OK, Now What Bride

OKNW Contest: Win Your Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses from Simply Bridal

You read that right. I couldn't believe it either when I read it because the dresses from Simply Bridal look so much like the designer ones, but literally at an itsy bitsy fraction of the price. Their contest is going to knock your socks off. 

Celeste Gown | Bethany Gown

Here's the scoop:

Tell your story on Facebook once you've liked their fanpage. Tell your favorite story about your wedding (bridesmaids and maid of honor). Include a photo and don't forget to tag everyone in it. Then, you tell your friends to like it! That's it! The story with the most likes wins a package of a wedding dress and 3 bridesmaid dresses! The next 5 story runner-ups win a package of 3 bridesmaid dresses. 

Good luck to everyone and have a wonderful weekend! xo

LINK LOVE

Bride Ideas has found the perfect Valetine’s Day gift! This beautiful locket only looks old -- inside hides a VERY modern secret.

Having buyer's remorse? BRIDEfinds has the 10 Signs You Picked The Wrong Wedding Dress.

Contest (yay!): Win $100 from Minted Stationery

I'm super excited to be in on the giveaway with my friends at Minted. They have the sweetest stationery and most contemporary wedding invitations around. With tons of custom options and mix n' match themes, you're going to find something you love for your big day.

Today's giveaway is simple. All you have to do is visit their site and tell me which Minted product you like and why in the comment section below. One winner will be chosen on Wednesday, February 8th and Minted will take care of the rest. You win $100 worth of product of your choice. My pick is for the Summer Sun wedding set. Wouldn't that be sweet for a color block wedding theme?

Good luck! 

Spring Blossom Personalized Stationery | Type Stack Wedding Invitation | Summer Sun Wedding Invitation | Tree Personalized Stationery | Wildflower Mead Wedding Invitation

 

Valentine's Day Preview: Oh-So-Thoughtful Gifts $15 and under

Valentine's Day is just a couple weeks away! Whether you're dreading the holiday of chocolates and happy bubble gum pinks and rosy reds, or you're partaking and loving every second of it, it's a chance to splurge on something special. Especially if it's just for you.

I've been taking a look around at the new gift ideas (for my husband, of course) and it's been hard to resist. I'm super tempted to buy one of the Launderie bags. Not only are they pretty, you toss your unmentionables in them to keep them safe in the wash cycle or during travel - how sweet and necessary is that?? And the best part, is that everything on this short list is $15 or under. Can you believe it!?? And I'll have more items everyday until V day. So go ahead, get something for your honey and yourself while you're at it. xo

1. Lacy, a little bit racy, but totally necessary. Launderie Bag from Lola Haze, $15

2. I would pop one on my shoe, hat, scarf. ban.do sequin heart, $10 each

3. So adorable and affordable - and I can actually get my name! Love Letters from Bridal Elements, $6.99 each

4. Sweetness and beauty wrapped in one - smoked almonds, sea salt and dark chocolate. Yum! Vosges Haut-Chocolate Milagro Heart of Love, $4 each

 

 

 

Everyday Deals: Wedding Favors and Gifts $35 and under

How many people are attending your wedding? 12? 100? 300? What ever the number, there are a lot of considerations to be made like the price point for the bridal party gifts and favors for guests (that is, if you're doing them). Also, are you doing presents for parents, perhaps a gift for your new spouse? Toss it all in the pot and those numbers start to add up to big stuff. 

When we were planning our wedding, I knew that our favors were going to be food-oriented, and they turned out to be a hit. Believe me, no one was leaving without their fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and matching carton of milk! The fun part was finding the right size and style baggies and the little labels to go with. The wedding venue strung them with bakers string and voila - they were adorable and affordable. 

What are some ideas you have for getting the most bang for your buck? 

 

 For less than a dollar, you can customize and hand out favors that everyone will want. Mini candy favor jars, $8.46 for nine

Hand this to your bride for a last-minute laugh. Believe me, she'll need it. Keep Calm poster, Keep Calm Shop, $15.95

 

Nothing's better than something practical and cute. The perfect pair, salt and pepper shaker, $5.57 or less

 

 Thank everyone you need to with the sweetest stationery set. Available in other colors too! Penpal personalized stationery, minted, $35

 

With a great price, these custom cosmetic bags will make a great impression. Fill each with goodies for each of your bridesmaids as a personal touch. Embroidered cosmetic bag, $9.95

LINK LOVE

The Broke-Ass Bride has some totally gorgeous wedding porn for you this week. Check out Heather & Jacob’s budget friendly, peacock-feathered affair!

BRIDEfinds has an awesome list: 10 Registry Items That Will Save Your Marriage. Yes!

Your registry offers a great opportunity to pick up some pretty flatware. Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam has some tips for your table!

Bride Ideas loves these super simple and super fabulous DIY wedding photo jar centerpieces, but we've got some ideas to jazz 'em up and make 'em even more stunning for your wedding!

 

OKNW Deal: Simply Bridal offers 15% off their made-to-order gowns

I did a post on Simply Bridal last summer and their dresses continue to impress me. Not only are the dresses fully customizable and made-to-measure, they cost a fraction of other designer gowns. Plus, they can usually get your dress to you in about a month. Crazy, right?

From now until January 31st, 2012, they're offering an extra 15% off all wedding dresses. All you have to do is enter the code: SAVEBRIDAL15 when you check out. They have a great return policy so no fretting about purchasing a gown on line. 

The gowns below range from $89 to just $400! Happy shopping!

 

Deals and Steals All Week | Today: Bridesmaids dresses at H&M

It's not exactly spring out. The mounds of snow outside my window tell me so. But I can't help but feel hopeful for an exciting season of color and florals and patterns. What are some of your favorite trends, wedding or otherwise, for the upcoming season? 

This week I'm featuring all the deals that I've stumbled across and sharing them with you. I was jazzed to find that H&M had finally got their act together and were offering retail on their site! (For years all you could do was look at the pieces, turn them around -- and not buy them). With all the different silhouettes, colors and sizes, this is sure to be an affordable option for brides and bridesmaids. Shop on!

Floral dress, $19.95

Papaya dress, $49.95

Green stretch dress, $34.95