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Money Saving Secrets
for That Dream Wedding
by beconrad
It is certainly no secret
that wedding costs have risen sharply in recent years. If you are in the midst
of planning a big wedding celebration, chances are you are wondering if you
will have any money left over for the honeymoon, let alone the start of a new
life together.
Fortunately there are some
ways that brides and grooms can trim costs without scarifying the wedding they
have always dreamed of. With a little bit of ingenuity and some careful
planning it is possible to reduce wedding costs significantly without impacting
on the quality of the ceremony.
It is possible to save
significant amounts of money on just about every aspect of the wedding. From
the flowers and the food to the wedding gown and the reception hall, a little
bit of planning and sacrifice can pay big dividends. Just consider these cost
savings alternators as you plan your dream wedding.
The Wedding Dress
The wedding gown can be
one of the priciest parts of any ceremony, but the perfect dress does not have
to break the bank. There are some innovative ways to find the dress of your
dreams at a fraction of the retail cost.
One of the best kept
secrets of the low cost wedding is the consignment store wedding gown. Not all
consignment stores are dingy and poorly lit – some are as sparkling and upscale
as the fanciest boutique. By scouring your town for these gems you may be able
to pick up a wonderful designer gown at a fraction of its original cost.
For those who can’t bear
the thought of a resale store, no matter how upscale, there is another
alternative. Many dress shops and department stores stock white party dresses
and bridesmaid gowns that are just as beautiful and luxurious as any wedding
gown. The only thing these beautiful dresses lack is the fancy wedding gown
price tag. If you play your cards right your flexibility and creativity can
reward you with big savings.
The Food
The food can be another
expensive part of wedding planning. Catering costs can quickly spiral out of
control, particularly for large weddings, but it is possible to keep costs low
with a little bit of creativity.
One great way to keep
costs down is to plan the menu around fresh foods that are in season and
locally grown. Planning a local menu will help to keep shipping costs down,
and your guests will certainly appreciate the superior taste of freshly
prepared foods.
If there is a chef’s
college in your town, you may want to talk to the teaching staff about your
catering needs. Many couples have had their weddings catered by the supervised
students of the local cooking school, with excellent results. This kind of
arrangement provides valuable experience for the students and excellent savings
for the happy couple.
The Entertainment
When it comes to the
entertainment, keep in mind that a band will generally be much more expensive
than a DJ. And a talented and friendly DJ can be just as entertaining and
engaging as a band. The key is to shop around carefully and to ask for and
check references. It is also a good idea to ask for videos of past weddings
where the DJ has performed. Asking around and soliciting word of mouth
opinions is another way to get a great DJ at a fraction of the cost of a band.
The Wedding Favors
Wedding favors may seem
like a small expense at first blush, but these small costs can quickly add up.
Fortunately there are many ways to save money on wedding favors while still
providing your guests with a memorable keepsake of your special way.
One of the best ways to
keep costs down and quality high is to make your own wedding favors. There are
numerous ideas for handmade favors, and making them can be a fun family
project. Many brides to be like to have a special get together for the wedding
party in order to make the handmade wedding favors and have some fun. The
wedding guests will be sure to appreciate the extra care and attention that
went into these special creations.
The Photography
The wedding photography is
another area where the local educational system can come in handy. The staff
at your local college, university or community college may be able to recommend
an outstanding photography student to record your special day. With this kind
of arrangement everyone wins – the student, the college, and your wedding
budget.
There are countless other
ways to save money on wedding costs, and in the end it will be up to each bride
and groom to determine which tips work best. The bottom line is that it is
still possible to enjoy a wonderful and wonderfully romantic wedding for a
reasonable amount of money. And with the money you save you can enjoy a long
and relaxing honeymoon.
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