Prost to the Host » Budget

Celebrations :: Tulips and Dessert

Alysia — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:36:12 +0000

Hello friends! With summer coming quickly (fingers crossed), spring flowers are fading away and summer blooms will be upon us. Here is a quick tablescape for an impromptu dessert gathering. No need to buy anything, just use items around the house

I am an entertainer, so I purchased 50 of these cocktail plates {Crate and Barrel} several years a go. They were cheap and came in bulk, but C&B has free shipping and I was able to use the coupon when ordering. Also, search for shipping and coupon codes prior to submitting your online order. You will almost always find a discount.

Hit up your local bakery for small delicate treats, like macaroons and jellied treats in bold hues {Pix Patisserie}.

Skip the tablecloth and runner and dig around your linen closet for contrasting place mats and sprinkle dried flower stems for pops of color {World Market}

Beaker vases {CB2} from a previous party were used again to display the purple fleurs. Rearrange them for a different look.

Shop ahead. If you know you will be hosting a BBQ next summer, be sure to stalk the end of season clearance sales. They will be discounted up to 75% at most retail outlets and will save you a pretty penny as you decorate for your next gathering. Cheers!

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Dual Line Designers

Alysia — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:00:44 +0000

The names of Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier epitomizes the world of wedding dress designers. Among other designers, these elite couturiers created a line of bridal gowns offered at more reasonable price points. Need the name? Look no further for wedding dresses designers that offer a second line of dresses that still carry hallmark design traits and the high standards of the primary dress line.

{Jim Hjelm + Blush} Known for luxurious fabrics, flattering silhouettes and trademark craftsmanship and dresses start at $2500. Blush dresses are all under $1500. {Jim Hjelm; Blush; Blush}

{Watters + Wtoo} A Watters bride is fresh and sophisticated. While Watters gowns start at $1500, the Wtoo line are around $1000. {Watters; Wtoo; Wtoo}

{Monique Lhuiller + Bliss} Fashionable and elite, this designer stormed the wedding dress market in 1999. Her dresses are for the modern feminine bride. Dresses start at $3000. Bliss is the classic yet-affordable dress line from Monique. Dresses are less than $3500. {Monique Lhuillier; Bliss; Bliss}

{Enzo Ani + Blue} Modern embellishments paired with traditional silhouettes makes Enzo Ani a classic designer. Continually pushing past the threshold of wedding fashion. Gowns start at $1500. While the Blue line offers brides deliciously designed dresses without compromising quality for all under $1500. {EnzoAni; Blue; Blue}

In addition to these lines, Vera is joining forces with David’s Bridal and creating a line of wedding gowns ranging in price of $600-1500. This is an extraordinary opportunity for brides to wear Vera on their day without spending $4-25K tag. The dress line is expected to hit stores around Spring 2011.

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Real Wedding :: Angie + Bretzky

Alysia — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:50:37 +0000

Angie and Bretzky decided to bypass the financial burden of having a huge and expansive wedding and just get hitched. Plain and simple. With a new arrival on the way, Angie did not have time to worry about the details. Enter ::Luxe Affairs:: Having a wedding coordinator kept the couple on target for their budget and gave guidance to couple during the fast paced three week planning period. The result? A wedding that was uniquely theirs and right on budget.

Location: Miami, Florida (backyard)
Colors: Goldenrod, Cobalt and Ivory
Theme: Spanish Rustic with touches of vintage
Budget: $2000

Two tiered cake bedecked with navy ribbon held down the candy bar. Apothecary jars filled with ivory sweets gave guests a boost of sugar for the dancing to come. {Sweet Cakes}. Sweeping goldenrod linens dolled up the sweet station {Hitched event Rentals}.

Focus on what is important to you and your partner. Surround yourselves with the ones you love and the day couldn’t be more happier.

Smooch! A silk strapless silhouette from {David’s Bridal} stretched the dollar to areas of greater importance.

DIY Details

Fino Wino: Customize your wine bottles with wine labels (a la Wedding Chicks).

Rock, Paper, Scissors: Patches of moss and rocks flanked the guest book and escort card station. Warm amber tea lights flickered throughout the night.

Paper Products: Off white paper pom poms and lanterns were strung on the trees surrounding

Top Cake: A quick ship (4 days!) for customized {Naked Peggies} adorned the top of the wedded confection.

Bucket of Brews: Rustic copper tin of beverages chilling before the ceremony.

Posh pintuck linens in cobalt blue from {Hitched event Rentals} dazzle the dining area. Chivari chairs were in the budget due to the small guest list. In addition, chivaris in black tends to be the most affordable color.

Clean Cloak: Minimal ivory fabric draping around the tent created a more intimate and finished space. It also hides the hideous metal pipes.

Bright Light: A rustic chandelier added a classy addition to the outdoor space. Bringing elements from the indoors to the outside space helps elevates the space by adding warmth.

Duel Dresses: A quick change from the structured silky strapless dress into a flowy one-shouldered goddess gown will helped the bride get ready for a easy, breezy celebration mode. Angie was able to find a bargain at Macy’s. What a great shopper!

Remember to savor the moments with your love. The day will melt away as quickly as it came, so taking a few alone will help keep you two conscious of the moment so it doesn’t disappear.

Thank you A + B for sharing your day with us. It was intimate and personable and truly an event! Share your event with Prost (email: prosttothehost@gmail.com).

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Dresses Under $1000

Alysia — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:15:18 +0000

We did a feature of wedding dresses under $1000 in September 2009 and it is due time to revisit this concept. Spring and Fall 2010 lines are out and the newest designs are still offered at amazing price points. These six wedding dresses have decadent details that will show off your keen sense of style and spend thrifty habits.

Thinking Cap: Lace accents sweep across the a-line gown. The sweetheart neckline and lace cap sleeves add a soft feminine touch. Delicate beading forms along the bust line and sheer fabric covers the semi-exposed back. {Mia Solano}

Pure and Simple: This regal strapless ball gown has hidden, yet useful pockets. A beaded organza belt binds the waist. {Watters}

Flora and Fauna: Taffeta flowers are splashed along the hip and slowly thin out on the skirt. Laceup back allows the dress to be extra snug for support and comfort. {Claudine for Alyce Designs}

Svelte Sophisticate : Swank silk shantung sweeps over the body. A slightly ruched sweetheart neckline offer clean lines and simple design. {Siri}

Unbalanced Beauty: Soft asymmetrical layers of organza flows from the fitted bodice into a feathered skirt. The structured bodice features ruching accents and a scoop neckline. {Allure}

Raise the Roof: Tulle adorns the organza gown and shows off the raised lace appliques on the bodice. The bodice of the dress dips into a sheath silhouette of airy organza. {Anjolique}

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Celebrations :: Valentine’s Day DIY Tablescape

Alysia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:59 +0000

What do can do you do with crepe paper and candy? Make an easy colorful diy table setting, of course! Kelly Oshiro and The City Sage joined forces to create this punchy place setting for two. Check out the details at The City Sage’s Blog.

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DIY :: Wooden Cake Stand

Alysia — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:57:28 +0000

Once Wed and Etsy joined forces to create a simply stunning cake stand. Made out of tree slices and parts of a trunk, this nature-inspired pedestal will impress your guests. Follow the link to read the easy step-by-step instructions.

Seems simple enough!

Sweet success!(Photos by Once Wed)

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Guest Blogger :: Hosting a Party on a Budget

Alysia — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:06:22 +0000

Melissa is the genius behind Lean with Green blog. A blog that compiles the best of the Northwest deals and budget saving tips. I was invited to write a guest blog post about, “Hosting a Party on a Budget“. It has great tips on cutting back, but still having a fabulous party. With the holidays coming up, it is worth checking out. Cheers!

ps. Happy Veteran’s Day! I hope you have the day off!!

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DIY Project :: Customized Fonts

Alysia — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:13:16 +0000

Problem: You have 100+ envelopes to address and your hand is already cramping at the thought of it. In addition, your budget will not allow you to hire a calligrapher. What options do you have? Force your bridesmaids (remember they are NOT slaves) to address your invitations or recruit family members… OR you could make your handwriting in a font! Seems strange…but keep with me. There are various websites that allow you to upload samples of your handwriting and they’ll turn into a TrueType font. The ultimate personalization!

(image from Font for Peas)

You can even add your squiggles, hearts and geometric shapes to “your” font just like dingbats. I haven’t even mentioned the best part. Some sites are free or charge a nominal fee.

(image from Fontifier)

Check out:

FontCapture (Free!); FontsForPeas (Free!);Fontifier ($9);YourFonts ($10)

If you are like me and your handwriting is nothing special. You can always “borrow” and download free fonts from websites listed above or from Da Font or Abstract Fonts to add some panache to your paper.

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Free Fridays

Alysia — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:12 +0000

It is that time again! I hate to admit it, but this week just flew by. Since I am planning a baby shower for Saturday (late morning) and a backyard back for Saturday evening, my evenings have been very busy. Here are a a few giveaways and templates to help make your Friday melt into the weekend.

Giveaways

Earrings: A lovely pair of ivory lacy filigree earrings with gold detailing. Perfect for a dinner party! Giveaway ends August 4th.

Templates

Wedding Templates: From Russel + Hazel, for whatever your planning heart desires. They have a comprehensive list for everything, from Budget sheets to floor plan arrangements to vendor contact lists. Get organized now!

Favor boxes and cupcake boxes: DIY templates for petal boxes, perfect for your next shower or wedding. Let your guests take home a bit of sweetness or wrap up the party favors in these easy take-home boxes.

Invites, Signs and Monograms, Oh My: The Hostess with the Mostess has fabulous templates for a serious party with an agenda full of monkey business. Bananas not included.

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Invitations :: Paperless Post

Alysia — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:31:32 +0000

To cut costs, you can cut the wedding invitations. Companies such as Evite allow you to invite your guests without having to address or mail a since paper invite. The invitation styles can range from super cheesy to semi-formal. Since this service is free, it can be bogged down by obnoxious advertisements and blinky links. It might be a good alternative to the email invitation, but is it formal enough for a wedding? Another company, Paperless Post offers the same service as Evite, but creates a more formal environment. Customizable designs that reflect the style of your wedding can help portray the formality of the event. No advertisements will scream across your screen, as there is a small fee for each “postage stamp” you use on an invitation. The first 25 stamps are free, each additional is about 0.08 cents. In comparison, the average wedding invitation costs 0.61 cents.

I signed up for the free service and “made” my invitation. It was extremely simple to set up and word my Summer Soiree. Once I completed the steps, my invitation was ready for delivery.

My invitation pops up!

After I email my invitation to all my guests, I can keep track of my guests’ replies with the tracking tool. I can even remind the guests of the RSVP deadline. Remember, bad RSVP etiquette is never flattering.

Is this something you whoudl use for an event such as a wedding? Or do you prefer the romance of a paper invitation?

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