The Wedding Dress Sale to end all sales.....

Yup, its that time again!

You've heard of Running of the Bulls right? Now imagine brides chasing wedding dresses instead of animals. Yes, the Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" wedding gown sale is underway once again.


If you need a dress and want a bargain, this event is for you. If you're traveling this summer, you may want to add Boston to your list since that's the biggest sale. Bring some bridesmaids along and have fun!

Happy Friday!

Are you a Recessionista Bride?

Weddings are expensive but The Broke-Ass Bride just launched a cool new site called Bride$hare to help out today's Recessionista Brides!


It's a fabulous way to hook up with other brides to share the cost of rentals, decorations, gowns, bridal accessories and much more. Or maybe you're just lazy and want someone to plan everything so you can just show up. Either way, recycling is good for the environment!

Looking for a Low Key Destination Wedding? Casa Morada, No Passports Required!

Globetrotting Cindy is just back from the tropical Florida Keys with a great hot spot for destination weddings:

Casa Morada, hidden in the low-key lazy beach town of Islamorda, Florida, is just 90 miles from Miami and only 90 minutes from Key West. The 16-suite boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet side street, is owned and designed by former Ian Schrager employees, who took their combined 24 year experience to bring guests the ultimate romantic and upscale experience. It's an adults only (16 and up) property and friendly dogs are welcome.

Each of the oversized suites are decorated with a mixture of custom Mexican antiques and modern accents and have private terraces.


The coolest feature of this property is the small private island, accessible by a wooden bridge. The island has a pool, beach chairs, and a cabana serving great cocktails and small bites. Complimentary yoga is also offered on the island every morning.

The Casa Morada offers affordable wedding and honeymoon packages, my favorite is below:


Sunset Elopement Package for up to 20 guests (available mid-week)

- Honeymoon Suite for two nights for the bride and groom
- 5 Garden Suites for the night of the wedding for family and friends
- Continental breakfast delivered to the new couple's suite every morning
- Sunset Ceremony performed at water's edge for up to 20 guests
- Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
- Photographer for 1.5 hours
- Photo DVD of 150 - 250 images and a private website to share with your family and friends
- Champagne toast after ceremony
- Wedding cake
- Fruit & cheese platter
- All taxes

Priced at just $5,625.00 now through December 31, 2009

Recessionista Summer Getaway! Life's a Beach Jet Blue Sale!

If I have a choice, I'll always pick a Jet Blue flight. I love that they feed me snacks and entertain me with TV and movies making even a long trip seem quick. (Note: We flew to St. Martin last week and I was disappointed to learn that only the movies work once you get an hour away from JFK. What's up with that Jet Blue???)


Jet Blue is known for their amazing sales and they've got a great Life's a Beach Sale going on now that is offering up some great fares ($29 - $139 each way!) to Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. There are some amazing hotel deals right now so be sure to book a summer getaway if you haven't already.

Need a bachelor or bachelorette trip, mini-moon or honeymoon? Hurry up, you have to book by Friday and travel between July 14 and October 6.

Recessionista Wedding or Honeymoon Savings Tip!

Trying to save some money for your wedding dress or exotic honeymoon? Here's a cute idea...
The Dream Bank is the perfect way to save up for that special treat. Insert a photo of your desired object in the back of the box and start tossing your spare change into the slot each day.

If your guy leaves around as much loose change as mine does, this might just do the trick. And remember, a penny saved is a penny closer to Tahiti...

Thinking about a Caribbean wedding? Head to the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and your wedding is free!!!

Pack your little white dress and leave the wedding planning to the experts! Now through December 19, couples who book a seven-night stay at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort will receive a complimentary wedding package!


This is a really great deal to combine with the hotel's Super Escape Inclusive Package starting as low as $299 per night -- do the math and you get a free wedding and all-inclusive week-long honeymoon for just over $2,000!!!!!

The complimentary wedding package includes:

• Professional wedding consultant
• Picturesque ceremony location: beach, lawn, gazebo or garden
• Ceremony (religious or non-denominational): includes set-up of chairs, table for signing the marriage license, basic décor and officiant
  
• Wedding License, Including document preparation
• One Bottle of Celebratory Champagne
• Accommodation upgrade for bride and groom (based on availability)

The resort can arrange for extras like flowers, music and photographers as well.

The St. Kitts Marriott Resort offers over 450 guest rooms and luxurious suites, a championship golf course, the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean, a revitalizing spa, the Pirates of St. Kitts Kids Club program, eight restaurants and two lounges so your wedding guests will have plenty to keep them busy.

I love the Caribbean so if you run out of guests to invite, feel free to invite me : ).

Free honeymoon anyone???? And yes, you choose the location!!!

A free honeymoon where you pick the destination! What's better than that?? PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is running a contest for all you recessionistas out there.

One lucky winner will get a $2,000 Marriott Honeymoon TravelCard redeemable at any Marriott hotel, anywhere in the world! The TravelCard can be used for everything including room nights, spa treatments, golf, and even breakfast in bed!

Contest ends June 30th and you can enter once per email address per day using the contest entry form. That means go back every day to increase your odds! Hey, you gotta be in it to win it.

And if you're still looking for your dream wedding gown, check out the great deals on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com. Half price Vera Wang, anyone??

Honeymoon season is coming! Recessionista beach inspired sandals and totes...

If you love Miss Trish of Capri sandals but don't want to pay expensive department store prices, you'll be happy to hear that Target has come to your rescue!

Check out these fun, ocean-inspired designs. Best of all, they're just $29.99. Just perfect for a honeymoon trip, Caribbean getaway or nautical-inspired party.


And, if you're looking for a fun beachy tote, I'm loving this one from Felix Ray for Target.

The most amazing Free Wedding Contest I've ever seen!

Who wants to win a free wedding that includes EVERYTHING and I mean everything!?!?

In addition to the free wedding, you get a free engagement party and rehearsal dinner, free wedding planner, free photo and video packages, all your stationary, decor for all the parties, favors, the officiant, a DJ AND 9-piece band, hair and make up (lashes too), Badgley Mischa shoes, a custom gown and veil, gifts for your bridal party, babysitting, personal training AND a FREE HONEYMOON!!! This is an amazing opportunity so don't delay!!!

StudioWed Atlanta, along with CBS Atlanta and AtlantaOccasions.com, have come together to produce the wedding of a lifetime for one deserving couple. Couples will submit in 500 words or less why they deserve to win a free wedding along with a photo. The winning couple will receive a wedding valued at over $70,000 to include the venue, catering, photography, and more. The wedding will take place at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the couple’s choice of either Sunday, January 10 or Sunday, January 24, 2010.

Deadline to enter the contest is Wednesday, April 1, 2009. It is open to all Georgia residents. Click here for details and to enter.

Recessionista Wedding Tip - Use coupons for wedding items

If you watch the Today Show, Suze Orman or Oprah, you've been hearing a lot about using coupons these days. I was thinking, why not use this recessionista tactic when planning your wedding.

(source)

I did some browsing on Savings.com and found tons of potential wedding saving deals like shopping discount codes, free shipping coupons and other promotional codes. You can search by coupon category or store.

Here are some of my favorite picks for savings on clothing, jewelry, home goods, craft projects, photo gifts and more.

Wedding Tracker Savings Code - 50% off your order at Wedding Tracker

Mikasa Code - 20% off all Mikasa Stemware

Macy's Coupon Code - 20% off Macy's

Blue Nile Promo Code - 20% select items at Blue Nile and free shipping

Bluefly Code - 15% off a Bluefly purchase of $100 or more

Lord & Taylor Promo Code - 15% off everything at Lord & Taylor

Snapfish Code - 10% off orders of $30 or more at Snapfish

Joanne.com Free Shipping Code - Free shipping from Joanne.com

Recession friendly weddings in Paris?? Oui, Oui!!

Overseas destination weddings usually offer couples substantial savings over tying the knot at home (fewer guests, better exchange rates, lower restaurant pricing, more affordable vendors, etc.). But, did you know that a wedding in Paris, one of the most romantic cities on earth, could actually save you money?


Kim Petyt of Parisian Events, one of Paris' famed wedding planners, did a blog post entitled The Recessionista's Guide to a Wedding in Paris, and its chock full of great information. Best of all, I learned that the average cost of a 100-guest wedding in France is $14,960 dollars compared with the United States average of $27,900 (and obviously much higher in major cities)! Some food for thought if you're thinking of saying "Oui."

Kim's Parisian Party blog is also a great source to learn about Parisian wedding trends and traditions, eloping in Paris, French bridal fashions, wedding favors, invitations and much more!

London's Pound is falling down, falling down, falling down

Remember when a trip to London was super expensive? Times have changed and a trip to see Big Ben can be had for about 25% less than last year.

Who's ready for a hip and luxurious stay at The May Fair? This centrally located (in the heart of London's West End) hotspot is a celebrity favorite (Pink, Paris, Penelope, Whitney...). The hotel features an amazing collection of over-the-top suites, a pampering spa, an award winning bar, casino and much more. Want to shop while you're there? London's chicest shopping is just a few minutes away.

Pack your bags, the hotel is offering a weekend special (about $250 US!) now through March 31.

OMG! J. Crew Sample Sale - 5 Days Only

Hi from sunny Mexico!

If you're in NYC, here's a little something to warm your spirits...J.Crew is having a sample sale today - Sunday. What a great chance to stock up on one-of-a kind designs and classic spring and summer favorites for your upcoming honeymoon! Or maybe you'll even luck out and find some bridesmaid dresses. Who knows...

Click here for details and leave a comment below if you go since I won't be able to make it till later this week : ).

Recession friendly find - free wedding photography raffle

As seen on Blue Orchid Designs, Brooklyn Bride, Bridechka and the wedding and many other places:

Pink Initiative is a non-profit organization made of wedding industry folk dedicated to funding awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer. Emilie Sommer, the founder of Pink Initiative and the owner of emilie inc photography is hosting a raffle where the winner will receive $5000 worth of wedding photography coverage good from now until 2012 for their wedding anywhere in the United States. Raffle tickets are $50 each and all proceeds benefit Pink Initiative.

Hey, you gotta be in it to win it....

Recessionista Wedding Gown Extravaganza. Get there early!

One of my favorite Boston friends (hi Amy!) sent me this flyer for the famous Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" wedding gown sale. If you're in the market for a wedding dress and will be near one of these cities on these dates, you'll want to check this out! Hundreds of designer dresses can be had for just $249, $499 or $699. Be sure to bring some pals to help you navigate...

Click here and here to read about Miss Latte's first-hand account from last week on Weddingbee.

Recessionista Fashion Find

Did you notice all the bows on Gossip Girl last night?
How cute is this short sleeved cardigan with chiffon ruffles from Forever 21? I think it would be fun with some skinny jeans for an engagement photo shoot or afternoon brunch. And, at just $29, you can afford one in every color!

Black Friday recessionista sale

I'm sure you have shopping on the brain today. Why not stock up on some lotions and potions from Kiehl's at 20% off?

If you don't know from Kiehl's, they have great products that are rarely on sale and they are famous for handing out oodles of travel-friendly samples. I live around the corner from their flagship NYC store so I can often be spotted there sniffing body cleansers and lotions.

Do hurry, valid in-store or online through December 1st.

Jet-Set Recessionista Jewelry Finds

Living in NYC has its perks - sushi at midnight, museums galore, delivery for just about anything and taxis and subways at every turn when your feet get tired. What we don't have are the things suburbanites take for granted:

- Malls (the good kind)
- Backyards and swimming pools (sigh.....)
- Cars to schlep our groceries home
- "Big Box Stores" like Target and Kohl's

Last summer, I had the surprise of my life during a trip to Rochester to visit my then-fiance's parents. On my first-ever visit to Kohl's and I found the most amazing Vera Wang sandals on sale for maybe $35. They were dressy yet casual, classy yet comfy and best of all, they had bling!

I haven't had a chance to return in person, but I went on a little virtual visit and spotted some very Recessionista-friendly jewelry finds!

I think these jet-tone jewels would be great for jetting off on a chic-city honeymoon. Best of all, everything is on sale for less than $20!

Simply Vera Wang Jet-Tone Beaded Bracelet Set
Simply Vera Wang Jet-Tone Flex Bracelet
Simply Vera Wang Jet-Tone Drop Earrings
Simply Vera Wang Jet-Tone Beaded Hoop Drop Earrings
Simply Vera Wang Jet-Tone Mesh Drop Earrings

Feeling lucky, head over to Blue Orchid Design's blog to enter The Recessionista Giveaway where you can design your own budget-friendly bridal ensemble and win a $50 Target gift card!

It's a Wrap! Recessionista Fashion Finds.

Two of my favorite dresses are on SALE at Calypso so I am spreading the exciting news. Both are versatile and travel-friendly and would be oh-so-fabulous for a tropical bridesmaid, engagement party or honeymoon.

Flying Coach? The Julia Silk Dress is your ticket for just $49 (orig. $195). Available in vibrant Aquamarine (my fave), Mimosa or Nile, this is one of the most popular wrap dresses around. This number can easily go from lunch in St. Maarten to dinner and dancing in St. Barts.

Flying First Class? The Butter by Nadia Satin Wrap Dress is now $199 (orig. $270). Available in Champagne (my fave), Tawny, and Cinnamon. This convertible dress can be warn in countless ways including strapless, backless and the popular one-shoulder look. The ballgown length is also on sale. This is a fantastic bridesmaid dress since one size fits all (no costly alternations) and each girl can pick a style to flatter her figure.

You snooze, you lose! All sizes/colors are currently in stock so act fast...