Money Saving Hints

Bridal Shower - Instead of a full fledged bridal shower, forget the restaurant or banquet hall, and instead splurge on yourself and a few of your friends by pampering yourself at a day spa. You would be amazed at what a little aromatherapy, juice bar, oxygen bar, and hot stone massage can do for your stress level.

Invitations - self address the invites yourself, and or make them yourself; with today’s high tech printers and a trip to staples you can probably do everything yourself.

Floral Arrangements/Centerpieces - Bring the same flowers from the ceremony; or make your centerpieces yourself. I have seen some great handmade centerpieces, and not only will you surprise yourself at the amount of creativity that you possess, but your fiancé may get involved and bond with you as well.

Ceremony - Hold your ceremony at the same place you are having your reception, this will cut down on travel, and the neat to rent two places.

Reception Length - cut down on the cocktail hour, or cut down on the length of the event

Season - Winter weddings are a caterers dream, need I say more!!!

The Main Course - Skip the main course, and choose a cocktail reception, it will be more laid back, and less stressful on the wallet.
Bridal Gowns - Shop sample sales, out of season you can get a fashionable gown at an off the rack price.

Capture your memories - you can have a photographer, or videographer, just so long as it is the same company, and they offer package pricing for both.

Cake - Keep it simple, a small cake takes care of the presentation for your reception, but a sheet cake is just as nice and good to be served for dessert.

Use a wedding planner, the cost may save you in other areas, because of relationships that they have in the wedding business.

A limousine ride is great, don’t make it the cornerstone of your wedding day, and a professional will tell you the same.

BEWARE: The Money Saving Mistakes

Planning note: Listed above are some very effective ways at maintaining the style and substance that you desire for your special day; however please be advised of the following budget mistakes that brides regret long after their wedding day!

Your best friend and his 35mm camera is not a professional photographer. As a traditionalist, your memories are best preserved by a professional.

Ditto for the DJ and wedding band, remember it is more than just music, this is also the person making the announcements and maintaining the atmosphere for the evening.

Service: You get what you pay for. There are different expectations between the $24.95 dinner and the $100.00 plate fee. Take the greater option and invite less people.