This morning, travel pro Pauline Frommer was on the Today Show talking about ways to save money on travel in the face of increasing airline costs, mostly due to our lovely dependence on oil (foreign and domestic).  Tips she talks about include being creative on where you search.  The same websites don’t always the same deals from the same carriers.  She likes sites like Kayak.com and Sidestep.com best with a couple others mentioned.  Also, be sure to think about when you book your travel.  She says the”smartest time to purchase is between 24 days and two months of your departure.”  Adding that airlines adjust price according to demand for a particular flight.

Video of her interview and the complete article can be found on the Today Show website.

Ann Taylor is extending a sale on dresses that are great for bridesmaids and super affordable. The sale goes until next Tuesday the 26th and WeddingBee readers get a 25% discount. Here’s the deal from WeddingBee:

Take an additional 25% off all Celebrations dresses that are currently on sale for $59.44. Use coupon code 104001599 at checkout to purchase these timeless, classic dresses for only $44.58 after the discount!

Shop Happy!

Blue Orchid Designs is giving away a FREE wedding day coordination package to one lucky couple getting married in 2008.  It’s a package they say is worth $2000 and they’ll travel anywhere in the US.  Check it out, wedding day coordinators can be extremely helpful to make sure things run smoothly and takes a load off your back for the wedding day.

While searching the blogosphere, I found a post on the WeddingWire Blog for a contest by Dr. Pepper and Yahoo!. Apparently, they have teamed up for a Live Wedding Event contest in Las Vegas. The winners will be receive a 5 day, 4 night package to, and I quote, “Tie the knot. Renew your vows. Or crash the wedding and meet the person of your dreams.”

The contest website is here and even features a wedding guide for Vegas.

Weddingbee.com is giving away 50-100 invitiations from Papeterie.  Click here to enter by 8pm today.

Papermints.com is having a 20% off sale on their stitch collection of wedding invitations.

When planning a wedding on a budget, nothing says inexpensive like FREE!  Dodge (yes the car company) is running a promotion, Journey of a Lifetime, for their new car, the Dodge Journey.  This February at the Chicago Auto Show, they are going to marry a couple with all expense paid ceremony and reception for up to 100 people.  The couple will then be able to drive away and start their “Journey” in life together in a new Dodge Journey. 

More details and registration can be found here on the Dodge contest website.

Brides Against Breast Cancer is still on their Nationwide Tour of Gowns.  If you are looking to save money on a wedding dress, this is one place to try.  Most wedding dresses are $89-$799 and even their higher priced gowns ($20,000) are 25%-75% off their list price.  The best part is all proceeds go to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.  They say over half their dresses are new dresses from bridal shops and manufacturers.  If the tour is stopping in your city, definitely stop by the event to see what they have.

New York City
Thursday, October 4, 6:30 pm – 9 pm VIP NIGHT
Friday, October 5, 9 am - 7 pm
Saturday, October 6, 9 am - 7 pm

Drexel Hill, PA
Wednesday, October 10, 10:00 am to 8:00PM
Thursday, October 11, 10:00 am to 8:00PM

Dallas, TX
Thursday, October 18, 6:30 pm - 9 pm
Friday, October 19, 9 am - 8 pm
Saturday, October 20, 8 am - 3 pm

Los Angeles, CA
Monday, November 5 VIP NIGHT 7 pm - 10 pm
Tuesday, November 6, 10 am - 8 pm
Wednesday, November 7, 10 am - 6 pm

For all those in Chicago that are still looking for a wedding dress, Filene’s Basement is having their annual bridal gown/dress blowout event this friday the 27th. This might just be the best way to get a gorgeous dress for a steal of a price since all dresses are either $249,$499 or $699…That’s it! I’ve seen $7000 Vera Wangs for $249. I’m not saying that’s the norm, but you get the idea.

Doors open at 8am, I suggest getting there early.

For a sampling of the fun, here’s video footage from CBS in Baltimore from the Filenes Basement event earlier in the month http://wjz.com/video/?id=29458@wjz.dayport.com

Here is a great way to get 10% of your wedding bands from Blue Nile:

http://www.bluenile.com/offer.asp?offer=WEDDING17

Just enter the coupon code at checkout and get 10% of his and hers wedding rings!

BWG Two Cents: Make sure to get the free gift card and packaging during the check out process. If you aren’t happy with your order, you can return your rings within 30 days of purchase.