Lookin' Good

One of the crazes that I've heard about in the past ten years is this: brides enlisting personal trainers to whip them into shape before their wedding so they will look good walking down the aisle. I've heard of brides paying big bucks for a personal trainer, then also enlisting the help of an expert to get them tanned and "lookin' good" before the big day.

Okay, so I'm not doubting that there are brides out there who want to get in tip-top shape for their weddings, but there are less expensive ways to do it.

How about some of these options:

Joining with a couple of good friends to take a step aerobics class or walking or hiking every day. A good friend can keep a bride responsible and moving toward a goal, too.

Or how about joining a gym with a couple of friends?

How about a diet book? An excercise book? A DVD? Watching something on ESPN every morning?

How about Richard Simmons? Or have I gone TOO FAR?

Cup cakes

It's official now . . . many couples are opting to make cup cakes instead of a tier cake for the wedding reception. Reasons? Cup cakes are easy to distribute (no cutting) and, actually, the can be arranged in very beautiful and creative ways on tiers, levels, and even flavors.

A few weeks ago I attended a wedding reception and discovered the most beautiful cup cake spiral I've seen yet. Very creative. Top notch. And the cup cakes were very tasty. Probably much better than most wedding cakes.

Don't overlook the cup cake option for saving money and for making your reception out of the ordinary.

Wedding Humor

If planning your wedding is causing you anxiety, stress or sleepless nights, you need some laughter. No wedding should be all business and no fun.

Your humor will also be a source of clarity, as you work to save money on your dream wedding. Don't get caught worrying about items you don't need, or stressed-out when you see the price of a new dress. Laugh your way toward a debt-free wedding.

If you need help, there are plenty of humor books out there. Pick up a few of these. Go to the movies, find a comedy. Tell jokes.

Don't let your wedding be the source of your unhappiness!

Cruise to Savings

Recently my wife and I began planning a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. So don't forget all you brides and grooms out there . . . it is possible to stay married for a lifetime! You have to work, sacrifice and change together, but you can do it!

As we were getting into our anniversary plans, we also realized that cruises are some of the best values out there, especially if you can get to port without airfare costs.

A quick online search for the best and lowest priced cruises should net you several possibilities for a great honeymoon.

Not a bad way to go if you are looking to save money!

Green Wedding

Increasingly, brides and grooms are planning "green weddings". Surprisingly, going green is not as difficult as it sounds, and the savings can be extraordinary, too. For example:

* Some couples use organic flowers for table settings and for the bridesmaids.

* Staying local in terms of shopping for items and also hosting receptions and dinners can save gasoline and also give your guests a break on their travel expenses.

* Going acoustic with the band rather than "plugged".

* Instead of rice, have guests toss something that is biodegradable.

* Use digital photography only. Don't make prints. Keep photos on a disk or download to a master file for later use.

*Give your wedding party favors that they can reuse: a planter, flower bulbs, a tree.

Debt Free Destinations

Looking for debt-free destination ideas for you honeymoon? Don't overlook these:

* Find a mountain retreat. Take hikes. Eat in. Plenty of "down time" and relaxation.

* Find a beach retreat. Take hikes. Eat in. Plenty of "down time" and relaxation.

* Look for an "all-inclusive" resort--one that includes everything from lodging, to meals, to entertainment. Some great buys out there.

* Take a car and camping honeymoon. Drive through beautiful countryside. Camp at roadside parks. Easy-going and inexpensive, save for the price of gas and dining at some place named "Eats".

If you are really stretched for funds, take your honeymoon later. So what? Go when you have the savings and don't place your marriage in jeapardy by going in the financial hole.