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© 2003 Tracie Morris, Certified Wedding Planner
Many brides have been dreaming about their wedding day since childhood.
These dreams come with an expensive price tag and the realization of their
fairytale day may be distant.
Although weddings are very costly today, your dream day can happen. I
am going to share some tips to cut corners and advice on how to save you
money without making huge sacrifices. By making the time to plan and investigate,
you will be amazed at the amount of money to save. You would not arrive
at an interview for your dream job without prior preparation would you.
No, you would not, and that is why preparation and research will make
your wedding a success without refinancing your parents or your house!
- The cake
Order a small wedding cake for the cake table to display and a large
sheet cake to cut and serve from in the kitchen. Serve the cake as the
dessert to complete your meal and forget about other sweets.
- Don't necessarily buy everything!
Rent, borrow or make as many items as possible! Some items to borrow
from a friend or relative are a cake knife and serving set, toasting
glasses, jewelry and the bride's shoes. You can make several items or
enlist a few friends to help you with ribbons, pew bows, veil and headpiece,
church programs, bridesmaids dresses, bridal purse, ring bearer pillow
and the cake top to reduce costs.
- Save on flowers
Instead of hiring a florist, make items or contact local floral design
school and hire them to provide your flowers. Carry a small bouquet
or one flower and have your attendants do the same. The bridesmaid's
bouquets can double as flower arrangements on the head table.
- Locate dresses more inexpensively
When shopping for dresses, shop J.C. Penney and Chadwick's catalogs,
consignment shops, discontinued gown racks, the Internet and newspaper
ads. Remember it is always great if you can count on Dear Aunt Sally
or your Grandmother to make them too! I am sure they would be honored.
- Consider Friday for your wedding day
When setting the wedding date you may want to consider choosing a Friday
rather than a Saturday as it usually trims off about $3 per guest at
your dinner reception. Choose buffet or plate dinner vs. sit-down. Serve
chicken or pasta; it is less expensive. In addition, you may want to
decide on a morning or an afternoon reception and serve cake, punch,
and hors d'oeuvres. Serve beer, wine or just host a cocktail hour. Purchase
your liquor from wholesalers. It may be wise to check with culinary
and bakery schools in your area to see if they can help with food preparation.
Many will prepare the food for its cost.
- Be creative with alternatives to a limousine
Rent a Cadillac or other luxury vehicle just for the Bride, Groom, Maid/Matron
of Honor and Best Man to save on the expense of a limousine. The other
members of the Bridal Party will most likely want to ride with their
spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend to the reception.
- Consider stamps when choosing invitations
When choosing your wedding invitation, select one that will only require
one stamp. Another great tip is to have your reception information added
on the ceremony invitation to eliminate the expense of the reception
card.
A little thought and creativity will certainly go a long way to help
you have a wonderful wedding on a budget! Good luck!
Tracie Morris has been a wedding planner since 1999 and certified
since 2002. Since then, she’s become known as the Bride
Guru. Ask her your wedding questions and get free advice by clicking
here: http://www.yourethebride.com/contact.htm
Tracie can also help you save money on high quality, discount wedding
invitations at up to 40% off, and bridal accessories at 20% off. Visit http://www.yourethebride.com
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