Statistics say the average wedding costs $20,000 to $40,000. Most young girls dream of the fairy tale wedding: long white gown, 8 bridesmaids, a sit-down dinner, the band everyone dances to. Many brides have been dreaming about their wedding day since childhood. These dreams come with an expensive price tag and the realization of their fairytale day may be distant. Although weddings are very costly today, your dream day can happen. I am going to share some tips to cut corners and save money without making huge sacrifices.
By taking the time to plan and investigate, you will be amazed at the amount of money that you save. Would you arrive at an interview for your dream job without prior preparation? No, you would not and that is why preparation and research will make your wedding a success without remortgaging the house!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Where to Start? 5
You Are Cordially Invited (Invitation) 8
What to Wear, What to Wear (Bridal Attire) 11
….Make your own veil 14
What to Wear, What to Wear – For Him 15
What to Wear – Part 2 (Attendant Attire) 16
A Rose is a Rose (Ceremony Flowers) 18
Making Your Own Ceremony Flowers 19
Decorative Flowers for the Ceremony 23
Decorating The Ceremony 25
Make Your Own Pew Bows 26
Music at the Ceremony 29
Smile Pretty (Photography and Videography) 30
Decorating the Reception 34
….Make your own centerpiece suggestions 35
Wedding Favors 39
Yummy Yummy (Food) 41
Calling Betty Crocker (Cake) 48
….Wedding Mint Recipe 50
To Party or Not to Party (Beverages) 51
Boogie Oogie Oogie (Music at the reception) 54
Miscellaneous 56
….Wedding Rings 56
….Attendant Gifts 58
….The Honeymoon 59
General Tips 59
Budget Tracking Sheet 64
Task Checklist with Notes 65
Conclusion 69
