Do You Sew?

Yesterday I was talking to a mother who told me that she had saved big money by sewing her daughter's bridesmaid's dresses. Now, I won't presume to suggest that just anyone can sew bridesmaid's dresses, but if you or someone in your family is an expert seamstress, you CAN SAVE MONEY by inviting them to sew for you.

Don't overlook the savings that can be had from using the giftedness of others. A great seamstress can actually create a better-looking dress, too, and a more unique design.

Get sewing to save!

In Shape

Most brides not only dream of planning their big day, but also dream of looking their best on the big day. I've known brides who nearly went into full-time training to tone, shape and tan themselves months in advance, then, as soon as the wedding was over, fell into full-time hibernation. Don't let this be your pattern or goal . . . it doesn't save you time, energy or money!

Rather, if you have a goal of looking your best, why not let this flow naturally out of your lifestyle habits and choices? Don't put yourself in a dungeon a few weeks before your wedding and think you are going to change your body and appearance. Fact is, this is a waste of your time and money. And, instead of paying big bucks to sleep in tanning bed, why not just use the natural rays of the sun and make sure you have plenty of sunscreen?

The fact is, you'll save enormous sums of money over your first years of marriage if you make fitness and good diet a lifestyle choice rather than a stop-gap for your wedding day. And if your fiance really loves you, he'll love the real you and the way you look naturally . . . not some hyped-up, tanned version of a swimsuit model or Miss America wanna-be.

Have a plan. Stick with it. Do it every stinking day. And don't back down. You'll make strides and see changes if you just stick to a simple program and a diet and make it a lifestyle choice!

Wedding Twitter

There are now thousands of brides out there who are twittering away about their wedding plans, their frustrations, and their anxieties about getting married. I guess it's the new thing, the rage.

I'm not sure that twittering can save a bride money, but if there are any brides who discover unique or crafty ways to save a dime or two, go ahead and twitter. Others might find an idea that can be a savings device or a cost-cutting feature that's just perfect for them.

So, "do you twitter?" could become "have you saved any money this week?"

Coffee Pot

Many couples enjoy coffee, and want to supply coffee for their guests at the various showers, the rehearsal, even the reception. But, of course, coffee can be expensive. And even if couples are making their own coffee, it can be a bit pricey.

Alternatives? My wife and I have discovered Chock Full-O Nuts. Don't ask about the name . . . the coffee has nothing to do with nuts, has no nuts in it, and doesn't taste like nuts. The only thing nutty about this coffee is the price. It is insanely inexpensive and the taste isn't half bad.

And, for those of you who may have seen the movie, The Bucket List, you know that a Chock Full-O Nuts can makes a great burial plot. I've got two empty cans reserved on my shelves. One for my wife's burial plot (she's going first!) and one for me. Only thing is, the can is kind of small, and the undertaker will likely have to run me through the oven twice and sift my remains. Only the purest of me will fit into the can.

Give this coffee a try!

Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget

Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget . . . on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Su17owFvg

Got Potty?

In the event that you are hedging your bets against having an outdoor wedding or a destination wedding due to a lack of privy space . . . don't despair. Bring in a port-o-let! Most are fairly inexpensive to rent for a day and you can always place it down wind of the reception.

Having one of these little babies on hand can make the difference in your outdoor plans and can ultimately save you money. You just have to plan ahead.

And, in case you don't like the color of the rental, you can always incorporate the potty into your decorating scheme.

Magenta?

Bad Poetry

Over the years, I've seen and heard my share of bad poetry at weddings. Poetry that was meant to substitute for vows, poetry written to the in-laws, poetry that was meant to inspire. But most of it has been simply . . . bad poetry.

Stuff like:

Sure as the vine twines round the stump,

You are my darlin' sugar lump.

Or

I've got a pick-up truck, two dogs,

And a longin' to be freed.

But darlin' you know,

You've really got me treed!

No, you really want to offer good poetry from the masters if you are going to offer poetry at a wedding. And great poetry will also save you money. Just think of all the money you'll be saving in post-marital counseling fees if you go with the good stuff!

Flower Children

How about another low-cost, fresh idea for your wedding party guests? Instead of giving the same old, same old, why not give each person in the party a potted flower or potted plant?

Or, if you want a unique idea for your reception, place a small plant as your centerpiece on every reception table and give them away to one lucky person at each table.

Have some fun; make your reception beautiful.

Gifts that Keep on Giving

Most brides and grooms crave a bit of ingenuity in their gifts to their wedding party. However, so many gifts are just stale, predicable, or unusable. But there are options.

A few months ago, I had a bride and groom give all of their wedding party participants a small box filled with various flower and vegetable seeds. Great timing, too. It was spring. I was looking forward to planting my garden. And now I had some items I could actually use!

But seeds, you ask? Why not? Wouldn't you like some flowers, vegetables, and other living things to enjoy in the months ahead? Better yet . . . inexpensive.