Steel Away

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . where you can enjoy money-saving tips for your wedding plans and beyond, all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

I'm not sure why the Hallmark calendar offers "steel" as the gift of choice for anniversary number eleven. The gift sounds rather heavy to me . . . and as a guy, I can't imagine giving a woman a steel gift of any kind. Still . . .

Just in case there are couples out there who have to follow Hallmark like a religion, here are some suggestions for gifts.

For Her
How about a small steel sculpture for the home
How about some scrap steel that can used as a flower bed or garden area border?

For Him
How about a pair of little steel balls (ball bearings) . . . I've seen guys playing with these. Guess it's a ball thing.
Or . . . how about a small steel game, one of those bouncing steel ball contraptions for his desk?

Tin for Ten?

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Do my eyes deceive me . . . or does the Hallmark calendar actually tell me that the tenth wedding anniversary is devoted to tin? Tin? As in tin can? Well, okay. But if it's tin we are talking about for number ten, I don't think you can get much less expensive.

I'm not sure what type of gifts you can find made of tin, but you're likely to find some very humble arts and crafts, and probably some very affordable jewelry (for her).

Of course, if you are really determined to give a gift that's worth more than the tin itself, how about filling a tin can with twenty dollar bills? Kind of corny, but it might lead to other riches, and even save you a few dollars, too.

Potters Clay

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Couples who want to plan ahead for a ninth anniversary should be a bit relieved to learn that number nine is pottery. No here's a low-cost anniversary we can all live with.

Pottery comes in all shapes and sizes, and a person doesn't have to have a Pottery Barn nearby to take advantage of some great savings and find some amazing gift ideas.

How about actually visiting a potter in your area and purchasing a vase, a set of matching mugs, or perhaps a decorative plate? Other great pottery ideas could be a large serving bowl that you could use whenever you have guests or parties in the home, or perhaps a beautiful pottery decorative centerpiece that you could use on the table or on the mantelpiece!

You won't have to look far or long to find some great values in pottery.

Bronze

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For those preparing to celebrate an 8th anniversary, the gift is bronze. Bronze, you say? What can you find in bronze?

Turns out . . . not a whole lot. Still, there are options for couples who want to follow the Hallmark calendar.

How about a small bronze statue or plaque that you could share? How about some type of a bronze keepsake detailing your wedding date and stats.

Or, in the event that bronze just doesn't offer enough savings, how about going with something like a nice bouquet of flowers?

Copper Anniversary

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According to the Hallmark calendar for anniversaries, copper is in order for number six. Copper? What are couples supposed to do, take down their gutters?

Well, while copper is expensive, there are some lower cost alternatives for couples who want to give each other this metal. Try some of these ideas for lower cost alternatives:

For her:

Copper pendant

Copper keyring

Copper decorative button for a coat

For him:
Copper cuff links

Copper keyring

Copper ornament

Six Candy

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding. If you want to save money on your wedding plans and in your married life, you've come to the right place. All written by the guy who wrote the book, Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget (yes, ANY, budget!)

Couples planning a sixth anniversary can relax. Year six is candy . . . and you can't get more inexpensive than that. Instead of the traditional box of chocolates, however, how about going for something in the hard candy line (season, such as candy canes)? Or, if you really must go chocolate (and what woman wouldn't like chocolate?) then why not try some individually wrapped pieces? Or how about some unusual candies that you don't find on the every day shelf?

Whatever you opt for, just remember that's it's not the candy that counts, but often how you present it and how you package it. Be romantic. That's the ticket!

Five Golden Rings . . . No!

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the source you can go to if you need no-cost or low-cost ideas for your wedding, and written by the guy who wrote the book, Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget (yes, ANY BUDGET!)

So, for those looking to plan ahead for a fifth wedding anniversary (and even for newleyweds, it's important to have GOALS!), how about a something made of wood? Great ideas here could include:

For her:

A wooden keepsake or jewelry box

Wooden buttons

A wooden decorative piece

For him:

A wooden key ring

A wooden money clip

Flower Power

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding. You've discovered a blog that can help you save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on your wedding plans, and all written by the guy who wrote the books on saving money.

Couples who want to look ahead to a fourth anniversary (and what couple wouldn't?) can begin to see flowers in their future. According to the 'old Hallmark calendar, flowers are in order for a fourth wedded year.

Now, flowers are easy. Anyone can save money or find a real bargain when it comes to flowers. How about discovering the joy of picking your own bouquet or surprising her with a spray of flowers when she comes home from work? Thoughtfulness doesn't have to cost money.

Instead of some of the higher-priced florists, why not check at the grocery store? Many have great bargains on flowers.

You can save if you look . . . and use your imagination.

Third Anniversary

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Many couples can plan ahead for their third anniversary if they consider something in leather. And no . . . I'm not talking handcuffs and straps.

For him: how about a nice wallet or a leather money-clip? Or, consider a nice leather-bound journal or notebook. Shop around--you should be able to find one for less than $20.

For her: Can't go wrong with a nice leather bill fold, a belt, or a leather bracelet. Purses can be a bit pricey, but if you do your shopping, guys, you might be able to secure a nice bargain.

I'm not sure who came up with this third anniversary leather idea . . . but it makes me want to say, "MOOO."

Cotton Is King

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So . . . for that second anniversary plan, you have to go with cotton. Yes, that's the traditional gift. And, since a bale of cotton won't do for most couples, you're going to need other ideas.

How about a nice set of cotton sheets? For him, a cotton shirt? For her, perhaps a nice decorative set of cotton placemats or perhaps some cotton gloves?

And don't worry about the cotton-exchange. Check out the Bed Bath and Beyond Website for some great ideas here.

Anniversary Plans

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a great source for no cost or low cost ideas that will help you create a debt free life, and written by Todd Outcalt, author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Enjoy.

Most couples actually begin to think about their anniversary plans before getting married . . . well, at least women do. And, as you may know, there is a traditional order to anniversary gifts, along with suggested or traditional items.

For example, the first year anniversary gift is traditionally paper. But what can you purchase that would be a fine paper gift? Well, forget purchasing anything for that first year. Instead, make your paper gift one of the following (you'll save money, but will actually be giving a gift that is deeply meaningful):

* Write a love letter on a fine piece of stationery with a nice ink pen. Practice first and get it right. A real keepsake.

* Write a nice poem on same.

* Give your spouse an origami crane (you can find origami patterns on line).

Checking Your List

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding and the many ideas you'll find here that will save you money and help you to create a debt-free life . . . written by a guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Have you and your fiance had conversations about marital issues, reached an impasse when it comes to certain aspects of the wedding, or just had disagreements about issues? Don't despair, there are ways to talk about these issues.

One way is to make a checklist of the themes, topics, or issues that are giving you problems. Sit down and discuss them in a logical and precise manner. You can likely reach a solution (or make a decision as to who will be responsible for that aspect of the wedding, etc.)

Or, you could write down your thoughts in letter form an exchange letters.

Or, you could make a priority list of items or issues that you will tackle the next time they arise. Stick this on your fridge or keep it close at hand. It will keep your conversations on track and help you find solutions.

Speaking of Marriage

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a place where couples can discover fantastic ideas for creating a debt-free life along with low-cost or no-cost wedding ideas. All written by the guy who wrote Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

This week I'll be returning to my roots and conducting a seminar on marriage. Couples who want to build a successful marriage will discover that their wedding plans are only the tip of a very large iceberg. So many couples also begin with the wedding in mind, without stopping to consider that the marriage is the life they will be building together. A marriage is so much more than a day.

Five quick tips for couples who are looking to save money and build a life. Concentrate on these and you can't go wrong.

* Communication (effective, open and honest . . . always!)

* Finances (nothing hidden, plan your life together, be on the same page with money!!)

* Ethics and Values (gotta be going in the same directions)

* Goals (do you have them? Are you working together to achieve. A marriage without goals is like a train without a track. Gotta have a track and a direction!)

* Family (make sure you build your relationship from the inside out...family first)

Saving on Rings

Thanks for visiting Debt-Free Wedding . . . you must enjoy saving money, or plan to have a debt-free life. This little blog can help. Written by a guy who wrote the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".

Many couples overlook the engagement and wedding rings as a source of savings . . . but you don't have to compromise beauty and quality to find rings that can save you money.

Check out any of the following web sites for some great options on varieties and styles of rings that can put money back into your checking account. Money you can use for your honeymoon, your reception, or anything else you want. Heck, save your money and build your marriage!

http://www.diamondnexuslabs.com/

http://www.bluenile.com/

http://www.ice.com/

http://www.moisonnite.com/

Game Stops

Thanks for visiting Debt-Free Wedding. I hope you will find some tips that can help you plan a debt-free wedding.

Here's one: if you are looking for a low-cost (even a no-cost) option for some reception table center pieces, how about using some board games? These are colorful, fun, and can actually give your guests a nice break--especially if you and the wedding party arrive a bit late.

Give your guests some fun by placing a board game at the center of each table. These don't have to be standard, but they should be games that anyone in the family could play. You'll be surprised at how quickly people will fall into rolling dice and such.

Sound too funky? When it's time for the festivities to begin, invite everyone to put the games away or announce a winner from each table.

Sports Lovers

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Couples who love sports would do well to consider a sports-related honeymoon experience. How about attending a minor league baseball game, a college football game, or a tennis match? All of these can be low-cost sports-related adventures that can make any honeymoon special and memorable.

Once you know where you are traveling, call ahead and see what kind of deals you can dredge up. Great idea that can save you a lot of money and provide you with hours of fun and excitement.

Lots to do after the game, too!

Back Nov. 2

Thanks for reading Debt-Free Wedding . . . I'll be back sharing great ideas on November 2! Until then . . . thanks for visiting!

Movie Kind of Marriage

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, a great source for no-cost or low-cost wedding ideas. Written, of course, by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".

Here's a moving idea . . . use a movie theatre for your wedding and reception location. Don't think it can be done? Think again.

Most theatres are happy to rent space, and there are also party rooms for reception. A smaller wedding party can use a theatre very well, and you might even be able to incorporate a movie into your reception party (if you and your fiance are movie buffs).

Don't look past the movie theatre when you are planning a low-cost wedding.

Got Sonnets?

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding. Enjoy the advice you find here; advice on no-cost or low-cost ideas for your wedding, all written by the guy who wrote Before You Say I Do and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

For anyone looking include a sonnet on the back cover of a wedding bulletin, or who might simply want to read a few lovely, erotic, esoteric, or just plain fun love sonnets, you can't go wrong with Garrison Keillor's new little volume: 77 Love Sonnets.

Try a few of these on and you'll likely find one or two you could have some fun with. But whatever you do, enjoy them. It's a small book, and these sonnets don't cost much.

Saving on Time

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . your source for no-cost or low-cost wedding ideas that can help YOU create the wedding of your dreams. All written by the guy who wrote the books Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Here's an important concept that can help any couple save money on their wedding plans: the more time you have for planning, the more you can save. Time, as they say, is money. And when it comes to planning a wedding, don't doubt this maxim.

Here's a great way to make time work in your favor.

Create a timeline of events and/or items you will need for your beautiful wedding. Plan at least a year in advance, and keep driving through your goals with resolve and a money-saving eye toward value. Don't purchase the first thing that strikes your fancy. Shop around. Have conversation. Shop and compare. Then, once you know how you can save on your wedding plans, go back and make your purchases or your cuts so that all of your expenditures will fit inside your budget.

Place this calendar on your fridge or on your bedroom or bathroom mirror. Keep your wedding goals and your budget in mind as you work through the weeks leading up to your wedding.

And save, save, save.

Tax Break

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . and thanks for visiting. If you have a debt-free, no-cost, or low-cost idea that you've used in YOUR wedding, write me. Love to hear from you.

Many brides and grooms may overlook some hidden tax incentives surrounding their weddings. For example, brides can get a tax break by giving their gowns away to organizations that help cancer survivors, or battered women. There are many out there.

Couples might also be able to realize tax breaks via their marriage, too. Many couples forget that married life offers several tax incentives and savings over single life, and once children arrive, there are the deductions based on dependents. No big savings, mind you, but still something to celebrate in the world of taxation.

Couples that have their receptions in the church or synagogue may also consider donating boxes of table settings, napkins, cups, etc. to the religious institution. These gifts are also donations. Just keep your receipts and get a note from the church or synagogue noting the gifts.

Don't overlook tax breaks in your wedding planning.

$1000 Wedding

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Is it possible to do anything these days for a thousand dollars . . . especially when it comes to wedding plans? Absolutely! Here's a short list of some weddings you could put together for a $1000 or less!!

* Have a backyard wedding, small gathering of family and friends, a BBQ on the grill, nice music, beautiful day. Enjoy the sunshine and the savings.

* Have a church wedding at your church (likely no cost for the use of the building) and have an outdoor reception with just a group of family and friends. Find a catering service who can provide a meal for around $7 a head. YES! You can find food for this budget!

* Have your wedding with a judge, a reception following at a nice restaurant with a small gathering of family and friends. Cut a cake. $1000 wedding! Bingo!

Got Sonnets?

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a great source of no-cost or low-cost wedding and reception ideas, all written by a guy who wrote the books Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

I noticed the book a few weeks ago: Garrison Keillor's 77 Sonnets. Now here's a very nice, low-cost idea for sonnets that you could read at the wedding, the reception, or just share together. Funny stuff here, but also some nice sonnets that speak of love and devotion.

Enjoy this book with someone you love. You know who I'm talking about.

Great Books

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a blog that is a fantastic source of no-cost or low-cost ideas for your wedding and much much more . . . and all written by a guy who knows weddings.

Many couples begin the serious phase of their relationship by looking to good books and resources to help them plan and discuss every aspect of their marriage (not just the wedding).

Toward that end, let me suggest some of the best of the best books you can find out there to help you learn more about each other and grow a successful marriage.

Premarital:

Before You Say "I Do" by Todd Outcalt (hey, it's the best, what can I say!)

Getting the Love You Want, by Harville Hendrix

Wedding Planning:

Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, by Todd Outcalt

Bridal Bargains

Marriage:

Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, by John Gray

The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman

You can't go wrong with any of these...check them out.

Like a Rock

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a blog for the bride who wants to save money or plan a no-debt wedding, and written by a guy who wrote the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Thanks for visiting. Tell a friend.

Here's another great reception table decor idea you may have overlooked. Use rocks. Think I have rocks in the head? Well, there are many decorative rocks out there, and there are also rocks that have messages on them. Some of these "message" rocks are great conversation starters or can convey some of the feelings of your wedding: such as "Love" or "Joy."

Yes, they make these and they are readily available.

Need a beginning place for your search? Try http://www.orientaltrading.com/.

Frame [Up]

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a small, stop on your way to planning a no cost or low cost wedding, all written by a guy who wrote the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget (Sourcebooks) and Before You Say "I Do" (Perigee).

Couples who need a low-cost gift idea for bridal party helpers can't go wrong with a picture frame. It's a gift that everyone can use, and a frame is not something that most people would purchase for themselves. A win-win.

Look for great low-cost frames at places like

Costco

Michaels

Hobby Lobby

Target

Lots of selection and you can probably find a frame at one of these stores that would fit your budget easily.

The Place

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding...the blog written by a guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". And, if you say I do to planning a debt-free wedding, read on. Hundreds of great ideas can be found here.

Couples can save money, maybe tremendous money, when they find a wedding place on the cheap. And one of the best places to begin looking is in public places. Don't overlook a small niche, cranny, or a side room at a local library. Don't look past museums, gardens and public monuments and parks.

Couples planning the small wedding, especially, should be able to locate an intimate setting for little or nothing. And usually, these public spaces are located near a great restaurant, outdoor setting, or gathering place that would be perfect for the reception.

Look for the large buildings but the intimate spaces inside. And save, save, save!

Let Them Eat Cake

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . your source for no-cost or low-cost ideas to create a debt free life. And all written by a guy who wrote the books. And, he's also a cheap date. Write him if you have an idea that's worked for you!

There's a trend . . . slow but sure. People are realizing that they don't have to have a full-meal-deal of a reception to have a nice wedding. Many couples are now savings thousands of dollars (that's THOUSANDS folks) by forgoing the large, catered dinner for all guest and opting, instead, for the old-style cake and punch reception with entertainment and dancing.

So, if you want a throw-back wedding and a simple but elegant reception . . . let 'em eat cake. Besides, are people really going to stick around for all these dinners? After you've been to your third wedding in one month, the same old same old is just, well . . . old. A person can eat only so many plates of mashed potatoes!

Let 'em eat cake and save!

The Freebie

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a great source for low-budget or no-budget wedding ideas written by a guy who has written the books and has worked with hundreds of couples. Write him. Slice him. Dice him. And if you've got an idea that worked for your debt-free wedding, talk it up!

Okay, I'm going to go all the way this blog and offer a free book. Simple idea. The first one to send me an email at teoutcalt@aol.com gets a copy of either of my books: Before You Say "I Do" or Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Send me your name, address, and your choice. No catch. Just a free book.

Only thing is . . . if I send it, you have to read it!!

Pottery Ideas

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, your source for creative ideas that can help YOU create a debt-free life. And all written by a guy who wrote the books: Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".

There are dozens of great pottery ideas for couples...for receptions, decor, gifts, and kitchen/home decor. Beautiful pottery, of course, make wonderful centerpieces. And if you use paper flowers, cloth, or paper streamers as accent color, you can create an endless array of variety.

Asking for pottery as a wedding gifts can be a nice touch, too. Couples can use pottery in a variety of settings.

And as gifts? Couples can always find low-cost pottery (yet elegant) at many shops.

Food Supply

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . this little blog dedicated to helping brides save money and create a debt-free life. If you've got time but no money, this is the place to visit. Lots of ideas written by a guy who wrote the book Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". So . . . do you say, I do to Debt-Free? Write me.

Many brides can do well saving money by doing some early-bird shopping. As you go through your wedding plans, you'll likely discover that people are going to want some simple snacks/drinks while you are planning your wedding . . . or perhaps you'll need food at a shower . . . or maybe even post-wedding. Regardless, plan ahead and see what kind of deals you can get on basic snacks and drinks.

You'll save $$$$$$$$

Wedding Doodles

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . your guide to getting the most bang-for-your-buck when it comes to wedding planning. I have assisted hundreds of couples with their wedding plans, written for major bridal magazines over the years, and have also authored Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Yes, you can plan a wedding on your budget, too. And I do mean...any budget! Lots of ideas here. Thanks for visiting . . . and don't forget to write a comment and tell a friend!

A fun conversation piece to include at each table of your reception is a doodle pad and pencils. Give your guests an opportunity to make doodle impressions of your wedding, caricatures, or anything that comes to mind. They can even write notes to the bride and groom.

You could also include a small box for the doodles, or just let your guests leave their doodle pads on the table.

Great fun and you'll get some laughs for years to come. And, low cost, too!

Soap

A low-cost but high-appreciation gift that brides can give is . . . soap. In particular, unique soaps, beautiful soaps, or specialty soaps. You can find them most anywhere, and there are dozens of online sites that cater to these particular bridal needs (so you can also buy in bulk).

Brides can also find soaps that will match their wedding colors, and a nice soap tray or gift basket can be used in a variety of ways.

Add some other low-cost items like a nice hand towel or a Sham-Wow (okay, forget the Sham-Wow) and you are in business.

No Cost Wedding . . . REALLY!

In a few weeks I'll be presiding at my first no cost wedding in many a moon. And I'm talking no cost. Nada! Nothing. No cost at all.

How is such a thing possible you ask? Simple. The bride is a member of the church...so there's no cost for the facility. She's wearing a dress from her closet. The groom is wearing a class-A military uniform. Wedding party will wear suits and dresses from their closets. No music. No frills.

Reception? A relative of the bride's is making a cake for 100 guests. Another is making a punch bowl. And yet another relative is bringing a sound system for CDs and dancing.

So . . . don't think you can have a NO COST wedding? Think again! It can be done!

Art Show Off

You may be able to really create one of those unique receptions if you have some friends who are artists, or if you have connections in the art world. Many artists, in fact, would love to be able to display their work in any forum or location where people are mingling or brought together . . . even at a wedding reception.

You could have original works of art on walls, on the tables, or in a hallway leading into the reception area. Add the color, the drama, and the uniqueness to the event . . . and you're sure to get some nice conversation going while people are waiting in lines or being served.

Chinese Food

Many couples are discovering the cost-savings of Chinese food for their rehearsal dinners and receptions. A growing number of Chinese restaurants also cater . . . and the savings can be quite profound.

Or, if a couple doesn't want to go completely Chinese, how about going with fun fortune cookies as an extra table item? Nice conversation pieces and the kids, especially, love the little cookies.

There are dozens of online sites that cater to the fortune cookie and you can order them by the bags and very little cost. Check it out.

Children's Books

I had a wonderful friend who, each year, gave me a children's book as a gift. Now, at the risk of sounding maudlin, receiving a children's book was pure magic. I have a large collection of kid's books, and I still read them from time to time, even though my kids are well past the read-to-me stage.

A children's book makes a great gift, even for adults...and many contain timeless truths, insights or lessons.

Need ideas?

How about:

Paddle to the Sea

Goodnight Moon

Curious George

Mother Goose rhymes

Peace Begins With You

Where the Wild Things Are

The Thirteeen Clocks

If You Give a Pig a Pancake

Speaking of Weddings

There are any number of ways couples can work together to plan a wedding, but it is vital that couples spend even more time talking about marriage. There are many great lectures out there that can strengthen relationships, classes that can be taken, workshops attended. Find them!

Recently I was able to teach a workshop for counselors and pastors who do premarital counseling. One couple actually showed up to listen. And they said they learned more than they had anticipated.

What could I do? I had to give them a copy of my book: Before You Say "I Do". It's the best title of its kind out there . . . really. And I'll give a copy to the first couple to write me a letter:

Todd Outcalt

575 W. Northfield Dr.

Brownsburg, IN 46112

Green Ideas

I've seen no less than three new books on green weddings. Now, I'm not sure exactly what a green wedding is . . . but here are a few ideas that might work for your wedding, if you are wanting to make a greener world.

* How about planting a tree in memory of a loved one who is not able to be a the wedding? You could also plant trees in honor of those in your wedding party, instead of giving gifts that will not be appreciated for very long.

* How about purchasing gift crds to the Nature Conservancy or another green organization?

* Don't forget flowers/seeds as a gift.

* Take a green honeymoon.

* Use recyclable products at your reception.

Just a few ideas . . . if you're in the mood for green.

Poetry Help

If you are looking for help with your poetry as you plan your wedding . . . here are some of the best resources. After all, not all men (or women) can write poetry . . . and most shouldn't try. So why not stick with the masters? Here are some of the best poetry books (classics).

The Collected Poems of e.e. cummings

Collected Poems, W.H. Auden

Shakespear's sonnets

The Best Poetry of the English Language, edited by Harold Bloom

Old Stuff

I guess I'm a guy . . . and I can't remember the old adage for bride's about "something borrowed, something blue". But isn't there also a part of that that says "something old and something new?"

Okay, let's pretend, at least, and stick with the old for a minute. How about saving some money on decorations at the reception while also having a bit of fun? There are literally dozens of antique shops in your area where you could pick up some great old finds for table centerpieces, useful items that might help on the cheap, or even gifts.

I'm not suggesting you spend big bucks, but you can certainly find some bargains out there among the old and musty.

Oil Up

Another great idea for your attendant gifts, thank you gifts, and, perhaps, even table decor. Fine olive oil. Everyone is using olive oil for cooking now, and the health benefits are enormous. Likewise, olive oil in the jar is beautiful, colorful, and expressive.

There are literally dozens of labels now, and many sizes of olive oil to choose from. You can also pour it, portion it, or even give gift cards for it.

And there are also olive oils that are used for bread-dipping which are highly expressive and remarkably complex. Yet still inexpensive.

Looking for a great gift? How about oil?

Shoe Leather

A few days ago I looked out the window of my car and noticed a shoe cobbler's shop. A shoe cobbler? I didn't know they existed any more.

Now here's a novel concept. Looking to save money? How about re-leathering some shoes instead of buying new ones? How about re-polishing the old pumps instead of buying new ones?

And don't forget: You might be able to find some high-quality used shoes out there. If you've got the feet for them . . . .

Lava Lamps

Need a simple, entertaining, and unique table centerpiece at your reception? How about trying lava lamps? Fun, low-priced, readily available. And these pieces have some inter-generational interest.

And if you are really generous, you could give them away as gifts.

Big City Savings

Need another money-saving tip for a honeymoon excursion? How about going big city? There are now many downtown hotels that offer great packages on everything from overnight stay to transportation packages.

New York

Chicago

Seattle

These are just a few of the places where you can find great savings, especially at older, historic hotels. Make a few calls and see what's available for a honeymoon package.

More Freebies

Here's another freebie that came to my attention recently: transportation. Many resorts and travel packages now include side trip travel for free (or, at the very least, it's built into the price).

Some of these resorts give vouchers for side trip travel or bus trips to various sight-seeing locations. Couples who are honeymooning in these places simply sign up, sign out, and go!

Don't forget to ask about these free side trips when you call your hotel/resort destination.

Cooking Up A Wedding

How's this for a creative gift idea? Instead of giving family and friends in your wedding party a bunch of items they will never use, or a gift that has a short life, why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Namely . . . how about a cookbook?

And what's the one cookbook everyone is talking about right now? How about Julie Childs': Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Great recipes. Timely gift. Lots of fun.

And as for cost, a mere $22 a copy from Amazon (and free shipping if you buy but two). That's low cost as far as gifts go, and it will likely fit your budget.

Free Weddings

I heard it the other day on the radio: a free wedding package. Yes, increasingly bridal shops, bridal web sites, and bridal shows are offering free packages in order to spark interest and business.

Now, if you are a couple who can live in the limelight, or who love a good competition, better apply for one or two of these. Drop your name in the hat. Go for it.

You can't beat free when it comes to having a debt-free wedding. The freebies are out there. You just have to listen . . . and look.

Free Hotel Rooms

Increasingly, it seems that many hotels are giving away free rooms. With the downturn in the economy--not just in the U.S. but globally--there are ways to find free hotel rooms most anywhere. Some of these deals would actually give couples a free room at a single location, while other deals might provide a free day or two with the purchase of a week's reservation.

Yes, those deals are out there. And you might even ask at the front desk for these types of deals when you call. It may come across as crass, but some managers will actually cut a deal if they can sell you a longer reservation.

Good luck in the search. And don't forget to check out web sites like:

Hotels.com

Travelocity

Orbitz

Guest Brides

Anyone want to be a guest bride on this blog? Have an idea that has worked for you and has saved you lots of money on your wedding plans?

Drop a line. Love to hear from you . . .

SightSeeing

Many couples book far too many excursions or expensive side trips on their honeymoons. There is a tendency for couples to think they have to see all the sights. But sight seeing can be a laid-back experience.

How about hiking together?

How about a picnic?

Instead of booking that helicopter ride that will cost a thousand dollars, rent a car and drive to the top of a mountain instead. Much less expensive.

When planning your honeymoon, consider what you can save by seeing fewer sights, but spending more time at the places you really enjoy.

Cruise Wedding

On a recent cruise, I noted that there was a beautiful chapel on the 14th deck of this magnificent ship. I also noted several couples getting married, and during the cruise, there was a preponderance of newlyweds everywhere I looked. I guess cruise weddings are popular these days. And perhaps with good reason.

A cruise wedding can, potentially, be a prohibitive favorite for couples when it comes to saving money. Especially if couples forgo the big wedding/reception blowout and opt for a more laid back/small wedding aboard a cruise ship with family and a few select friends. In that case, everything is included: wedding, great reception food, and honeymoon. Everything rolled into one.

By the time the couple returns home they are refreshed. And they don't even have to clean up a reception area or return tuxedos (they even have these aboard the cruise ships). Can you ask for anything more?

Coffee

A great new gift to give your bridal attendants is coffee. Lots of options, lots of blends. Prices vary, but you can certainly find some nice coffees for a reasonable price. And you don't have to brew it either.

Or, instead of coffee . . . how about a gift card to Starbucks or a local coffee shop? Many of your attendants will appreciate the option of enjoying your wedding for weeks ahead, and every time they drive through to get a cup of java, they'll think of you!

Happy brewing!