FIND EASY WAYS OF REDUCING THE COST OF YOUR WEDDING

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How to find easy Ways to Cut the Costs of your Wedding:

Most of us look forward to getting married for almost the whole of our lives preceding the event and therefore have almost every specific detail, starting from the dress to the flowers to the cutlery the music and even the menu etched out in our minds.

Unfortunately, when the time comes to finally turn these dreams to reality, practicality checks in, knocks us on our heads and reminds us of exactly how many dollars we have in the bank account!

Unlike what it used to be in the good old days, the modern day parents have learnt to ease their way out of bearing the financial burden of their son's or daughter's wedding.

The logic used in this case is quite infallible really, most of us wait to tie the knot long enough to bear children, teach them how to walk and start helping them with their math homework.

So, since we don't do our share therefore the potential grandparents don't do theirs. So finally when it comes to our wedding we are left out in the cold, joining bits and pieces of our earnings to build up the most important day of our lives.

For all of us who are bogged down by this sudden astounding realization, or the ones who will get similarly bogged down in a not so distant future date, here is a list of the average costs that you will have to incur in order to get married.

Once you have the groom (or the Bride, as the case maybe), which tends to be the most expensive of the purchases, you are sure to save up enough to have a glorious wedding ceremony.

Consider these areas of potential savings on your wedding costs 

First up, flowers.

Believe it or not, at any average wedding ceremony flowers can cost anything around or even above $800!

Yes yes I know what you are thinking, you are probably itching to remind me how they finally add to the grandeur and emotion of the whole ceremony, but cap your outburst because ultimately this will probably be the one area you can cut your expenditure down in.

If your budget is tight try something creative, scan issues of bridal magazines or the net for ideas.

Photography/Videography also takes up a large amount of your budget. Based on the kind of mementos you would want to keep from your wedding day you can end up spending anywhere between $900- $2500.

Even though you probably think it's a good idea it is best to not try and cut down your costs here, cause these will after all be one of the only things you will have to really re-live your wedding at a later date, and if saving a few dollars means you will end up looking like a fat hag or be ill-lit in your own wedding photographs then there is no point being a complete Scrooge about it.

Now if you are having a wedding ceremony, you will have to send out those few essential invitations, announcements and then the thank you notes, so there is no getting around the few hundred dollars it will set you back by, but you might try.

Coax a friend with neat handwriting to take this load of your shoulders, get her to write your invitations for you, and keep it simple, so as to trim down the overall costs.

Finally of course there is the music. No wedding is complete without good music setting the right mood for the celebrations. Set apart about $1500 to fulfill your musical requirements.

Further costs include the price for the site of the ceremony. This you may safely estimate at around $400. of course you will also have to arrange for means to get to the site itself, this should cost around $450, all together.

If you want to show your appreciation for the attendants with a little token of love, set apart another 400 bucks. The rehearsal dinner, which you must have, will be around $1000, the reception anywhere between $5000-$8000.

Expect your super special wedding dress to cost at least 1000 bucks and even if the groom settles for a rented tuxedo there is no getting away from the neat $500 you will have to flash out for it.

So all in all, everything put together, added and multiplied, you have a whopping $25,000 bill tagged clean with your plan to get married.

If marriages are really made in heaven then the God's sure have expensive taste!

However this isn't by any means the final word in planning your wedding cheap, there are of course thousands of other ways of cutting your expenditure as per your personal means and fancies, this is just one of the very many ways of going about it.

Figure out what suits you, and have a great wedding.


Tips from the Experts

You dont need to do this on your own. The experts have created a guide to help you every step of the way:

How to Save Money on Wedding Costs

How to Plan for a Wedding  

Planning for a wedding is not an easy task. It could be an extremely stressful, and trying time, especially as the big day approaches.

When couples worry about coordinating all of the details of the wedding, just to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Probably, one of the most important details of the wedding that a couple has to decide on is the actual date of the wedding.

Some venues where weddings are held offer discounts on days when traditionally, weddings are not held. Also, the time the wedding takes place also become a factor in the expense. For example, mornings, and afternoon receptions are somewhat more cheaper that receptions held at nighttime.

It is also advisable to set a budget, even before a couple start to make plans. This way they'd be able to organize the details according to the budget they could afford.

Once you've done this, you can now choose a venue for the wedding. Some places offer discounts, depending on the time of year. Just after the holidays, would be a good time to hold a wedding, if you are considering the cost. This time is not considered a 'peak time', therefore the price tend to be less expensive.

For couples who are about to get married, it is important to talk about the size of wedding they both have in mind. The dream wedding of one person might not be that of the other.

So it is necessary for couples to discuss details regarding the arrangement of the wedding, such as: the location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited to the wedding reception, and the choice of entertainment.

It is important to reach an agreement pertaining to the guest list and the entourage. Whether you want to keep the wedding an intimate affair, in which case the bride and groom will just invite their family and friends; or maybe, they'd want to make this affair, into the wedding of the century.

In which case, the bride and groom get to invite the whole neighborhood, long lost relatives, high school buddies, etc., in addition to their friends and family. When making the guest list, consider the space capacity of your chosen venue.

Hire a professional to capture this momentous occasion. Sure you friends can take good pictures, and most of them own a camcorder.

But for this special occasion, you would want something special, lasting, and visually presentable. So you'd have something to remember this occasion by. This way you could also share them with your friends and family.

Don't forget the cake! It's best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. Invite your family and friends, for the cake tasting. This way, this task becomes fun for everyone!

Order wedding invitations. If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way, you can customize them, and add a more personal touch to the invitation.

Don't forget to start looking for a wedding gown months before the wedding. This way, the bride has plenty of time to make a selection.

Also, the groom should make arrangement to rent or buy a tuxedo, preferably in advance also. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you'd have some time to make other arrangements.

Couples who don't have enough time on their hands, or just find the preparations that go into planning a wedding too overwhelming, can always just hire a wedding planner! This way, everything gets organized and coordinated for them.

Amazon Spotlight for Wedding Planning 

The Complete Wedding Planner & Organizer

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After a trip to the wedding section of Barnes and Noble, I found myself a bit confused as to which wedding planner to get. They all were very similar.

I ended up picking this one because it was a binder, which would allow me to add in my own things and had dividers with pockets.

I also liked that it had a three hole punch included. I also liked that it had budget checklists AND advice on each item needed.

For example: for the flower girl basket- it described the differences between them and then range of prices they run so when I went out looking I would know that an $100 flower girl basket was a rip off. Anyway, this planner has been awesome!

Exercising Proper Wedding Etiquette 

There comes a time when the any couple decides to commit themselves to one another and express this by getting married. Along with family and friends, all those who care for them share their wedding day.

Proper wedding etiquette is required for different aspects of the wedding. From taking care of the invitations, to the transportation, reception details, location and the church, everything has a corresponding proper wedding etiquette to follow.

The engagement:
Proper wedding etiquette should already be observed during the engagement. The news should be announced to immediate family first.

A gathering of both families should be arranged. Proper wedding etiquette dictates that if either one has not met each other's parents; they should break the news to one family at a time.

As for friends, the proper wedding etiquette is to announce to them personally after the family.

The wedding preparations:
The wedding theme is the first thing the couple must agree upon since all the details following it will be affected. If the couple chooses a beach wedding, proper wedding etiquette says that everything will be patterned after that.

There are wedding planners who can coordinate everything for the couple and is a great help for the bride and groom in organizing their special day.

The question of when and where the wedding will be held is an important topic to consider. The couple must also decide what kind of ceremony they want to have. Will it be a church wedding or a civil one?

The proper wedding etiquette is to consult the religious preference of the couple. Sometimes even if they share the same religion, a couple can still insist on the informality of a civil wedding.

The location for the reception is the next thing to decide on. As proper wedding etiquette, the couple must be considerate of the guests.

Proper wedding etiquette dictates that the reception area should be close to the wedding location so that the guests and the couple won't be too tired when they get there.

Transportation is another factor to consider. Apart from the bridal car, it is proper wedding etiquette to provide for those who have no cars from the wedding location to the reception area.

The couple can ask guests beforehand on who will bring their own transportation so they can estimate how many automobiles they will have to hire for the group.

The reception details:
Of course, a big part of this event is the reception. Even though the atmosphere is more informal, one cannot forget the proper wedding etiquette of having a program.

It should really be about the couple, wishes from their family and guests, a time for gratitude and a celebration of the new life ahead for the newlyweds.

The menu, cake, table décor, centerpieces, sound system, and entertainment should be arranged months beforehand. The proper wedding etiquette is to follow the allotted time frame for each element. All of this will entirely depend on the couple's taste and budget.

The dresses:
Proper wedding etiquette for any traditional wedding is a white gown for the bride and a favored color for the bridesmaids, entourage and sponsors. However, times have changed and other color palettes are now available for the bride.

The groom and groomsmen usually do not have trouble with their clothes since they wear what is appropriate to the theme and whatever the couple has decided on for the design.

The budget:
All this preparation will go to waste if the couple cannot provide for any of the wedding items. As proper wedding etiquette, the question of who will pay for what is divided between the bride and groom's family.

Traditionally, the proper wedding etiquette is for the bride's family to pay for the reception costs, the church fees, the groom's rings, the invitations, flowers for the ceremony and reception, music, transportation and lodging for the bride's party.

The groom's side takes care of the rehearsal dinner, the bride's ring, clergy or officiator's fee the bride's bouquet the flowers for the entourage, transportation and lodging for the groom's party.

Nowadays, a couple can decide what obligations they will handle. But the proper wedding etiquette is to share the expenses, as this will be the sign of their future together.

It is tough job to handle all the wedding details but proper wedding etiquette must be observed at all times. Sometime we tend to forget these simple but very important gestures.

We must realize that by following proper wedding etiquette, we help make the event more elegant and memorable.

What is your #1 problem in planning your beach wedding? 

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Wedding Planning - Choosing the Gown 

The dress is always the highlight of all wedding fantasies and make-believes.

Ever since their youth, people will most often dream of a beautiful princess-bride in a snowy white, ethereal wedding dress of stunning beauty.

It comes as no surprise that choosing the perfect wedding dress for your wedding will prove to be one of the most challenging and exciting part of planning your wedding.

Marriage is - ideally - an once-in-a-lifetime event. There isn't much leeway to practice or make mistakes. So to make the bride's entrance down the carpet perfect and memorable, one must take great pains to ensure that everything is done correctly - down to every little detail on the wedding dress.

From watching fantasy-like weddings on TV, or reading about them in books and magazines, or hearing about them from other people, many brides-to-be form an image in their minds of the kind of wedding dress they would like to wear on their wedding. Many people take a watch and learn stance as they formulate, plan and dream up their ideal wedding dress.

If your time has come, and you are shopping for the perfect dress to make your wedding dreams come true, then you have come to the right place.

Wedding Gowns  

Embroidered Beautiful Wedding Gown

Embroidered Beautiful Wedding Gown

For Best Fit This Dress is Custom Made to Your Exa more...0 points

Ivory Beaded Evening Dress - Bridal, Wedding, Party, Formal Gown by Sean Collection (1471) XS

Ivory Beaded Evening Dress - Bridal, Wedding, Party, Formal Gown by Sean Collection (1471) XS

All eyes on you. Delicate lace with pearl beads sh more...0 points

David's Bridal Sleeveless, Satin, A-Line Wedding Gown

David's Bridal Sleeveless, Satin, A-Line Wedding Gown

This dress is brand new with the tags. It's a size more...0 points

Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear by Susan Khalje

Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear by Susan Khalje

An illustrated guide to the creation of wedding go more...0 points

Private Collection 6 Wedding Gown

Private Collection 6 Wedding Gown

This dress is one of Alfred Angelo's more popular more...0 points

Designer Wedding Gown

Designer Wedding Gown

Description: 1) Fabric: satin,silk satin,chiffon, more...0 points

Lovely Wedding Dress

Lovely Wedding Dress

For Best Fit This Dress is Custom Made to Your Exa more...0 points

LONG TRAIN WEDDING DRESS

LONG TRAIN WEDDING DRESS

For Best Fit This Dress is Custom Made to Your Exa more...0 points

Wedding Dress

Wedding Dress

BRAND NEW WHITE WEDDING DRESS IN A SIZE 8..IT IS S more...0 points

Look Like Royalty In This Dress

Look Like Royalty In This Dress

For Best Fit This Dress is Custom Made to Your Exa more...0 points

50's Strapless Satin Long Gown Bridesmaid Prom Dress, M, White

50's Strapless Satin Long Gown Bridesmaid Prom Dress, M, White

Classic satin strapless cocktail dress with boned more...0 points

Here are a few tips to help you get over the wedding dress dramas 

1. The Dress Comes First
Although it may go both ways, the theme of your dress should follow your desired theme - or vice versa. Some couples choose a theme before choosing a gown, and in effect, they make the gown fit the theme they have chosen.

But for some people, the choice of gown comes first, and the theme of the wedding follows the gown's theme. So if the gown that catches the bride's fancy is ultra beaded and formal, then the wedding may tend to be more formal. If the bride chooses a less formal dress, then the wedding may follow a less formal route.

2. Don't Overwhelm Yourself with Choices
Yes, it may be tempting to try every gown that comes your way. But what if you find yourself buried under a pile of 20 or so gowns you think you really like and can't make a decision? That sort of scenario will prove to be a terrible headache - not to mention a great source of stress.

To avoid this, try making decisions in stages. You could try an 'American Idol' style way of choosing a gown. You could vote off the least liked one and then reevaluate the remaining gowns.

Another method is trying 5 gowns and then choosing two of the best. These 'champions' will be pit against 5 more new gowns. Continue the tournament until you get to the perfect gown.

It may become tempting to say, "Aw, but that other gown might have been better." Try to make sure you make your final decision among 5 gowns. If you end up with too many to choose from you may get overwhelmed and end up choosing an inferior gown, or choosing the perfect gown but forever asking yourself whether you made the right decision or not.

Choose Wisely
And choose a wise companion; take along one or two of your closest friends or confidants who know a thing or two about wedding dresses and style.

Their advice will come in handy when choosing a gown. Also, make sure you check the durability and quality of the gown, the material and the accessories. You don't want your gown falling apart on you during the ceremonies.


More useful beach wedding ideas and resources.


Wedding-Planner-Download

Get our 12 month Beach Wedding Planner & Checklist - Free to Brides!
Just right mouse button click on the link below and select 'save target/link as' to download this 50+ page ebook to your computer to print out later:


CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

We hope you enjoy this free ebook download with our compliments!

How much money can you put in your pocket if you saved just 10% on your wedding? It doesn't matter whether your wedding budget is $5,000, $10,000, or even $50,000.


Let's just say that your wedding budget is only $10,000. If you saved just 10% it would give you $1,000 in savings.

But what if you could save 30%?... 50%.... or even 80%?

For example...
Did you know that it cost less than $100 to manufacture a wedding gown that retails for over $2,000?

Did you also know that you can buy the same dress at $200 or less?... It's not impossible. In fact it's very easy. People who followed my advice are doing it all the time.

What's more, you can use the same concept to buy bridesmaid dresses, shoes, headpieces, and other accessories. ANYONE could do this!

Well... what about catering? The single biggest wedding expense. The average dinner for a single guest ranges between $50-$100? What if you could reduce it to $25-$50 for same quality meal? How much money could you save for 100 guests?

What if you could slash off 70% on alcohol cost? 50% on Flowers? 80% on
Limousine?

Collectively, the amount you save can add up to be a small fortune. And again, ANYONE can do this!

Click here to learn more: Expert Help to Plan my Wedding & Save Money!


And if you and your wedding party are tongue tied and terrified at the thought of having to write and speak at the wedding to make the toasts and speeches --- RELAX!

All the expert help you could ever want is right here to help everyone in the party to Present Great Wedding Speeches - or - "How to be Fearless, Funny and Flawless!"


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