Hi there! I have been receiving a lot of e-mails with suggestions from brides like you. So, I thought I would share some of the suggestions that I thought you might enjoy. In this newsletter you will:

• Learn how to make a cost-effective candle centerpiece
• Learn how to make luminarias (luminaries)
• Learn about one bride's great experience with an online dress shop.

So for starters, this message was sent to me by Alaina and gives great details on how to make cost-effective candle centerpieces:

"Steps:

1. Clean out empty moist cat food cans - one per couple and let dry thoroughly.
2. Take can-opener and make a hole wide enough to fit a candle in it. The width of the bottom of the candle determines the width of the hole.
3. Cut and glue a circle of felt (any color) with a hole in the center and glue to outside bottom of the can.
4. Alternate and glue 3 large and 3 small roses/rose buds (or any flower you prefer of proportionate sizes) so the flowers end at the edge of the can (not over) and hides the base of the candle.
5. Optional: glue a piece of felt around the side of the can.
6. Wrap and glue 2 individual layers of lace around the side.
7. Glue a string of (small) pearls around the top edge of the can.
8. Insert candle.

You can color-coordinate these to the color theme of your wedding. Enjoy these inexpensive yet beautiful favors!"

- Alaina

Next, from Mari comes a great suggestion for making luminarias as centerpieces:

"I had an idea that I wanted to share. I was agonizing over the center pieces for our wedding. Then it came to me! I'm part Hispanic, so what better than using a traditional Hispanic way with candles? I've decided to use luminarias (AKA luminaries) on each table. I found lots of sites that had them, but I decided to use plain white paper bags and stencil in an ivy design (similar to our invitations) for color. One reminder, don't forget to put sand in the bottom of the bag so that the candle has a sturdy base and there is something to catch the wax.

"Breakdown on the luminarias:

• Bags (8 cents each at Paper Warehouse)
• Candles (20 cents each at Wal Mart)
• Ivy vine (1/2 price at Hobby Lobby; $4 for 9 ft., approx. 11/2 ft around base of each bag)
• Ivy stencil (4.99 at Hobby Lobby)
• Green paint ($1.99 at Hobby Lobby)
• Stencil paintbrush ($1.99 at Hobby Lobby)
• Sand (we already had some)

"For a grand total of $1.53 per luminaria (we assumed 20 luminarias). Total cost to decorate all of the tables and outside lining the sidewalk where people come in, $52.00. Beat that!

"Plus, we've found a place nearby that will make us a custom stamp (for about $12). We're going to get our initials made into a stamp and stamp the centers of the bags with silver ink (those are our colors, hunter & silver). We thought this would make them even more personal. After the wedding we'll be able to use the stamp on our thank-you's, etc."

- Mari

Finally, Michelle shared with me a great experience she had at an online bridal shop:

"I wanted to share my experience with you and possibly your readers. I found a wedding dress that I fell in love with. As it happens so often, this dress was not in my price range. I just couldn't justify purchasing such an expensive dress, however, every other dress just paled in comparison. So, I found out the name of the designer and dress, and I found a store in LA (I am in FL) via the internet that was willing to sell me the SAME dress, brand new, from the designer, for $500 less!!! I almost kissed the ground; I was so happy.

"The name of the company is Dress 2 the 9's Bridal. The owner is D'Anna P. Macaluso, and her number is 225-218-1090. They have a website http://www.dress2the9sbridal.com D'Anna is extremely helpful in assisting you with everything from determining the right size to suggestions on jewelry. I just ordered my dress last week, but when D'Anna placed the order with the designer, they had the exact dress, size, color, etc. in stock."

Later, I received the following message from Michelle:

"I finally got my dress!!! I received the tracking number, and I was endlessly tracking the package on ups.com - I think that was the longest 3 days of my life!!! Anyway, the dress was in perfect condition. I ordered a dress by Maggie Sottero, and the dress arrived in a box labeled 'Maggie Sottero' bridal. Also, the dress was still sealed in a bag. And, the bridal store even included a little Mary Kay gift!!! I am SOOOOO happy!!!!"

- Michelle

You can see a picture of Michelle and her dress at http://www.bwedd.com/Couples/MichellesDress.asp

Sincerely,
Kelly Kons, kelly@bwedd.com
http://www.Bwedd.com/TrueCompanions/