Every bride knows that DIY party favors are not only budget friendly, they are also the cutest and the most personalized gift one can ask for.  Instead of spending several dollars on fancy candles, picture frames and towels, why not spend around a dollar on creating something that can WOW your guests?

Needing some fun and creative ideas?  Get ready!

DIY Ice Cream in a Jar — A cool treat for a warm day!
Ingredients:

• glass mason jar
• ribbon
• rock salt
• small zip-lock bag
• half and half individual packets
• sugar & vanilla powder
• printer
• labels

Instructions:

1) Print out the labels for your jars, cut out and personalize the side label to say what you would like to your guests
2) Pour 1 cup rock salt into the bottom of each jar
3) Pour 1 tablespoon sugar & 1 teaspoon vanilla powder into a small (quart size) zip-lock bag and make sure it’s tightly sealed
4) Combine the bag of powder and 8 of the half and half packets in each jar
5) Tie on your front label with twine
6) Tie on your side labels with ribbon for your guests

All your guests have to do is to add ice and shake for about 10 minutes,  voila!, it will magically turn into a nice cool treat as a late night snack!

DIY Candy Poppers
Materials:

• tissue paper roll
• double stick tape
• scissors
• 1.75 x 5 piece of cardstock
• ribbon
• page of crepe paper
• candy

Step One: Place double stick tape on crepe paper put tissue paper roll on tape and roll across crepe paper apply tape on end of crepe paper and secure.
Step Two: Twist one end of crepe paper and secure with ribbon, tie in bow.
Step Three: Fill roll with candy.
Step Four: Twist other end and secure with ribbon, tie in bow.
Step Five: Fold cardstock and cut on an angle, to create a “flag” look write message and attach tag to finished roll.

Since keeping the reception simple and casual is the wedding trend for this year, the same idea can go to your wedding gown.   As you can imagine a formal cathedral train gown with luxurious beading probably doesn’t fit too well with a cozy backyard affair, this is the perfect time to find a less formal gown and save yourself thousand of dollars!

You don’t necessarily have to go to bridal shops to buy those three thousand dollars gown.  Many high end department stores or evening gown boutiques offer a wide selection of gowns.  Given that the less formal gowns usually don’t have as much fabric, embroidery and beading; therefore, the prices are truly attractive!

Jessica McClintock — $171.60

Jessica McClintock — $283.50

BCBG — $298.00

BCBG — $348.00

BCBG — $378.00

See?  Not only they are designer brand gowns, they are all under $400!  Because they look less formal, you will have opportunity to wear it again for some other special occasions.  If you don’t want to stick with a white gown after the wedding, simply dye it in your favorite color and turn it into another gorgeous evening gown!

If you, on the other hand, have been dreaming about the more traditional and formal wedding gown ever since you’re 3, why not checking out some pre-loved gowns around your neighborhood or visit an awesome website like http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/.

What does your gown look like, and how much did you save on your dress?   Take a picture of yourself in a gown and share with us!

In the previous post, I’ve shared budget ideas on venue and food.  Yes, I have touched on dessert too… but who will go against the idea of more dessert talk?  I came across a website and feel the absolute necessity to share with you people.  As you all know, cupcakes have taken over the wedding world and hit the mainstream for awhile now; however, I personally feel that no matter how gorgeous cupcakes look, they are never perfect.  I find that most cupcakes are either too sweet or too oily, too much frosting or too much cake.  That’s why someone create a brilliant invention called Lollicake!

Just by looking at the name, you probably have an idea that lollicake is a mix of lollipop and cake together.  It is a heavenly combination of  delicious handmade cake atop a lollipop stick with a crunchy chocolate shell.  Not only these 2-3 bites desserts look amazingly cute, they are also perfect for your diet and your budget.

The flavors that you can choose from are just as good as the cupcakes.  For example:

• Strawberry cake and vanilla frosting dipped in vanilla
• Mint chocolate cake and chocolate frosting dipped in chocolate
• Chocolate cake and peanut butter chips, and chocolate frosting dipped in chocolate
• Lemon cake, vanilla frosting dipped in vanilla
• Carrot cake, cream cheese frosting dipped in vanilla

With these individually wrapped bite size lollicakes, not only you don’t have to worry about the leftover cake, they also make wonderful party favors!  Something sweet, something pretty, something mini and something budget-friendly…. what’s not to love?