Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget

Papa J has always told me that I have "champagne taste on a beer budget" and because he is pretty much right, I have always had to find "work-arounds" to get what I wanted. When I wanted a new designer bag in college, but could in no way afford it, did I settle on Target totes? Absolutely not. I kiss-assed my way into a job at a high-end purse retailer and a 50% discount. The job paid for school and my closet full business bags, hobos and clutches. The point is to never settle ladies, you're better than that. Use your head, and there is always a way to get it done...

In September 2009, I got my first "gig" as an event planner (not my 8-5 job, but definitely my passion). It was to plan the bridal shower for my Cugino's fiance. My mind started going wild with over-the-top ideas. Garden party with rose centerpieces? A Bollywood themed bash catered by my favorite up-and-coming chef? An traditional Italian menu with a DJ so we can dance the tarantella until our stilettos fall off?

Sadly, it was soon clear that none of those were options. It turns out that this shower would need to be pulled off with a minuscule budget, and fast. I still wanted this to be a classy affair so I had to focus my thoughts to things that would be unquestionably elegant, and yet fairly simple. The list looked something like this:

• Tiffany's
• Audrey Hepburn
• Vino
• Hors d'oeuvres

Breakfast at Tiffany's was the obvious answer, and this movie classic became my jumping off point and theme. Take a look at some of the pictures from the shower, and my tips to throwing an Audrey-worthy affair on a budget:

Wine is a necessity at my family gatherings. Charles Shaw (Two-Buck-Chuck) is a great choice of vino for large soirees with small budgets. A $3-$4 a bottle ($30-something for a case) it is a steal, and tastes delish. Also, if you don't feel like advertising your money saving choice, print personalized lables from your computer for added flair.

I chose to make two different centerpieces. At different heights and sizes it gives variety and gives the illusion of a bigger space.

This centerpiece was made with foam, wrapping paper, ribbon and a simple faux engagement ring.

This is the full table setting. I added a Tiffany-blue table runner to brighted up a white table linen. Much cheaper than renting colored linens.

I pulled old Tiffany boxes and bags out of my jewelry box. See? Recycling is good for the planet and your wallet!

The gift table was scatter with jeweled paper weights, a matching table runner, and I made the card box in a Tiffany's box likeness to coordinate it to the rest of the tables.

Due to the itsy-bitsy budget I also catered the shower. Homemade Bruschetta is a cheap, but tasty, dish for any get together. Buy day-old bread from the baker to save even more (the crunch and hardness of the bread actually works better with the tomato topping).

Inside of the martini glass centerpiece. Tiffany+pearls+diamonds=decadence

The bride and myself. One thing that even a control freak like me could not reign in was the torential downpour that took place prior to the outdoor shower. A helpful family and a very large tent were there to save the day though. Sadly, nothing could be done to save my hair.