Tuesday, April 1, 2008

So, Ray (finace) and I are full-on into registry mode! I didn’t realize so many people would be asking about it so soon, so we are getting at it as fast as we can!

We’re already totally set on Bed, Bath & Beyond and getting everything we can there! So far we’ve nailed down our bedroom linens, bathroom stuff, china, and lots of kitchen gadgets. We haven’t chosen lots of decorative stuff, or any basic kitchen theme stuff- pot holders, dish towels, everyday dishes, etc. I wasn’t crazy about any of what they have, so I thought we’d do Target. However, in talking to several recent brides, I’ve hardly heard one good thing about their return policies and their registry updates! In the store they even tell you it takes up to 3 hrs for it to update online. Every thing at BB&B is real time updates, they have NO problems with exchanges even without receipts, and they even give cash for returned items. I’ve heard nothing but good about that store!

or or neither??

I have had hassles in the past with returning stuff at Target. They only allow you two returns a year without a receipt- even when you are just getting store credit! And I tend to get lots of gifts from there! I looooooove the store! I’ve mentioned lots of good stuff I’ve found there on my blog already! But I do hate their return policy! I’ve been stuck with two pairs of the same shoes from another wedding, well since last summer!! They still have them, still regular price and they’ve never been worn and I can’t return them!! Keep meaning to get Ray to do it for me, but until then, they sit in my trunk!

I know that Walmart is getting tougher on returns, but I’m just wondering about their wedding gift return policy and how good their registry is. I did think it was kinda ghetto to register at Walmart, but hey-that’s where I do a lot of my shopping on a regular basis. They are getting much cuter stuff in the home sections, and some of the stuff I actually like better than Target! And I’ve heard lots of people say lately that they WISH they’d registered at Walmart- at least just to get the gift cards!

So, what’s a girl to do?! I do have several things on my Target registry, but the only thing I just can’t do without from there are these picture frames….

(plus a few more!)

which go oooooh so well with our Nautica bedspread we picked out (Ray’s favorite thing of ALL! He loves Nautica like I love Roxy!)

(believe me, I will totally girlie this up!! :o) )

Do I stick with Target? Or drop it for Walmart? I’d like to give people more choices than just BB&B, and I’m not too fond of registering at any department stores, which I never shop at otherwise!

Help!!

Ashley Adds:

I totally know how you feel. I registered at BBB, Target, Linens and Things (for stuff that neither had). I didn’t register at Walmart. I found Target to be HORRIBLE because of their awful return policy.

I love Target when I am shopping for myself but don’t like it for registries. They expect folks to give you gift receipts, which is so unlikely. BBB on the other hand was FANTASTIC. However, I’ve heard that their return policy may have changed since I got married. But, I was able to return so many things for cash or for exchange with no questions asked. They were amazing. But, double check to make sure you know their new policy. Again, not familiar with Walmart but I know in general they are pretty good about returns and give a gift card without a receipt. Who can’t use a Walmart gift card:)?

Come on Fab, I say keep it real with your wedding - if you shop at Walmart regularly (like millions of Americans do whether they admit it or not:) then register there. My mom kept telling me that I needed to register at Macy’s or a department store for China. Well, China I will NEVER use and I never shop at Macys. So, I registered at Pottery Barn (not the greatest return policy either) for these monogrammed, everyday whites and my guests purchased many items from there. I did a small registry at Macys (for mom) and got like 1 item from there. Bottom line, do you!

Based on your choices, I personally would do Walmart and BBB. If those Target frames are a must-have, get them with the cash from BBB:) Just my two cents.

ABG readers - feel free to comment.

Find more from Fabuless at Daisy’s Favorite Things.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Today’s my anniversary! I just made breakfast for John, which is rare since our schedules are completely flipped. We’re going to dinner at Macke’s, which was voted Nashville’s most romantic restaurant. Never been - if you have, let me know your thoughts before our dinner reservation. Not too late to cancel!

I am so excited to introduce ABG readers to Stacey, a new contributor to our Daily Scoop. We call Stacey “The Fabuless Bride” because she finds the most creative ways to save money while planning a classy, beach-themed, Nashville wedding.

The Fabuless Bride will update us regularly on her planning. You can easily find “The Fabuless Bride” blogs by her profile box (below) or by selecting the blog category - Guest Bride: The Fabuless Bride.

Oriental Trading Company: Wedding, bachelorette and shower supplies!!! Plus lots of other fun goodies

I’ve used Oriental Trading Company before for things for school. Like these adorable Magic Color Scratch Sombrero Ornaments that my kids had a blast with around Christmas time. How can you beat a craft for 120 kids for only $30!?(although just saw right now I’d get the same amount for $18 on clearance!)

OTC specializes in bulk/cheap items, but it never occurred to me that they might have wedding stuff!! I’m not sure why I never thought of it, but I hadn’t! I get catalogs at school all the time, but of course no wedding themed stuff was in there!

So in searching for stuff for out-of-town gift baskets/bags, I came across a forum that talked about getting stuff from there. Like these Large Hibiscus Tote Bags, $9.95 for a dozen!

I’m not going to make any claims on the quality of their stuff because I can only attest to the crafts I’ve ordered! They all came quick, and were well packaged! These bags are cute, but a little too beachy for me!

The possibilities are endless for what you can find from their site!!

Here are some cute things I came across (ahhhhem….my bridesmaids, you might want to take some notes- now that I know some of you are actually reading this!!)
How freakin cute are these “Just Married!” Flip Flops!??! I’ve seen something like this before, but not exact. Totally great for the honeymoon!

These are totally cute “Bride” And “Just Married” Iron-On Jewelry Set! I actually picked up some similar ones from Walmart for pretty cheap!

Lots of fun… Bachelorette Basic Party Pack.

There’s lots of other great stuff too, but there are some goofy things as well. Like an inflatable arch! But a lot of stuff is cute, great for a bride on a budget, and lots of stuff can even be personalized! Like these cute glass champagne flutes (which I may be getting for myself!)

And this personalized banner!

Do some searching for yourself, and you just might find a few great things you’ve been looking for! Favor ideas, bubbles, centerpieces, there’s tons of items to chose from if their in the realm of what you’re looking for! And someone must be buying those inflatable arches if someone was crazy enough to think of the idea to make them!!

Ashley Adds: I like this Personalized Tote too! Let me know if you’ve ever ordered from Oriental Trading. I’d love to know what you think about the quality of their bags, other wedding accessories.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Love Ann Taylor Celebrations or J. Crew Bridal but on a budget? Consider Target’s bridal line. Yes, Target offers wedding wedding.

Latrice of Bridal Opulence blogged about Target’s bridal line a few days ago and my first question was about quality. I mean, I love Target too (note - the Super Target in Smyrna opened Sunday; I went and had a ball!!!!) but wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses? I mean, my maids didn’t need a dress that would last forever but I didn’t want it to come apart at the reception.

So, I asked Latrice who knows fashion (tons of retail experience) and knows Target (worked in an exec role there forever) - what’s up with the Target line. She said it’s really decent for the value.

According to Latrice…

The average wedding gown starts at $89.99 & the most expensive is $159.99 The dresses are very simple yet extremely elegant & with the right accessories it would be a perfect gown. I am all about accessories!!!!

Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Strapless Sheath Dress - Iggloo (White) This dress is only $89.99 & the pink sash makes it sooo adorable.

Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Trapunto Bell Dress - Opal Cream Retails at $159.99

It even comes in the adorable little Mizrahi keepsake box

The great thing about shopping the Mizrahi Bridal Collection is that it includes more than just Bridal gowns. You can also select your bridesmaids dresses & other accessories from this line & not break the bank.

So if you are a bride on a budget, check out Target.com. You can do your bridal registry while you are shopping on-line for your gown! How super convenient is that!!!

By going this route, you could always include a Trash the Dress photo session in the bridal portraits & actually not feel bad about “Trashing your dress”

Not that I don’t trust Latrice’s judgment, but I also stumbled across an article (on another fave site of mine) written on Target dresses and thought it would be helpful to see too.

According to DIY bride of DIYbride.com

I recently had the opportunity to get hands-on with a Target bridal gown (the $90 strapless sheath.

The verdict: It was surprisingly well-done for the price. I’d say the gown quality is comparable to a mid-range maid’s gown you’d get at someplace like David’s. The fabric was decent, neither luxe or polyesther-y. The seams were even and there were no flaws that I could detect in the workmanship — except at the bottom hem that wasn’t stitched well. That wasn’t a big deal for the bride because the gown has to be altered anyway. The lining was sufficient and done well.

The bride said the gown was a bit on the small size and to go up one size to get over her chest (and she’s not overly busty). She was pleased with Target.com’s return policy but had to wait a week or so until the new size was back in stock.

Overall, I give it thumbs up and would recommend it to brides on a micro-budget or who are otherwise not interested in shelling out big bucks for a gown.

Ashley’s wrap:

So, all-in-all, Target seems to get two thumbs up. Can you wear the wedding dress over and over? No and who plans to:). And when it comes to bridesmaid dress, who really does anyway? Off to goodwill is where all of my bridesmaid dresses go. Plus, Target carries tuxedos and flower girl attire. Where else can you buy your wedding attire and your cute honeymoon bikinis all in one e-cart? Only Target!

Oh, and I really like these cute party/bridesmaid dresses. In fact, I am thinking about buying this cute little green one just because…