DIY Wedding #10: To register or not to register, that is the question!

Amidst all of the planning and scheduling, there are a few, rare gems that are completely stress-free and fun to do. The Wedding Registry, my friend, is one of them. It's one of the few times in your life that you can ask people for exactly what you want in a gift without being selfish--because people are arbitrarily asking. Plus, it gets those gears turning on thoughts of home decorating and coveted kitchen tools. You can ask for all of the things that you wouldn't normally buy, all of those things that make your house your home, and things that will aid in establishing a foundation for your married life.

We all love presents and shopping, I don't need to blab on about why this is so great--you know! So in order to help you decide on where to register, I've compiled a list of stores & benefits that in my opinion/experience are among the best. Keep in mind that these are my personal picks! This is a short list and certainly inexhaustible when it comes to registry options. But first I must mention some basics...

DIY Wedding #9: Why We Chose a "First Look."

I'm sitting here in our sunny, yellow office watching even more snow fall from the sky, mentally preparing myself to start reading my Humanities textbook. Then I remembered! I promised you an extra post to explain my decision behind having a First Look at our wedding. Huzzah! A reason to put off homework a little longer...

DIY Wedding #8: Photographers & Videographers, oh my!

Good afternoon, soon-to-be-brides and faithful readers!

I missed my goal for posting on Monday this week, so Tuesday will have to do. Sorry for the wait, but I think you'll find the wait a little more beneficial than if I would have stayed up until 1am finishing it yesterday.

This DIY Wedding post is devoted solely to the topic of "Photography & Videography." It's a big topic--it can be a bit overwhelming, both mentally and financially. So I'm writing this post purely from the bride's perspective, what I wish I knew when I was planning this part, paired with what I learned from my photographer & videographer friends along the way.

I know that this whole series is devoted to DIY's and budget weddings--that's exactly what mine was. But I do hold to the opinion that some things should be considered an investment rather than automatically going the cheapest route.

This post fits into the investment category.

I want to share how you can save a little bit but also invest and get some bang for your buck. 

My new favorite!

To my thrifting and penny-pinching, friends!

I'm writing today to share with you the wonderful news that is Thred UP. If you haven't heard of it before, prepare to have your mind blown.

This blog is all about doing what you can with what you have--so in my mind, this applies to all things budget-minded and thrifty. Being a married, college-student puts me smack dab in the middle of that description. When things are tight, bills come first and clothes shopping is out of the question. At those times I just veer away from window shopping because I get inspired, then tempted. 

But may I present the resolution to that problem *hallelujah chorus*.

DIY Wedding #7: Save the Dates & Invites.

Welcome to the start of another week and a new "DIY Wedding" post! This week we're going to get a bit more hands-on and discuss the paper goods that you'll send to your guests. This was something that I cared a lot about, probably more than I should have. But I'm a designer at heart and I wanted our Save-the-Dates and Invites to display who we were and a sneak peak at our wedding's style.

On one hand, don't break a sweat over these because the people who really want to come will not base their RSVP on your chosen design of invitation, and in the end, unless it's your Mother or Grandma--it will probably end it's journey in the trash.

DIY Wedding #6: the Suit.

Last week was quite the extensive post on "the dress." Tips for all those little accessory details, hair styles, and a reminder to remain sane--you can read it here. But this week, it's time to stop thinking about yourself and consider your groom. He's the man that you can't wait to sleep next to, the man that makes you laugh, knows all of your quirks and passions, and has made such an impression in your life that you can't imagine living without. He is the man that is offering to share his last name, adventure through life together, and promising to care and provide for only you, with an expensive ring as a token.

All that to say, he's a pretty important figure and the wedding would still be a day dream without him making it a reality. But before I jump into suits and guy stuff, I want to throw this thought out there.

Because we women need the reminder.