Free Shipping at TheKnot.com

As usual, there are a few restrictions - your order must be $100+ and it's only good June 17th-June19th, but HEY! In this recession every little bit helps!

Speaking of which, one of the ways we chose to cut corners on the cost of our wedding was to use a professional photographer for the ceremony & bridal sitting. At the reception we provided disposable cameras to friends and family (who could be trusted to take non-scandalous photos and knew who to take pics of) and let them do the snapping while we ate, danced, and drank.

Of course, looking back, I wish we'd had a few more people with digital cameras snapping shots, as electronic images are easier to work with...but in the end, the disposables were awesome! We had a special basket by the door where people could deposit their full cameras. When we got back from our honeymoon, we had a blast developing the images and seeing our fabulous reception through many different set of eyes!

MAJOR 3-DAY SALE!!!

Save up to 75% off at The Knot Wedding Shop's 3 Day Sale! It's for a limited time only - today (June 8th) through Wednesday (June 10th).

Now is definitely the time to scope out favors, decorations, bridesmaid gifts, you name it! To be taken to the special sale page, just click on the above link and start shopping!

Plus, at check out use coupon code JUN3D10 to save 10% off an $85 purchase or JUN3D15 for 15% off a $150 or more purchase!

2009 brides would be CRAZY to miss out on this incredible sale!


*Please note that coupons do not apply to gift cards, Lenox items, Vera Wang, Wedgwood, PhotoWorks development fee, PhotoWorks photo gifts and cards, Zazzle stamps or digital items including frames, key chains and camcorders.

50% Off 1 Item at Michael's

Classic Blue Invitation at Michael's

Click here to create an online account at the Michael's website and receive a coupon via e-mail for 50% Off one item! This is perfect if you've got one large piece you need for your ceremony (aisle runner?) or reception (chocolate fountain?)!

Check out the wedding section of their website for great ideas on invitations, favors, flowers, and more!

I'm not sure if construction on East Kellogg has closed the eastside store, but I know the one at 6610 W Kellogg is alive and well!

Happy Shopping!

Hobby Lobby Sale 5/18-5/23

Click here to view the full add. The floral section is 50% off - this includes stems, greenery, and bridal rentals (arches, candleabras, etc.)! If you're planning on silk bouquets or silk flower for centerpieces or ceremony decorations, NOW is the time to swing by! Additionally, their Spring Splash and summer outdoor dining stock are 50% off. If you're planning a summer, picnic, or outdoor-themed wedding this is a great time to stock up on cute supplies or clever wedding favors.

Hobby Lobby has 2 locations in Wichita.

Hobby Lobby Sale 5/4 to 5/9

I was in Hobby Lobby this afternoon for some ribbon - lo, and behold it's 50% off! Candles, candle holders, sparkly glassware (perfect for a candlelight reception), and garlands are also 50% off! Plus, check out the 40% off Spring Splash section for really cute casual and outdoor themed summer weddings.

Click here to view the full ad.

On Sale at TheKnot.com!

There aren't a lot of places in Wichita to get bridal shower or wedding reception favors - so most brides opt for purchasing online. If you're in the market for beach, summer, fall, winter, wine, chocolate, picture frame or any other kind of favors, chances are there's something you'll like on sale at The Knot Wedding Shop! Tons of favors are 60% Off right now - a great time to buy even if your wedding is several months away.

Practical picks?

Disposable cameras let your guests capture tons of candid shots - which is awesome, because as hard as you'll try, you just can't be everywhere at once on your wedding day! Place a cute basket or a box wrapped like a wedding gift by the door. When they exit, cameras can be deposited for you to develop at a later date.

Personalized cocktail napkins give any shower or reception a more unique touch - tons of colors and designs available!

Be sure to check out the special clearance section, too!

Honeymooning During A Recession

We spent $5,000 on our trip to Maui - and saved another $5,000 with a little research and careful planning. With the current state of our economy, you might learn some helpful penny-pinching tips for your own wedding trip!


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Wichita KS Wedding/Reception Venue: Central Riverside Park

Riverside Park in Downtown Wichita is a great spot for an outdoor wedding and reception. The park itself is over 100 years old and has just undergone a major rennovation. I have seen weddings performed in 3 areas: in the middle of the lawn, in the gazebo, and in the grandstand/stage area. Granted, it takes an especially brave bride to plan an outdoor ceremony and reception in Kansas - the only thing certain about the weather is its unpredictability! Fortunately, there is also a sheltered facility available. The Park Villa (pictured above) is located nxt to the gorgeous Lily Pond and offers an 800 square foot room for a ceremony or reception. Since it is a municipal property, you may have to get additional licenses for tents, fireworks, etc. However, one of the great things about using one of our city parks is that the rental fees are a fraction (and I mean only 10-30%) of what you'll pay for some of the other ceremony or reception sites in town. More information on rental guidelines is here.

Downloadable Application for Wedding/Rehearsal

50% Off at Hobby Lobby

OK, so this isn't a huge deal, but every so often Hobby Lobby does a 50% off sale. October 27th-November 1st, get half off Fall & Christmas decorations, candles, greens, etc. The only time I visit Hobby Lobby is during one of these sales. I purchase in advance for the next season and I give myself a limit (usually $10-$20) - you'd be surprised how much you can walk away with!

Home decor and greenery are also included, so this is a GREAT time to buy those little finishing touches for your ceremony or reception site! Additionally, brides who have opted to make their own bouquets with silk flowers are advised to get there ASAP! Not only will you spend HALF of what you were anticipating, you can assemble your bouquets months in advance!

Click here for the full add, and visit one of Wichita's two stores this week!

Wedding Music: Do It Yourself!

DIY projects are all the rage right now, but they can be more trouble than they're worth, especially if you don't have time for hot glue, ribbon, and wax seals. If you can't afford a band and are hesitant about hiring that tacky DJ, give this approach a try.

Up to 50% off Hotels at Expedia

The husband and I are currently editing our Maui slideshow for its premiere for the parents this weekend. As a little nudge to those of you who are a bit behind on planning your honeymoons (or those who just want summer to last a little bit longer), check out: Expedia Hotel Sale: Up To 50% off Hotels - but hurry! It expires on 9/30/08!

25% Off Your Entire Purchase at Michael's

Attention all brides & crafties! Here's a 25% Off coupon good today through September 13th. Sale items are NOT EXCLUDED - so if hurry on over for all your invitation, flower, centerpiece, aisle runner, cake topper, veil, rose petal, bouquet, and wedding favor needs!

For those of you who tied the knot this summer (congrats, by the way!) there is also a 60% off coupon for your custom framing order. What a great time to pick your favorite wedding photos and have them beautifully matted and framed for a fraction of the usual cost!

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.

Coupon Codes!

Hey, all! Since I've been on the subject of invitations lately, I thought I'd post these coupon codes for those of you the "stationery" stage of your planning. And, bridesmaids, the coupons also work for shower invitations, so be sure to take a peek around!

*At My Wedding Favors Enter coupon code SAVE10 to receive 10% on orders over $150.

Obviously, if you're in the "favor" stage of your planning, this is the perfect time to buy, but they also offer a few DIY designs like this Platinum Border Invitation Kit


*At Wedding Paper Divas, enter the coupon code "AFL2" at checkout and receive 5% off all orders, including their colorful line of wedding & bridal shower invitations. Click on one of the images below to visit their site.





*And though they don't offer invitations, Beau-Coup Wedding Favors will give you Free Shipping for orders over $125 (Code: FREESHIP). So now's not a bad time to do a little window shopping if you're in the market for wedding favors, bridal shower favors, or personalized gifts for your wedding party.

When to DIY: Wedding Invitations

Image courtesy of InviteSite.com

Do-It-Yourself wedding projects are more popular than ever. Couples are super-pumped to save money by not out-sourcing all their nuptial needs while having a truly personalized ceremony & reception from start to finish! Think you’d like to jump on the DIY bandwagon? Before committing to take on making your own wedding invitations, RSVP cards, thank-yous, programs, etc. you should ask yourself the following questions:

1. “Do I have the time?” Unless you’re well-versed in card making, graphic design, and crafting, chances are you have no idea how laborious this process can be. If your schedule is already packed, consider buying professionally printed wedding stationery – or have an independent design one-of-a-kind wedding collateral for you.

2. “Do I have the ability?” Be honest. If you’re great with shapes, colors, glue & scissors, then go for it! If you’re a little less left-brained, don’t be afraid to try a ready-made kit that is simple to assemble or seek the help of one of your more artistically gifted friends.

3. “Do I have the resources?” A lot of brides opt for DIY wedding invitations as a money-saving measure. If that’s your primary motivation, you should know that the extra time and effort may not be worth it in the end. If you’re not excited by the idea of making everything by hand, first shop the clearance sections at online boutiques or visit a locally owned print shop to see what they would charge to design and print the invitations for you. I found my dream invites in the clearance section of an online stationer, marked down just enough to fit my budget. When my father & stepmother got married, they took one of her original paintings to a small-town printer and had it replicated as their wedding invitation…for 20% of the cost of my clearance invitations. Being creative is half the fun – especially when it saves you money.

4. “Do I have the desire?” If you have no earthly clue how to make your own wedding invitations & even less inclination to actually do it, then, by all means – skip it! If you’re hoping to save money, there are many other DIY wedding ideas to help stretch your dollars. Likewise, if you know EXACTLY what you want and can’t find it (or are a perfectionist who doesn’t trust anyone but yourself!), then creating your own wedding invitations and other stationery is probably a necessary means of preserving your sanity.

If you (or a trusted friend!) can answer these questions in the affirmative, then you are certainly ready to start creating your own wedding invitations. Be sure to check out Bradley Paper in north Wichita, as well as Rock, Paper Scissors in Old Town. If you don’t feel like taking on the entire wedding collateral, mix and match doing some pieces yourself while leaving some for the professionals. Whatever you decide, just be sure it’s what you really want – and don’t let anyone (even me!) talk you out of it. It’s your big day!

Wedding Cake Alternatives

Image courtesy of iVillage

I'm not a fan of cake. I don't know why. By all accounts, I'm genetically predisposed to be a cake-lover. My mom and sister truly love no other food more than a beautifully decorated, 5-tier, white wedding cake. Ugh. As I child I would usually request ice cream cake, cheesecake or pies when my birthday rolled around, so I always knew I wouldn't serve a traditional wedding cake at my reception.

What I did not know was that my Prince Charming would love cake and be mortified at the very thought of ditching it for a tasty alternative. Our compromise? A 4-tiered cake offering a different flavor in each layer (amaretto, strawberry swirl, chocolate mousse, and tiramisu). So, yes, in the end I did end up with a (gorgeous!) cake at my reception. But it was fun and different - and guests loved having 3 options to choose from. Only 3, you ask? Yup! Hubby and I took the top tier (tiramisu) home and had it for dessert every night for the first week of our married life. I couldn't bring myself to freeze it and eat it a year later when I knew it would be so yummy NOW!

For you girls who are entertaining the idea of replacing that cake with something better suited to your tastes (or budget) - or for those just hoping to find something fun to serve alongside it, consider dishing up one of these delicious alternatives. They can be displayed on a reception table or served to guests individually:

- Flan (infuse with different flavors like orange or caramel)
- Creme brulee topped with fresh berries
- Chocolate Mousse
- Tiramisu
- Cheese cakes in multiple flavors
- Creme puffs
- Funnel cakes (perfect for casual outdoor receptions)
- Cupcakes (ok, they’re still cake…but they’re just so darn CUTE!)
- Giant, ornately decorated sugar cookies personalized with your names and/or wedding date
- Baklava
- Chocolate fountain
- Truffles
- Pies
- Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundaes

Can't bring yourself to pick just one? Set up a buffet table! Guests are sure to appreciate the variety and creativity. Plus, if you do some research, you'll spend less on a buffet than a big cake. Decorate the table with lavish flower arrangements and tiered serving trays to really make the presentation pop! Best of all, your big day will certainly standout from all the rest!

**NOTE** The most delicious wedding cake I have EVER tasted was at my cousin's wedding. The masterpiece was created by Stephanie Compton, half of the husband/wife team which owns and operates the Eaton Steakhouse in downtown Wichita. There is a small bakery attached to the restaurant where I love having coffee and elaborate desserts with my sister. If you're not convinced Wichita, Kansas can offer the elegance you desire with a taste to match, I suggest you visit the Eaton Steakhouse ASAP. The restaurant itself was once the Eaton Ballroom - and even farther back, it was the lobby to the swanky Eaton Hotel. It's a great location for rehearsal dinners or bridal luncheons if you're looking for something in downtown Wichita.

Photography: Prairie to Peak

Image courtesy of Prairie to Peak Photography

Prairie to Peak Photography in Wichita, offers brides something quite rare in the wedding industry: affordable rates and your own digital negatives. In fact, their fees are so reasonable because all of your weddding pictures will be shot digitally and then given to you in CD or DVD format. Brides can then print their favorite photos at home or e-mail whichever photos they desire to Snapfish or Walgreen's and have them printed for pennies. Prairie to Peak will provide to you a release form which you will need to present to the clerk when picking up your order - but virtually, the rights to the photos are yours!

S&K Menswear Store Closing Sale!

OK, girls, you'll have to act quickly on this one. S&K Menswear (located in Towne East Square at the corner of Kellogg and Rock in Wichita) is selling EVERYTHING in their store 50-75% off for a VERY limited time! I spoke to a sales associate who said that the sale includes suits, socks, ties, vests, shoes - anything left on the rack or shelf must go!

The clerk did specify that entire tuxedos were no longer available - just the jackets - but he said there were still a lot of great suits & accessories to choose from.

**EDIT: THE STORE IS NOW CLOSED! HOPE YOU GOT IN ON THE GREAT DEALS!**

Money $aver$: 40% Off at Michael's and 75% off Neiman Marcus Monogrammed Sheets

For you crafty brides, there is a 40% off Michael's coupon here. It's good through June 28th on any regularly priced item. They often have sales rotating through their different departments, so to save the most money, try to use it on a larger item that doesn't usually go on sale.

Neiman Marcus is offering 75% off their Egyptian Cotton Sheet Collection - use the code SHOPNM for free shipping at checkout! They will even monogram your sheets for FREE! The Lace Trim sheets are $20 here. The Marcus Dot sheets (shown in various colors) are $24 here.

Save 10% at MyWeddingFavors.com!

To celebrate the launch of our site, Wichita Wedding Blog has partnered with My Wedding Favors for a 10% discount off orders $150 or more! MyWeddingFavors.com is the leading online wedding favor shop, offering bridal shower favors, beach favors, Asian-themed favors, wine favors, personalized favors - just about ANY favor you can think of!

Just follow this link and