011 – Bridal Expo Chicago

Location: Sheraton Hotel & Tower - Chicago, IL

301 East North Water St., Chicago, IL

Hours: 11:30 am – 4 pm CST

Fashion Show at 2 pm

Admission: $15.00 at the door

Website: www.bridalexpochicago.com

Phone: 847-428-3320

Details: For more details visit website.

01/23/2011 – The Complete Wedding Expo

Location: The Radisson Hotel - Schaumburg, IL

1725 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL

Hours: 11:30 am – 3 pm CST

Fashion Show at 2 pm

Admission: $10.00 at the door

Website: www.chicagolandbridalshows.com

Phone: 847-254-0621

Details: For more details visit website.

Black and White Themed Weddings

Chandelier Frosted Glass Tealight

For the past couple of years the black and white themed weddings have been brought back to life.  This color combination is more popular than ever do in part to the affordability of the simple black tux and white wedding gown, paired with black tuxedos for the groomsmen and the little black dress for the bridesmaids. With manufacturers responding to today's bride who is still in the economic crunch while planning her dream wedding there are now large numbers of invitations, favors, accessories and gifts that have been designed recently for her to pick from.

Love Bird Damask Favor Box - Coming Soon!

Damask Note Pad - Coming Soon!

The popular Damask Design can easily be mixed and matched between pieces. 

Checkout these fabulous idea combination from us:

From Our Carlson Craft Product Line:

Shimmering Twilight Collection

Vintage Floral Guest Book

Black Floral Borders Invitation (MRF1322-233)

Bold In Black & White Invitation (9IF5369-87)

Browse our store for even more wonderful black and white designs. From Kate Aspen, Carlson Craft and McPherson Shop Our Store Now to find the perfect design for you! 

NEW ARRIVALS - 
JUST RELEASED!

Visit our New Arrivals section for the latest bridesmaid gifts, and wedding favors that we just added.

Save on the Kensington Collection for a limited time. Visit Collections & Sets.

                                          

Kensington Travel Mug

Kensington Collection by Kate Aspen Coming Soon to Dreamland Wedding Shoppe!

Kensington Tote 

Perfect for your Bridesmaids, Sorority Sisters or anytime you need a gift the Kensington Collection adds the sophistication and class you're looking for in a gift with this elegant black and white design.

Kensington Cosmetic Bag

Kensington Apron Set

Choose from the popular Tote, Cosmetic Bag, Travel Mugs, or Apron Set.

Mix and Match these great gifts with any of our wonderful black and white favors.

BRIDAL SHOW REMINDER FOR THIS WEEKEND: January 8, and January 9, 2011 shows



INDIANA

LaPorte, IN - January 8 - Thode Floral Wedding Expo

Goshen, IN - January 8 - Elkhart County Convention Center

Ft Wayne, IN - January 8 & 9 - Memorial Coliseum

West Lafayette, IN - January 8 & 9 - Bridal Affair University Plaza Hotel

Indianapolis, IN - January 8 & 9 - Scottish Rite Cathedral

Terre Haute, IN - January 8 & 9 - Providence Center at St. Mary's of the Woods

South Bend, IN - January 9 - Century Center

MICHIGAN

Dearborn, MI - January 8 & 9 - The Hyatt

Auburn Hills, MI - January 9 - The Palace of Auburn Hills

CHICAGO

Schaumburg, IL - January 9 - Bridal Expo Chicago at the Renaissance Hotel

Downers Grove, IL - January 9 - The Complete Wedding Expo at the Doubletree Esplanade Lakes

Don't forget to visit our Coming Soon and New Arrivals page for exciting new products!

INDIANA, MICHIGAN, and CHICAGOLAND - JANUARY 2011 BRIDAL SHOW LISTING

Indiana

01/08 – 09/2011 – Fort Wayne Bridal Spectacular

Location: Memorial Coliseum

Hours: Noon – 4 pm

Website: www.fortwaynebridalspectacular.com

01/08/2011 – Froggy 102.7 Bridal Elegance

Location: Elkhart County Convention Center – Goshen, IN

Hours: 9 am – 3 pm

Phone: 574-304-2864

01/08/2011 – Thode Floral Wedding Expo

Location: 1609 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN

Hours: 11 am – 2 pm CST

1/08 - 09/11 - BRIDAL AFFAIR
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Location: UNIVERSITY PLAZA HOTEL
Hours: Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday, 12pm-4pm
Contact Phone: 765-807-0241
Website: www.lafayettebridalaffair.com

Admission: FREE register online or $5.00 at the door

Details: Wedding vendors from across Indiana and even some from out of state come to the event to show how they can help celebrate this special day. With over 75 vendors annually and a two day event time it is one of the largest shows in the state. Whether you are coming as a bride, vendor, or just looking for something to do, this year’s Bridal Affair staff is ready to help you in any way possible.

1/08 - 01/09, 2011 - PERFECT WEDDING GUIDE BRIDAL SHOW
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Location: SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL
650 N Meridian St, Indianapolis IN  46204

Hours: Sat & Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Contact Phone: 317.228.9333
Website: www.perfectweddingguide.com

Admission: $10.00 online or $10 at the door

Details: Indianapolis Bridal Shows and wedding events are a fun and exciting way to learn about wedding trends and fashions as well as a great way to find local wedding professionals.

1/8 & 1/09, 2011 - THE WTHI-TV BRIDAL EXPO

TERRE HAUTE, IN

Location: Providence Center at St. Mary-of-the-Woods

Hours: (Jan 8) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm & (Jan 09) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Website: http://www.wthitv.com/generic/local_guide/wthi_bridal_expo

Admission: $10.00 with proceeds benefiting the local March of Dimes

Details: The Wabash Valley's premier Bridal Expo will return to the elegant Providence Center at St. Mary-of-the-Woods  The Bridal Expo will give you great ideas on everything you will need to plan a perfect wedding.  View link to pre-register for prizes.

1/9/2011 - ANNUAL BRIDAL SPECTACULAR
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Location: CENTURY CENTER

120 S St Joseph St, South Bend, IN  46601
Hours: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

Fashion Shows at 1 and 3:30 
Website: www.indianabridalspectacular.com
Admission: $5.00 at door
Details: Michiana's largest and oldest Bridal Show in South Bend, Indiana, for the Michiana Bride, features the best in wedding professionals and products and the latest in bridal fashion at our two fashion shows. If you are a bride who is just starting your planning or a bride who needs to put those last perfect touches on her wedding planning, mark your calendars and join us at the Bridal Spectacular!

1/15/2010 - WSBT 25th ANNUAL BRIDAL EXPO presented by MichianaBrides.com

Location: Notre Dame Joyce Center Gate 1

Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm

Details: Tickets are $3.00 at the door. Fashion shows at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00
Many exhibitors offer free samples and special discounts. Door prizes throughout the event.
Over 40 exhibitors including Bridal Gowns, Tux Rental, Banquet Halls, Caterers, Florists, Hotel Accommodations, Rentals, Photographers, DJ Services, Bridal Registry, Cookware, and more!
For information about participating in the Expo, contact Pat Morris at 574-247-4343 or e-mail pmorris@wsbt.com.

1/16/2011 – NWI Porter County Bridal Expo

Location: 215 East Division Rd, Valparaiso, IN

Noon to 4 pm – FREE admission

Website: www.nwibridalexpo.com

1/23/2011 – Bridal Show at The Pearl Venue

Location: 07 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN

2 pm - FREE admission

Phone: 219-809-4400

MICHIGAN

1/8 - 9/2011 - The Hyatt
Location: 600 Towne Center Dr., Dearborn, MI 48126

Hours: Doors open at 11:30 AM 

Admission: $7.00 in advance - $8.00 at the door

Website: www.bridestobe.us

1/9/2011 - The Palace of Auburn Hills

Location: 6 Championship Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Hours: Noon - 5 pm

Admission: $10.00

Website: www.cbride.com

1/16/2011 - Summit on The Park
Location: 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton MI 48188

Hours: Noon - 4 pm

Admission: $7.00 in advance - $8.00 at the door

Website: www.bridestobe.us

01/16/2011 – Sturgis Bridal Expo

Location: Sturgis – Young Auditorium, Sturgis, MI

Hours: Noon – 4 pm

Fashion Show at 2:30

01/23/2011 – Battle Creek Bridal Show

Location: Kellogg Arena

1 McCamly Square, Battle Creek, MI  49107

Hours: Noon – 3:30 pm

Admission: $5.00

$1.00 for first 2 hours parking at Kellogg Arena Parking Ramp

01/23/2011 – Dearborn Inn

Location: 20301 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI  48124

Hours: 1 pm - 4 pm

Admission: $7.00

Website:  www.cbride.com

1/29/2011 – Lake Michigan College Mendel Center

Hours: Noon to 3 pm

Website: www.myweddingworld.com

CHICAGOLAND

01/09/2011 – Bridal Expo Chicago

Location: Renaissance Hotel – Schaumburg, IL

1551 N. Thoreau, Schaumburg, IL

Hours: 11:30 am – 4 pm CST

Fashion Show at 2 pm

Admission: $15.00 at the door

Website: www.bridalexpochicago.com

Phone: 847-428-3320

Details: For more details visit website.

01/09/2011 – The Complete Wedding Expo

Location: Doubletree Esplanade Lakes

3500 Lacey Rd., Downers Grove, IL

Hours: 11:30 am – 3 pm CST

Fashion Show at 2 pm

Admission: $10.00 at the door

Website: www.chicagolandbridalshows.com

Phone: 847-254-0621

Details: Visit over 60 vendors to help you plan your magical day.  Designer fashion show starts at 2 pm. Free samples and tastings available.  Complimentary tickets are available when you pre-register.

01/15 – 16/2011 – Windy City Wedding Show

Location: InterContinental Chicago O’Hare

5300 North River Rd., Rosemont, IL

Hours: 10 am – 4 pm CST

Fashion Show: Noon  & 2 pm

Admission: $10.00

Phone: 847-774-8910

Website: www.windycityweddingshow.com

Details: Attend one of 4 fashion shows featuring the latest dresses from David’s Bridal.  Complimentary with promotional code chicagolandwedding.com

01/16/2011 – Bridal Expo Chicago

Location: Georgios Banquets – Orland Park, IL

8820 W. 159^th, Orland Park, IL

Hours: Noon – 4 pm CST

Fashion Show at 2 pm

Admission: $15.00 at the door

Website: www.bridalexpochicago.com

Phone: 847-428-3320

Details: For more details visit website.

01/23/2011 – Bridal Expo Chicago

Location: Sheraton Hotel & Tower - Chicago, IL

301 East North Water St., Chicago, IL

Hours: 11:30 am – 4 pm CST

Fashion Show at 2 pm

Admission: $15.00 at the door

Website: www.bridalexpochicago.com

Phone: 847-428-3320

Details: For more details visit website.

01/23/2011 – The Complete Wedding Expo

Location: The Radisson Hotel - Schaumburg, IL

1725 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL

Hours: 11:30 am – 3 pm CST

Fashion Show at 2 pm

Admission: $10.00 at the door

Website: www.chicagolandbridalshows.com

Phone: 847-254-0621

Details: For more details visit website.

Happy New Year and Happy Matrimony Monday!

Congratulations to all the newly engaged couples.  Today marks the biggest day of the year for brides.  It is the first Monday of the year to begin planning and booking your vendors.  The race has began to pick the perfect date, wedding location and top vendors before they are booked.

As we kick off the 2011 wedding season be sure to check our website often for our new cake toppers, favors and wedding accessories exclusively for the 2011 brides.

Also until February 28, 2011 Dreamland Wedding Shoppe is offering FREE Shipping on orders over $75.00, and FREE Shipping on invitation orders from Carlson Craft, McPherson and Birchcraft on orders over $200.00. For more details visit Promos.

And as always if you have questions feel free to email us anytime at customerservice@dreamlandweddingshoppe.com