at least once a year, Internet titles and headlines of your local paper is "Life" section to publish a new "average" cost for a wedding. Recently, it was from about $ 30,000, which is about what it cost for me to go to college.
When I started planning my wedding four years ago, I bought a book the size of the bridal magazines as well as every girl does. I spent time on the Internet looking at dresses and table settings, but I went into the planning stage believing that I could do almost all the magazines I insisted on my wedding - from invitations and centerpieces. And I was right. I could create them, and so can you.
Oh, and I had a little extra inspiration: My fiance and I were paying for most of their own weddings. It has definitely helped the creative juices flow as I sought ways to reduce costs without looking like I had cut corners. It's easier than you think in May
First, some advice on where to start: think one thing most important to you on your wedding day and splurge there. If you've always dreamed of some designer dress, location, wedding cake designer, caterer, or you want spring flowers for your wedding in November, to spend their money there.
Once you decide on your most important aspect of marriage, make a list of things you need (such as invitations), and the things you want to have (such as menu cards or guest favors). From here you can identify things that are actually capable of making their own (with help, of course). Here are some ideas:
Invitation: Yes, you can buy a package of pre-designed "to print at home" invitations to your local craft store, but it is not the only option when it comes to designing and printing your own invitations. Take it! First, use the call Catalogue no doubt you will get the mail to select the design / color you like.
After that, find a company to buy a blank paper and paperboard in the colors you want. If you know someone with a gift for design or have an idea of their own, playing around in your word processing program with several options. When it comes time to print, you can send the job out to a local printer (still cheaper than buying invitations), or you can print at home. If you have a job at home, make sure your printer is clean and its print settings are all on "high quality"and not a high-speed. You have a few print outs of the practice. When you print the actual invitation, make them in small batches, rather than 200 at the time. This gives the printer the opportunity to clean and cool.
Centerpieces: Depending on where you choose to hold your reception, centerpieces can be included in the cost of rental space. Even so, You May Have something else in mind. Use these thick bridal magazines for ideas and simply copy them. Central featured in color in one of these bridal guides could easily cost in the hundreds. However, an elegant knock off is well within reach. One of the decor items that can quickly add a votive candle. Glass holders starting at $ 1.00 each may seem inexpensive at first, but if youyou plan to use 15 on each of 20 tables , you 'relooking at $ 300 for a glass candle itself . is a great substitute for plastic disposable votives, available through most church suppliers. I spent about $ 65 for 200 single red votives that burned for 10 hours. They are the most talked about item at the wedding decor and prices on the least!
chair covers: Nothing dampens wedding elegance as he claims, upholstered chairs that do not match the wedding decor. It is difficult to remove places where Burgundy is the color pink. Many reception halls offer a cover for a few dollars a piece. They are usually plain white, but can be jazzed with some silk flowers or ribbon. If the seat covers are not on the menu, find some very broad bands at local craft and fabric retailer and create a giant bows to tie around the back of each chair. Not so big on tying bows? Use the bow-tying tools, such as Bowdabra (www.bowdabra.com). These "extra hands" are available online and at most boat dealers.
I actually had a chance to talk with Sandy Sandler, who created Bowdabra, and asked her about some of the ways people have used the bow-maker for a wedding.
"I've got some of the most incredible letters from people who have used Bowdabra to create everything from pew bows beautiful swags as centerpieces,"said Sandler. Sandler features some wedding creations on her web site.
Speaking of Fat ...: You are probably also responsible for decorating the church or the actual wedding location. Of course you could hire someone or have your florist do it, but if you're looking to save a few dollars, pew bows are a traditional decoration that are easy to make (especially if you have a bow-making tool!).
cake: If your wedding cake is not that "one thing" you decide to splurge on, you can spend the cost of the oldest cutter in the book. Buying beautiful wedding cake at a price you can afford and buy a sheet cake of the same cake taste, who will hide in the kitchen to "show the cake is cut. Your guests will never know that a piece taken home wrapped in a napkin cake did not come from the front view.
Your Shoes: Do not get talked into buying a pair of $ 50 "dyeable" wedding shoes when you buy a dress. Be creative and look for a pair of shoes that you wear after the big day. I bought a pair of shiny blue slides that are cute, comfortable, and served as my "something blue ."
Consider all-inclusive reception hall: If you are thinking of renting a place that requires you to be in a tent, chairs, caterer, baker, music and alcohol, compare prices on reception desk where everything is included. You'll have fewer loose ends to worry about as you approach the wire and you probably spend a lot less. It is, of course, if the "place" is not your splurge item.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning your wedding is this: It's your wedding - no rules! If you do not want to wear your hair up, do not wear it up. If you do not want to wear the veil, do not wear one! If you'd rather not sit at the head of the table and eat in front of a crowd, reserve a table on the main floor for himself and the wedding party.
Taking into account the family tradition is one thing, but when society as a whole pressure on you to adapt, you have the power to say "no!" You do not have to spend $ 30,000 on their wedding (save it for a honeymoon or your first home !).
