Win a Wedding

Have you ever considered trying to pay for you wedding by winning a freebie? Are you and your fiance the type of people who would do well in front of the camera? If so, why not apply to any number of opportunities to win a free wedding, free reception, or free honeymoon?

There are dozens of television shows, radio shows, and businesses that give weddings and trips away all the time as promotional opportunities.

Only drawback? You have to be willing, in most cases, to appear in public, allow cameras into the special day, and/or make appearances on behalf of the sponsoring organization. Otherwise, enjoy the all-expenses-paid extravaganza.

Rehearsal Dinner

Want to save som,e dough on the rehearsal dinner? How about not having a wedding rehearsal at all. Check with the officiant (pastor, priest, etc.). You may not need one.

Okay, but if you do, why not have the rehearsal earlier in the afternoon and do a lunch before? Or, how about later at night and just go out for appetizers and drinks? Or, if you really must, bring in some catered sandwiches and salads and eat at a local park if its warm. No rule that says you must spend big bucks on a rehearsal dinner.

Many people, and their waistlines, will thank you.

Sharing Wedding Costs

How's this for a most unique solution to wedding costs: a few weeks ago I read about some good friends who decided they would each share items for their respective weddings. Each Bride used various items in her wedding, and then they passed those items along to the next Bride for her wedding. Cost savings--tremendous. Creativity--astounding.

Think of it: whom do you know who would be willing to share wedding items/costs for the wedding. Prime items for consideration might be--candles (so what if they are slightly used?), music CDs, table centerpieces, and decorations.

Wow, if you put your mind to work, I'm sure you can think of numerous items that can be shared in this way...thereby lowering the total cost.

Something Borrowed

Most brides overlook the old adage for the wedding: Something borrowed...

But I wonder, what could a bride save if she considered borrowing a few items for her wedding instead of purchasing them? How about borrowing some table centerpieces? How about nail polish, etc.? How about tables and chairs for the outdoor reception instead of renting them?

There are as many ideas out there as there is creativity in the universe of weddings.

Wedding Coordinators

Do you need a wedding coordinator? This is a question that many brides ponder. But the real question is: how much is your time worth? If you have the time, a wedding coordinator is likey going to up the cost ante of your wedding by 10%-15% for the service. But if you don't have the time, a wedding coordinator can be a great help.

Be sure you ask, however, how the coordinator is going to fix his/her fees. Is is percentage of the total budget, a flat fee, or by the hour?

When it comes to planning a debt free wedding, you'll want to know the answers to these questions before you sign on the dotted line.

Bed and Breakfasts

Are you looking for a lower cost option on your honeymoon stay? Why not try a bed and breakfast? These mom and pop establishments are great, low cost options--and every room is usually individually decated and the places are usually filled with history and story. Very romantic.

Better yet, you get a nice breakfast every morning served by the most charming hosts. Who could ask for anything more?