There is absolutely no reason why every bride can't have the wedding she has always dreamed about, no matter what her budget is. All it takes is a little imagination and resourcefulness. I have established a career based on imagination, and if you are so inclined, you too, can learn these simple, yet valuable “tricks of the trade.”
Seeking inspiration from somewhere or something is essential if you feel challenged for ideas when it comes to planning your wedding. Luckily, there are many great guides in the form of books and magazines on the topic that can help.
Get started by creating a folder of your favorite tear sheets. Anything that excites you is worth ripping out and saving. It is likely that as you collect things you will begin to notice a pattern. When I was planning my own wedding, I sought inspiration from someone I felt a connection with: Jackie Kennedy. I loved her personal, elegant style and worked from there.
Today, I find inspiration in stores. I come across an item I love and figure out a way to create a theme around it, even something as unusual as a lamp. The key here is to shop in places that sell in bulk or where you can order more. Shopping online also offers this advantage. These are thrifty ways to shop. If you can't afford a wedding planner, which most brides cannot, there is no reason you can't do it yourself. From the dinner plates to the favors, it's all within your reach.
Below you will find a list of my favorite places in the Lehigh Valley to buy inexpensive items in bulk.
1. Family Dollar Store
From favors to glassware, dollar stores should be your #1 resource if you are a bride on a budget.
1571 Lehigh St., Allentown or any dollar store
2. The Christmas Tree Shops
Beautiful glassware, great favor ideas, items for overnight guest gift bags, candles (sticks, lanterns, votive & more). This is my new favorite local shopping haunt for bulk entertaining accessories.
916 Airport Center Rd., Allentown
3. Dan Schantz Greenhouse
For your floral needs, Dan can order vases, floral foam, flowers and more in bulk)
Lehigh St. at I-78, Allentown
4. Marshall's/Homegoods
Not necessarily a place to buy in bulk, but a great place to pick up beautiful serving trays, candles, votives and lanterns. They carry unique bridal party gifts, including gift wrap and stationery. You can also find picture frames for table numbers, wreaths to use on the church doors and much more.
2144 W. Union Boulevard, Bethlehem
5. Leiser's Sales & Rental
If you don't want to buy your own goods, Leiser's has unique items. No worry about storage, pick up or drop off, it's all done for you. I have rented costumes for themed events, for wait staff and even beer steins for October-fest. Ooh and can't forget the tents too!
3608 Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem
6. Jo-Anne Fabric and Craft Store
You can purchase yards of fabric for tablecloths (have a local seamstress sew them for you, do it yourself or simply hot-glue a “make-shift” hem, no one will ever know!) This is also a great resource for ribbon and all the essentials for homemade bouquets (such as bouquet holders, floral tape, pear or rhinestone bouquet stick pins, etc.) tulle for pom-pom church pews or wreath bows. They have an entire section dedicated to weddings.
12 Macarthur Towne Ctr., Whitehall | Rt. 309, Quakertown
7. Catering
Rather than choosing an exclusive and pricey caterer, try contacting your favorite reasonably priced restaurant and see what they may offer in the way of catering. Grocery store bakeries also offer great wedding cake options.
My lists of resources are endless, because I can find inspiration in just about anything I see. If you see something you absolutely love, trust that you can turn it into the inspiration for the biggest day of your life.
Good Luck!
Jamie Gottschall, The NYC Lifestylist
Check out my blog for inspiring ideas at: jamiegottschallthenyclifestylist.blogspot.comFor wedding/event consultation & planning: jamiegottschallthenyclifestylist@yahoo.com484.764.9151
