| It was a day you'll never forget. He dropped to | | | | this is still out of range, try substituting carnations |
| one knee, presented you with a stunning | | | | for roses. Carnations are dainty and frilly, come in |
| engagement ring and you gleefully accepted with | | | | a rainbow of colors, and cost about half the price |
| a resounding, "Yes!" The rush of adrenaline is | | | | of roses. Your florist can also offer an abundance |
| relived each time you announce, "We're getting | | | | of ideas that meet your budget. |
| married!" The excitement, however, can quickly | | | | Another popular option is silk flowers. |
| diminish when the reality of wedding expenses | | | | Better-quality silk bouquets are hard to distinguish |
| hits home. | | | | from the real thing and can cost as little as $20. |
| According to CostOfWedding.com, U. S. couples | | | | Silk flowers never die, so they can be easily |
| spend approximately $30,000 on their weddings. | | | | stored as keepsakes. Silk flowers also alleviate |
| To make matters worse, that figure doesn't | | | | allergens that might annoy those in attendance. |
| include the honeymoon, engagement ring, bridal | | | | An Impressive Reception On A Shoestring |
| consultants or wedding planner. Is it really possible | | | | |
| to plan a memorable wedding without breaking | | | | Most couples allocate almost half the wedding |
| the bank? Absolutely! These guidelines will help | | | | budget to the reception. However, you can throw |
| make your wedding day a success - from the | | | | a fabulous reception without going overboard |
| wedding favors to the dress - without blowing | | | | financially. Here are some smart strategies that |
| your budget. | | | | can save big bucks without looking cheap. |
| Designer Dresses At Knock-Off Prices | | | | Evening weddings are typically more formal and |
| One of the most important items in planning a | | | | offer a reception with a sit down dinner. One |
| wedding is choosing the right dress. You want a | | | | cost-saving tip is to stay away from steak and |
| dress that looks breathtaking as you walk down | | | | lobster, and substitute chicken or pasta. Not only |
| the aisle. One that will leave a lasting impression | | | | are these items less expensive, they are also |
| on everyone in attendance. With designer gowns | | | | healthier. |
| costing thousands of dollars, how do you find a | | | | Alcohol is another significant expense. Instead of |
| dress that's both breathtaking and affordable? | | | | going for a full, open bar, try keeping it simple. |
| One suggestion is to attend Filene's "Running of | | | | Offer guests two or three impressive wines that |
| the Brides." This event began in 1947 and is held | | | | go well with your meal. If the sit-down dinner |
| in major cities across the country. They offer | | | | strains your financial plans, try moving your |
| famous designer wedding gowns that range in | | | | wedding time to early afternoon. Receptions held |
| price from $249 to $699. These sales are a | | | | at that time typically offer hors d'oeuvres instead |
| fantastic way to buy the dress of your dreams | | | | of a meal, which can reduce your cost |
| at a fraction of the cost. | | | | tremendously. |
| Another possibility is to shop online for | | | | Memorable Wedding Favors |
| consignments. Many brides put their dresses up | | | | |
| for sale after the ceremony. You can find | | | | Who said distinctive wedding favors have to cost |
| gorgeous dresses that cost much less than you'd | | | | a fortune? There are countless options when it |
| pay for them in a salon or department store. If | | | | comes to finding personalized, unique wedding |
| you're the sentimental type, your mother, aunt or | | | | favors your guests will adore. |
| sister would probably be thrilled to loan you their | | | | While personalized napkins and matches are |
| dress. You many even start a new family | | | | reception mainstays, you might also want to add |
| tradition. | | | | personalized votive candles, Hershey kisses, and |
| Endless Options for Affordable Flowers | | | | chocolate bars. Guests always appreciate gourmet |
| | | | coffee and tea selections, as well as |
| Popular flowers for bridal bouquets are roses, lilies | | | | individual-sized honey jars that bear the names of |
| and gardenias. While these flowers are indeed | | | | you and your groom. These are creative ways to |
| beautiful, they can also be quite expensive. Once | | | | offer guests a memorable - albeit thrifty - |
| again, check online when looking for flowers. | | | | keepsake of your special day. |
| There are a number of companies that ship fresh | | | | Following these simple suggestions can help you |
| flowers at much more reasonable rates than local | | | | relax and enjoy your wedding day while still |
| florists. There are also packages that can be | | | | keeping your budget in tact. And with all the |
| ordered which include the bridal bouquet, rose | | | | money you save, you might just be able to |
| petals for the flower girl, bridesmaid's flowers and | | | | extend your honeymoon! |
| boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen. If | | | | |