Open Mic

Many wedding receptions have the proverbial toasts (from the best man, perhaps, or father of the bride). But increasingly the open mic is coming back to haunt brides and grooms.

An open mic can be a fun aspect of a wedding reception, and it's definitely a low-cost item that can lead to some good entertainment, but beware of handing the mic over to anyone who has "a word" for the bride and groom. Some comments you may not want to hear, however cutsie or well-intended they may be.

Use your open mic to add to your wedding reception, not detract from it.

Freebie

Need another freebie idea for your honeymoon? How about visiting an historic home? Lots of homes out there that have free admission.

If you happen to like history, or even if you just need a side trip to round out an excursion to downtown, uptown, or outback . . . you might see what is available in your honeymoon destination area.

You might even take along some classic literature to read if you are into that sort of thing . . . or not!

Museums

How about another free idea for your honeymoon? How about visiting a museum(s)? Many are free, or have free admissions on some days of the week.

Art, sculpture, displays, photography, and more . . . if you are a museum rat, why not make one or more visits a part of your low-cost or no-cost honeymoon? You don't have to live your entire honeymoon in a museum, but you can certainly add some romance and learning to your honeymoon experience.

And museums are everywhere. No matter where you visit.

Walk On . . .

Looking for another "free" idea for your honeymoon? How about this . . . take a walking tour. There are hundreds of them out there in major cities, in historic districts, near monuments. Many of these walking tours can be had for the price of a free map from a tourist information center or even a roadside rest park.

Peruse some cities online and you're bound to find some places you could visit and walk for free.

You don't have to spend big money to have some fun and see some great sights. Your budget doesn't have to be plush at all.

Free Land

Okay, now here's a novel idea for brides looking for inexpensive honeymoon destinations. Why not find some places you can visit for free? I mean, FREE. You can't beat that, can you, for saving money?

I'll begin by telling you about one of the most obvious places. Niagara Falls.

But it's not free, you might say. Doesn't it cost money to ride those boat thingies? Doesn't it cost money to cross the border? Doesn't it cost money to go up to the top of the Canadian Needle?

Yes, Yes, and Yes. But . . . who says you have to pay for any of these things? You can enjoy the Falls from either side of the border (been there many times and I KNOW) and it's a spectacular and romantic sight just standing there. In fact, I've kissed my wife every time I've been at the Falls, so I know all of that water actually does something to a man.

So . . . if you are looking to save on a romantic honeymoon destination. Just go north, young lady!

Quilt Decor

If you are a bride who has a country heart, how about using quilts for your wedding and reception decor? Use a quilt for your altar colors, hang quilts on the wall for your colors, or even drape them on tables at the reception.

If you have family who own quilts, or who might enjoy displaying the quilts they have made or purchased, a wedding/reception is a perfect opportunity.

Better yet, you'll get most of your color and decor for free. Low cost. No clean up.

Beats high-priced rose petals or glitter any day and using quilts will also save you money on custodial fee clean up.

The Gift Registry

Is there a cost-saving strategy for brides to use on their gift registry? Perhaps.

Consider, for example, that many couples receive gift cards instead of actual gifts. These cards can be used to purchase more expensive gifts that couples might have on their registries.

Likewise, couples might also consider the types of items they wish to place on their registry list. Longer-lasting items (such as china, silverware, or cookware) will have a greater cost-saving effect for the couple than will items that will need to be replaced after a few years (such as towels, drinking glasses, or decor).

Consider the types of items you would like to have on your registry and don't overlook your gift cards as a way to strategize a debt-free first year in your marriage.

Ice, Ice, Baby . . .

Some years back I attended a winter wedding and the couple had their reception near a small outdoor ice-skating rink. (Or, come to think of it, it was actually just a makeshift area built for ice skating.)

What a marvelous option for a winter activity/reception. Low cost, unique, seasonally-appropriate (if you live in a colder climate).

How about considering a seasonal activity as part of your wedding reception celebration? Who says you have stay indoors? You can go outside and save money!

Dessert Reception

How's this for a novel idea? Instead of a full buffet reception, how about offering some great desserts? This is a perfect and lower-cost idea, especially for a destination wedding or an outdoor, summer reception near water.

And if you find some delectable dessert recipes that people in your family can prepare, you can save even more.

I've actually attended one or two dessert receptions in the past two years, and they are fantastic! Who wouldn't prefer dessert to a heavy full-scale meal? Why do the same old, same old?

Many couples, in this strained economy, are certainly cutting back on the reception costs, and this is one sweet way to do it!

One Venue

Perhaps you've been wondering how you can save money on your wedding/reception. One option is to have your wedding and reception in the same hotel venue. Instead of renting two facilities, just find one that can serve as both wedding and reception venue.

There are thousands of low cost hotels that can serve very nicely.

And if you take a closer look at some "off" days--like a midweek wedding--you can save even more. Make a few calls and give it a try.

Honeymoon Options

Many brides and grooms are discovering that they can find romantic hideaways in unexpected places. And they can save lots of money, too.

For example, there are now many resorts, get-aways, and lodges that feature makeshift tents, small cabins, and bungalos that, while not the fanciest accomodations in town, certainly offer some rustic and primal beauty of their own.

To get you started on your search, how about any of the following:

elcapitancanyon.com

huckleberrytentandbreakfast.com

fallingwatersresort.com

luanaspa.com

costanoa.com

Cabin Fever

What could be more romantic than spending the night in a rustic log cabin tucked back in the woods? Well, maybe . . . as long as you like the outdoors, crickets, and fireflies.

Regardless, a retreat cabin is an interesting option for honeymoon couples who are looking for a one or two night stay, or an accommodation that is in route to a more exotic location. Or, if you like a walk in the woods, a cabin is just a lower cost option all the way around.

These log cabin retreats can be found most anywhere, and a good place to begin your search is simply by making a phone call to a local real estate agent in the area of your overnight stay. Most agents will either know about cabins for rent, or they can put you in touch with those who can get this information to you.

A bit of cabin fever can make your honeymoon something special . . . and you can save money on your accommodation, too!

Coastin'

Brides & Grooms may wish to consider a unique and inspirational gift that can be placed on the reception table. How about making a photo coaster? Create your own coasters using a laminated photograph of the couple, or your honeymoon destination, of a collage of photographs featuring the two of you.

These coasters serve double-duty. You get the benefit of providing a coaster place-setting for your guests, and they get to take the coaster home as a keepsake.

And . . . you can save money, too. Not bad, huh?