Square Dancing?

A few weeks ago I overheard someone make the comment at a wedding reception: "You know, after you've attended a few weddings, they all start to look the same."

Indeed, there doesn't seem to be too much creativity out there when it comes to weddings and receptions. There are few brides and grooms who do things "counter-culture." Often, a wedding just looks and sounds the same as any other. And even receptions can have the same-old, same-old look and feel to them. Same food. Same table settings. Same cake. Same music. Same entrance. Same dance. Same everything.

But a few years ago I did happen upon a unique wedding reception where the bride and groom had hired a square dance "caller". And this wasn't Appalachia, folks!

What a blast that reception was. And here's an even better result. That square dance caller and his equipment cost quite a lot less than a traditional DJ and his rotating dance ball.

Want to save money and create a unique wedding reception dance atmosphere that people will really enjoy? Might hire a square dance master!

Are You a Camper?

Now, here's a novel honeymoon accommodation idea for those couples who really love the outdoors AND want to save a bunch of money! Go camping.

Think of it . . . for the price of a small tent you get scenic sunsets, fresh air, lots of privacy, and none of the hassles of crowded hotel lobbies, buffet lines or crowded restrooms. And as they say: What happens in a tent, stays in a tent.

If you've got an outdoor streak, a favorite national park you would love to visit, or just want to save a few bucks by camping out a night or two on your honeymoon, don't overlook the tent as a possibility.

Take the Train

Many couples are discovering that a train trip provides ample savings for the honeymoon. Not only are they getting their transportation included, but they also have accommodations built-in--and sometimes food.

Those who really want to save money can take the train, sleep in the common car all night (if you can sleep sitting up, this saves a lot), and then get a fresher rest when they reach their destination.

Trains are worth looking at for your honeymoon transportation option. And a train provides a much more scenic trip that an airport.

Budget Busting Honeymoon

Here's an idea for saving money on your honeymoon accommodations. Ready? Follow a disaster.

Think about it. Were there cut-rate hotel rooms in New Orleans after Katrina? You bet! And there are other deals out there in locations that have been hit hard by other disasters, too.

You don't have to look at it as if you are taking advantage of some one's misfortunes, either. Rather, by honeymooning in a location that needs the business, you'll be helping other people get back on their feet. They'll be wanting your business and cutting their prices, and you'll be assisting them in starting over.

So . . . don't plan that honeymoon too soon. You never know where you might need to land.

Three Quick Ways to Save

Looking for some fast, easy ways to save $ for your wedding? Try one of these:

1. What do YOU do well? Scrap booking? Do you sew? Make crafts? Got any hidden talents? Turn your passion into a money-making venture. Do what you do and sell your talent to other. Put this $ aside for the wedding!

2. Pay yourself first. Put aside a few dollars from your paycheck every week/month. Do this first. Pay your wedding plans FIRST. Not last. Make sure you save this money and keep on saving.

3. Pocket change. Got it? Place all of your daily pocket change in a jar and keep on saving it for a year. You'll be surprised at how much you will accumulate in a jar if you keep on keeping on with this little savings device.

Save. Save. Save.

Clean Up on Aisle Common Sense

Many couples are discovering that one of the extra charges for their wedding and reception is for "clean up". These charges can range from custodial help needed to clean up after the wedding at the church (yes, there is ALWAYS clean up!) to the deeper-cleaning needs at the reception (tables, chairs, floors, kitchen, the whole shmeer!).

Often, families are flabbergasted to learn that it costs money to hire this kind of help, or that the church and/or reception hall does not do this for free.

However, there are alternatives that can save couples money, if they are willing to go the extra mile.

Often, a couple can arrange for family members and friends to do this cleaning after the ceremony. Yes, it does take time. And yes, some people may miss a good portion of the reception, but it can be done, and it can save money.

Likewise, some reception halls will lower their clean up charges if the wedding party will provide extra help, or take on some of the responsibilities of the cleaning. Yes, it does take time. And yes, there will be some family and friends that may be working late into the night, but it can save money.

Couples will need to weigh their clean up costs within the total budget that they have set for their wedding and reception. At the very least, couples should plan for these costs to be associated with any wedding and reception they are planning. And of course, the more elaborate the plans, the more people they invite, the larger these costs are going to be. Just plan ahead!

The Gazebo Option

Couples who are looking for a quaint, wedding-friendly option for a small outdoor wedding may want to consider a gazebo. You'll find these most everywhere: in local and state parks, near public swimming pools, on golf courses, and even in back yards. With just a few decorations and a nice, sunny day, a couple has the perfect setting for a low-key wedding. No frills, but plenty of beauty and fresh air.

I've conducted my share of gazebo weddings over the years and they always please couples and guests.

And, of course, the best part is: low cost. So couples who want to save that cash for a nice honeymoon might consider the gazebo option.