|
|
|
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 save money without making huge sacrifices. By taking the time to plan and investigate, you will be amazed at the amount of money that you save. Would you arrive at an interview for your dream job without prior preparation? No, you would not and that is why preparation and research will make your wedding a success without re-mortgaging the 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.
The Extras
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. To reduce costs, 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 topper.
The Flowers
Instead of hiring a florist, make the arrangements yourself or contact a 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 bridesmaids' bouquets can double as flower arrangements on the head table.
The Perfect Dress
When shopping for dresses, start your search with J.C. Penney and Chadwick's catalogs, consignment shops, discontinued gown racks, the Internet, and newspaper ads. Remember that it is always great if you can count on dear Aunt Sally or your Grandmother to make them! I am sure they would be honored.
The Wedding Reception
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 versus a sit-down dinner. 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. Another option would be to host a cocktail hour and serve beer and wine with hors d'oeuvres. Liquor is less expensive when purchased from a wholesaler. It may be wise to check with culinary and bakery schools in your area to see if they can help with food preparation. Many of these schools will prepare your dinner for the cost of the food.
The Transportation
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.
The Invitation
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!
"You're The Bride" is a wedding consulting and services business formed to fulfill the needs of diverse brides whom face the challenges and details of preparing for their fairytale day. For those brides whom are feeling a bit frazzled, "don't come untied before tying the knot", just rely on the services offered by Wedding Consultant, Tracie Morris. You're The Bride is a member of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide, a division of the National Bridal Service and the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. Visit her website at www.yourethebride.cceasy.com or email Tracie at yourethebride97@aol.com
Take the Next Step
Sign up for our free eNewsletter Dollar Stretcher for Parents.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.
Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Copyright 1996 - 2012 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
Dollar Stretcher Community
Forums
Blogs
Also In This Week's Issue
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Reader Favorites
Newsletters
Email
Print
Contact Editor
RSS Feed
Share
Leave a Comment
