Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bridal & Holiday Expo This Weekend
Just a reminder that the Bridal & Holiday Expo is this weekend at the Century II Exhibition Hall in downtown Wichita. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday, so plan to attend and register for some amazing prizes, including videography, attire, a honeymoon or a $10,000 wedding package! Admission is $6 - see you there!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
eBay Weddings: Thrifty or Just Plain Tacky?
As Americans find themselves in the middle of an economic crunch, many brides are utilizing unconventional methods to fund their big day. No doubt you've heard about the "eBay Bride" - a hairdresser from Virginia Beach whose modest wedding budget prompted her to auction off a prime spot in her wedding - that of a bridesmaid. To be honest, never in a million years would I have believed it would work. It can be frustrating enough to shell out cash for the dress, shower, bachelorette party, and a wedding gift (not to mention putting up with a bride's "princess complex") when you're doing it for your best friend or your sister. But a total stranger? Not unless you pay me. My price? $500 for the weekend, and you agree to cover travel expenses and the cost of that Pepto-Bismol colored taffeta Tooth Fairy gown.
Clicking through eBay auctions, I usually find myself asking "Who on earth would buy that?" Well, for the eBay Bride, Kelly Gray, the answer was surprising. The Dr. Pepper/Snapple Corporation offered a victorious bid of $5,700. The winner increased their offer to $10,000 with another shocking announcement: despite winning the auction, the company still doesn't know who will actually walk down the aisle next April. Current ideas include a celebrity bridesmaid or launching their own contest to win the spot. Was it a good idea? I wouldn't have done it. Paying taxes on the money and dealing with the media circus just isn't worth it to me. I started thinking, though, about eBay as a wedding resource. In 2006, I purchased several new items for my own wedding through eBay with great success. Many vendors offer special "lot" or "batch" items (favors, invitations, decorations) at a much cheaper rate than you'd pay in their online store, simply as a means to keep their selling volume up. After all, making 50% of their usual retail profit is better than making 0%, which means great deals for economical brides who are willing to do some research and take a bit of a gamble...and sort through all the junk.
If you're planning a wedding and feeling creative, take some time to look through eBay's current wedding catalog. Be specific about what you're looking for (i.e. "pink ring bearer pillow" or "summer wedding favors"), and keep an open mind. Do they offer anything that even interests you? If so, can you get it more inexpensively through an auction or "Buy It Now" listing than the vendor's online store? Are you willing to take the chance that you won't win the auction? If you can't find it new, are you willing to buy it used? For many frugal brides, the answer is an overwhelming "YES!" Be sure to check the seller's rating & user history, ask clarifying questions, and calculate shipping costs before committing to bid. It's certainly not for everyone, but if you're feeling brave, give it a try! You might just save enough money to rent me as your MOH. Just kidding. Mostly.
Clicking through eBay auctions, I usually find myself asking "Who on earth would buy that?" Well, for the eBay Bride, Kelly Gray, the answer was surprising. The Dr. Pepper/Snapple Corporation offered a victorious bid of $5,700. The winner increased their offer to $10,000 with another shocking announcement: despite winning the auction, the company still doesn't know who will actually walk down the aisle next April. Current ideas include a celebrity bridesmaid or launching their own contest to win the spot. Was it a good idea? I wouldn't have done it. Paying taxes on the money and dealing with the media circus just isn't worth it to me. I started thinking, though, about eBay as a wedding resource. In 2006, I purchased several new items for my own wedding through eBay with great success. Many vendors offer special "lot" or "batch" items (favors, invitations, decorations) at a much cheaper rate than you'd pay in their online store, simply as a means to keep their selling volume up. After all, making 50% of their usual retail profit is better than making 0%, which means great deals for economical brides who are willing to do some research and take a bit of a gamble...and sort through all the junk.
If you're planning a wedding and feeling creative, take some time to look through eBay's current wedding catalog. Be specific about what you're looking for (i.e. "pink ring bearer pillow" or "summer wedding favors"), and keep an open mind. Do they offer anything that even interests you? If so, can you get it more inexpensively through an auction or "Buy It Now" listing than the vendor's online store? Are you willing to take the chance that you won't win the auction? If you can't find it new, are you willing to buy it used? For many frugal brides, the answer is an overwhelming "YES!" Be sure to check the seller's rating & user history, ask clarifying questions, and calculate shipping costs before committing to bid. It's certainly not for everyone, but if you're feeling brave, give it a try! You might just save enough money to rent me as your MOH. Just kidding. Mostly.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wichita KS Wedding Venue: Old Cowtown Museum
I’m guessing most of you (as I did) have visited Cowtown at least once during an elementary school field trip, but did you know that it is also available for weddings? The historic church building was originally built in the 1870s and later moved to the museum location. At a maximum capacity of 49, it is ideal for small weddings – make that small weddings held in late September through early May. Though all buildings are air-conditioned, the church can still be a bit warm in the summertime – but it’s just so darn cute! The schoolhouse is available as a changing area for the bride and her attendants with restrooms in the neighboring building. Indoor reception locations include the Saloon and Dance Hall, neither holding more than 82 people but both offering either a wet bar or kitchenette access. The Chuckwagon Café will seat 120 at tables. An outdoor wedding could also take place in the Gazebo (holding 12 people) with a reception on the lawn (“Fairgrounds”) easily accommodating up to 600 people. For the really daring, 1870s entertainment is also available – a variety of showcases by cowboys, saloon dancers, and gunfighters will surely leave a lasting impression with your guests. That impression might not necessarily say “wedding”, but it won’t soon be forgotten!
Visitor Center images courtesy of Old Cowtown Museum
Now the best part: the Visitor’s Center. Located on the Arkansas River, this was actually in the Top 3 reception sites The Husband and I chose from. Our date was not available & it wasn’t quite large enough, so that’s what scratched it off the list. The Great Room holds 130 seated and 200 standing. The Patio overlooking the river holds 200 and provides tables and chairs - this would have been a gorgeous location for our reception, especially with the light of the stars reflecting on the river. I remember the cost being $1,200 but that may have changed now with Cowtown’s recent financial struggles. Pricing charts are not available online, but are available upon request. Call Yvonne Kirker at 316.350.3320 or e-mail her at ykirker@wichita.gov for a full price list and facility rental policy. The museum is located near downtown Wichita at 1871 Sim Park Drive for those of you who would like to take a closer look.
Visitor Center images courtesy of Old Cowtown Museum
Now the best part: the Visitor’s Center. Located on the Arkansas River, this was actually in the Top 3 reception sites The Husband and I chose from. Our date was not available & it wasn’t quite large enough, so that’s what scratched it off the list. The Great Room holds 130 seated and 200 standing. The Patio overlooking the river holds 200 and provides tables and chairs - this would have been a gorgeous location for our reception, especially with the light of the stars reflecting on the river. I remember the cost being $1,200 but that may have changed now with Cowtown’s recent financial struggles. Pricing charts are not available online, but are available upon request. Call Yvonne Kirker at 316.350.3320 or e-mail her at ykirker@wichita.gov for a full price list and facility rental policy. The museum is located near downtown Wichita at 1871 Sim Park Drive for those of you who would like to take a closer look.
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