Sporting Goods

It's a good bet that you'll have quite a few sports junkies in your wedding party . . . so why not pick up some lower-cost gifts for your friends by visiting a sporting goods store? You can find many highly affordable gifts: cans of tennis balls, small camping supplies, unique items that people wouldn't normally purchase for themselves.

You can very likely get some great deals if you buy some items by the box also.

Gold Fish Gifts

How's this for a low-cost, yet unique idea for a table decoration at a reception: place small fish bowls on each table as centerpieces and fill these with an assortment of goldfish. Very low cost, and you can give these centerpieces away as gifts, too.

Visit a pet store and you'll be sure to pick up some great buys if you purchase the fish in bulk. And if you go to Costco or Walmart you can find some very low cost bowls that you can fill with some small pebbles or greenery before you add the water.

Great conversation pieces. And your reception certainly won't be a cookie cutter affair.

Anniversary Prep

Later this week my wife and I will sail on a cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary. And, since this is rather momentous, I thought I might use these next few blogging posts to give some insights into ways that couples can plan for a great marriage.

After all, getting to twenty-five years began on the first day, some twenty-five years ago. And it is important for couples to have a marriage plan, to set goals, and to strive for these along the way.

Look for my first post some time in early August. It's tough to blog on the high seas. But I'll be back soon with some new debt free tips.

Centerpieces

Now here's an idea for fun at your reception:

Instead of having decor, how about using chess sets, checkers, and gameboards as centerpieces on round tables? While your guests are waiting, they can also be having some fun and/or competition.

This one doesn't cost anything and the games can add a touch of fun to the whole experience.

Candy Land

Here's one of those low-cost ideas that can sweeten your reception immensely without the high cost of table centerpieces. Instead of flowers or other expensive decor, place a bowl of assorted candy in the center. It is colorful, cheerful, and, yes, even edible.

You can sweeten up your reception with just a few dollars. And if you shop for your supplies at a discount store like Costco or Sam's Club, you should be able to walk out with a nice supply of the sweet stuff for some marginal bucks.

Getting Mugged

Looking for a gift that everyone can use, but is also low-cost? How about ordering some coffee mugs? These can not only be used as gifts for your wedding party (and perhaps filled with candy, coffee, tea, etc.) but can also serve double-duty as table center pieces (filled with flowers or ornaments, etc.).

There are a host of online companies that can take mug orders and these come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can also find companies that will make specialty mugs, or mugs with names.

This is a very practical option for couples who are looking to make people happy while also saving a few dollars.

Gift of Song

At a recent wedding rehearsal dinner reception, the bride and groom offered a most unusual gift to all in the wedding party: gift cards for i Tunes or some other music-download site. Now, with the proliferation of the iPod and other devices, music has become one of the most well-received gifts. And there are a plethora of gift cards out there than couples can purchase.

It's not bad, especially if couples are pressed for time, or just want a gift that can cover a lot of bases and make everyone happy at the same time.

If that's you . . . then music isn't a bad choice.

Recycling Wedding?

Last weekend, I was talking to a mother-of-the-bride who told me they had a "recycled wedding." I asked what that meant.

She informed me that everything at the wedding was recycled some how. Cans and paper from the reception were collected. The various decorations and such were passed along to another friend who was having a wedding in the coming weeks.

And I also learned that there are now ways to recycle wedding gowns. All good stuff, I guess.

How about brides and grooms? Can they be recycled, too? Or is that called divorce/remarriage?