I’ve just started planning my wedding. I want a good start because I know it can be real stressful. We don’t have a ton of money so I want to be creative. Are there any good sites to recommend for us crafty people about wedding planning to do with favors, flowers and decorations? Of course like any woman I want some unique ideas. Also are there any legit good sites for wedding contests? And I’ll take any advice anyone has to offer. 
Thank you so much!
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orientaltrading.com has some interesting cheap things that you can buy in large quantities.
the flower factory is another great place. you can look on the web site, but it just doesnt do the stores justice. you definatly have to go there.
theknot.com was a great site for me! it can help you set a budget because that’s definitely the 1st thing you want to do! they also send you reminder schedules letting you know when you’re save the dates should go, invites should go, etc, etc. also weddingclassifieds.com and ebay are always great sites to find great cheap items. i got our beautiful unity candle for cheap on ebay! best wishes
theknot.com is a good wedding website. You can probably get some good ideas from it. I used it quite a bit when planning my daughter’s wedding.
I agree, Oriental Trading is a great resource.
Another thing that helped me a ton is a book called, “Bridal Bargains: Secrets to throwing a fantastic wedding on a realistic budget.” “http://www.amazon.com/Bridal-Bargains-8th-fantastic-realistic/dp/1889392227/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205525266&sr=1-2
It gives a great overview of the bridal industry and how to avoid the many ways vendors try to scam you. It also gives great ideas and resources (many in the form of web sites) of where you can save money. The book also has a discussion board where you can exchange tips/ideas with other budget-consious brides.
The Knot.com is great for ideas, but I wouldn’t recommend buying anything from them (favors, etc). You can find all those types of things for much cheaper elsewhere. I also love Martha Stewart’s Wedding magazine for great DIY ideas that look incredible.
Keep in mind that most guests really don’t care all that much about wedding favors, flowers and decor. They really are only interested in things that involve themselves, like food, booze and music and you can have these 3 elements anywhere. There’s no need for you to go overboard with centerpieces ( a single rose in a vase will do, or a single candle is fine). You dont’ need favors, but one inexpensive thing you can do is go to the local cake decorating store and purchase a chocolate heart mold and make chocolate hearts and wrap in gold foil (about 50 cents a piece). Start with the big stuff first, the reception area, food and your ceremony location. Then work on the smaller stuff after remembering not to sweat the small stuff. congradulations.
try marthastewert.com she has some great crafty wedding ideas
try these websites i hope it works:)
http://www.theknot.com
http://www.weddingchannel.com
http://www.brides.com
http://www.davidsbridal.com
There are lots of great sites – and don’t forget to rummage around for blogs – they are very helpful -
http://www.diybride.com/
http://budgetdreamweddings.com/weddingplanning/?m=200606
On blog sites, look on the sides because they often give links to other wedding blogs.
ehow is a great site – use the search for flowers, etc.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2091086_.html
diy network is great, because there are explanations, and videos if you want to watch how to do something -
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dmsc/episode/0,3178,DIY_30396_53783,00.html
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Be REALLY careful with wedding contests – even those at bridal fairs, etc. They often just want all your info, then sell other companies the mailing lists, and you may be inundated by spam.
ONLY enter a contest with a national company you know, or those from local businesses from your city.