Make one of these Garden State sweet specialties a part of your big day!
Author: meetingp
Here's How to Create a Married Couple Budget With Your Spouse
Photo: Getty Images
Some of us avoid budgeting when it’s just us. Add another person into the mix, with his or her own opinions on how to spend dough, and others might rather go to the dentist than set up a budget with that person, even if it’s our husband or wife.
“Money can fuel some pretty passionate responses and reactions, and each person is bringing in their own money histories and scripts into the marriage,” commiserates Mary Beth Storjohann, finance expert and founder of Workable Wealth. “Talking and communicating about money without it leading to a fight can be difficult, and that’s one reason why many couples opt to not do it at all, which means budgeting goes out the window as well.”
But that doesn’t mean you should avoid budgeting with your spouse. If having a budget will work well for you as a couple, there’s a way to set one up that won’t lead to fights and will lead to financial success. Here’s how to get started.
Open up, and be kind.
When you sit down to have your budget talk, “couples should be prepared to have an open, honest, and non-judgmental revealing of their financial pasts,” says Elle Kaplan, finance expert and founder of LexION Capital. Adds Storjohann, “review the state of your finances so both of you know exactly what your money situation is.” Take note of whether you have enough savings as well as whether either of you is carrying debt into your marriage. “Having both of you aware and involved will help keep you aligned,” she says.
But whatever you do, don’t play the blame game if you have to make room in your budget for, say, someone’s debt. “Playing the blame game will do nothing but halt this positive progress,” Kaplan explains. “These issues are just financial problems, not character flaws. Remember, these are goals you can both work through together to better your future.”
Set up specific goals.
“Couples should first prioritize their goals, and then tie them to spending,” says Kaplan. “Couples should sit down and determine which budgeting issues are important to them, and which ones they don’t really care about. You can stretch your budget by spending less on the unimportant costs, and avoid squabbles by allocating more towards hot-button issues.”
See More: How to Create Your Wedding Budget
Then ask yourself, what exactly are you saving for in that savings account? If you don’t know, the time to decide is when you set up your budget. “Are you buying a new home, starting a business, growing your family or simply trying to build your rainy day fund?” asks Storjohann. “Target specific amounts you’d like to stash away and assign a time period for building up the savings for each goal.”
Consider the 20-30-50 plan.
If you’re struggling with setting up specific goals, the 20-30-50 plan is another good place to start. As Kaplan explains, “the 20-30-50 plan is a great guideline to track spending. And it’s especially beneficial for couples because it doesn’t involve agreeing on every penny spent.” Here’s how it breaks down: “The 20 is 20 percent of your take-home income after taxes,” Kaplan explains. “This portion is non-negotiable, and it should go towards improving your financial future together, whether that’s paying off debt or investing in a 401(k).”
Next, 30 percent of your after-tax income should got toward fun or something you want. “Couples don’t have to agree on everything that money is spent on, as long as they are able to keep it in proportion,” says Kaplan. And lastly, 50 percent of your income should go toward essentials, such as mortgage payments or electricity bills.
Use an app to track your spending.
Now that you’ve set up a budget with goals, or a plan like the 20-30-50 one, it’s time to track where your money goes to make sure it goes to the right place. “Leverage an online platform like Mint or You Need a Budget to start monitoring your spending for you,” suggests Storjohann. “These apps will tell you what you’re spending in categories like dining out, entertainment, groceries and more, and you’ll be able to see how what you’re actually spending measures up against what you thought you were spending.” When you spot something that doesn’t align with your budget, you can readjust.
7 Types of Family Members You'll Likely Find at Every Wedding
Photo: Julian Kanz Photography
You know what they say: you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family, right? Inevitably, at every wedding, there always seems to be a good (if you want to call it that) mix of relatives. From the overly emotional parent to the jealous sister-in-law, here are seven types of family members you’ll find at any big day.
1. The Drunk Uncle
He’s a huge hit with all the groomsmen, can cut a rug like no other and still thinks he can drink like he’s in his freshman year of college. Well, unfortunately he can’t! And while he most likely (fingers crossed) won’t cause a scene on your big day, he will have the rest of your family laughing out loud and/or shaking their heads and everyone teasing him about his antics the following day. You can bet your ass he’ll be hurting at your morning after brunch too.
2. The Jealous Sister or Sister-In-Law
Whether she’s your sister, sister-in-law or first cousin, there’s always that one girl in the family who wants to either try and one-up you every chance she gets or bring you down on your big day. She’s critical of absolutely every decision during the planning process and totes judging you like she’s on TLC’s “Four Weddings” the actual day of. Um, jealous much?
3. The Wedding Know It All
This could be any female in the fam! But chances are, she’s recently married, around the same age as you and a self-proclaimed wedding expert who isn’t shy about dishing out planning advice even when it’s clearly not wanted. If she’s a bridesmaid, watch out! You’ll likely find her bossing around the wedding planner, instructing the photographer and chastising the DJ because obviously she knows more about your wedding than the people you hired to help.
4. The Cool Aunt
She’s got style and is arguably the best-dressed adult at the wedding. She looks about 20 years younger than she actually is and all the bridesmaids wish they had an aunt as cool as her. She can kick it with guests of all ages and loves herself a good night out sans the kids. Sit her at any table and she’ll strike up a conversation and make your friends laugh. Of course, she’s got moves like Jagger and will only leave the dance floor to fill up her cup but she never gets noticeably drunk.
See More: 5 Ways to Deal with a Jealous Sibling on Your Wedding Day
5. The Emotional Parent
Most often, it’s mom, however some dads can surprise you out of nowhere too! Get ready for the waterworks because the emotional parent will not only shed tears themselves but also make everyone else cry with an adorably touching speech. You can tell this particular parent loves their daughter or son a ridiculous amount and all that affection makes hearts around the room melt.
6. The Traditional Grandma
The music is always way too loud and she can’t for the life of her understand why anyone would choose a DJ over a lovely live band. While she wasn’t exactly happy about the fact that you were getting married by an “officiant” instead of a preacher or that you opted out of doing the bouquet toss and other traditions, she’s done her best to keep her mouth shut, nevertheless she’s secretly she’s shaking her head wondering what it is with kids these days.
7. The Creeper Cousin
Beware because sometimes it’s the brother too! This dude will start with the bridesmaids then proceed to hit on any single female guests unless he gets a plus one. And even then he’ll still be spitting game (or rather trying to) the entire night until legit everyone has rejected him.
Everything You Need to Plan A Palm Springs Bachelorette Party
Photo: Getty Images
Palm Springs has risen in popularity over the last decade, cementing its place as the hotspot destination for gorgeous desert weddings. That’s not hard to believe, however, what with its picturesque palm-tree lined wilderness, warm weather, and countless boutique hotels popping up across town. These dreamy conditions just so happen to also make Palm Springs the perfect place to throw a bachelorette party. If you’re looking to head out west to celebrate you or a bride-to-be, here’s what you’ll need to have the bridal getaway of a lifetime.
Photo: Courtesy of The Saguaro
1. Find A Hotel That Fits Your Bachelorette Party Style
There are over 130 different hotels to choose from in Palm Springs, each of which have different vibes. From quiet bungalows to colorful midcentury modern resorts, there is a place for you and your bachelorette crew. Does your squad want to dance poolside to DJs dropping nu-disco beats? The Saguaro is just the place. But if you guys prefer to sip-and-spa in a more relaxing setting, The Parker is where it’s at. The point is, whether you’re looking to party from dawn until dusk or luxuriate with a bottle of wine, you’ll be able to find a hotel to suit your party’s personality.
Photo: Sara Tan
2. Go See The Sights
While it might seem like a whole lot of barren landscape, Palm Springs is teeming with historical landmarks (like the Annenberg retreat of Sunnylands), gorgeous canyons, and botanical gardens (like The Living Desert). Make a plan and then hop into a stylish, but smart car to get you to and from, like the 2016 Chevy Hybrid Malibu. It’s got Wifi, Apple Car Play, and OnStar navigation, which basically means that it does all the hard work for you, so you guys can focus on the important things, like the best angles for a group selfie.
Photo: Courtesy of The Tropicale via Facebook
3. Eat Like Queens
It won’t be difficult to find a delicious restaurant to fulfill you and your party’s needs. Head to the sleek Workshop Kitchen + Bar for French 75s and duck fat fries or the infamous Tropicale for shrimp tacos, fruity drinks, and live music.
Photo: Courtesy of Bootlegger Tiki via Facebook
4. Dance (and Drink!) Like There’s No Tomorrow
Just because it’s a sleepier town doesn’t mean there isn’t anywhere to get your groove on. From Bootlegger Tiki’s umbrella-adorned cocktails, to Carnival Cabaret’s drag show, to Village Pub’s divey dance floor, the opportunities to make weird and wonderful memories are endless.
See More: 7 Things That Secretly Annoy Bridesmaids at Bachelorette Parties
Photo: Courtesy of The Parker Palm Springs
5. Decompress At A Spa
Ah, the spa. A necessary treat during an indulgent getaway with your girls. For a more quiet experience, consider the Palm Springs Yacht Club, where the bride and her guests will be greeted with a minty vodka shot upon arrival. If you’re a group that likes to stick together, the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage is a great option — it’s got a private spa pool and a cabana for rent that can fit up to 20 people.
Adrienne Bailon and Israel Houghton Are Married! Here's What We Know About Their Paris Wedding
Photo: Getty Images
Just three months ago, Adrienne Bailon said oui when her sweetheart, Grammy-winning Christian musician Israel Houghton, dropped to one knee and proposed to her in Paris, France. And now, it’s official — the pair is married! We just got word that Bailon and Houghton headed back to the City of Lights to say their “I dos” in an ultra-romantic wedding. Here’s everything we know about the très chic nuptials…
After a Parisian proposal and a Paris-themed wedding shower, it only made sense for Bailon and Houghton to tie the knot back where it all began.
So, with their family and friends in tow, the couple flew to France earlier this week for their wedding festivities. Yesterday, Bailon and Houghton celebrated their rehearsal dinner (photos below) at the Parisian restaurant, Ferdi, according to E! News. Fun fact: The couple had previously met in the same spot a decade ago! Très magnifique, non? And then today, on November 11, the bride and groom finally said “I do.”
Bailon and Houghton said their vows at around 7 p.m. local time at Paris’ ultra-luxe Hotel Plaza Athénéel in front of about 70 wedding guests including Bailon’s The Real co-hosts Loni Love, Jeannie Mai, and Tamera Mowry.
“I genuinely just feel so blessed and grateful. I’ve honestly never been happier in my entire life,” the newly-minted Mrs. shared with People magazine. “I’ve never felt what I feel right now. I can’t even describe what it is, but it’s such a peace mixed with total excitement.”
See More: A Paris-Inspired Wedding Color Palette Fit for the Chicest Mademoiselles
“I’m so glad we chose such an intimate group of who have shared in our journey and know our hearts and that I honestly feel comfortable crying in front of,” Bailon continued. “I didn’t want to invite people I felt I had to put on a performance for. I wanted every moment to be genuine and really special.”
And we’re positive it was! (But seeing some wedding photos just to be sure certainly wouldn’t hurt…)
A Cozy Ski Lodge Was the Perfect Spot for this Wedding on Wisconsin's Lake Geneva
Photo: Carly McCray Photography
Hannah Koch and Max Clink first met a decade before they said “I do,” as high school students at a mutual friend’s party. “We didn’t get along at first, but over the course of our high school years, we started to really bond,” Hannah remembers. By the time senior prom and graduation rolled around, they’d fallen in love, and their relationship only grew as they studied at DePaul University together. On October 24, 2014, on the way to Hannah’s parents’ lake house in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Max invited his longtime girlfriend to join him for a walk down the pier. “The lake is our getaway from the bustle and noise of Chicago,” Hannah says. “We stood at the end of the pier, looking at the stars and listening to the sounds of the lake at night. Then Max got down on one knee! It was just the two of us, and it was perfect.”
Exactly one year later, on October 24, 2015, they returned to Lake Geneva to celebrate their marriage. “Ever since I was a little girl, I would point to the little stone church in town and tell my parents I was going to get married there,” says Hannah of Holy Communion Episcopal Church, where she and Max had their ceremony. They wanted an equally fairytale-inspired location for their reception, so they explored ballrooms and barns until they found something that fit their personalities to a T: Mountain Top Ski Chalet at Grand Geneva Resort. “When we saw the huge stone fireplace, cozy lodge styling, and floor-to-ceiling windows, Max and I knew it was the place,” Hannah says. With 150 guests in tow, they headed to the cozy, intimate setting for a weekend of eating, drinking, and relaxing (and of course, celebrating!) with the people they love most. The bride’s godmother, a former event planner, came out of retirement to bring the couple’s magical day to life, and Carly McCray Photography captured every sweet memory. Take a peek, below!
Photo: Carly McCray Photography
Swirling calligraphy and handwritten block font were the perfect intersection of elegant and relaxed on this couple’s invitation suite. The text took on an almost watercolor vibe with ink that shifted between shades of blue and green.
Hannah’s accessories were a big part of her wedding-day look. Her shoes, sparkling Jimmy Choo flats, were found during a weekend in New York City with her mom. “They’re a great memory from our trip, and I tore up the dance floor in those bad boys!” she remembers. Her cathedral-length tulle and Battenberg lace veil was made by her great grandmother for her paternal grandmother’s wedding — and was also worn by Hannah’s mom on her wedding day. Last, but not least, are the buttons down the back of her Watters wedding dress. “I took silk buttons from the dress that my maternal grandmother designed for her wedding day — the dress my mom wore for her own wedding! — and had them added to the back of my dress. I loved having that legacy with me!” Hannah explains.
Her Watters wedding dress combined traditional and modern details, with an illusion neckline, lace appliqués, and beading across the bodice. “I didn’t have a train. I had every intention of being able to move on the dance floor!” she says.
We can’t get enough of her oversized bouquet, combining garden roses, peonies, clematis, olive branches, and pepper berry. “I asked for something cascading and loose, and boy, did our florist deliver!” says the bride.
“Seeing Max at our first look was one of my favorite moments,” says Hannah. “It was so special to share that quiet time before a night of partying. We both immediately burst into tears!” Max wore a navy blue suit, which he designed himself. “He isn’t usually one for formal attire so watching him get into the details was so fun.”
The bridesmaids all wore navy blue cocktail dresses from Lazaro. The lace neckline was a beautiful complement to Hannah’s gown, while the shorter length gave the ladies a more relaxed vibe. Their bouquets also echoed the bride’s, with the addition of blue privet berry to match their dresses.
Max stood out against a group of groomsmen in gray suits, which they paired with navy ties to coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. Their seasonal boutonnieres contained garden roses with blue privet berry.
Since Lake Geneva plays such an important role in Max and Hannah’s wedding, it should come as no surprise that they headed out to the pier for photos!
The front door of the church was decorated with a garland of bay leaf, silver dollar eucalyptus, olive branches, and salal. As guests arrived, they were handed programs that perfectly matched the couple’s blue and white invitations.
“My dad walked me down the aisle to ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles,” says Hannah. “If I could change one thing about our wedding day, I would have walked more slowly to make that moment really last.”
As the ceremony came to an end, the bride slipped on her aunt’s antique fur jacket to ward off the fall chill.
At the Chalet, the chandelier was draped with peonies, garden roses, clematis, silver dollar eucalyptus, and olive branches. “It was so breathtaking when you walked into the room — you could smell the eucalyptus and peonies as soon as you walked through the door,” Hannah says. At the head table, a garland of greenery was woven between vases that held the bridesmaids’ bouquets.
Tables were named after destinations that were special to the couple, from Oahu (where they were set to honeymoon) to Chicago (where they live). Some tables were lit by candles in gold lanterns, while others featured taller candlesticks wrapped in eucalyptus and olive branches.
For dinner, guests were served a family-style feast of peppercorn-crusted sirloin, scaloppini of chicken, and wild mushroom ravioli. “Max and I frequent Portillio’s in Chicago and have had more Italian beef sandwiches than we can count, so we had to have Italian beef sliders as a late night snack,” says the bride.
Photo: Carly McCray Photography
The roughly-frosted wedding cake, topped with roses and pepper berries, had three flavors: cinnamon cake with hazelnut filling, white cake with Bavarian cream, and almond cake with lemon filling.
Outside around the fire pit, guests could gather on chairs draped with buffalo blankets and indulge in the make-your-own s’mores bar for a sweet and cozy treat.
“The best choice we made was to have our dinner while everyone else was eating the salad course,” says Hannah. “That way we could have a full meal and still have time to visit with the tables during dinner. It was a whirlwind, but I’m so glad we were able to greet everyone in person.”
Ceremony Venue: Holy Communion Episcopal Church || Venue, Catering & Cake: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Watters, from BHLDN || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Jewelry: Kerry Gilligan || Hair: Hair by Lauren || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lazaro || Groom’s Attire: Zeglio || Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: R.L. Jewelers || Floral Design: Frontier Flowers of Fontana || Invitations & Paper Goods: Vichcraft Design Studio || Music: Moeller Music; Okyne Media Lab || Favors: Graham’s Fine Chocolates || Photographer: Carly McCray Photography
Can’t get enough of this beautiful celebration? Then check out another couple’s lakeside wedding in the video below.
4 Things to Keep in Mind If You're Planning a Holiday Wedding
Photo: Bring to Light Photography
Chestnuts roasting by an open fire, steaming mugs of cider…and a bride heading down the aisle! With indulgent meals and lots of time with family and friends in mind, a wedding during the holidays seems like a perfect fit! It does, however, come with its own set of challenges. Thankfully, we’ve asked our experts to break down the big things you should keep in mind if you’re hoping to get married during the holidays, so the only thing that surprises you is that sprig of mistletoe overhead for your first kiss.
Consider a Smaller Guest List
Even if you plan your wedding a year or more in advance, there’s a chance that choosing a date during the holidays will discourage some guests from coming, whether it’s because they have their own family celebrations to attend or due to the high cost of travel at this time. If you’re worried that you’ll have a lot fewer guests in attendance, consider making your wedding a more intimate, family-focused event, then plan a second reception later.
Family Comes First
If you’re planning on inviting guests beyond your own families and close friends, you should consider turning your wedding into a family-friendly affair and adding kiddos to the guest list. That will greatly increase the chance of your guests RSVPing “yes,” as they won’t have to choose between your love and spending the holidays with their children. Look into hiring a few babysitters to entertain the smaller ones once the party gets started, as well as kid-friendly activities (like a 10 p.m. “Ball Drop”) to make the evening special for them, too.
See More: Seasonal Ideas to Steal From Our Favorite Winter Weddings
Be Prepared for Higher Prices
Sure, there may be fewer weddings happening during that time of year, but between holiday parties, vacations, and vendors wanting to spend time with their own families, the price of your dream venue or favorite photographer may be higher than it would be during a different season. Be prepared to pay more for a wedding on an actual holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve) no matter the day of the week. This also applies to things like flights and hotel rooms, especially if you’re having your wedding at a winter destination. Hotels book up months in advance, and airline prices skyrocket this time of year, so the financial impact could affect your guests, too.
Start Booking Early
You’re not just competing against other brides and grooms, but also vying for a space or vendor that’s equally tempting to a corporate holiday party or a blowout New Year’s Eve Gala. Start contacting and booking vendors as soon as possible: This will give you a larger number of options to consider, as well as time to find a back-up, should that cozy lodge you love already be full of holiday travelers or reserved for a corporate shindig.
Chinese Pop Star Jane Zhang's Wedding Dress Will ACTUALLY Blow Your Mind
More and more, brides are opting for custom wedding dresses for their big day to create that perfect ensemble in which they feel like an absolute princess. And when you’re a pop star, that sentiment is no different. Chinese singer Jane Zhang’s stunning wedding dress is making us want every bride to opt for a custom gown. Here’s a peek at photos from her big day.
The pop star, 32, and her groom got married in Orvieto Italy, according to Pop Sugar, and a purple-hued theme ruled the day. The bridesmaids all wore lavender-colored dresses in varying lengths and styles while the groomsmen touted light gray, white, and black tuxes. Bridesmaids grasped a tight cluster of white flowers while groomsmen were adorned with purple boutonnieres — and the lilac theme was infused throughout the day with ceremony and reception decor. Guests even had lilac shawls that were placed on their seats at the ceremony to keep the trend going throughout the day.
For both the bridal party and the lady of honor, Tony Ward created custom designs for all. At the request of the bride, each lavender dress was tailored to fit the bridesmaids’ personality. The designer shared a sketch of his masterpiece on Instagram, showing the intricacies of his work for Zhang over the last year.
But in true wedding-day fashion (no pun intended!), all eyes were on Miss Zhang, who rocked an off-the-shoulder custom Tony Ward Couture ball gown, complete with layers of silk organza with an A-line to complement her sleek frame. The bride wore her hair pulled back in a sleek low-bun updo, and her dramatic cathedral-length veil trailed behind her atop her ornate gown.
She looked like a totally glam princess, but it’s safe to say wonder if she had a backup dress for her reception. While those hundreds of layers of organza looked totally stunning and close to a work of art, we can only imagine how much effort it took to move around throughout the day!
See More: This 86-Year-Old Bride STUNNED in a Purple Wedding Dress
How to Create a Married Couple Budget With Your Spouse
Money talk isn’t easy, but it’s super critical.
Rebecca Ingram Launches Stylish Wedding Dresses at Perfect Prices: Sponsored
Photo: Edward James / Indigitalimages.com
Whether you just started on your wedding dress journey or have already hit up every bridal salon in town, one thing is for sure — finding the dream wedding dress is stressful. But it’s also easier than you might think. Sure, there are thousands of options and styles, but you’ve probably already narrowed it down to style or silhouette, and of course, budget. Finding the ideal wedding dress often starts with finalizing how much you’re willing to spend, and contrary to what some will have you believe, you don’t have to sacrifice the right style for the right price.
Photo: Edward James / Indigitalimages.com
Enter Maggie Sottero Designs’ new line, Rebecca Ingram. This newly launched wedding dress collection is a thrifty bride’s dream — elegant wedding dresses at totally affordable prices! Featuring pretty lace and timeless silhouettes, this new collection has us totally crushing!
The new line of wedding dresses caters to every bride-to-be’s style. From boho-inspired styles, like the aptly named Hope, to modern, the Marjorie, and of course something for the classic bride looking for glamour, Rebecca Ingram has something for everyone!
Photo: Edward James / Indigitalimages.com
See More: Fall 2017 Wedding Dress Trends
Featuring soft layers of delicate lace, chiffon and organza, illusion necklines and subtle hints of color throughout, these wedding dresses can go from beach to city loft, rustic vineyard or glam ballroom. Keeping the silhouettes classic, the collection makes it an easy fit for every occasion — and every budget! Looking for a dress that will wow as you walk down the aisle but won’t hit you where it hurts (your wallet)? You’re in luck, 2017 brides-to-be — these new dresses all clock in at under $1200!
Boho brides, classic brides, modern brides, and glam brides unite! This collection is for all of you.
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