Fair Grounds

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A few years ago I was meandering through the state fairgrounds when I happened upon a small wedding party at dusk. They have found a cozy corner of the grounds, removed from the hustle and bustle, and the bride and groom were exchanging their vows. White wedding and all. But the guests, obviously, were having the time of their lives.

And later? Corndogs perhaps, or an elephant ear? Really, what about the bride and groom riding the ferris wheel instead of driving away in a limo?

Fun stuff, really, and very low cost. A wedding to remember.

Mooove Over

Welcome to debt-free wedding...a great place to find money-saving tips and ideas for your wedding and reception and honeymoon. And all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget.

Within a twenty mile radius of my house, I know that there are at least ten or twelve creameries. These large, open buildings often provide great summer-time treats (like yogurt, ice cream and more) but are frequently unoccupied during the fall and winter months.

However, a creamery is a great place to have a small wedding or reception, and many of these establishments would welcome your group at a very low price. Other creameries have open outdoor spaces and/or seating areas with picnic tables that would be a perfect setting for an outdoor reception.

Check out some of the creameries in your area and start saving.

Old Style

You've discovered Debt-Free Wedding . . . one of the best sources for FREE ideas that can help you prepare a debt-free wedding, and all written by the guy who gave you Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget (thousands of ideas there!)

Somewhere near you there is a historic home just waiting for your wedding party. Historic homes (perhaps a museum, a library, or a vacant home) are beautiful places for small weddings. And if you have your reception on the grounds, you can get the whole package on the cheap.

I've presided over many weddings in historic locations, and all of these have been wondrous, beautiful affairs. You don't have to have much in the way of decoration. Just allow the ambiance of the place to be your beauty, and enjoy creating a debt-free wedding/reception.

Check listings in your area, search the internet, and you're bound to find a house or two near you that would be perfect for YOU.

Holy Rollers

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can find hundreds of low cost or no cost tips for planning YOUR debt free wedding, and all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Now here's a novel concept for those who need a unique reception venue: rent a roller skating rink. Seriously, if you are fun-loving, have an energetic spirit, and just want to give your guests a great time (who wants to sit around a table and eat cake?), why not rent a rink for an evening.

Roller skating rinks would love to have your wedding party and most have side rooms or party rooms where you could serve food, or even cut the traditional cake if you so desire.

Better yet, get out there and boogie! Do the hustle. Go back in time to Donna Summer and the age of disco. Just don't throw a disk!

Farm Hands

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . this little blog that can help couples save money on their wedding plans: all written by the guy who wrote, Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

There are so many ways to save money on your wedding venue, especially if you know someone who has a farm. Over the years, I've presided at now less than half a dozen "farm" weddings (not all of them, of course, being farm families). Rather, a farm is a great location for a large, outdoor (or even) indoor wedding.

Many couples think a farm will be a smelly or less-than-desirable location, but in actuality, a farm is a scenic, naturally-beautiful venue. Picturesque, even.

If you know a farm family in your community, ask and see if their barn or out-building would be available for rent. You'd be surprised at how often they may have been asked that very question.

Thinking Outside the Box

You've found Debt-Free Wedding and a source for no cost and low cost ideas for your wedding, a perfect blend to the ideas you'll find in Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget!

The next time you visit your local library, look past the books and you're likely to discover a rather brilliant space for your wedding. Many libraries have extra rooms in the back, or designed spaces for meetings, large and small.

If you are in the market a very low cost or even no cost option for a small wedding and reception, the library might be just the ticket.

But be sure to get your card punched! You don't want any overdue books.

Thinking Outside the Box

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . your source for no cost or low cost wedding ideas, written by the guy who gave you Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Enjoy.

Finding a low cost place for your wedding doesn't have to be stressful. If you are a non-traditionalist who enjoys new and exciting ventures, who can imagine your wedding in a strange or exotic location, why not go "outside the box" and try a movie theatre?

Think about it!

Theatres provide plenty of comfortable seating, a stage area, and usually enough availability on "off days" and times for the flexible wedding party. Most theatres will even rent other spaces in the facility. They are large, roomy and acoustically helpful.

The next time you are in a movie theatre, as the manager for rental prices. You'll be surprised at the options a theatre might afford you (with a movie at the reception, to boot?)

Four Ways to Save on Flowers

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Lots of ways to save and create a low cost or no cost wedding.

Couples wanting to save money on their flowers (wedding, decor, reception, etc.) would do well to remember these four quick tips:

* Know your budget. Be certain that you have a number in mind as you plan your flower needs. Flowers can be expensive or reasonably-priced . . . and you'll want to be working with a hard and fast number when you go to the florists.

* Compare and save. Don't assume you can't negotiate a flower order, and be certain to compare prices at various florists in your area.

* Bring a list of the arrangements you need. Don't go into the florists with a blank decorating slate, for example . . . know how many arrangements you will need and what styles of flowers you are looking for.

* Don't be afraid to "downsize" your flower order or arrangements if it exceeds your budget. Have a back up plan in place for decor or wedding.