Monday, February 8, 2010
Creating a great website is far from easy. But, I wanted to create a new site for all you loyal ABG site readers; give you some fresh eye-candy. You visit my site daily (thank you) and I want to make sure it is always helpful, inspiring and easy to use.
Last Fall, I reviewed your favorite site pages and made it my mission to create a new, upgraded version of ABG. Today, I'm pleased to share it with you and I really hope you like it.
Here's what you're sure to love about my new site:
1) Improved layout that makes everything easier to find!
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Search - The search box is at the very top of the page, making it easy to type in your keywords and find what you need. The search box at top will search entire site - gallery, real weddings, vendor directory, blog, etc. There is also a search option in the vendor directory that allows you to search wedding vendors only.
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Images - I've also added a larger space to showcase Nashville's amazing wedding photography. I love large wedding pics (and I am sure you do too.)
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Real Weddings, DIY, Luxury Bridal - I've placed quick links in the top navigation bar to take you directly to these favorite pages. Yes, I know those are your favorite destinations on my site. Now, you can find them in one quick.
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Events and Savings - These pages are now sortable by category. So, if you are looking for an exclusive offer from a wedding planner, you can do so in a matter of seconds by sorting by planners. Easy!
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Nashville bridal events are right on the homepage so you know what's going on immediately. Plus, I've added vendor events - come on vendors, send me your business workshops, seminars info.
2) Lovely inspiration gallery (New)
This is a completely new section on the site that i LOVE. I have already spent way too many hours looking all of the great weddings that have taken place, bridal gowns, cakes, etc. You could spend hours in this new section alone. It will be updated each week with new stunning images so be sure to bookmark and check often.
3) Helpful directory of wedding blogs and links (New)
Blogs are hugely popular and a great way to learn more about a wedding vendor or connect with a real Nashville bride. So, I've placed many blog links on this page so you can discover, bookmark, connect with other brides and wedding pros. It also includes their most recent posts. So each day, you can start by checking this page for dozens of updates from local bloggers.
4) Super cute site badges just for you (New)
I love our new site badges. I worked with my designers to create every conceivable badge that I thought you'd want for your site, blog, or facebook page. Go on and find your fave. Once you've added it to your site, let me know and I will add you to the links page.
Like the new website? I hope you do because it was created with you in mind. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
I look forward to reading your thoughts!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Advice & Planning
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tips for The Penny Pinching Bride
Hillary Capes, Nashville Wedding & Event Planner
http://www.YourDayofFairyTales.com
So you are officially engaged and you are starting the planning process. You have done your research, you have even set a wedding date, but where do you go now? The first thing you should do after you have your wedding date selected and have spread the word about your engagement is to set the budget.
Many websites can provide you with an easy formula to distribute your budget easily once you determine the budget, but how can you determine how much you can spend.
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The first thing to consider is who is contributing to the wedding. Tradition states that the bride’s parents paid for a majority of the wedding with the groom’s side picking up things such as the rehearsal dinner, the brides bouquet, etc. Many brides do not follow this traditional etiquette and many are paying for their own weddings. So talk to family and see who is contributing what.
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Create a best scenario guest list and go off of that. If you know in your area that catering is very expensive, you can expect to spend between $80 and 100 per person. For a 200 person wedding this can be approximately $20,000. If you have a large family and an extended list of friends, you can expect to have a larger budget if you want a full sit down meal.
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How much can you logistically save for your wedding? If you make say $500 a month, you know that you can’t save $1000 and still live. So be realistic about how much you can save.
Once you have created the initial budget you then need to break it down by category.
Here is a breakdown from Bride’s Magazine I love!
This chart is pretty accurate and that’s why I like it! I did make one change and included a portion of the budget for wedding planner. It’s a small portion of the budget to save you a day of hectic and scurry.
With these helpful tips, you are on your way to planning the perfect budget friendly wedding!
Hillary
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Not to be outdone by wedding day pictures, newly-engaged couples are investing in professional engagement portrait sessions to really showcase their personality as a couple. Engagement pics are also a great way to test your makeup, get to know your photographer better and get comfortable in front of the camera.
Experienced photographers can take you to the best Nashville spots for engagement shots, give you ideas and help you prepare. One of those photographers is Amber V. of Lotus Blossom Photography. She was kind enough to give us “10 Great Tips for Beautiful Engagement Photos”. This should help you tremendously.
Amber - thanks for taking time to educate us all of the process. Awesome tips!
Guest Blogger: Lotus Blossom Photography, a Nashville wedding photographer
With so many people getting engaged this time of year, I thought it might be helpful to share some tips on how to make the most of your engagement session. Being a list maker at heart, I decided to share 10 useful tips with you:
(1) Choose a location that is meaningful to you. - a place that has significance to you and your fiance is always going to be better than a random park. The place you met, the place he proposed, or your home town square are all great options.
(2) Choose a location that is unique. - if you can’t think of a location with significance, the next best thing is a place that is unique. Kayla and Brock chose the county fair for their engagement photos because it was something different than what all of their friends had done and the results were great!
(3) Avoid wearing the same colors as your fiance. - we’ve all seen photos of two people, both wearing black shirts that end up looking like a two headed black blob. It’s MUCH more visually appealing if you and your fiance coordinate instead of match. If you’re not sure of the difference, ask your photographer for suggestions. Chances are they can help!
(4) Wear Cute Shoes. - Cute shoes are always a good idea, but especially for engagement photos. Everyone loves a cute “shoe shot” so why not make the most of it and dress your feet accordingly. I’ve also mentioned this because this is a really good excuse to print this out and say “Look honey!! ABG says I should buy new shoes for our engagement photos! ” You’re welcome 
(5) Think about having your e-pics done in a season opposite that of your wedding date. - If you’re getting married in the summer, you might like to have some photos of you and your fiance in the fall or winter. Having photos of the two of you in a variety of seasons will be good for decorating your home.
(6) Dress for the weather. - going right along with reason #5, if you are having e-pics taken in January make the most of it with a cute coat and winter accessories. If you’re having them done in August, skip the long sleeves even if your most favorite shirt is a wool sweater. It’s super important that you are comfortable because if you’re not it will show in the photos.
(7) Consider an activity. - if there is an activity you and your fiance really enjoy doing together, consider incorporating that into your engagement shoot. Do you both love baseball? Have some of the pics done on a baseball diamond. Are you both foodies? E-pics of the two of you whipping up something delicious would be adorable! Much like location, an activity can really help to personalize your photos.
(8) Bring Props. - No I don’t mean bring your couch to the shoot! Going along with #7 if you both love to read, bring some books. If you’re both head-over-heels for your dog, bring it along!
(9) Choose a photographer that you are comfortable being around. - this one is huge. If you don’t feel comfortable with your photographer it will show in your photos. In the current age of blogs, Facebook and Twitter make it a habit of reading your photographer’s blog and friend them on Facebook. This way by the time your engagement shoot rolls around you will feel like old friends!
(10) Be yourself! - this is the most important thing to remember. If you are a fashionista who follows the latest trends, then no matter what anyone says wear your trendy duds. If you live in jeans, then rock your denim in your photos. These photos are about you and your fiance so let that shine through!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography & Videography
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
I know that many of you will be heading out to your first bridal show this evening (or some time this month). It’s SOOO exciting. But, before I lose your attention and you get lost in the weddingland, I thought I’d give some general tips based on my plethora of experience. As a show-stalker, I’m kind a guru when it comes to bridal shows.
7 Tips for Success at Nashville Bridal Shows:
1) Set a budget before you start shopping
2) Wear comfy shoes and bring a bottle of water to drink
3) Print 50 info labels that contain your first/last name, email, phone, mailing address - this will save you lots of time when you enter contests, give vendors your info
4) Plan ahead by bringing a shopping list of the vendors that you need and your estimated budget for the category
5) Bring a friend to keep you focused on your objectives - which vendors you need at which budget
6) Bring a camera to capture the ideas you like
7) Bookmark this page so you can easily refer to the tips and bridal show dates
Upcoming Nashville-area bridal shows
So, it’s time for my bi-annual, unofficial “rate and round-up” on the upcoming Nashville bridal shows. I say unofficial because I doubt the show producers would endorse my take on their shows. But, because this is a bride’s guide, I strive to provide a bride’s perspective, which is helpful because there are SO many bridal shows.
Don’t get me wrong, having a lot of bridal shows is great because you get to see great ideas in person and have the opportunity to meet several dozens of vendors without driving all over town. BUT, there are so many that often it’s hard to determine which to attend.
So, I will try my best to give you the scoop on the shows based on the local vendor buzz plus my experience at their last show.
Oh - I also created a bridal show checklist for you. Just print a few copies and take them to easily track your faves. Download here.
Thursday, Jan 7 - Enchanted Brides (5p - 9pm)
Where: Hutton Hotel
Great for: High-end brides seeking luxe bridal vendors
What’s neat: Red-carpet ambiance
Sunday, Jan 10 - Clarksville Brides Wedding and Event Showcase, (12-4pm)
Where: Austin Peay State University Morgan Univ Center Ballroom
Great for: Clarksville, TN / Hopkinsville brides or Nashville-area brides looking for something different; great for all bride budgets
What’s neat: This show is a great find and offers vendors that serve all budgets and the best assortment of all vendor types I’ve ever found. It also has really “nice” vendors. (There is a “snob” factor at some shows that you won’t find here.)
Expect: Optimal ratio of vendors to brides; no waiting in line to speak with vendors; nice glass of champagne/apple cider upon arrival (classy touch last show - hope this year will be the same:); everything you need to plan your Clarksville / Hopkinsville wedding under one roof.
**My favorite “no-lines, great variety” show.
Saturday, Jan 17 - Weddings, The Bridal Show (10a - 4p)
Where: Nashville Convention Center
Great for: All bride budgets; mothers and bridesmaids looking to make a day of bridal vendor shopping
What’s neat: This show is the largest show in the southeast, with rows and rows of vendors. I love this show because it attracts a diverse mix of established and “new” vendors who offer brides the hottest, out-of-the-box ideas and products.
Expect: Lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes! Show can be overwhelming. But, but for the organized and efficient bride, it offers every vendor you need. Be sure to have a game plan so you know what you’re seeking and stick to the plan.
Ashley’s favorite “fun plus fab finds” show.
Saturday, January 23 - Nashville Lifestyles Bridal Event (11a-2p)
Where: The Hermitage Hotel
What: Find out how to make your day unique from the southeast’s renowned event designer, Tara Guerard – who has been featured in InStyle Weddings, Nashville Lifestyles’ Weddings, Town & Country Weddings and Martha Stewart Weddings.
Enjoy lunch from Capitol Grille; Register for fantastic door prizes; Sip Mimosas and sample Big Day bites; Grab a fabulous swag bag
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe ideas and resources
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue; plus, last year the lunch was fantastic!
Cost: Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door
Expect: I anticipate an intimate group of brides and vendors so you’ll be able to ask a lot of your questions without competing for the vendors time
Sunday, January 31 - Her Nashville Bridal Brunch at (11a-3p)
What: NFocus and Her Cordially Invite You to a Bridal Brunch; A champagne social featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, an informal bridesmaids fashion show, and exclusive wedding service showcases from Nashville boutiques.
Where: The Noah Liff Opera Center
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe ideas and resources
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue; plus, last year the lunch was fantastic!
Cost: Tickets are $20 but get 50% off online with my code scbridal50
Expect: I love the venue for this bridal show. If nothing else, if you need a venue for your wedding and are looking for something modern and contemporary - you should check it out. The show was really nice last year and I expect it to be even better this year.
Sunday, Feb 21 - Perfect Wedding Guide (1p-5p)
Where: Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe and moderate options
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue
Cost: $10 at door
Expect: I anticipate the show will be similar to Enchanted Brides show but with vendors who cater to a larger range of budgets - from bargain to luxe.
Saturday, Feb 20 - 94FM Fish Bridal Show (11a - 5p)
Where: Opry Mills mall
Cost: Free but be sure to register online
Great for: Budget and moderate brides
Find event details on our Nashville bridal event calendar.
Do you have advice for brides attending their first bridal show? If so, add a comment on this blog.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Shows & Events
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