Blush and Budget

  Gone are the days of a plain old guest book that collects dust on a shelf. Today’s couples are finding creative, interactive, and budget-friendly ways to capture memories from their big day—and you can too! Whether you’re planning a rustic backyard wedding or a chic celebration on a shoestring, these guest book alternatives will make your wedding day even more memorable. Here are 10 unique and affordable wedding guest book ideas that your guests will love and you’ll actually want to look at again! 1.   Instant Camera + Photo Booth Fun Skip the pricey photo booth rental and grab an instant camera (like a Fujifilm Instax or Kodak Printomatic). Set up a cute backdrop with dollar store or Party City finds. Guests can take a photo, write a sweet message on it, and clip it to a string of fairy lights with clothespins. Bonus: it doubles as both décor and a guest book! 2.   Dollar Store Heart Frame Pick up wooden hearts and a picture frame at the dollar store. Paint o...

  When it comes to wedding planning, your guest book table is one of those small details that can leave a big impression. Luckily, you don’t need a huge budget to make it both beautiful and memorable. With a few simple dollar store finds and a touch of creativity, you can create a charming guest book station that fits your wedding aesthetic perfectly.  Why a Guest Book Table Matters Your guest book is more than just a place for names—it’s a collection of love notes and well wishes you’ll cherish for years to come. It’s also one of the first things guests see when they arrive, making it a perfect spot to showcase your style.  What You’ll Need Here’s how to build your own guest book table using affordable, accessible items: Dollar Store Frames: Use small, elegant frames to display signs like “Please Sign Our Guest Book” or instructions for any extras (like Polaroid photos). Vase + Faux Florals: Add a pop of color and romance with a small vase and seasonal faux flowers. Cand...

  Wedding favors are a sweet gesture—a way to say “thank you” to your guests. But let’s be honest: how many of those favors actually make it home, let alone get used? If you’re on a budget (or simply don’t want your tokens of appreciation tossed in a drawer), it’s time to rethink the favor game. Here’s what guests actually want—and what they’ll likely leave behind.  Wedding Favors Worth Keeping 1. Edible Treats Cookies, mini jars of honey, locally made jams, or custom tea blends are budget-friendly and always appreciated. Bonus points if you DIY them or buy in bulk! 2. Mini Plants or Succulents A little greenery goes a long way. Tiny succulents in dollar store pots are adorable, affordable, and memorable. 3. Personalized Drink Coasters Instead of your names and wedding date plastered everywhere, try a meaningful quote or cute saying. Guests are more likely to reuse them that way. 4. Spice or Seasoning Jars Think “Love is the spice of life.” Little jars of BBQ rubs, cinnamon su...

  Weddings are a celebration of love — not a rigid checklist of outdated rules. If you’re planning your big day and feel overwhelmed by traditions that don’t speak to you, here’s your permission to let them go. Let’s talk about five wedding traditions you can skip guilt-free. 1.  The White Dress White might symbolize purity, but it’s not a rulebook. Wear a dress that reflects your personality — blush, blue, gold, floral, or even black. If you’ve always dreamed of a jumpsuit or a two-piece outfit, go for it. You don’t need to wear white to feel bridal. 2.  Matching Bridesmaids Dresses Do all your bridesmaids need to match perfectly? Absolutely not. Let them wear different styles, colors, or even outfits they already own. It looks stylish, makes everyone comfortable, and saves money — win-win. 3.  The Big traditional cake Tiered fondant-covered cakes can cost hundreds (or thousands) and may not even taste good. If cake isn’t your thing, do donuts, cupcakes, pie, or eve...