Seasonal Decor

Any bride looking to save money on decor at the wedding or the reception can't go wrong with using seasonal decor. Use what's available . . . pumpkins in the fall, evergreen in the winter, red bud in the spring, garden flowers in the summer.

Why waste money bringing in orchids or roses from Mexico? If you go season, you can decorate, many times, for free!

Best money you can spend.

Transportation

There are dozens of ways to save money on limo services, and with the rising cost of gas and other transportation expenses, couples can likely find many that would work for them. Consider:

* Using an antique car (of a friend) to get you from church to reception. A convertable, maybe?
* Driving away in a delivery truck (something unique).
* Horse and carriage
* Rickshaw...if you watch Seinfeld reruns and feel comfortable having Newman and Kramer operating the transportation!!

Savings Plans

Having a tough time getting the funds you need for your wedding? Try one of these great ideas for saving a few extra bucks in your wedding fund:

1. Create a direct deposit fund from your paycheck, with a portion of your pay going into your wedding account. This will help you "pay yourself first" and make sure you have a few starter funds on hand.
2. Take a second job. Why not? If you can work a few extra hours, sock this money away for your wedding.
3. Ask for a raise. Employers who are invited to a wedding are more likely to look kindly upon your pay. . . so don't forget to give your boss a place at the reception.

Veils

The wedding veil has been a traditional part of a bride's attire for many centuries, but that's not to say that a bride has to wear one. Increasingly I note that brides are going without the veil, and there are many brides who make their own veil or borrow one from a friend.

It's a huge savings...in fact, a veil can often cost nearly as much as a gown, and the markup on veils is tremendous.

Consider making your own veil or borrowing one from a friend for some huge savings on your wedding.