Best Ever Wedding Favor Idea for the NJ Crunchy Bride... Natural, Vegan Perfumes

Hey there, Crunchy NJ brides. Do you love the natural, earthy aroma of essential oil-based perfumes? Are you someone who gets a headache from regular perfume and you kind of wish there were better, more natural options for girly, scented products like perfumes, colognes, bath bombs and such?

Clearly, this bride is wearing natural perfume from Twinkle Apothecary. He finds her utterly sniffalicious.

Well, let me just tell you about Twinkle Apothecary. Owned by a cool chick named Stefanie whose last name escapes me at the moment... they sell really awesome, natural perfumes and related, essential oil based skincare products that any crunchy bride and her tribe of vegan bridesmaids would be proud to wear.

If you're looking for the perfect wedding favor, special gift for the bridesmaids, or something sexy and delicious to dab behind your ears, elbows, knees and wherever else on your wedding night... then check out the delicious goodies available at Twinkle Apothecary.

This is just a small sampling of the many intoxicating choices found at Twinkle Apothecary.

It's true, they're not in NJ but rather based out of Oklahoma City. And frankly, with delicious natural and vegan perfumes like these that I honestly find myself sniffing up all day.... that is A-OK by me.

Shipping is fast, the natural and vegan perfumes and skincare products are yummilicious and I wish I knew about them when I got married.

Go shopping for natural perfumes, and tell Stefanie that NJ Wedding on a Budget sent you.

Enjoy the yumminess!

Grand Lens Photography Captures Every Nuance of Your NJ Wedding

Below, some beautiful NJ wedding photography samples from Grand Lens Photography. If you're on the hunt for affordable NJ wedding venues, check out the linked list of recommendations that they have so thoughtfully provided.

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

All photos on this page copyright Grand Lens Photography.

Hoboken Brides, Don't Miss this Seminar on Home Buying in Bergen County

"Hoboken to Bergen" Real Estate Seminar on Making the Move to Bergen County

So you want to move to Bergen County from Hoboken? Thinking ahead to married life, maybe raising a family? First time home buyers can learn a lot from this in-person seminar hosted by Megan Murphy of Keller Williams Realty. "Hoboken to Bergen" is happening on January 24! Don't miss this opportunity to learn and gather information.

The event details read as follows:

"Join me for coffee and dessert during a one-hour informational seminar on making the move from Hoboken to Bergen County. In addition to providing you with a wealth of information about neighborhoods and buying a home in Bergen County, you'll also hear from a listing agent, local mortgage lender, real estate attorney and home inspector. We'll be available to answer any questions you may have about the home selling and buying experience.

In addition, if you'd like to visit some of the beautiful Bergen County neighborhoods for yourself, you're welcome to join me on a tour of Open Houses, playgrounds and downtowns on Sunday, January 29."

Sign up on Facebook, and get knowledgeable on the home buying process! Bergen County is a great place to live.

Heads Up! Eco Flowers 25% off Coupon Code | NJ Wedding Flowers

Big SALE on Forever Flowers from Eco Flower!

 If you're in the market for an eco-friendly wedding bouquet, centerpieces or something else that's wedding flowers related, then check out the sale they're having at Eco Flower. What an awesome concept... wedding flowers that will last forever!

I didn't invest in flowers for my own frugal NJ wedding... I had a friend paint flowered centerpieces instead. But if I had known about Eco Flower, maybe I would have! Just think, you can decorate for your big day, then keep your Eco Flowers to beautify your home, recycle for other family occasions such as Christenings, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Communions, Bat Mitsvahs, Anniversary Celebrations and whatever else you can think of.

So yeah... check out the big 25% off Sale being offered at Eco Flower until December 12, 2016. They've got a coupon code for you and everything. It's SAVE25.

Forever Flowers are the way to go for your NJ budget-friendly wedding!

Another Rustic Farm Wedding Venue in South Jersey

Here's some lovely video footage of a wedding that took place at DeMeo Bluberry Farms of Hammonton, NJ. I have never been there, but I can tell by the 609 area code that its must be South Jersey. For those in the market for a DYI rustic farm wedding, this could be your lucky day!

If you're the owner of a NJ farm and want to advertise your wedding venue, please contact us on Facebook. Thanks!

Something Blue - Embroidered Wedding Keepsake

I was just roaming Etsy looking for holiday gifts when I came upon this embroidered gem by Sew Happy Girls. Could not resist sharing!

I was actually trying to figure out what it is. The Etsy page says "wedding dress label." I guess you could do pretty much whatever you want with it! Christmas tree decoration?

Order your own, hand embroidered Something Blue in time for your big day!

Live Boudoir Photo Shoot in the Snow

Beautiful boudoir model Julia Stalker
is ready to brave the cold!

Came downstairs this morning to find snow on the ground, and an eager little boy pulling on his light-up Star Wars boots to explore the white-dappled backyard. After preparing a quick pancake and sausage meal, I checked into Facebook to discover The Scarlet Fox Boudoir doing a live photo shoot on this lovely, wintry morning.

The other day I posted about The Scarlet Fox Boudoir offering boudoir photography as a wedding gift. This is perfect for the bride to surprise her hubby-to-be. Or, if the bridesmaids want to go in on a boudoir photo shoot for the bride, that could be a really cool and creative group wedding present!

Astin Benedetto of The Scarlet Fox Boudoir has just posted her photography session with her lovely model. Beautiful hair, gorgeous dress... perfect, romantic snowy scene at Weeble Wobble Honey Farm in Warren County, NJ.

So much good, creative stuff to love here!

Check out the video of these awesome ladies on location this morning! And if you want to learn more about a Boudoir Photo Session for your upcoming wedding, visit www.thescarletfoxboudoir.com.

Boudoir Photography... Now THAT's a Wedding Gift to Remember

Some brides and grooms give each other a special gift to remember their wedding by. Are you one of them? Whether you just got engaged or your wedding is next month, here's a spicy little something for him to cherish for always: Boudoir Photography.

The Scarlett Fox Boudoir is run by my talented photographer friend Astin Benedetto of Warren County, NJ. Astin will set the scene for your beautiful, intimate boudoir photography session that hubs is sure to love.

Learn about a boudoir photography session for your wedding. Image copyright The Scarlet Fox Boudoir.

Brides of all sizes, shapes and styles will find always something special to highlight in their boudoir session with Astin. He's marrying you, and yes, he thinks you're sexy and beautiful. So celebrate that with private and precious engagement or wedding photos to share between the two of you.

If you're not sure about a boudoir photo session, talk to Astin. Tell her your likes and dislikes, your personality, your "signature sexy," and all those ways he finds you unique and amazing, inside and out.

Bridesmaids, this could make a great wedding gift for the bride to share with her man! Talk to her and find out if this is something she might enjoy. 

Learn about a boudoir photography session for your wedding. Image copyright The Scarlet Fox Boudoir.

Let your beauty shine for your upcoming wedding and to rekindle your love through the years. Contact Astin to schedule your boudoir photography session today:


https://thescarletfoxboudoir.com/contact/

 

Mongrammed Christmas Wedding Ornaments for the Holiday Season Bride and Groom

Looking for a special gift for the holiday-season bride and groom?

Brides, searching for a sweet little token wedding gift for your hubby-to-be? 

Explore hand-etched, monogrammed and personalized gifts from AtHomeWithPennie. Order this personalized, monogrammed, glass Christmas ornament in time for your first Christmas together as a married couple!

This hand-etched, monogrammed Christmas ornament makes a sweet Christmas wedding memento to hang on the tree each year of your new, married life together.

Etsy crafter AtHomeWithPennie creates these etched ornaments, etched wine glasses, and many more unique, personalized gifts.


Check out her offerings right here, and place your custom order for your Winter Wedding etched-glass holiday ornament by contacting her on Etsy.

Throwback Thursday DIY Bride from 2009

NJ photographer and childbirth doula Astin Benedetto shared her "TBT Wedding Day" pictures from 2009 with us. Frugal in every way, this November bride kept her wedding budget under $10K, made her own bridesmaid and bride bouquets, and designed/produced the wedding programs and all the decorations on her own.

When asked about her approach to wedding planning, she said: "I tried to be as non-cliche as possible. We had a very music-centric wedding!" This included a Grateful Dead tribute band, choreographed dancing, and a musical score that Astin designed herself!

A creative through and through, Astin offers a special photography package for NJ brides who are thinking about giving their husband-to-be a unique gift for the wedding. Her idea: boudoir photography sessions to local NJ brides. Now that's a wedding-day present for him to cherish for always. :)

Make-at-home wedding arch with a fall foliage theme. Love those colors!

DIY wedding curls... she doesn't even look stressed at all!

Really cute "perspective shot" with the bridesmaids! Beautiful, homemade bouquets. Curls holding up nicely!

Congrats, to the newlyweds. Now let's get on with the party!

Astin Benedetto works out of Warren County, NJ as a doula and freelance photographer. Learn more about her wedding-day boudoir photography sessions at the Scarlet Fox Boudoir. Discover her loving, caring natural childbirth support at MajesticMotherhood.com.

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Share your Frugal Bride, DIY Wedding Story, Throwback Thursday photos, or Wedding Service Blog Post here! PM us on Facebook with your photos and story. THANKS!

- NJWOB

Married in a Graveyard on Halloween... Masquerade Wedding Fun

Ever wanted to just buck all the stuffy old wedding traditions and go all-out with a masquerade wedding? Hypnotherapist Becka Bossons and her husband Kevin did just that! Here are some throwback 90s wedding-day pics of their graveside nuptials held on Halloween. From the blushing Medieval bride and her Knight in shining armor, to an array of costume-clad kids dressed as Spiderman, fairy-princesses and other assorted heroes, to the wizardly father-of-the-bride... there was no limit to the creativity and fun had by this happy couple on their wedding day. To make it extra spooky, they even included traditional Pagan wedding rituals such as hand-tying and "jumping the broom." (I'll be heading to Google later on to find out more about that one!)

Check out Becka and Kevin for Throwback Thursday's Halloween Masquerade post. A fresh, fun twist to make a wedding to remember.

Submitted by Becka Bossons of TenderEmpowerment.com. Becka offers HypnoCoaching and hypnotherapy services to clients in Northestwest NJ (Hunterdon, Warren Counties) and NEPA (Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton areas). Her husband, Kevin Bossons, designs websites for a living at KevinBoss.com

Spooky Halloween Wedding Ideas - 2016

The Halloween season gives fall brides a chance to really get creative with every aspect of their wedding. Ghostly goodies, masquerade themes, pumpkins aplenty, and a bounty of harvest-themed decorative accents make this such a fun time of year to get married. Just think of the memories you'll create and the beautiful photos for your wedding album.

Below, just a bit of fall inspiration for Halloween-ish brides and grooms who want to make the most of their day. Check out the seancely table settings, goth wedding invitations, and gourd-adorned outdoor wedding venue that we found on the web, below.

Are you having a masquerade wedding? Send in your photos... we're happy to publish them on our blog for FREE!

Fanci-Fall, Romanci-Fall... found on FamilyHoliday.net

Love these Halloween wedding invitations!

Creative ideas for your Halloween themed outdoor wedding ceremony. From TheKnot.com

Are you having a Halloween wedding? Tell us about it in the comments!

"Last Chance to Run" Wedding Sign: Funny, Sexist, Offensive, or Don't Care?

There's a Facebook post going around covering the "Dumbest Wedding Trends of the 21st Century" and a whole bunch of people have given it a "frowny face." I assume this is because they partook in one or more of the trends at their wedding, and are now offended.

Examples include "mashtinis" which are "mashed potato martinis" (first time I'm hearing about this, ha, kinda funny really!) and "doughnut walls" (another trend that has escaped my attention until just now). My all-time favorite from their list has to be the photo of the kid holding a wedding sign that reads "Last chance to run!"

I'm wondering why some people have decided that this message is aimed at the groom and is sexist, making the blanket assumption that all grooms would want to run away on their wedding day, and all brides are "all in" for the rest of eternity.

And the same people are offended by said sign, deciding for the collective that all wedding signage should be lovey-dovey and free of negative humor.

Well, geez, doesn't anybody remember that movie Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts!?

Need I say more?

My opinion is, it's a joke, people. Lighten up. Last time I checked, jokes were funny because they held a grain of truth to them, and I don't think even the most giddy of brides has not had the fleeting thought, especially at the final hour of singledom, that she should head for the hills instead of marry that closet nose-picker, die-hard Trekkie, or whatever the groom does/is that drives her just a little bit bonkers.

Granted, I am not the type to have signs at my wedding or even around my house. But if you want to have a sign at your wedding, and if you want the sign to say "Last chance to run!" then all the power to ya, girlfriend. It's your wedding, so have it your way, is my philosophy.

What do you think? "Last Chance to Run." Funny? Offensive? Sexist? All? None? Don't care? Other?

Adelphia Restaurant Hosting FREE Wedding Reception Giveaway

Picture from this article describing Adelphia Restaurant's Free Wedding Reception Contest in detail.

I just got a heads-up from one of my roving wedding sources!

Frugal NJ Bride wishes do come true... and if you're interested in having a wonderful wedding reception at absolutely no cost, then check out this breaking news about a Wedding Essay Contest being held by the Adelphia Restaurant of Depford, NJ.

Enter to win the "Free Wedding Reception" Essay Contest by coming up with 100 words or less explaining why you feel that you and your fiance deserve to win.

The contest is open to residents of Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, Atlantic, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Mercer and Middlesex counties in New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester counties in Pennsylvania.

Entries must be submitted to the Adelphia Restaurant website. Only one submission will be allowed per individual; however, couples may be nominated as many times as possible by multiple people.

Finalists will be chosen by the Adelphia Restaurant & Events staff.

A vote for the winning couple (from among the finalists) will be held on Facebook between Nov 17 and Dec 19, 2016.

The winning couple will be announced publicly on Wednesday, December 21.

For more information about the contest, visit this link.

5 Things That are Way Cooler than Having an Expensive Engagement Ring

When did it become acceptable for a lady to expect her poor, hardworking fellow to foot the bill for a $10,000.00 engagement ring? Ladies... a big rock on your finger does not necessarily mean love, closeness, fidelity, or any of those things you expect to give and receive in your married life.

 

Below, a ton of way-cooler ideas for making use of that $9,600.00 for your partnered life together. 

 

 An incredible honeymoon! 

 Unless you already had kids before marrying each other (that's what we did!), your honeymoon will be the last hurrah before the pressing responsibilities of married life kick in. So, make it a good one if that's what you want to do. Now is your chance to book that Island Getaway, toast to the good life in Venice, explore Dover Cliffs, or hike the Grand Canyon.

A down payment on a house. 

He kicks in 10 Gs, you kick in another 8, and you've got a good chunk to put toward your future home together. Even if your parents are well-off and generous, it feels so much better to invest your own money into the home where you will make a life with your partner and maybe even raise a family. So forgo that pricey ring, and feel really good about the promise of a great life to come!

A new car. 

Are you in the family way? Perhaps a mom-van is in the cards for you. Or, maybe your worn-out wheels are due for a replacement. Having something sparkly on your hand to glance down at during your busy day isn't the worst thing. But a shiny new (and reliable) vehicle is the far more practical option.

A fat bank account. 

An extravagant wedding might make you giddy, and a big old diamond might make you feel cherished. But those feelings quickly fade when life throws you a curve ball and you have to cough up some quick cash for a life emergency, but there's no fundage to be had. Money in the bank means sleeping better at night, and even better, with the right financial advisor on your side, that nest egg will grow and grow!

Did you go with a frugal engagement ring? What did you do with the money you saved?

What's the one standout feature of your wedding that you do not regret having paid for?

Continuing on with our social media convo about wedding expenses... yesterday I posed the question,

"What's the one standout feature of your wedding that you do not regret having paid for in the least?"

 
Most who responded were either food people, booze people, music people, or all of the above! "Open bar" was probably the most common answer, and the one that received the most positive feedback from Facebook Likers.

The foodies said things like:

"Food and booze. We had it at our house under a tent, so we were able to pick exactly what we wanted (caterer is a good friend) it's been 6 years and people still talk about the food!" - Angela Sulla, PA

"Ice cream bar!" - Jess Wyble, Washington NJ (GREAT idea!)

Liz Cincola of CT, expressed a special feeling for the dress she chose, and celebrated the bargain she struck on flowers: 

"Three favorite things: my cake (included with the reception hall), my flowers (paid at cost from my mom's long time florist), and my dress - which I went halfsies with my mom because I cried when I tried it on, and she cried when she looked at the price tag."

Ann Zuccardy, too, scored some terrific, wedding-day attire: 

"My gown. It fit me like a glove with no alterations needed, but it was last year's model and at a deeply reduced price. I think I paid just over $200 for it. (In 1988.)" 

Some ladies expressed satisfaction at having invested in a pricier photographer or videographer who did an amazing job.

Libby Lomauro of North Jersey gave her husband a thumbs-up for procuring the perfect engagement ring. "He did a great job," she said.

And Nicole Dean of Pensacola, FL confessed that her honeymoon was the best wedding-themed investment she made!

Many were pleased with the band or DJ that they had chosen, saying things like: "The band! It was our single biggest expense and worth every penny. The memories from that show last forever." (Astin Benedetto, Phillipsburg, NJ)

One savvy bride offered a service trade in exchange for her wedding-day pics:

"Our photographer (which we didn't actually pay for, my husband traded a website for) and our DJ." (Becka Bossons, PA)

The most touching response goes to Maria Stepek Doherty of the UK, who offered a more sentimental take on this question:  

"Two stand outs, marrying in the Polish community church with the Polish priest officiating and having our small, immediate family only, reception in the Polish Club which my father had helped to found and keep going since he arrived penniless as a refugee. It made a powerful sense of connection with my roots."

Funniest/most practical response goes to our lone male respondent, Mike Donatelli, who said:

"Mouthwash and Advil in the goodie bag."

I think that we can walk away from this conversation with the understanding that each person is different. Your non-negotiable wedding-day feature could be very different from mine... and yet, we might both feel as though we hit the jackpot in terms of getting a deal, finding the perfect (dress, band, photographer), etc.

Happy Wedding Planning from one Frugal NJ Bride to Another!

Mini Mason Jar Wedding Favor DIY - How Cute!

What's the one thing you spent money on for your wedding that you'd take back if you could?

Pic courtesy Classicfm.com

We asked some married ladies this question as fodder for the blog. Here's what they had to say about wedding expense regrets!

"Disposable cameras on all the tables. We have many, many duplicate amateur pics of our professional ones." - Maribeth Baker, Pennsylvania

 (Ah, yes, 90s brides will remember those disposable cameras well! How many pictures do you think are out there of wedding guests partying in sunglasses and leis?)

"Everything! I love the couples I officiate for who have small, low or no-cost weddings. If I were young and getting married today, I would take whatever might be budgeted for a wedding and make a down payment on a piece of property." - Amy Jo Garner

(Hear, hear! NJ Wedding on a Budget approves of this wise statement!)

"I wouldn't bother with the videographer or hire a better one then the one I had. 3 hours of my father in law having a great time. I just need a highlight reel. Ceremony, speeches, first dance, dance with parents, comments from the tables." - K. Wilder-Bichler, Fair Lawn, NJ

"First time? Everything and it wasn't a big wedding. Second time nothing. It was perfect. I wish we had had more money. I wanted a hearse to drive us!" - B. Bossons, Pennsylvania

"Getting my hair done by a place I wasn't familiar with. We got married in Vegas at the Venetian and one price covered photos, minstral, location, flowers. We then had the reception at a separate site. The only thing I regretted was that my hair really didn't come out the way I would have liked and the same place talked me into getting my eyebrows waxed the SAME day as the ceremony!" - Nicole Bandes

"I wish I had spent money to have food catered instead of having friends and family help so that I could have enjoyed my time with them more." - Jessica Sellers

"I think I went nuts with the flowers, honestly, who remembers what arrangements were on the tables?" - Angela Sulla, Pennsylvania

"Nothing. I did a totally low budget wedding because I think so much of the wedding stuff is a huge marketing scam, including the diamond advertisements. Actually, I wish I had been more generous and spent more money on booze. I like travel and food - it's always been my thing to go low budget on cars, home decor and the like so I can eat and travel well." - Ann Zuccardy, NYC

Good thoughts from brides who have been there! Thanks for the input, ladies. Everyone else, feel free to add your remarks in the comments section of this post.

We Love Fall Wedding Hair!

Remember, frugal NJ brides... you don't have to pay upwards of $100-200 on your wedding-day up-do. You can always ask a friend who's attending beauty school or is just good with hair, to help create an unforgettable look for your fall wedding. Below, some inspiration I found on the Googles :)

Lovely basket braid found on shortlonghairstyles.net

Boho braided beauty for your wedding day. Found on Pinterest.

Perfect up-do for medium length hair... is it me or should all red heads get married in the fall!? Found on Fashiongrapher.com

Romantic hair seems to be the wedding trend this autumn. A flower crown adds the perfect touch for long, tousled locks. Found on Brides.com

 

 

 

This one is my favorite! 

The braided crown, in beautiful brown. From Brides.com

Bride Gets Her Mug Free - Bride Tribe Glitter Mugs

Need a gift for your bride tribe? 

This personalized glitter mug set from J Crafts & Gifts makes the perfect group gift for your bridesmaid besties.

Photo property of J Crafts & Gifts.

 The bride gets her mug free when you place your group order online. Sets of 3 to 10 mugs are currently available.

Check out other great gift ideas from J Crafts & Gifts on Facebook.

Use the code FALL16 for an additional 10% off!