101 Ways to Save on Weddings
Due to numerous requests from our readers, we are reprinting our article “101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding” in its complete form. Thank you for asking… 
With the cost of weddings spiraling upwards s of $27,000 (depending on where you plan to have your wedding), and the unstable economy, many engaged couples are looking for ways to save money on their wedding. We, at Completely Weddings, have listed 101 ways to cut your wedding cost and thereby saving you money to use somewhere else such as your honeymoon or savings for your first home.
Planning
1. Set a budget. Before you begin shopping and planning, set a goal for yourself of how much you want to spend. Make an effort to keep your costs in your budget, and remember that any additional money you save can go towards your honeymoon or your first home together.
2. Determine your priorities. Sit down with your fiancé and determine which area are most important to you. Do you both value traditions or could you do without a lot of them? Is a DJ the most important thing to have at your reception, or is it a full meal? Chose where you want to cut costs and what things are too important to you to skimp on.
3. Make your own traditions and ditch the old ones. If there are certain traditions that you don’t enjoy, such as throwing the garter and the bouquet (especially difficult if you have a very small wedding), don’t feel obligated to include them. You can create traditions all your own.
4. Don’t hire a wedding planner. If you are planning a small event especially, you don’t need a wedding planner. Invest in an accordion file and a wedding planning book from a bookstore and do it yourself.
5. Keep your eye out for bridal shows. Bridal shows are a great place to get freebies, gather information, and enter contests. The least you’ll walk away with is a better idea of what you want in your wedding, so find your next local bridal show and mark your calendar!
6. Order online. For everything from dresses to flowers to favors, you can get some great deals when you shop online. Do your homework before you make a purchase at any store and see if you can’t find the same thing cheaper on Amazon, EBay, or Overstock.com.
7. Take your time. Don’t rush into decision making. You may fall in love with all of the first things you see because you’re so excited just to be planning a wedding. Take time to make sure you’re getting the right wedding and reception items for your personal taste, and look into getting the best deal for each item.
8. Accept offers from friends and family. If you have particularly talented or crafty people in your family, chances are they will be jumping at the chance to offer their services. If you know that they’re good at what they do, take them up on their offers and enlist their help with DIY wedding projects.
9. Speak up and negotiate. Negotiation is not a lost art. Stand up for yourself and try to get the best deal possible with all of your vendors.
10. Befriend your local librarian. Before you go spending all your money on bridal magazines and books, go to your local library. Here you can browse etiquette and wedding planning books and magazines to your heart’s content without spending a dime.
11. Shop wholesale online. Search for wholesale retailers for everything from flowers to ribbon, and you can get a great deal online.
Invitations and Announcements
12. Skip engagement announcements and save the dates. These extra touches are cute, but no longer completely necessary. Take the time to make a personal phone call to the most important people in your life and let work of mouth do the rest. Or, if you must get the word out, use an email instead.
13. Cut down your guest list. The quickest and easiest way to save money on your wedding is to cut down your guest list. Have a small wedding with only family, or only invite very close friends. Cut the people you never talk to, or all of your coworkers from the list. If anyone is offended explain that it was a very small and intimate affair.
14. Design and print your invitations at home. You can buy blank invitations at any craft store, Target, or Wal Mart. If you or someone you know is handy with Photoshop or graphic design you can even create a very personal picture or logo for all of your wedding correspondence.
15. Print your own announcements. If you did this with your invitations as well, it will be especially easy to make them match. Invitations only need to be one simple card.
16. Eliminate the RSVP card. Have your guests RSVP by phone or online. This will save you the expense of printing the response card and including the extra envelope as well as on postage for the return envelope.
17. Opt out of an inner envelope and tissue paper. The inner envelope and tissue paper are sometimes considered an outdated inclusion. You can easily get by without one or both.
18. Include only the basics. Save on your invitations by only including the very basics on the paper invitation. Put ceremony and reception information on the same invitation.
19. Get an inexpensive personal wedding website. Provide the web page address and include the invitation and all the details online. To get more information on choosing the personal wedding website for you, read our blog “Creating A Wedding Website“.
Flowers
20. Make your own bouquets. You can purchase a wide variety of silk flowers at any craft store. These won’t wilt so you can take your time creating the perfect bouquets.
21. Know what’s seasonal and local. Choose flowers that are in season at the time are your wedding, and that can be locally grown. You can save a lot by avoiding exotic flowers out of season.
22. Incorporate greenery and ivy. You can fill out your bouquets with greenery and ivy. These are cheaper than using flowers only in your bouquet. This will work especially well if you are planning an “eco-friendly wedding” or to include green in your wedding colors.
23. Reuse your flowers. Consider using some of the same flowers decorating your ceremony to decorate your reception. Assign a few helpful friends to transport the flowers after the ceremony and set them up for the reception.
24. Don’t decorate the head table. Instead of decorating the head table with flowers, use the bridesmaids’ bouquets, set in vases along the table.
Food and Drink
25. Go for the buffet. By selecting a buffet instead of a plated meal, you’ll save not only on the meal but on the servers as well. This is also a bonus for your guests who don’t have to decide ahead of time what they’ll want to eat that day, and can fill their plate however they want.
26. Skip the filet mignon. Chose chicken, fish, and pasta as your options. Consider including pork of beef. Steak may seem like a very formal option but it will run up your bill more than it’s worth.
27. Serve fewer courses. You can serve a higher quality three course meal for the same price as a five course meal. There’s no need to over complicate things.
28. Skip the bar. Don’t feel obligated to provide your guests with a bar. Soda, tea, and water will often do just fine. If you have your reception at a hotel there is often a bar nearby that your guests can get drinks from on their own that won’t cost you a cent. Having a reception earlier in the day – during brunch or lunch is often a good excuse to have a dry party.
29. Have friends and family cater. If you don’t mind going for a less formal affair, you can have friends and family cater the reception. If this isn’t quite in line with your reception plans you can also consider doing this for the rehearsal dinner.
30. Have an informal rehearsal dinner. You can save a bundle by having a casual rehearsal dinner. Plan a cookout, potluck, or barbecue. Your guests will still have a great time, and probably enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
31. It doesn’t have to be dinner. If you move your wedding to an earlier time, you can have the reception at brunch of lunch time. This will allow you to go for cheaper menu options, like fruit and tea sandwiches. If you want a buffet, consider setting up an omelet bar!
32. Save champagne for the toast. There’s no need to keep the champagne flowing all night. You can serve one glass to each guest for the toast, and serve other beverages the rest of the time. For a non-alcoholic toast, consider serving Martinelli’s sparkling cider. It looks like champagne, tastes good and it’s way cheaper.
33. Serve a limited bar. If you don’t want a dry wedding but aren’t ready to spring for a full bar, just serve wine, beer, and soft drinks to cut your costs.
34. Shorten your cocktail hour. Though it is called the cocktail “hour” you can limit the time during which you serve drinks and hors d’oeuvres to save a little money, and prevent your guests from filling up before the meal!
35. Bring your own alcohol. Many locations do not allow this, but if you do your research you may be able to have your reception in a place where you can bring your own alcohol. Wine and liquor can be purchased much cheaper by the case.
36. Select a seasonal menu. Try to include items in your menu that are both locally grown and in season. You can really work down the meal price if you select your fruits and vegetables carefully.
37. Use smaller plates. If you serve your meal on 8 inch plates instead of 10 inch plates, you can serve less food while still providing a plate that looks full.
38. Go for the keg. For large groups it will be much cheaper to buy beer buy the keg – not the bottle.
39. Cut down on servers. Only hire the minimum number of servers needed. Other than serving the meal, they won’t be doing much besides racking up your bill.
Location and time
40. Book a block of hotel rooms. If you will have guests coming from far away to attend your wedding, find a hotel near your wedding that will negotiate a discounted rate for a block of rooms. Advise your family and friends to make their reservations there. If you and your new spouse stay here before or after the wedding this will not only save money for your guests, but for you as well.
41. Choose your day carefully. The most popular, and expensive, time to have your wedding is on a Saturday. Friday and Sunday will be cheaper, and Monday through Thursday is your best deal.
42. Avoid the peak season. The busiest wedding season is May through September. If you avoid these months, you can save a lot of money, and get better services for a lower price. There are also lots of great themes you can incorporate for an autumn or winter wedding!
43. Use the same location. Have your wedding and reception at the same location. This is often available in hotels and country clubs where you can have the wedding in their garden, and reception in a banquet facility. You can negotiate a great deal by having both in the same place, as well as saving your guests some travel.
44. Have a garden wedding. If you choose a garden location for your wedding, you can save on decorations. You may not need any! Let the beauty of the location do it all for you.
45. Use your church. If you belong to a church, they will often provide function halls, some with complete kitchens, free of charge to their members.
46. Have it at home. Getting married at home may seem like an outdated tradition, but if you or your family has a large house or yard, it can often be the perfect location. You will have the freedom to decorate however you want, and your wedding will be a very private affair.
Cake
47. Skip the bakery. Any place that specializes only in wedding place is going to be expensive. Go to your local grocery store, culinary school, or even your favorite restaurant to negotiate a better deal.
48. Serve the entire cake. Saving the top layer of the cake is often considered a dead tradition. You can save a lot of money by serving your entire cake.
49. Use a fake cake. Instead of ordering an expensive wedding cake, why not opt for a “fake wedding cake”? These cakes are made of styrofoam and are beautifully decorated. They can stay on display all day long, even outdoors with no worries about bugs or humidity. They look so real, your guests won’t even have a clue it is fake.
50. Use cupcakes. Cupcakes for wedding cake are getting popular these days. They costs way less than the “wedding” cake and you can have them in different flavors that your guests can choose from.
51. Order extra sheet cake. If you want an elaborately decorated cake but can’t afford one big enough to feed everyone, go for a smaller cake on display, and have sheet cake in back for cutting and serving. If the icing matched, your guests will never know the difference.
Attire
52. Wear an heirloom or vintage dress. Vintage wedding gowns are in for 2009. See if any of your female relatives have a wedding dress they want to pass down to you. Ask your fiancé to do the same. His mother or grandmother may be thrilled to see you in their gown, especially if he doesn’t have sisters.
53. Rent tux’s from the same bridal shop you got your dress from. Many bridal shops will offer a discount on the men’s tuxes if you rent them from their location.
54. Let them wear suits. Instead of tuxes, you can save money for your groom and groomsmen by letting them wear suits instead.
55. Casual groomsmen attire. If you are planing an outdoor wedding, especially, you have a lot of options for the men’s attire. Consider a colored button down shirt and black pants or khakis. Ties are optional.
56. DIY jewelry. You and your bridesmaids can make some of your jewelry yourselves. Buy the thread, beads, and clasps and get all the girls together to craft their own jewelry. This way you will match, while still allowing each girl to have their own personal touch.
57. Go barefoot. If you’re planning a beach wedding you can ditch the shoes altogether! Have the girls go barefoot and consider making barefoot sandals instead.
58. Get a tiara at the mall or online. Avoid bridal shops and fancy jewelry stores. You can find a great tiara at department stores or online at Bridal ‘N Beauty.
59. Rent a wedding dress. You can save hundreds or even thousands by renting a wedding dress instead of buying one. Your wedding dress can be a very sentimental item, so not everyone will want to go this route, but if you’re able to it’s a surefire way to save.
60. Let the bridesmaids choose their own dresses. Many people will now simply choose a color and let their bridesmaids run with it. This works especially well if you have a color like black that’s easy for everyone to match.
61. Borrow your jewelry. You need something borrowed anyway, why not make it one of the more expensive accessories? Ask friends and family members if you can look through their jewelry for your “something borrowed”. They will likely be flattered and you can find some great pieces!
62. Don’t limit yourself to bridal shops. You can find wedding dresses now in most department stores and even online at places like Target! These dresses are a lot less expensive and often look just the same.
63. Choose a non-traditional dress – Your wedding gown can really be any dress that you love and feel beautiful in. If you love vintage clothing, consider any lacy vintage dress for your wedding gown. If you’re getting married outdoors or at the beach, you can even wear a more casual dress.
Hair and Makeup
64. Have a friend do hair and make up – Instead of hiring a professional to do your hair and make up, you can take a more DIY approach. Many people are often best at putting on their own makeup and know exactly how they like it. Or consider having a friend help with the task.
65. Go to a local cosmetology school – Consider getting your hair and makeup done at a cosmetology school instead of a licensed professional. These students are often just as good and will put extra effort into their work to impress their instructors.
66. Get a group mani/pedi’s – Make an appointment to get manicures and pedicures together with your bridesmaids. Let the salon know you are a bridal party. You can often negotiate a discount for the group of you, or get the bride’s free.
Rings
67. Shop for your rings online – Purchasing rings online, especially from a place like Amazon.com can save you a bundle.
68. Opt for simpler rings – If you and your fiancé are on a tight budget, skip the giant diamonds. Get small, simple rings for each other. If you’re a girl who secretly longs for that perfect diamond, you can agree to get new, custom designed rings on your 1, 5, or 10 year anniversary when you may be more secure financially.
69. Use an heirloom – Many families have heirloom rings that they want to pass on. Your only expense may be resizing it.
70. Reuse stones – If you don’t want to use an heirloom ring, consider using the stones from an inherited ring to create your own.
Music/Entertainment
71. Put together your own music – Skip the DJ and play music from a CD you’ve burned for the occasion, or hook up your iPod and set it to a special wedding playlist.
72. Have a friend or family member announce you – If you’re playing your own music, enlist a friend or family member to announce the wedding party as they enter.
73. Make your own short video – Rent a projector (or borrow one from work if you can!) and put together a short video of the bride and groom together. Set it to music and play your video after dinner.
74. Set up a slideshow – Rent or borrow a projector and set up a slideshow or pictures of you and your husband. Set it to loop so guests can catch all your pictures throughout the reception.
75. Enlist a local band – If you know of a good local band, or are friends with any musicians, enlist them to play for the ceremony or reception.
76. Hire student musicians – If you want live music for your ceremony, you can often find a beautiful rendition of traditional of classical music by looking for talented students. Many high schoolers are much better than they get credit for. Contact a high school band director and ask him to see if any of his best students are interested. They will likely do it for a very affordable price. Make sure you get to hear them play your selected piece a couple times before you hire them.
Photography/Videography
77. Hire a student photographer – Many people will urge you not to skimp on your photos. While this is true, hiring a student photographer or even a talented family or friend isn’t a bad idea if you look at samples of their work first and know that they are good at what they do. Students often do better work because they are anxious to build up an impressive portfolio and impress instructors and future employers.
78. Get pictures from your guests – Encourage your guests, especially close friends and family, to take lots of pictures and send you copies or burn them to a CD. Oftentimes, it’s these people who get the best candid shots. Look through their pictures before you purchase everything from the photographer.
79. Use disposable cameras – Don’t hire a photographer for the reception and instead set out disposable cameras on all of the tables. Your guests will have a great time capturing your special moments. You can also enlist one special friend or family member with a digital camera to catch specific moments that are important to you.
80. Purchase the negatives – Negotiate a deal with your photographer where you can purchase the negatives. This way you can make as many prints as you want in a variety of sizes.
81. Get a picture CD – Purchase a CD from your photographer with all of your pictures on it. You can edit the pictures on your own computer, or take the CD to a drug store and use their software. This way you can print the pictures at your convenience and get reprints at any time. Wait for your CVS or Walgreens to run a special and take advantage of their great deals.
82. Enlist friends and family – For video of the wedding and especially the reception, compiling several videos from guests can often be more fun and personal than paying someone else to do it.
Decorations
83. Print your own place cards – You can easily print your own place cards at home and print decorations on them, or decorate them with ribbons.
84. Skip the place card holders – Use place cards that fold in half and stand on their own in place of fancy place card holders
85. Arrange your own centerpieces – You can arrange the flowers yourself for the centerpieces at your reception. Buy silk flowers so you can take your time putting them together.
86. Get creative with your decorations – Instead of flowers, you can decorate with candles, Christmas lights, fruit, seashells, or any number of creative items. Go to a craft store and browse around for inspiration. One way to start is with a fishbowl or shallow dish on a mirror. You can fill the bowl with water and floating candles, or sand and seashells.
87. Have your wedding near a holiday – If you have your wedding near a major holiday like Christmas or Easter you can often save on decorations because the church, or other venue, will already be decorated beautifully. Choose wedding colors that will complement the seasonal decorations.
88. Share your decorations – If there are other weddings taking place in the same venue on the day of your wedding get in touch with those couples and see if you can arrange to split the cost of some decorations and share them for the day. If you want to keep any of these items, be sure to make this clear ahead of time.
89. Decorate with pictures – Instead of flowers or candles, incorporate artistic pictures of the happy couple into the decorations. These can be edited at home on your computer and printed out at your local drugstore.
Favors
90. Make your own favors – Many craft stores sell a variety of small bags, ribbons, and candies. You can save a bundle by filling the bags yourself with chocolates or mints and adding cute ribbons in your wedding colors.
91. Have decorations double as favors – This route is a perfect two-for-one money saver. Place candles at each place setting in a holder with your wedding date engraved on it. Set candies in small decorative glass bowls. You can even make a floral centerpiece out of several small potted plants set together. All of these decorations can become your favors at the end of the night and go home with your guests.
Attendants
92. Buy your attendant gifts online – Shop online at theknot.com or other online bridal stores to find great deals on attendant gifs. Most offer free personalization
93. Have a small wedding party – Opt for only asking your two or three closest friends to be in the wedding party. The fewer attendants you have, the more personal your experience will be.
The Ceremony
94. Print your own programs – Your wedding programs can be a simple trifold, or several pages tied with a pretty ribbon. Any way you do them, these are simple to print at home and put together yourself. Invite your bridesmaids over and make a party of it. If you’re having a small, nontraditional wedding you can go without programs entirely.
95. Give them bubbles – Instead of rice or flower petals, give your guests bubbles. You can buy small bubbles for just this purpose at craft stores or Wal-Mart. Many come with wedding bells or doves already crafted onto the lid. You can decorate them further with ribbons or paint.
96. DIY Guestbook – Buy a guestbook at any craft store and make it your own. Add ribbons or lace to the cover, and decorate the front page. A guestbook that doesn’t specify that it’s for weddings will probably be cheaper, and exactly the same in every other way.
97. Make your own ring bearer’s pillow – If you have a ring bearer, don’t spend a lot of money on the perfect pillow. This is the perfect item to make and decorate yourself. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or complicated.
Extras
98. Skip the limo – You can hire town cars instead of a limo for your transportation.
99. Have a friend drive – Enlist a friend with a nice car to be your driver for the event, and save on a limo.
100. Buy simple thank you cards – If you want a personal touch, print your own thank you cards. For an even easier approach, simply buy a box of simple thank you cards from a craft store. Even stores like Target and Wal-Mart carry these.
101. And lastly, but not least, avoid anything labeled “wedding” from gowns to shoes to cakes, the word “wedding” adds extra costs and usually without added benefits.
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Many environmentally conscious wedding couples are choosing to have “green” weddings instead of traditional weddings. Couples are trying to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the Earth, and still have an unforgettable event. Having a wedding that is beautiful, traditional, and also eco-friendly is a possibility if couples plan ahead and exchange regular options for green options.
Start with the Invitation
Traditionally the wedding couple picks out the most beautiful invitations and doesn’t concern themselves with materials used. A green option is to go with invitations that are not only pleasing to the eye, but are also made from recycled materials or hemp. In green weddings it is also acceptable to skip hand held invitations and send out e-invitations through email. E-invites can also say you money on not only invitation costs but also postage.
Eco-friendly Wedding Gowns
When it comes to the Bride’s beautiful dream wedding dress there are also green options available. Gowns made in natural materials, such as organic cotton, silk, and silk satin, are becoming very popular. Hemp is also an option, it absorbs moisture, naturally resists mold and mildew, and therefore stores better. Renting a gown or using mom’s or grandma’s dress is also an environmentally friendly option.
What to Serve On Your Reception
Organic food is easy to come by. Many cake makers already cater to eco-concerned parties. Tell them your concerns and watch them create special dishes just for you that are both delicious and organic. Organic options may also fit into special diets some of your guests may have.
Eco-Friendly Confetti
As the Bride and Groom exit the reception it’s traditional for confetti to be thrown. A green option is bird seed. It’s classic and it feeds the local birds. Never throw rice as once a bird eats rice it can expand in their stomach and make them sick or worse. Bird seed is a safe green option that is also very traditional.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors
Lastly, and just as important as any wedding aspect, is the wedding favors for the bridal party and guests. Green ideas are endless in this department. Any organic gift or gift made from 100% recycled materials is acceptable. Some popular organic gifts are organic candles, seed packets, a tree sapling, organic soaps, organic candies and chocolates; even organic food baskets. Your wedding guests would never forget getting a Lucky Bamboo plant at your wedding. For the bridesmaids a gift basket of organic beauty products would be spectacular.
Having a green wedding is just as easy as having a traditional wedding. You can have the wedding of your dreams and still be environmentally conscious. If you plan correctly, your green wedding will be just as elegant, if not more so, than traditional weddings. Your guests will never forget the “green” wedding they attended and you will know you did your part to protect the Earth.
Photo Credits: Elegant Green Wedding by brideadvocate on Polyvore.com
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Traditionally all wedding responsibilities have fallen on the shoulders of the beaming bride. Sometimes the bride has a wedding planner that helps her make decisions and insures that all goes smoothly. Historically the groom’s single responsibility has been to show up at the wedding on time in his tuxedo, as the wedding day is known as the “bride‘s day“.
Today’s grooms are taking a more active role in the wedding planning and supporting their soon to be brides. Couple’s realize that a wedding marks the beginning of the rest of their lives together and see the wedding plans as a way to start off their relationship completely committed to each other. Planning your wedding together as a couple, with or without the help of a wedding planner, can be a way of bringing the two of you closer on your big day.
If your fiancé seems hesitant to get involved in your big plans you should first ask him what areas of the wedding he is comfortable with planning. Make sure you bring out the positive aspects of each job you suggest for him. For example, if he decides to help you pick out your dream wedding cake he’ll get to sample many delicious cakes and frostings. If your future husband helps you audition djs or bands he’ll have a say in what type of music is played at the reception.
To start off the list of tasks, below are typical responsibilities that are given to the groom:
- Organize his and his groomsmen’s attire. Pick the color (with your input, of course), schedule the fitting, and delegate someone to return the attire after the wedding
- Arrange transportation for the entire wedding party from the ceremony to the reception venue
- Plan the rehearsal dinner, which is traditionally incurred by the groom’s parents.
- Plan the details of on your honeymoon after you’ve chosen the venue. This can include transportation to and from the airport, sightseeing tours or even romantic dinners.
It can be a win-win situation for both of you. You get to spend quality time together, he gets involved in the decisions, it takes some of the stress off you, and he feels as if he is an active participant and not just a spectator at your wedding.
The role of the groom has certainly evolved in the areas of wedding planning for the better. While your fiancé’s input in the wedding plans aren’t necessarily required, it will make the two of you feel closer as you plan to say to take the vows that will forever bring you closer.
Photo Credit: Nathan Wilton, an award winning photographer. Visit his site at Dreamtime Images
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Most people view “prenuptial agreements” or “pre-nups” as distasteful or as a sign of distrust between a couple planning to get married. There’s always the connotation that this piece of paper is insurance when the couple’s “happily ever after” take a turn into a battle in the divorce court; and that it is for the truly wealthy and celebrities only.
Will you put car, home, health and life insurance in the same light? I don’t think so. Prenuptial agreements are similar to these insurances – no one anticipates an accident, fire, major sickness, death or divorce. We certainly do not want to talk about it, but it can happen and sometimes it does happen to us when we least expected; and it is best to be prepared.
Pre-nups is a protection, just like car or life insurance. It may not protect you from every conceivable problem, but if properly drafted, it will certainly limit them. Pre-nups are not prelude to divorces. Any pre-nup which promotes divorce is unenforceable. Yes, a pre-nup is a legal document, just like your marriage certificate. Although you do not need a legal counsel for your marriage certificate, it is best to consult a competent counsel for your prenups.
Before you run to your legal counsel, let me summarize what is the point of prenups. Then you decide if you need it:
- Protection of property. This includes waiving community property rights (for those states that have them), such as real estates, businesses, retirement plans and intellectual properties.
- Providing for (or not) spousal support.
- Preservation of separate property and debt. This ensures that what is yours is yours and that you will not inherit your spouse’s debt in the event that he/she forfeits payment.
Do you get the feeling that pre-nups is about money or assets and debt or liabilities? If so, you are right. What makes pre-nups difficult to talk about before the marriage is that most couples do not want to discuss it. But, guess what the most common topic that couples fight about? You are right – money. It is best to be frank and open about both your finances up front. Then there will be fewer things to worry about later.
There are a lot of things that cannot go into pre-nups. Even if they are stated in the pre-nup, they are not enforceable. These are the following:
- Limitations on child support
- Custody
- Religion
- Promotion of divorce
- Damages for cheating
To get to know more about prenuptial agreement, I recommend Arlene Dubin’s book Prenups for Lovers: A Romantic Guide to Prenuptial Agreements
In the words of the author, a pre-nup is “… a private agreement between a couple contemplating marriage. The couple arranges, in advance, financial matters in the event of death …”. Prenuptial agreements are no longer exclusively for the rich and famous. They are increasing becoming commonplace for those not so rich and famous, too.
]]>With the cost of weddings spiraling upwards of $27,000 (depending on where you plan to have your wedding), and the unstable economy, many engaged couples are looking for ways to save money on their wedding. Over the next few days, We, at Completely Weddings, will share with you 101 ways to cut your wedding cost and thereby saving you money to use somewhere else such as your honeymoon or savings for your first home. As we publish each part, we will add a link at the end of this article to enable you to have a complete list of our 101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding.
WEDDING PLANNING
Wedding Planning
1. Set a budget. Before you begin shopping and planning, set a goal for yourself of how much you want to spend. You would not want to start your married life with debt, so do not over spend. Use cash, if you can. But, if you are going to use a credit card, get or use one that charges the lowest interest you can find. Pay the loan as soon as possible. To give you an idea of a wedding budget, download our “Wedding Expenses Table“. The percentage are not set in stone. They are merely suggestions and you can change them depending on our priorities (see #2 below). Once you determined the percentages, download our “Wedding Expense Record” to keep track of who pays for what and how much does it cost per item. Make an effort to keep your costs in your budget, and remember that any additional money you save can go towards your honeymoon or your first home together. Here is a “Planning Calendar Checklist” to keep your wedding planning activities in a timely manner.
2. Determine your priorities. Sit down with your fiancé and determine which area are most important to you. Do you both value traditions or could you do without a lot of them? Is a DJ the most important thing to have at your reception, or is it a full meal? Chose where you want to cut costs and what things are too important to you to skimp on.
3. Make your own traditions and ditch the old ones. If there are certain traditions that you don’t enjoy, such as throwing the garter and the bouquet (especially difficult if you have a very small wedding), don’t feel obligated to include them. You can create traditions all your own.
4. Don’t hire a wedding planner. If you are planning a small event especially, you don’t need a wedding planner. Invest in an accordion file and a wedding planning book from a bookstore and do it yourself.
5. Keep your eye out for bridal shows. Bridal shows are a great place to get freebies, gather information, and enter contests. The least you’ll walk away with is a better idea of what you want in your wedding, so find your next local bridal show and mark your calendar!
6. Order online. For everything from dresses to flowers to favors, you can get some great deals when you shop online. Do your homework before you make a purchase at any store and see if you can’t find the same thing cheaper on Amazon, EBay, or Overstock.com.
7. Take your time. Don’t rush into decision making. You may fall in love with all of the first things you see because you’re so excited just to be planning a wedding. Take time to make sure you’re getting the right wedding and reception items for your personal taste, and look into getting the best deal for each item.
8. Accept offers from friends and family. If you have particularly talented or crafty people in your family, chances are they will be jumping at the chance to offer their services. If you know that they’re good at what they do, take them up on their offers and enlist their help with DIY wedding projects.
9. Speak up and negotiate. Negotiation is not a lost art. Stand up for yourself and try to get the best deal possible with all of your vendors.
10. Befriend your local librarian. Before you go spending all your money on bridal magazines and books, go to your local library. Here you can browse etiquette and wedding planning books and magazines to your heart’s content without spending a dime.
11. Shop wholesale online. Search for wholesale retailers for everything from flowers to ribbon, and you can get a great deal online.
More Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding:
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding – Part 2: Invitations and Announcements
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 3: Wedding Flowers
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 4: Food and Drinks
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 5: Location and Time
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 6: Wedding Cakes
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 7: Wedding Attire
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 8: Hair and Make-Up
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 9: Wedding Rings
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 10: Music and Entertainment
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 11: Photography and Videography
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 12: Wedding Decorations
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 13: Wedding Favors
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 14: Wedding Attendants
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 15: Wedding Ceremony
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 16: This and That
There you have it… If you have other ideas on saving money on your wedding, do email us with your ideas.
"Un-traditional Wedding"
Choosing to elope is a very personal decision. Eloping means that you and your fiancé decide to get married alone with no traditional wedding ceremony or reception. It is usually done in secret. Deciding to elope is often a very spontaneous decision, and something that a couple doesn’t plan very far ahead of time. Some people also consider a destination wedding to be an elopement, but this is not a true interpretation of the term. Since a destination wedding or even a small at-home wedding still involves guests, invitations, and a reception, these are not “real” elopements in the traditional way.
The Upside of Elopement
One of the biggest pros to eloping is the money that you will save. Many couples prefer to skip the expensive ceremony and reception and opt for an elopement that may be a few hundred dollars at most. Another reason that couples chose to elope is to forgo lengthy legal requirements in their home state. Some locations require a blood test or other waiting period before the wedding, so a couple may decide to elope in another state where they can get married immediately (think Las Vegas). Many couples who elope will also take their honeymoon in the same locale where they got married. Instead of spending their money on a big ceremony, they may opt to spend it on their dream vacation together.
The Downside of Elopement
If you elope on the spur of the moment, the biggest problem you will probably run into will be the reactions of family and friends. Close family may be especially insulted that they were not there at your wedding. If this is your first marriage, you should take time to consider if you really want to give up the once in a lifetime chance for a wedding. If you are simply looking to avoid a big event, consider opting for a small wedding instead of an elopement.
There are a few more modern options for eloping that do allow the couple to plan ahead. Many cruise lines offer private beach weddings, with only the bride and groom. These packages usually include a special suite for the bride and groom after the ceremony, champagne and strawberries in the room, photos of the event, and a special wedding certificate. The marriage is usually performed at the first stop of the cruise so that the couple can enjoy the rest of the trip as their honeymoon. Though this is technically considered an elopement, because only the bride and groom are present, this is an option that allows for a little more planning and advance notice.
However you choose to elope, you should note that wedding gifts are usually forfeit. If you elope, it is considered rude to still register for gifts. In most cases, you won’t even need to send announcements, unless you feel that your friends and relatives would like to know about your recent marriage. Word of mouth should suffice for the occasion. Some close friends and family may choose to send a card or small gift, but you shouldn’t expect the kind of windfall that many couples receive when they hold a traditional wedding.
Is Elopement Right For You?
In the end, choosing to elope is a decision that can only be made by the bride and groom. This special, private ceremony will be an intimate memory for you and your fiancé and may be just the thing for a spontaneous couple. However, it is important to consider your family, especially parents, when making this decision, and choose the type of marriage that will be the best for everyone.
Photo Credits: Elope Today Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
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Get Fit for Wedding
Every bride dreams of walking down the isle looking better than ever. This is her big chance to impress her husband, in-laws, friends, and guests she may not have seen in years. But piling stress of weight and appearance on top of the stresses of planning a wedding can be disastrous. There is often a fine line between looking fantastic and looking sickly. Crash diets and outrageous weight loss plans are not the way to go. Follow these easy tips to become a knock-out bride, and get a fitter body that will last long after your wedding day.
Start early
Your workout plan should begin at least six months before the wedding. Anything less than three months is really pushing it. By giving yourself as much time as possible, you’ll be able to tackle your goals in small, manageable portions.
Set achievable goals.
You should aim to loose one to two pounds a week. If you have a lot of weight to loose, keep in mind that it often melts off faster in the beginning. Don’t become discouraged if your weight loss slows down as you get nearer to your goal.
Exercise to look better
Worried about your abs or how your back-side will look in that beautiful wedding gown? Check out these abs exercise and the Bridge workout or this exercise for your behind.
Deal with stress the healthy way.
Many women have a tendency to either eat too much or too little when they are stressed out. Try to avoid both of these pitfalls by setting a strict diet and sticking to it. When you’re feeling a lot of pressure from the wedding planning, work it off by going to the gym or taking a long walk.
Change your daily routine.
You may become so busy with other responsibilities that you feel you can’t find time to exercise. Sneak in little bits of exercise by taking the stairs instead of an elevator or taking a short walk or jog during your lunch hour. If you need to spend time chatting with your bridesmaids about wedding plans, challenge them to meet you at the gym so you can
Find a cheerleader.
Whether it’s your husband-to-be or your Maid of Honor, recruit someone to work out with you and keep you on track
Look at the big picture.
Before you can tone any one area, you need to burn some overall body fat. Once you have incorporated some cardio into your workout, you can add special toning exercises for your specific trouble spots.
If you are thinking of a personal trainer who will come to you with all the fitness equipment and expertise you need to reach your goals, I recommend my personal trainer, Kurt Knisell of South Bay Fitness. Kurt and his team service clients who live in these areas, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Rolling Hills, Torrance, Los Angeles, Orange County and the Valley. Look at the before and after pictures below. It’s not my wedding picture, but she is a real bride and one of South Bay Fitness satisfied clients .
Real Bride Workout Results
Ideally, your wedding workout routine will be something that can become a healthy part of your day to day life, even after the wedding. Don’t push yourself to extremes. By sticking to the basics of a healthy diet and more exercise, you can achieve that perfect wedding look in no time.
How to Choose your Wedding Florist
This really happened to one of my good friends – the wedding couple was already at the altar when the flowers came. While the ceremony was going on, the florist’s assistant was frantically arranging the flowers. What a wreck! The saving grace was, the couple had a tenor who sounded like Luciano Pavarotti (without the Italian accent that was why we knew he wasn’t lip singing) at the wedding ceremony. His voice was so heavenly and the guests probably would have applauded if they weren’t choked up with tears and/or overcomed by the solemnity of the wedding ceremony. I’d say the wedding would have been “story book” perfect had the florist did her job well. Here are three tips on how to prevent this mishap or other similar calamities from happening in your wedding.
Tip Number 1 – Do your research
Do not hire a florist who is inexperienced in wedding flower arrangements and, preferably, hire one who knows the venue. Not only so the driver won’t get lost and be late for the ceremony and/or reception, but also a florist who knows the venue will know how big the place is and what type of floral arrangements fit the place and, of course, your wedding theme.
Choose at least three florists at the beginning of your research. Ask for referrals from your friends, relatives and the florist’s former clients. Don’t forget to call them and have them rate the florists between 1 – 10 on their service, the final flower arrangements, and the prize; where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent. This will make the referrals measurable and it would be easier for your to determine which florist you would go with.
Also ask who will be delivering and setting up your event. This is important, remember my friend’s almost “story book” perfect wedding ceremony. Need I say more?.
Tip Number 2 – Ask for Samples
Once you have selected your florist, ask him or her for a sample of a centerpiece. If you are ordering 10 or more center pieces for your reception, the samples should be free. If you did not like the sample, ask for another one and it should still be free. However, be prepared to pay for the third sample and beyond.
Take a picture of the sample that you like. Some florists will not allow you to take the pictures, especially if flower arrangement is unique. Mostly for fear that you might take it to another cheaper florist or to one of your friends to copy. This is understandable, so do not push for the pictures. You can, however, ask for a written description of what is in the center piece or any other wedding flower arrangements that you ordered. Finally, ask the florists if they cannot get the flowers and other materials for the agreed upon flower arrangements, what will they substitute. Insist that you get 2 to 3 days notice in advance for your approval.
Tip Number 3 – Bring your samples
In your wedding gown fitting session, ask a friend to take your picture and bring the picture to your florist. This way your florist can create a bridal bouquet that will be proportional to your height and gown. While in the subject of bringing samples, supply your florist with fabric sample of your bridesmaids’ dresses so their bouquet will match their dresses, too.
If you have pictures of bouquet or flower arrangements that you like, bring them to your florist and ask how much it will cost to make the flower arrangements exactly like the picture. If the florist hesitates to make the same arrangement, be weary, It might be beyond his or her level.
Price should not be the only factor that will lead you to decide which florist to choose. Remember that the highest priced florist is not necessarily the best. Choose one that you will be comfortable working with and read those small prints in your flower contract before signing on the dotted line.
Here’s wishing you for a fun and memorable ”storybook” perfect wedding…
Flower arrangements courtesy of: My Wedding Flower Ideas and Flowers Only
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Autumn is a great season for weddings. Personally, I think “Autumn brides” should be more popular than “June brides”.
Autumn Wedding Colors
Just like the multi-colored leaves of autumn, the popular wedding colors for fall weddings range from burgundy to red to orange to mustard yellow to golden brown. You can easily mix and match these colors into your ceremony and wedding reception and your wedding invitations.
Autumn Decorations
Keeping with the fall theme, decorate your ceremony and reception locations with fall flowers. The most popular ones are calla lilies in white, burgundy or orange, roses in orange, yellow or gold and other fall flowers embellished with fall berries and decorative autumn leaves.
At your wedding reception, add different sized autumn scented candles on tabletops or use a bowl of miniature pumpkins or apples as center pieces on your tables. Buy leaf shaped hole punches (oak, maple, etc.) and punch out your own leaf confetti from autumn colored papers. Sprinkle the confetti on the tables. Place candles on top of small frame less mirrors. The reflection of the flickering light adds an elegant ambiance in evening wedding receptions.
Great Location Ideas
Since Autumn weather is usually mild, you may want to consider having an outdoor location for your wedding ceremony. Some outdoor locations that comes to mind are a vineyard, and apple or orange orchard, a nearby park or a rustic farm. Refer to our blog “How to Plan a Wine Wedding Theme” for ideas.
If you live where trees do not change colors as those in the Northern states, you can still create an unforgetable autumn wedding indoors as well. With colored accents and appropriate decorations, you can easily bring the outdoors inside.
Your Fall Wedding Invitations
Choose invitations that will match your wedding colors. A background of deep cream color will show the fall colors very well. Or, get creative and make your own invitations. There are several invitation kits available in craft stores today. They come with decorating items such as rubber stamps or embelishments that you can use to decorate the invitation card at a fraction of a cost of a made-to-order invitation cards.
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