<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link><description>AisleDash</description><image><url>http://www.aisledash.com/media/feedlogo.gif</url><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link></image><language>en-us</language><copyright>Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright><generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>Reception menu planning - Five things to consider</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/reception-menu-planning-five-things-to-consider/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/reception-menu-planning-five-things-to-consider/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/reception-menu-planning-five-things-to-consider/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/cakes-and-catering/" rel="tag">Cakes and Catering</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1019419"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="150" border="0" align="right" alt="buffet table" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/buffet7_variations.jpg" /></a>From the ever-helpful people at <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com">The Kitchen</a> comes this list of five <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/desserts-for-a-crowd/how-to-plan-a-wedding-reception-menu-030781">important considerations when planning your reception menu</a>. Whether you're doing it yourself, or planning with a caterer, whether you're having a dessert buffet or a sit-down, three-course dinner, these factors will apply.<br /><br />1. <strong>Seasonality</strong>. Foods that are in season are less expensive and easier to find. Seasonal dishes make sense to your guests, too: people prefer lighter fare in hot weather, comfort food in cold.<br /><br />2. <strong>Variety.</strong> Even if you're having a dessert buffet, as are the writers at The Kitchen, you can still provide variety in taste, texture, temperature, and color. With a less focused menu comes opportunity for even greater variety.<p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/reception-menu-planning-five-things-to-consider/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Reception menu planning - Five things to consider</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/desserts-for-a-crowd/how-to-plan-a-wedding-reception-menu-030781>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/reception-menu-planning-five-things-to-consider/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1263895/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/30/reception-menu-planning-five-things-to-consider/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>catered-party</category><category>catered-reception</category><category>caterers</category><category>catering</category><category>dessert-buffet</category><category>DIY-catering</category><category>seasonal-food</category><category>wedding-catering</category><category>wedding-reception</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Buying online?  Put safety first</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/computer-savvy-bride-put-safety-first-when-buying-online/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/computer-savvy-bride-put-safety-first-when-buying-online/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/computer-savvy-bride-put-safety-first-when-buying-online/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><p><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="154" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/laptop_marinela_woman_237936_l.jpg" alt="" />It's probably no surprise that weddings represent a huge amount of annual spending in the United States, in fact <a href="http://theweddex.blogspot.com/2008/04/from-kiplinger-is-wedding-industry.html">around $70 billion</a>! But online sales are a mere fraction of this number. Even those of us who often pump credit card numbers into forms to order shoes, books, and other goods hesitate when it comes to Web shopping for a wedding. Those cyberstores just don't seem as real as the brick and mortar ones for something this important.</p>
<p>Christy Terry, author of <a href="http://shopping.aol.com/ido/isbn-9781416578543?&amp;k=ido+planning+wedding&amp;tot=1&amp;refCode=aolpartner_shopsearch&amp;id=9">iDo: Planning Your Wedding With Nothing But Net</a> highlights the advantages of wedding shopping online. The first is convenience. Online stores are open 24 hours a day, so you don't have to wait for Saturday or explain to your boss why you took yet another 3 hour lunch. The Web also allows you to browse infinitely more products for ideas and inspiration than could possibly be held in your average bridal shop. Finally, the Internet makes it easy to search, find, and compare prices without wasting gas by driving around town. <a href="http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/91SHPTIP.HTM">Online shopping can also be safe</a>, especially when you follow these tips.</p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/computer-savvy-bride-put-safety-first-when-buying-online/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Buying online?  Put safety first</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/91SHPTIP.HTM>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/computer-savvy-bride-put-safety-first-when-buying-online/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1255338/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/25/computer-savvy-bride-put-safety-first-when-buying-online/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>online shopping</category><category>OnlineShopping</category><dc:creator>Caroline Humphreys</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Planning your wedding online? Skip the spam</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/computer-savvy-bride-spam-be-gone/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/computer-savvy-bride-spam-be-gone/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/computer-savvy-bride-spam-be-gone/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="149" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/type_typing_hands_238610_l.jpg" />Here's another great tip from Christa Terry, author of <a href="http://shopping.aol.com/ido/isbn-9781416578543?&amp;k=ido+planning+wedding&amp;tot=1&amp;refCode=aolpartner_shopsearch&amp;id=9">iDo: Planning Your Wedding With Nothing But Net</a>. There's a lot of good stuff on the multitude of wedding websites out there, but if you're going to be a big-time browser, you're also going to end up having to register on some of those sites. Registering basically means you're giving your contact information to those companies so they can (and they will) market their products, their friend's products, and their friend's friend's products to you as you plan your wedding and well beyond. One of the great things about the Internet, is you can set up a separate e-mail account (for free) to collect all those "extra" solicitous e-mails for easy disposal. Take the time to visit Gmail, Yahoo! or Hotmail and set up an e-mail account to use when you're registering with wedding sites online. This will keep your regular personal or business <a href="http://www.ctflyfish.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=68&amp;mode=threaded">e-mail account free of all those spammy ads</a>.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.ctflyfish.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=68&amp;mode=threaded>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/computer-savvy-bride-spam-be-gone/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1255320/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/computer-savvy-bride-spam-be-gone/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>online shopping</category><category>OnlineShopping</category><dc:creator>Caroline Humphreys</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Inspiration board: DIY wedding</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/flowers/" rel="tag">Flowers</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/favor-file/" rel="tag">Favors</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/ceremonies/" rel="tag">Ceremonies</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/inspiration-boards/" rel="tag">Inspiration Boards</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" alt="DIY inspiration board" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/diy-board.jpg" /><br /></div>
<br />This week we brought you Do It Yourself (DIY) weddings. One of the great things about doing it yourself is the money you can save. And who else knows what you want better than you do? Here are the things we found for you: <br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Inspiration board: DIY wedding</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262928/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>DIY</category><category>inspiration</category><category>inspiration-board</category><dc:creator>Becky Scott</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Unity candle - a simple DIY wedding project</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/make-your-own-unity-candle/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/make-your-own-unity-candle/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/make-your-own-unity-candle/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/ceremonies/" rel="tag">Ceremonies</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/waucsmall.jpg" alt="" />Standard <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/09/18/what-is-a-unity-candle-and-should-i-have-one-at-my-wedding/" target="_blank">unity candles</a>, which are often little more than just a plain white pillar, usually sell for $30 or more. It's not like this is the most expensive part of your wedding, but it is a huge markup nonetheless, especially for an item that you can make yourself, and have a lot of fun doing so.<br /><br />I first tried candle making at a workshop at a resort where I was vacationing. The class was fun and educational, cost me $20, and I walked away with five candles of my own design -- I'd selected the color, the shape, and the scent of each. <br /><br />Candle making is not difficult or time consuming, but it is a complicated process. You can find <a href="http://www.cajuncandles.com/getting-started-candle-making.html?gclid=CIrSycWxzJQCFSRaiAodDT20kA">instructions</a> and <a href="http://www.lonestarcandlesupply.com/?gclid=CIKN682xzJQCFQ0ziQod4BqUkw">supplies</a> online, but if you've never tried it before, we recommend starting with a class. Call around to local craft stores and see if any of them offer candle classes, or know where one is available. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/unity-candles/">Unity Candles</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/unity-candles/698639/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/bridesvillage_1994_39537292_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/unity-candles/698656/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/wac284_carved_unity_candle_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/unity-candles/698627/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/bridesvillage_1989_36191797_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/unity-candles/698633/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/bridesvillage_1994_34406276_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/unity-candles/698647/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/bridesvillage_1991_33371853_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.aisledash.com/2007/09/18/what-is-a-unity-candle-and-should-i-have-one-at-my-wedding/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/make-your-own-unity-candle/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261163/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/make-your-own-unity-candle/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>candle-making</category><category>crafts</category><category>DIY</category><category>how-to-make-candles</category><category>make-your-own</category><category>unity-candle</category><category>unity-candles</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Computer-savvy bride: Managing favorites</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/20/computer-savvy-bride-managing-favorites/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/20/computer-savvy-bride-managing-favorites/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/20/computer-savvy-bride-managing-favorites/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><img height="156" alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/laptop_work_browsing_239175_l.jpg" width="200" align="right" vspace="4" border="0" />You woke up at 2 a.m. last night and decided that you absolutely must have those cute little favors you saw online a few weeks ago...only now you can't remember which of the thousands of favor-selling Websites had it. Finding that Website again is even more frustrating than finding a needle in a haystack -- at least the haystack has a finite amount of hay to search. That's why Christa Terry, author of <a href="http://shopping.aol.com/ido/isbn-9781416578543?&amp;k=ido+planning+wedding&amp;tot=1&amp;refCode=aolpartner_shopsearch&amp;id=9">iDo: Planning Your Wedding With Nothing But Net</a>, says that if you're going to do any of your idea gathering and shopping on the Internet, you're going to need <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2033258_manage-bookmarks-internet.html">a way to manage the Web pages you save as favorites or bookmarks</a>. Spend a few minutes now to set up a file system for yourself. Create a folder in Bookmarks (if you use Safari or Firefox) or Favorites (if you're on Internet Explorer) for all of your wedding stuff. Within that folder create sub-folders for each major part of your wedding: dresses, flowers, favors, and so on. Terry also recommends having a way to mark the things you really super like (versus things that you just kinda like), such as putting asterisks around the name of the bookmark (***gorgeous gowns***). With a basic filing system, you'll save yourself the hassle and frustration of lost Websites. You've got enough to do anyway.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.ehow.com/how_2033258_manage-bookmarks-internet.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/20/computer-savvy-bride-managing-favorites/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1255313/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/20/computer-savvy-bride-managing-favorites/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>online shopping</category><category>OnlineShopping</category><dc:creator>Caroline Humphreys</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Dripping with style</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/dripping-with-style/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/dripping-with-style/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/dripping-with-style/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/cakes-and-catering/" rel="tag">Cakes and Catering</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><a href="http://www.savvysneaks.com/baswspsiweca.html"><img width="220" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="220" border="0" align="right" alt="crystal drop cake topper"  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/crystaldropcaketop.jpg" /></a>This is a very simple, yet striking cake topper. Not your traditional bride and groom, nor even a monograph, these delectable crystals hang suspended and glittering over your cake, catching the eye as they catch the light.<br /><br />These drops are sold in a set of nine. You can place them all in the top layer, as shown in the picture, or you could set them at varying levels on a tiered cake.<br /><br />They would also be very simple to make. A light to moderate gauge of wire, a pair of wire cutters and needle-nose pliers, and a handful of crystals in your choice of colors and sizes, and a reasonably steady hand, and you could have a set of these made in less than half an hour. Stunning!<br /><br /><em>If you're interested in more information on the <a href="http://www.savvysneaks.com/baswspsiweca.html">crystal cake toppers shown, contact SavvySneaks.com</a>.</em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.savvysneaks.com/baswspsiweca.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/dripping-with-style/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1258104/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/dripping-with-style/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cake-toppers</category><category>crystal</category><category>DIY</category><category>swarovski</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Bridal sneakers?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/bridal-sneakers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/bridal-sneakers/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/bridal-sneakers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.savvysneaks.com/sasndebrtesh.html"><img width="400" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="315" border="0" alt="bridal tennis shoes"  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/savvysneakersbrde.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<br />For the uber-casual wedding (or even for the bride whose feet have given way under the strain of those luscious silver stappy confections with the six-inch heels -- what were you THINKING?), we have here the ultimate in bridal comfort: sneakers.<br /><br />Yes, bridal sneakers, also called runners. You can purchase your own pair any number of places. The pair in the picture, which are bridal tennis shoes, came from <a href="http://www.savvysneaks.com/savvysneaks1.html">Savvy Sneaks</a>, and at just under $45, they're not going to break the bank. Savvy Sneaks, as it happens, provides a good range of embellishment options, and will dress up a pair for you to your specifications. If you're a creative bride with an itch to make every aspect of the wedding yours, however, you might want to dress up your own pair.<br /><br />Buy a comfy pair of white sneakers or tennis shoes, or if you already have a pair in good repair, just clean them up a bit! Replace the laces with pretty ribbon, and with your handy hot-melt glue gun -- because <em>every</em> DIY bride has a hot-melt glue gun -- dress them up a bit with teeny fabric flowers, crystals, beads, sequins, ribbons, whatever embellishment suits your style!<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.savvysneaks.com/sasndebrtesh.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/bridal-sneakers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1258083/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/bridal-sneakers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>bridal-shoes</category><category>bridal-sneakers</category><category>DIY</category><category>embellished-shoes</category><category>embellished-sneakers</category><category>tennis-shoes</category><category>wedding-shoes</category><category>wedding-sneakers</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Could you cater your own wedding?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/cakes-and-catering/" rel="tag">Cakes and Catering</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1019418"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="150" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/buf5fet_variations.jpg"  alt="close-up of buffet" /></a>We confess to being just a little dubious about this. We can see the temptation, however. Receptions eat up (no pun intended) a huge percentage of your wedding costs. If you're working with a very tight budget, those costs may well be something you'd like to reduce. Is it realistic to self-cater?<br /><br />It would depend a lot on the size and formality of the wedding, of course.  Catering your own formal sit-down four-course banquet for 300 guests? We can't imagine how you'd manage that. A simple cold buffet for 30? That could be do-able.<br /><br />The trick is liable to be in spreading out the work. Most people have family or friends who love to cook. Maybe you could organize a reception pot-luck for your casual wedding. In that case, you're likely not going to be doing much of the food preparation yourselves, but instead be organizing the people who will be bringing the food. What do you think? Could the couple organize their own catering, or is this one wedding task that really should be left to the professionals?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/#poll16866">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.cheap-wedding-success.co.uk/wedding-catering-DIY.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256896/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>buffet</category><category>catering</category><category>potluck</category><category>reception</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Very personal toasting glasses</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/keeping-the-memory/" rel="tag">Keeping the Memory</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://whirligig-gifts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=73&amp;products_id=363"><img width="186" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="270" border="0" align="right" alt="polka-dot champagne flute"  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/multi-spots-and-stripes-champagne.jpg" /></a>If you'd like to create one-of-a-kind glasses for the two of you -- either wine glasses, champagne flutes, or even just simple water goblet -- it can be a simple project to take on. Some <a href="http://www.frugalbride.com/handpaintedglasses.html">glass paint and conditioner</a>, a brush or two, and the glass. If you're not the best artist in the world, a few hearts or just some swirls can create a very attractive effect. Remember, for an elegant effect, less is very often more, particularly on glass, where you can see the design from both sides, and it can easily get looking too busy.<br /><br />If you have a little more talent as a painter, you might want to get more adventurous. Check out the gallery for inspiration!<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/">Hand-painted Inspiration Gallery</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923616/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923614/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg3_thumbnail.png" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923613/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923612/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923611/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg6_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.frugalbride.com/handpaintedglasses.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256965/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>champagne-flute</category><category>DIY</category><category>diy-wedding</category><category>glass-paint</category><category>painted-glass</category><category>personal-wine-glass</category><category>toasting-flute</category><category>water-goblet</category><category>wine-glass</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Wedding wise: Five registry tips to keep in mind</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/wedding-wise-five-registry-tips-to-keep-in-mind/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/wedding-wise-five-registry-tips-to-keep-in-mind/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/wedding-wise-five-registry-tips-to-keep-in-mind/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/negotiating-speed-bumps/" rel="tag">Negotiating Speed Bumps</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/wedding-1585336-l.jpg"  alt="" />One of the perks of tying the knot -- other than all eyes focused adoringly on you and the free reign of the cake table -- is the ability to register for things you need (or just really want) and then having them magically appear on your doorstep or on your gift table at no charge to you. But if you aren't careful and you don't put a little thought into what you're asking for, you may get a coffee pot when you don't drink coffee or three full sets of red wine glasses because they were all too pretty to pass up (I may have some personal experience with that last one). <br /><br />Here are a few tips to consider when you set out to put together the perfect wedding registry:<p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/wedding-wise-five-registry-tips-to-keep-in-mind/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wedding wise: Five registry tips to keep in mind</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/wedding-wise-five-registry-tips-to-keep-in-mind/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1260953/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/wedding-wise-five-registry-tips-to-keep-in-mind/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>registry</category><category>wedding</category><category>wedding-registry</category><category>wedding-wise</category><dc:creator>Jennifer Canzoneri</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Make your own floating candles</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/pre-ceremony-parties/" rel="tag">Pre-Ceremony Parties</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://www.krittersinthemailbox.com/animals/unicorn/cookiecutter.htm"><img width="225" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="170" border="0" align="right" alt="unicorn cookie-cutter"  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/unicookcut.jpg" /></a>You read our post about the <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/">floating candle centerpieces</a>, and you really want to make them for your reception.  Thing is, you want something unusual, let's say, oh ... unicorn candles! Yes, unicorn candles to go with your fairy-tale theme. Sadly, you just can't find them anywhere.<br /><br />There might be a solution. Instead of hunting in candle stores, try cooking supply stores. If you can find a <a href="http://www.krittersinthemailbox.com/animals/unicorn/cookiecutter.htm">cookie-cutter</a> in the shape you're after, you're all set, because you can actually make candles from cookie cutters. You'll need the cutter, of course, some modelling clay, wicks and wax. If you're adding scent or color, you'll need those, too.<br /><br />For complete how-to details, head over to <a href="http://www.allfreecrafts.com/candles/cookie-cutter-floating-candles.shtml">All Free Crafts</a> and follow the instructions. As long as you're appropriately careful when working with hot wax, you can easily create one-of-a-kind candles for those centerpieces!<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.allfreecrafts.com/candles/cookie-cutter-floating-candles.shtml>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256944/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>candle-mold</category><category>cookie-cutter</category><category>cookie-cutter-candles</category><category>DIY</category><category>DIY-wedding</category><category>floating-candles</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Floating candle centerpiece</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/241223"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="149" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/floa6ting_candles_2.jpg"  alt="floating candles" /></a>Floating candles are an ideal way to create a peaceful, romantic atmosphere at your reception. They are one of the simplest centerpieces to make, too. Simply choose an attractive receptacle -- a wide, shallow clear glass bowl works very well. Fill it with an inch or three of water, place the candles on the surface, and light them. Done! <br /><br />There are many easy ways to add a little flare to this basic idea. You might choose to put some pretty river pebbles or glass beads on the bottom of the bowl, or float flower petals or metallic (inflammable) confetti on the surface of the water. Perhaps you could even add a few drops of food coloring to the water to create a glowing basin of color.<br /><br />Choose candles that match your color and/or theme. Wax floats, so any candle that is wider at the top than the bottom will work.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.marthastewart.com/article/light-up-a-table-with-floating-candles>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256932/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>centerpiece</category><category>centrepiece</category><category>floating-candles</category><category>water-centerpiece</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Book review: iDo</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/book-review-ido/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/book-review-ido/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/book-review-ido/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><a href="http://shopping.aol.com/ido/isbn-9781416578543?&amp;k=ido+planning+wedding&amp;tot=1&amp;refCode=aolpartner_shopsearch&amp;id=9"><img height="248" alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/ido.jpg" width="200" align="right" vspace="4" border="0" /></a>Christy Terry of <a href="http://manolobrides.com/">Manolo for the Brides</a> fame brings us <a href="http://shopping.aol.com/ido/isbn-9781416578543?&amp;k=ido+planning+wedding&amp;tot=1&amp;refCode=aolpartner_shopsearch&amp;id=9">iDo: Planning Your Wedding WIth Nothing But Net</a>. In other words, using the Internet to your utmost advantage when putting your wedding together. This book proves to be a huge Web resource for everything wedding from money to monogram and fashion to photography, with tips on how to get the most from your surfing time and how to feel confident buying online. Written in Christy's witty style, it's anything but a boring read. As a bonus, each chapter ends with a great list of websites so you're not lost in cyberspace wondering if you'll ever resurface with anything that resembles a pretty flower display. The book is undoubtedly worth the admission price (around $16) for the list of websites alone, and you might pick up a laugh, a good idea, and some great advice as well. I will be bringing you a small smattering of these good ideas in a series of "computer-savvy bride posts," but get the whole book. It's a three-point "nothing but net" shot for every bride who intends to click and type her way through any of the wedding plans.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://shopping.aol.com/ido/isbn-9781416578543?&amp;k=ido+planning+wedding&amp;tot=1&amp;refCode=aolpartner_shopsearch&amp;id=9>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/book-review-ido/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1254884/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/book-review-ido/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>book-review</category><category>internet</category><category>online</category><category>online shopping</category><category>OnlineShopping</category><category>wedding-resources</category><category>world-wide-web</category><dc:creator>Caroline Humphreys</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Favor baskets, made with love</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/favor-baskets-made-with-love/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/favor-baskets-made-with-love/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/favor-baskets-made-with-love/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/favor-file/" rel="tag">Favors</a></p><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="192" border="0" align="right" alt="favor box" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/box47.jpg" />We love <a href="http://www.diybride.com">DIYBride</a> around here! There are always such great ideas, things you see and know that's <em>just </em>what you were wanting for your wedding, or things you see which inspire other ideas, perfect for your day.<br /><br />Which is why, when we found instructions for making these <a href="http://www.diybride.com/2007/11/04/easy-treat-baskets/#more-381">super-sweet, super-easy treat baskets</a>, we just had to try them out! When she made hers, Khris used some funky scrapbook paper. Ours are made from pale blue card stock. Two different approaches yielding two quite different looks -- but both take only minutes to make! Check out <a href="http://www.diybride.com/2007/11/04/easy-treat-baskets/#more-381">Khris's post</a> to see her basket and instructions, and then check out gallery below to see our very own step-by-step construction of this very simple favor.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/diy-favor-basket/">DIY Favor Basket</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/diy-favor-basket/922874/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/tb1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Gather your supplies" title="Gather your supplies" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/diy-favor-basket/922873/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/tb2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Score" title="Score" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/diy-favor-basket/922871/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/tb3a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Punch" title="Punch" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/diy-favor-basket/922872/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/tb3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Fold" title="Fold" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/diy-favor-basket/922870/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/tb4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Tie" title="Tie" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.diybride.com/2007/11/04/easy-treat-baskets/#more-381>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/favor-baskets-made-with-love/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256678/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/favor-baskets-made-with-love/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>card-stock</category><category>DIY</category><category>favor-baskets</category><category>favor-boxes</category><category>favors</category><category>ribbon</category><category>scrapbook-paper</category><category>treat-basket</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Making your own cake?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/making-your-own-cake/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/making-your-own-cake/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/making-your-own-cake/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/cakes-and-catering/" rel="tag">Cakes and Catering</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/130193"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="207" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/cake_mix_and_ingredients_1.jpg"  alt="cake mix in bowl" /></a>An obvious place for a kitchen-savvy bride (or groom!) to save a chunk of wedding money is on the cake. The DIY version is going to be substantially less expensive than one made by a professional. Of course, you have to be pretty confident that <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/05/29/resource-for-the-diy-baker/">yours will look as good</a> -- or maybe you're of the mindset that a <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/06/05/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-cakes/">cake should look like a cake</a>, not a piece of edible sculpture or avant-garde architecture. <br /><br />Whatever your approach, you'll have to start with cake batter. Will you make your own (the famous "scratch cake"), or will you use a mix? This is completely a matter of personal taste, of course. Various factors to consider are health or allergy issues, consistency of mix, how long it takes to make, how long it will last, cost, ingredients, etc.<br /><br />In the end, though, your decision will probably be a sentimental one. You'll choose the scratch cake recipe that grandma always made for you, or your fianc&eacute;'s father's favorite flavor of cake mix. Whichever you choose, so long as it tastes good, you know your guests will be happy!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/making-your-own-cake/#poll16857">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.diybride.com/2008/06/10/diy-cake-month-boxed-mix-or-scratch/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/making-your-own-cake/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256552/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/making-your-own-cake/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cake</category><category>cake-mix</category><category>DIY</category><category>scratch-cake</category><category>wedding-cake</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Multi-media month at DIY bride</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/negotiating-speed-bumps/" rel="tag">Negotiating Speed Bumps</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/engagement/" rel="tag">Engagement</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1022165"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="300" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/work4and7pleasure.jpg"  alt="laptop, notepad, and glass of scotch" /></a>The ever-helpful folks over at <a href="http://www.diybride.com/">DIYBride</a> have declared July to be "<a href="http://www.diybride.com/2008/07/08/diy-multimedia-month-what-its-about/">Multi-media Month</a>". This week's post deals with online wedding planning, all those lovely sites which offer budget trackers, checklists, guest list and RSVP trackers, pages for vendors and music and dress sizes and ... everything you need to plan your wedding, really.<br /><br />If you're a binder bride or a spreadsheet bride, that's fine. But if you'd love to use online tools, but have simply been overwhelmed by the sheer range of choice out there, check out the <a href="http://www.diybride.com/2008/07/09/diy-multimedia-month-online-planning-tools/">Online Planning Tools</a> post. A range of sites were evaluated using a number of factors: ease of use, selection of tools, overall design and presentation, and reputation/reliability.<br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Multi-media month at DIY bride</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.diybride.com/2008/07/09/diy-multimedia-month-online-planning-tools/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256497/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/multi-media-month-at-diy-bride/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>DIY</category><category>multi-media</category><category>multi-media-wedding</category><category>online-wedding-planning</category><category>wedding-planning</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>WeddingWise: DIY French manicure</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/weddingwise-diy-french-manicure/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/weddingwise-diy-french-manicure/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/weddingwise-diy-french-manicure/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/bridal-beauty/" rel="tag">Bridal Beauty</a></p><a href="http://www.beautyden.com/frenchmanicure.shtml"><img  height="175" alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/frenchmanicure.jpg" width="200" align="right" vspace="4" border="0" /></a>Love the simple sophistication of a French manicure but hate those high salon prices? <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_17124_give-yourself-french.html">Here are some tips </a>to help you DIY a French manicure - and it's not as painstaking as you might think. Always start by removing any polish that's already on your nails. It's just not good to layer upon layer, and you don't want old color showing  through. Soak your nails in warm water (add a mild cleanser or your favorite scent if you wish) and head for the cuticle stick to push your cuticles back. Then shape your nails with a file. Now, you're ready for color with one of these cool French manicure options. The <a href="http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=259">Sally Hansen French manicure pen</a> takes a little practice (especially for whichever hand isn't used to wielding a pen) but so much easier than those little brushes. For best results, lay the hand you're painting flat on the counter. Anchor the other hand by putting your pinky on the counter (this prevents little wiggles). Now make a slow straight line along the top of each nail. Or, try the <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/pickcolor.jsp?id=prod3471296&amp;CATID=306015&amp;skuid=sku3470135&amp;V=G&amp;ec=frgl_550940&amp;ci_src=14110944&amp;ci_sku=sku3470135">Incoco Dry Nail Applique kit</a>. These work more like little stickers you put on the tip of each nail. It's got great reviews for ease of use and longevity. Once you've got the tips done, apply the top color and a clear top coat (then tell your sweetie he has to do the dishes!). To make sure your manicure lasts, re-apply top coat each evening, if possible.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.ehow.com/how_17124_give-yourself-french.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/weddingwise-diy-french-manicure/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1246839/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/17/weddingwise-diy-french-manicure/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>diy</category><category>french-manicure</category><dc:creator>Caroline Humphreys</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Do-It-Yourself flower kits from Paper Source</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/do-it-yourself-flower-kits-from-paper-source/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/do-it-yourself-flower-kits-from-paper-source/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/do-it-yourself-flower-kits-from-paper-source/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/flowers/" rel="tag">Flowers</a></p><div align="center"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/flowers.jpg" /><br /></div>
The flower dilemma: you really want to have pretty flowers at your wedding but, with the current economic downswing, are desperate to cut costs. How do you do it without compromising on style?<br /><br />Here's one solution. Make them yourself from paper. <br /><br />We love these <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/wedding/flower_kits.html">flower kits</a> from <a href="http://www.paper-source.com">Paper Source</a>. They have a large and varied range to choose from and all of them are seriously good. From vintage flowers to funky-retro to bright and cheerful to pastel and pretty, they have it all. The kits are very reasonably priced, around $14 for about 12 or 14 flowers. Included in the kits are pre-cut flower shapes, leaf-shapes, floral wire, floral tape and, of course, instructions on how to assemble the flowers. (Kit contents vary according to designs).<br /><br />You can make flowers for boutonnieres, bouquets, napkin rings and gift decorations and it should save you a bundle, as well as being really fun and whimsical.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.paper-source.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/do-it-yourself-flower-kits-from-paper-source/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1257544/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/do-it-yourself-flower-kits-from-paper-source/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>diy</category><category>diy-bouquet</category><category>diy-boutonnieres</category><category>diy-bridal-flowers</category><category>diy-bride</category><category>diy-wedding</category><dc:creator>Wendy Davidson</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Floral anklet for the barefoot bride</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/floral-anklet-for-the-barefoot-bride/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/floral-anklet-for-the-barefoot-bride/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/floral-anklet-for-the-barefoot-bride/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/flowers/" rel="tag">Flowers</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/bridal-beauty/" rel="tag">Bridal Beauty</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1038645"><img width="224" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="300" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/1038645_fuschia.jpg"  alt="fuchsia" /></a>If you're planning an informal or beach wedding, a floral anklet might be just the whimsical touch you're looking for. Luckily for you, they're extremely easy to make!<br /><br />You can find full instructions to create a simple anklet at <a href="http://www.eleganceinbloom.com/floralanklet.html">Elegance in Bloom</a>. You can choose beads and flowers in the colors that best suit your wedding. You could opt to make your own paper flowers, of course, for greater variety, or, for the string-them-together simplicity of fabric flowers. Look beyond the craft stores for supplies. If you purchase a branch of artificial fuchsia, for example, you'll have several dozen little blossoms you could use, generally for less than it would cost to purchase them individually.<br /><br />via: <a href="http://wedcraft.com/">Wedcraft</a><br /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.eleganceinbloom.com/floralanklet.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/floral-anklet-for-the-barefoot-bride/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1255235/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/floral-anklet-for-the-barefoot-bride/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>anklet</category><category>DIY</category><category>floral-anklet</category><category>floral-jewellry</category><category>flowers</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:02:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>