David's Bridal "Final Sale" Page

I put this pic up just because I think this dress is really cute. It's totally something I'd love to wear as a bridesmaid, or even for just a formal occasion. Image property of David's Bridal. All rights reserved.

I thought it was worth mentioning here on the NJ Wedding on a Budget blog that they have some really low-priced bridesmaid dresses on the David's Bridal Website. In my circle of friends, the most bridesmaid action I saw was in the late 1990s to early 2000s. I would say that I typically paid around $150 for a bridesmaid dress. More recently, I was a bridesmaid again in 2013, and still that price point hasn't really changed much. Although it's worth mentioning that the dress I wore this time around was above the knee, as opposed to full or tea-length which is what I wore back in the day.

Looking at the current offerings on the David's Bridal Final Sale page, and they're running as low as $30-something, which is quite amazing to me. But it also goes to show that even popular wedding vendors are trying to catch the attention of today's economical bridal party. Let's face it, times are getting tougher, starting salaries are lower, and maybe NJ brides and bridesmaids are taking a more frugal approach.

Plus, stores like David's Bridal are competing with all the secondhand bridal gown shops and online stores. So maybe they aren't getting as much of a markup as they once were. Or maybe the merchandise is coming in from China under a generic name which can greatly reduce the value of the dress. Whatever the reason, if you're shopping for low-cost bridesmaid dresses and a budget bridal gown, you should probably head over to David's Bridal's website and peruse their online offerings.

My guess is that the dresses that are being offered for the lowest prices are probably not available to try on in the store. The workaround for that is just to take your measurements, and the buy the closest size dress you can find. If you're worried about your problem areas, maybe go for the next size up and pay a local seamstress (or hit up your ma) for alterations.

Some of the gowns being shown on the David's Bridal Final Sale page are probably not suitable for a wedding that will take place in the upcoming season. For instance, if you look there now (May) you'll see dark-colored dresses that would be more appropriate for a winter wedding. Well... do some advance planning, and assuming that as a frugal bride you're not going to be picky about last year's bridesmaid dress trends... snap some up and you'll be ready for the coming fall and winter months!

NJ Punk Rock Wedding Ideas

I attended a punk-rock wedding sometime in the late 90s. Actually, it was a punk rock vegan wedding. The reception was held at a park in Kinnelon, NJ. I remember walking up alone (I had agreed to meet my date there, the whole thing was very casual). I almost ended up at the wrong pavilion, partying with some old codgers at a 50th anniversary celebration instead.

The punk rock bride wore a short white dress. I forget what the groom's attire was (go figure) but I'm sure it was something involving combat boots or Converse hi-tops. Pretty sure they played lots of music from the Pixies and the Cramps. Dinner included vegan Setan Marsala and tortellini with asparagus and dairy-free cream sauce. Yes, of course I would remember the food.

After the meal was served and eaten, guests changed into shorts and tee shirts, and played field-day type games on the grass. It was a fun, laid-back, different kind of wedding.

Here are a few inspiring punk rock wedding pics from around the web!

A bad-ass way to advertise that you are "officially off the market!" Found on Pinterest.

Punk rock bride and groom, stickin' it to the man! But wait, what finger is that!? Pic courtesy of PleaseKillMe.com

Saucy, tattooed rebel on her wedding day. Images found on Burnettsboards.com

This is how punk rockers express their wedding-day gratitude! Pic from Offbeatbride.com

House-Hunting Tips for Newlyweds in NJ

NJ Realtor Vicki Brenner, on her wedding day.
Contact her at brennvlb@gmail.com or (732) 491-6126.

First comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes... first-time home buyer stress! Licensed Realtor Vicki Brenner of Weichert in Clinton, NJ helps home-seekers in Hunterdon and Warren County, NJ find the home of their dreams. Here, she shares 5 valuable tips for couples searching for their first home together.


5 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers:

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to purchase your first home. This is a very exciting time in your life, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. This is quite possibly the most expensive purchase you will ever make in your lifetime, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly! I’ve compiled some tips to help you make an informed, confident decision when buying your first home.

1)    Team up with a local Realtor- Your Realtor will know the ins and outs of your desired neighborhood. They will walk you through the entire process and help you purchase a great home, at an affordable price. Contrary to popular belief, homebuyers don’t pay their Realtor’s commission (in most cases); this is the seller’s responsibility. Pair up with a Realtor you connect with, and one who listens to your needs, wants, and concerns.

2)    Sit down with a mortgage lender- Meeting with a mortgage lender will give you direction when it comes to finances. Your lender will provide information on the different mortgage programs available, and help you decide which one will best suit your needs. Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval is typically an easy process, and will give you a realistic idea of what you can afford.

3)    Know what you want- write out your needs, wants, and deal breakers so your agent can find homes that you’ll actually want to look at. In the same respect, be willing to compromise. If the house you found has central air (one of your needs), but lacks granite countertops (one of your wants), consider updating the countertops at a later date.

4)    Be patient- Buying a home can be a lengthy process. Typically it takes anywhere from 35-60 days after your offer is accepted before you “close”. If you’re currently renting and know your lease is up in December, you probably want to start looking for homes in September/October to give adequate time. You may end up looking at several homes, over a span of weeks or months, before finding “the one”.  Don’t rush into it, you should be confident in your decision to avoid buyer’s remorse.

5)    Cover your bases- Buying a home involves working with several different vendors. Finding a reputable mortgage lender, home inspector, and real estate attorney (in NJ it is customary to work with an attorney) will make the process run smoothly. Your Realtor should be able to provide you with a list of preferred vendors that they have worked with in the past. If not, ask friends and relative for referrals.


Victoria “Vicki” Brenner is a licensed Realtor in the state of New Jersey, and works out of the Weichert, Realtors office in Clinton. She resides in Warren County with her husband and two children. Vicki is a member of the NAR, NJAR, and Hunterdon-Somerset Association of Realtors. For all your real estate needs, feel free to contact Vicki at: brennvlb@gmail.com or (732) 491-6126.

NJ Wedding Photographer - Review of Speer Images

The 2016 Spring Wedding Season is upon us! Have you selected your photographer yet?

I recently became acquainted with NJ wedding photographer Nicholas Speer, owner of www.SpeerImages.com. He supplied me with some reviews from happy clients. Here's one, below.

Image copyright Speer Images, www.speerimages.com. Phone: 973 903-6926

Celtic Wedding Frame - an Irish Blessing Makes the Perfect Gift!

I'm a sucker for Irish poetry and especially Irish blessings. I'm not even Irish! But I did marry one, so I get to be an honorary Celt on St. Patrick's Day at least. Irish prayers, with their simple words and heartfelt sentiments, tend to make me a little misty.

Whether you were born into the heritage, are betrothed to a Hibernian, or simply love collecting blessings from the Emerald Aisle or even around the world... you can find a beautiful Celtic Blessing to hang proudly in your home, right on Etsy.com.

Etsy is the online home for handmade and vintage items. I've made many a purchase from an Etsy crafter or collector, and I'm always delighted with what arrives.

Celtic Wedding Blessing - Picture Frame Wedding Gift

This one reads, "May joy and peace surround you. May contentment latch your door. And happiness be with you now. And may God bless you evermore."

Matted on the highest quality picture frame, it makes a beautiful wedding gift to present to your son or daughter and their wife or husband. A beautiful keepsake to cherish for always!

Click this link to view the product in detail, and to order on Etsy.com.

Here's another framed Irish Blessing to grace the home of the newly married couple. Hand lettered, and can be personalized with the family name.

This one reads:

God bless the corners of this house
And be the lintel blest.
And bless the hearth and bless the board
And bless each place of rest.
And bless each door that opens wide
To strangers and to kin.
And bless each crystal window pane
That lets the starlight in.
And bless the roof tree overhead,
And every sturdy wall
The peace of man, the peace of God,
The peace of love on
All.

This picture frame is available in several different versions. View product photos and place your order on Etsy.com.

My favorite Irish blessing, printed in beautiful calligraphy and matted on a high quality frame...

"May the Road Rise to Meet You" - the perfect wedding gift!

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft open your fields
And, until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

View the product and order on Etsy.com