Get it For Free

Have you ever considered the possibility of getting an entire wedding and/or honeymoon for free? You could . . . if you are the type of couple who enjoys interviewing, competing, or throwing your name into the hat.

There are hundreds of radio and television stations that have summer wedding competitions. Check out some of the opportunities in your area. You might be surprised at what you can find out there on the air.

Beanie Baby Reception

Brides looking for some unique cost-saving decor for their receptions (preferably in a low cost or no cost setting) can find some mileage with beanie babies. Remember these? Place them on the tables as center pieces and on the serving tables. If you don't already have a generous supply, you can find them in great quantities at Goodwill.

If you don't have beanie babies, why not try using other kinds of toys/boxed games/sports-related themes in your decor. Ask the groom. He' s probably got a favorite sport that could serve as the theme: football, baseball, soccer, etc.

Nothing like going simple to save money.

Clipping Coupons

Many people will clip coupons to save money on groceries or sundries, but why not on wedding expenses? There are some great coupons out there for wedding-related items if you watch. Don't feel that you can't save a few dollars here and there with some planning and clipping. Every dollar you save is a dollar you can use to set up house or to honeymoon a bit longer.

Watch for coupons especially on items like:
Paper goods for the reception
Decorations
Floral arrangements
Food items you can use at the reception
Drinks at the reception
Shoes
Rice (from the grocery)

Ice Cream Social Reception

Here's a fun, witty, and utterly low-cost option for a wedding reception I noted as I was driving by a public park: An summer ice cream social reception.

Instead of the big, overblown dinner reception with catered meats and veggies, this couple had rented a large shelter house and was scooping up home-made ice creams with cake to the guests. Wow. What fun. Everyone was having a great time (isn't that the idea?).

Instead of spending tons of cash on a catered dinner, this couple was serving up a refreshing dessert. Low cost, yes. Smart, you bet. Memorable, absolutely!

Gifts

Many couples distress over the amount of money they could spend on gifts for attendants, groomsmen, etc. But there are many lower cost options.

Some brides and grooms make their own gifts. Others look for deals (such as buy one, get one free). And there are always great finds to be had at antique stores, pawn shops, etc.

Another option is to peruse cut rate catalogues and web sites like Oriental Trading. Lots of fun stuff at the fraction of the cost.

Money Fountain

Last week I heard a news report about a couple who had a "money fountain" at their reception--evidently some type of well or urn that people could toss money into. These were gifts for the bride and groom.

But someone wasn't watching, and when the couple went back to skim the proceeds out of the money fountain, there was nothing there.

Beware! Theft at weddings is more common that you might think. Don't leave gifts sitting on a table unattended. Don't leave cards strewn around on a table at the reception. Don't have people place money in a pile or receptacle. At least, not without a constant and trusted watchguard.

At weddings I've conducted, I must say I've seen the following take place during the ceremony!
Cameras stolen, purses snatched, gifts pilfered.

All a sneak thief has to do is read the newspaper announcements for upcoming weddings, lie in wait, and then walk off with a nice haul. Don't let your wedding get spoiled because of theft. Be vigilant. Watch. Have trusted friends watching out for YOU!

Craft Wedding

Some months back I attended a wedding in which the bride had prepared many of her own table decorations. These were various crafts--oragami (very beautiful), kites, scrap books, etc.

The idea wasn't just to save money (though that was nice, too), but to display the various talents and gifts the bride possessed. The crafts told a story and the scrap books, in particular, contained some history that everyone enjoyed.

Consider crafts as a possibility for decoration or the reception. You'll not only save, but you'll be sharing your life, too.

Decor and Paper Goods

Increasingly, brides are discovering that they can find many of their decor items and dollar stores and online. And for a lot less.

Consider, there are dollar stores on just about every corner now. Most of these carry a host of paper goods that can be used at the reception (napkins, etc.) and many are exactly the same brands you would find at higher end bridal shops or supply houses.

And don't forget decor. Consider looking online at OrientalTrading.com. Too many items here to mention, but there are scores of wedding items for much less than you'd pay at bridal shoppes.