New Year's Eve Date Night Ideas On A Budget

Here are some great ideas! Staying close to home is usually cheaper. You can have tons of fun without blowing the bank.

1) Turn your house into a club. Download some great dance songs on your ipod and hook it up to your speakers. Turn the lights down and break out the bubbly, keep it private or invite your closest friends.

2) Pub crawl. Pretty self explanatory. Hit a few of your favorite local spots with a group of friends, keep a taxi on speed dial.

3) Recreate your teen years. Stock up your car with sodas, chips, blankets, etc... and hit a great "lover's lane."

4) Comedy Night. "Grab some friends and get a table at a local comedy club. Admission rates are cheaper when you watch amateurs get on stage, but the comedic value—intentional or not—is more than worth the cover charge and cost of a few drinks."

5) Dinner and a Movie. Let your movie pick inspire your meal. Rent The Godfather, whip up an Italian feast.

Ideas from thenest.com

Ways to Shop Smarter

You're newly married and looking for ways to save some cash. Below are a few tips on doing just that. Give them a shot, you might be surprised.

1) Don't go out and buy fresh flowers, instead buy a flowering plant, they last.
2) Find your library card. Borrow newly released books and movies, free.
3) Don't go to the movies, download online or use cable on demand services, or rent through the mail.
4) Check out amazon.com or overstock.com before you go out shopping, you can get great deals on these sites.
5) Use online coupon and cash back sites like Mr. Rebates. You get a % back and can find online coupon deals.
6) Buy groceries at Walmart or Target, they really do have better deals and you can save some cash.
7) Work out at home and freeze that gym membership, you really don't need it.
8) Instead of going out to dinner with friends, host casual parties at home and try pot luck, everyone brings something.

Best Gift Giving Websites.

Last minute shopping for the holidays? Here are some sites where you can get great deals.

amazon.com

One stop shop for all your shopping needs. Perfect for holiday gifts, great deals to be found. 

overstock.com

Like amazon has great holiday deals to be found, plus reasonable shipping.

bluefly.com

Has great deals on designer items at a fraction of the cost, especially good for women's items.

rosssimmons.com

Looking for good deals on jewelry, find them here.

 

bidz.com

bid on jewelry and get amazing deals on all items. 

zappos.com

One of the best sights to buy shoes, you heard me right ladies!

You can get pretty much anything you need on these sites. Take a look. You can also check coupon sites like Mr Rebates; sign up and get % back and coupons for certain sites. These sites are great year round. Happy Holidays

Gift Giving Budget Tips for the Holidays

So you are newly married, or a couple looking to save cash over the holidays. How do you give great gifts and not blow the bank? Here are some tips on saving on holiday gifts.

1) Give group gifts instead of individuals. This will save you money. Give a group friendly gift so that the whole group your giving to can enjoy it. For example, a new dvd player might make a great gift for your sister and her family. Now a days you can get a great deal on a dvd player. Try movie passes for the film buffs in your family, this way several people can use them.

2) Personal IOU's. Give your husband an IOU for several massages from you, or give your wife a "I'll do the dishes for a month" certificate. Get creative and think of things you can do for others that they want or need. This is very personal and will be appreciated.

3) Samples. My mom always gives my aunt all of her makeup and perfume samples she's collected through the year. These are fun little stocking stuffers and can take the place of a large gift.

4) Search the sale bins. You can find great deals at pre holiday sales, you just have to brave the crowds.

5) Make a gift. I know it sounds cheesy but it is the thought that counts. Make a gift basket with a bottle of wine, some crackers and cookies. Put it all in a creative container you might have around the house or a small bucket you can find at the store.

Don't just rush out and buy a gift. Think about it first and make a list. This way you can plot out what you need to get and what else you might do creatively.

Surprising Find

Looking for a great bed? Take a look at this 1940's inspired microfiber tufted bed at Walmart. $439 to $514. Great deal! Tufted Bed at Walmart.

picture from Walmart 

Sale

Write this down, starting December 24th The container store will have a 30% Elfa storage sale. Sale ends February 15th. Great way to save some cash organizing your closet.
-Mason

Blending Styles

For many newlyweds who aren't already living together, blending home styles can be a challenge. Here are some tips from me on easing the transition.

1) Come up with a game plan.
Talk about your styles, likes and dislikes before you begin to move.

2) Communication.
Come up with your most important pieces, the items you can't part with and discuss how you can incorporate them into your home. If you are worried about too many "important items" set a cap of 5 or so furniture items each.

3) Find common ground.
Discuss what colors for example, you both like and narrow it down. Many time this means a neutral color that you can both live with.

4) Don't monopolize.
Try to compromise and realize this is BOTH of yours home. Incorporate both of you into the space.

5) Start a new.
You might have to start a new and get rid of most of the old stuff and buy new pieces together. This way it's "your" stuff as a couple.

If you are having a hard time consult a designer or interior decorator, they might be better equip at blending. Try to have fun with it, after all it is an excuse to go shopping!

picture from thefrisky.com

Welcome

Hi, We are Sharp Weddings and Events.
We have started this blog to help past brides now that they are married!

This blog will feature helpful tips, ideas, trends, information, home decorating, and so much more.

Check back often.

I'm Mason, and I handle all of the blogging, Facebook and Twitter for Sharp Weddings and Events. I am also an Invitation Specialist for DragonFly Invitations (a division of Sharp Weddings)

Let me know if there are any topics you would like discussed. I look forward to blogging with you.