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Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the super savings blog written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Drop by often for more money-saving tips.
Savvy brides can certainly find spectacular bargains on bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses . . . if they desire to have a debt free wedding. For example, David's Bridal offers the bridal gown (shown above) for $249, and yes, there are even $100 bridal gowns, too. The sky is the limit for what a bride could pay for a gown, but brides who want to keep their feet on the ground can find beautiful attire for a down to earth price.
Also, consider Zappos.com for bridesmaids dresses under $100, with many under $70. Yes, beauty and a bargain. What a combination.
And don't forget to shop some of your local retailers for close-out specials and after-season bargains. They are there . . . and all for the savvy bride.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding...the blog written by a father of the bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, 300 Debt Free Wedding Ideas, and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often for money saving tips on your beautiful day.
If you are planning a Christmas wedding, don't forget that your decor is a given and will be one of your best money-saving tools. Likewise, a pre-Christmas wedding can offer some fun gift options for the bride and groom, including Christmas tree decorations or commemorative bulbs. These can be purchased rather inexpensively and can also serve as a keepsake.
You could also decorate a tree at the reception and invite guests to take a bulb from the tree before the leave. A nice parting gift containing your names, wedding date, and best wishes.
Finally, you can always use the tree as a gathering spot for your gifts. Keep the decor simple and use what the season gives you. You'll save lots of money.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding...the regular blog written by a Father of the Bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often for more money-saving tips for a debt free life.
Couples who are looking for a fun and creative way to receive messages from their friends at the wedding reception might enjoy having a small dry erase board and markers at each table. Guests can write down their thoughts, best wishes, humorous comments, and more. And . . . if they don't like what they wrote the first time, they can erase and begin again. Provide a board large enough for the whole table OR use one large dry erase board in a gathering area, or perhaps near the entrance or gift table. (This is even less expensive!)
You may also include instructions for the dry erase board: perhaps asking your guests to weigh in on the following:
* Offer your best marital advice
* What should we do in our first year?
* Name one place we should visit on our honeymoon
Places where you can find great deals on dry erase products would include Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or online at Oriental Trading.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often for money-saving tips!
In the event that you are planning a summer wedding, don't overlook the money-saving deals that could be had by purchasing during the holiday season, or post-Christmas rush. Many retailers put out some great deals during the holiday season, and by planning in advance, a bride can often land some fantastic deals.
Better yet, you can be ahead of the planning game and reduce a larger expenditure by assuming some of the cost in the present year.
Watch for deals during the holidays on such things as wedding gowns and accessories, shoes, decorative items, lingerie, items on your gift list for kitchen and bath. Many of these items, and more, can often be purchased for less in the month of December.
So, while you are doing your shopping . . . don't forget to plan ahead. You might be able to buy now . . . and save a lot of money later.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, 300 Debt Free Wedding Tips, and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often for hundreds of helpful tips.
There are hundreds of ways to save money on wedding and reception decor, and one of the best ways is to create your own! Great options here would include origami (you are limited only by your lack of creativity!), colorful wrapped boxes, craft displays, and even wall hangings or art. Paper streamers and ribbons can also add a touch of color at a minimal cost. And don't overlook paper flowers.
Need an affordable source of these products? Try two:
Paper Source (www.paper-source.com) is a remarkable online and catalogue warehouse that carries anything paper-related . . . and much more. The site also contains some excellent gift ideas for your bridal party that will not break your bank account.
Oriental Trading is another place where you can find great deals, huge selection, and all at a minimal cost.
Both can deliver the goods directly to your door. Peruse their sites and see what you can find that will help you save money! And remember . . . you can create a debt free wedding. Start your life together without the added burden of credit card debt and financial worries. You may find that you are saving far more than money!
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author of more than twenty-five books, including Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often. Save $$$.
A couple of weeks ago my ice cream bar blog post generated a lot of traffic, so I thought I'd offer a few other ice cream suggestions. Great ideas for a hot summer wedding, an outdoor reception, or even a post-rehearsal dinner dessert. Here's two others to try! Low cost, all . . . .
1. Rent a soft-serve ice cream server. Some party stores carry these and the costs are manageable . . . especially if you have a large guest list. Soft serve ice cream is very inexpensive, and it's a crowd favorite. Stick with vanilla and chocolate (and maybe a swirl) and you can't go wrong . . . and not with the checkbook either.
2. Find out if there is an ice cream vending truck in your area (check online and yellow pages) and ask the vendor to drive by your wedding reception area. The ice cream truck is always a welcome sight with children, and if you arrange the time and place, you essentially are bringing in your own dessert . . . with people picking up their own tabs. Not fancy . . . but certainly unique.
Everyone screams for ice cream . . . and on a hot day, you've made the most popular choice.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding, the money-saving blog written by a father of the bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often . . .
One of the most unique decor-displays I have seen at a wedding reception involved the bride's and groom's childhood toys. Both had their favorite items displayed on a table: various dolls, Barbies, Easy Bake Oven AND Hot Wheels, transformers and baseballs.
Guests spend a great deal of time gathered around this display, as the toys really told the story of the bride's/groom's childhood and adolescence. But better yet, if the toys were used as centerpieces (along with, say, an accompanying history on an index card), imagine the conversation-starters and the money-savings! Talk about a fun and creative reception idea!
Don't overlook a simple idea like this one when it comes to decor. You don't have to spend tons of money on flowers and candles when items from the closet would work even better.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where every idea saves you money on your beautiful day. Written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often for more money-saving tips.
There are many reasons to have a debt-free wedding . . . chief among them that you will have a much better beginning to married life (less stress), and a fair shot at building a brighter future. Bringing debt into a marriage from the first day only adds a burden to a new love and heightens the anxiety about the future.
Debt-free brides, on the other hand, get to smile all the way to the bank. Not only do that have a great beginning to married life, they can set their sights on higher goals and truly begin to build a life of dreaming and goal-setting. When a couple is living life this way, the possibilities are endless.
A debt free bride will also enjoy her wedding day much better, too. Less worry about the future. Much more to smile about.
Keep employing as many of the money-saving tips in your wedding plans as possible and soon you'll be building a giant nest egg that will have you smiling all the way to the bank.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can find money-saving tips from a father of the bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".
Any bride looking for a tasty but low-cost dessert option at a rehearsal dinner or even an outdoor wedding reception (summer) doesn't have to look any further than an ice cream sundae bar. For the cost of a few gallons of vanilla ice cream (or, okay, throw in chocolate too!), some toppings and parfait bowls and spoons, you have all the trimmings of a real hit.
The ice cream sundae bar goes over very well with families, and people love making their own treats. Add some chocolate syrup, some butterscotch, and maybe strawberry toppings . . . what a popular dessert.
This low-cost option is an easy one for busy bridal parties, too. And it doesn't take long to set up.
A real win-win . . . and your bank account will thank you later.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Join me here often for more money-saving tips for your beautiful day.
If you are looking for a low-cost but practical gift for your guests . . . and one that might also be a keepsake . . . consider an umbrella with your names and wedding date. There are several companies that make these specialized umbrellas. And the expense is minimal.
Or, consider a bulk purchase for push-button mini umbrellas. These can be found in various styles and colors and may be an option gift, especially if you are planning an outdoor wedding and simply want to provide a quick roof in the advent of rain.
Everyone can use an umbrella . . . unless you live in the desert. And a bumper shoot is one of those gifts that your guests can carry home in a purse or drop under the car seat for a rainy day.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often for more money-saving tips!
During a recent foray through the countryside, I came across several wineries that had not only built top-scale tasting rooms and storage areas, but also some incredible vistas and gathering places for bridal parties. In fact, several of these wineries had actually built with weddings in mind.
When I asked the owners if brides had discovered their beautiful areas, they seemed downcast to relate that only a handful of bridal parties had taken advantage of these beautiful surroundings.
But here's the thing: there are some values to be found in outdoor weddings also, and not all of these options are completely exposed to the elements. Many of these wineries also had banquet facilities and covered areas (gazebos, etc.) where a ceremony could be held in the advent of rain.
So . . . take a drive through the countyside in your area and see what's out there. Better yet, take an internet tour of the wineries in your area. And check out the prices in comparison to some of the traditional large-box banquet facilities that most brides use.
You may be surprised to find that you can embrace beauty, uniqueness and natural settings for a fraction of the cost of a generic catering hall. Get more for your money, but also more for your guests!
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author of the books Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Visit each week for more money-saving tips on creating a debt free wedding.
Autumn offers some money-saving opportunities for the frugal bride. First, consider the beautiful natural decor that comes from turning leaves and beautiful skies. A well-chosen outdoor wedding site can provide a perfect ambiance.
And indoors? Many reception halls and banquet facilities have the decor already built-in to the mix with pumpkins, autumn colors, or cornucopia table centers. Or you can create your own with just a few dollars investment.
Don't forget the opportunities that come with seasonal decorations. These can save money . . . and even a little savings can add up to larger opportunities for your honeymoon or travel.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the money-saving blog written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, Before You Say "I Do", and 300 Debt-Free Wedding Ideas. Be sure to visit often for more money-saving tips on your beautiful day.
One of the simplest and least-expensive ways to entertain your guests is to have some conversation-starters at your reception round tables. One idea: purchase some simple triangle table games. The ones similar to the games at Cracker Barrel can be purchased for a buck at many dollar stores, and the Dollar Store web site and catalogue also has these available in bulk.
These little games will not only entertain your adult friends, but will be a life-saver to some families with short-attention-span children. And there are other games that can be had for just a few bucks also.
Think about it . . . if you have twenty-five round tables you can outfit the entire reception area for just a few dollars.
Entertainment on the cheap. That's one way to save.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog that saves you money. Written by a father of the bride and author of twenty-five books including Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Visit often to find dozens of creative solutions to your wedding needs.
In case you haven't noticed, it's a coupon world out there. There are still ways to clip and save, and now many of these cost-saving coupons have been passed along on the internet instead of the newspaper or flier.
Be sure to visit bridal gown web sites, bridal magazine sites, and even the web sites of those specialty wedding stores in your area. They often have coupons that can save you money, and if you are the type that plans ahead, some of these may be just the savings you are looking for . . . savings on bridal gowns, decor items, BOGO candles, programs, tux rentals, and more.
There are also seasonal savings to be had. With the holidays approaching, don't neglect to visit those places that have special deals immediately before (or after) to clear their inventory. Savvy brides can find some super-savings if they keep a careful watch.
Clip a coupon and save. Keep a file. Write down dates. You can save hundreds if you time your purchases well.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Join me here every week for new ideas on how to plan a low-budget or debt-free wedding!
Every now and again I run into a bride who is decidedly undecided about her wedding plans. She wonders: do I go with a traditional long-train and veil, or opt for something trendy? What should the menu entail? Where to honeymoon?
For these brides, I suggest a coffee intervention!
Here's how it works. Gather a select group of 5-6 of your valued friends and family (the ones with great ideas and wit). Take them out to coffee, and bring along your questions and ideas.
It's amazing how some caffeine and focus can turn and otherwise slow-moving wedding into a full-steam ahead affair. Use the power of many to find direction and decision. Or, as they say, two heads are better than one.
And even if you don't land all of the details of your wedding, you'll still have a great time. Just don't forget to enjoy the coffee and the conversation.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, Before You Say "I Do", and 300 Debt-Free Wedding Ideas. Visit here often for more debt-free ideas for your wedding plans!
How about this? Create a fun, easy, and humorous reception by giving all of your guests "Fun Money"...these can be vouchers or certificates or Monopoly-style money that you give to your guests at the door. Your guests can then "buy" various items or services at the reception in exchange for their fun cash.
Looking for a way to spice up your low-key reception or to make a low-cost reception more unique? Try some fun money.
Items/services that your guests might purchase at a reception could include:
Drinks
Bread
Photo-op with Bride & Groom
A Dance
Dessert
Valet Parking
Coat Check
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the bride and author of the books Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Visit often for these debt-free and money-saving tips to create to the wedding you want on the budget you have.
Another unique option I have seen at some wedding receptions: an old fashioned photo booth. Evidently, once again, these are rental options . . . and your guests won't mind paying a buck to sit in the booth for their series of photographs (and their take-home gift).
This is yet another fun and funny option for a reception . . . but one that can yield great dividends in the memory department.
Check the party stores in your area for this option (and other throw-backs) that might add a bit of unique zest to your party.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author of Before You Say "I Do", Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, and dozens of bridal articles. Visit here to find your own path toward a debt-free wedding.
Here's a fun and low-cost idea to parlay into your reception. Bring in a sketch artist or cartoonist to draw guests. Many of these artists will work on tips (with guests giving the tips), and in a few minutes of sitting, guests can enjoy a funny sketch of themselves . . . which they can take home, of course.
Check with your local art community or state fair board to get names. This is one of the most enjoyable and unique events you can have at your reception.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of Before You Say "I Do", Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, and Your Wedding Planner (kindle). Be sure to visit each week for new money-saving and "free" ideas that can save you hundreds of dollars on your wedding plans.
A recent wedding reception showed me that sweet somethings can be a low-cost way of providing some fun and entertainment . . . if that sweet something is a cotton candy machine. When I asked about this, I learned that the machine was rented (low-cost) and that making cotton candy is, in fact, a very inexpensive treat.
There were long lines at the cotton candy machine all night--and not just kids. The cotton candy was an even greater hit with the adults. And most people took a stick of cotton candy home in a bag.
Take a look at this option for your reception if you are looking for a fun and easy way to create a party atmosphere post-wedding.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of four wedding books, including Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, Your Wedding Planner (kindle) and Before You Say "I Do". . . all available on Amazon.com.
Now here's an idea that could not only net you some spectacular wedding reception decor, but could be a win-win for you and everyone involved.
Consider some of the business owners in your area . . . antique dealers, artists, painters, crafters. How many of these might welcome the opportunity to display their sale items or their work at your wedding reception? Some of these type of items would make fantastic table setting, while other items could lend a theme or ambiance to your after-wedding event.
Better yet, the items on consignment might lead to sales for these business owners. You receive some free decorative items and they receive additional sales. A win-win.
Use your imagination and talk to some of the business owners in your area. You will be surprised at the warm reception you might receive.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of the books Before You Say "I Do", Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, and Your Wedding Planner (Kindle). Visit often to find money-saving and no-cost ideas for your wedding!
At a recent wedding reception I noted that there is a trend toward personalized cakes and desserts: smaller items that are placed at table instead of a large cake (traditional) that the bride and groom cut and serve to guests. The personalized, or smaller, cakes seem to be a big hit with guests, and the time and money savings is also evident.
Moreover, here's another idea: how about serving up cake donuts at each table setting? There are dozens of specialty cake donuts (and beautiful to boot) that guests would find tantalizing and delicious. And these donuts would most certainly be conversation-starters.
And yes, these donuts could even be created in the bride's colors.
Check with your local bakery. You will no doubt discover some low-cost and delicious options for your reception.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding...the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of books such as Before You Say "I Do", Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, and 300 Debt-Free Wedding Ideas (kindle).
Looking for some low-cost centerpiece ideas for your reception tables? Consider some of the following:
Display some of the collectables, artwork, or crafts created by family members (yes, you have them!). You no doubt have wordworkers, artists and creative poeple in your family.
Display cut flowers from local gardens.
Display candles or arrangements.
Display baskets of various sizes and shapes.
Display family photographs of the bride/groom as children, etc.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride who has also written the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, 300 Debt-Free Wedding Ideas, and Before You Say "I Do".
There is a great deal of savings to be had from window shopping . . . or, in our time, thumbing through bridal magazines, newspapers, and scrolling through the internet. The fact is, in a world of competition, a savvy bride can save money by comparing. And the longer you work at comparing, the more you'll save.
Window shopping can be fun as well. In time, the debt-free bride will spot the top bargains and the best selections for her.
For example, there are any number of bridal magazines at the local grocery store. By investing a few dollars a bride can bring home an array of bridal gowns, accessories, and honeymoon tips. She can find the best buys and then order these, or find them in her local bridal shop . . . saving time and money.
And don't overlook word-of-mouth. Talk to a few other brides. Ask them about money-saving tips. Ask them what they learned. Ask them for the top three suggestions for your wedding.
Many ways to save by looking and listening.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, the blog written by a father-of-the bride who is also author of the books: Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, Debt-Free Wedding (kindle), Your Wedding Planner (kindle) and Before You Say "I Do". Visit each week to collect dozens of money-saving ideas!
One of the ways to determine how well you are doing in your wedding budget is to keep a wedding diary. The diary can be a day-to-day list of your insights, feelings and observations . . . but it can also include your running list of items that you are considering, their various prices and more. List-making can be a fun and insightful way to keep track of the best bargains and where they can be found.
Your wedding diary can also be that place where you store your clipped coupons or record dates for upcoming sales for dresses, candles, and much more. In other words, it can be a working calendar that will keep you focused and positive in your goal to achieve a debt-free wedding.
Have fun with the diary, too. You might create your own code celebrating some of your successes.
And who knows, your wedding diary might even become one of those keepsakes that you will treasure for years to come.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, the blog written by a father-of-a-debt-free-bride and author of four money-saving books for brides, including 300 Debt-Free Wedding Ideas (Kindle), Before You Say "I Do" (Perigee), and the always popular Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.
It is always helpful to begin your pre-wedding planning by asking yourself the question: "What is most important to me, and how can I create a beautiful wedding to express my life's purpose and values?"
Beginning with these questions can help any bride create a beautiful wedding day, and propel her into a marriage and a life that is filled with joy. And one of life's greatest joys (certainly a great relief and peace of mind) is being debt-free.
Yes, YOU can do it, too! Regardless of your income, your dreams, or even your current debt . . . you can create a wedding that can give you peace of mind. And all that money you save . . . it can go toward building your marriage, your future, and your dreams.
The ideas are there. Put them to work.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father who recently financed his daughter's debt-free wedding and the author of bridal columns and the books: Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, 300 Debt-Free Ideas for Your Wedding, and Before You Say "I Do". You can trust him. He's been there. Done that.
Looking for a low-cost gift idea for your groomsmen and ushers? A gift that won't break your piggy bank but would have some practical application? A man gift?
How about a lunch box?
There are now several man-sized and highly-portable offerings that you can find in extreme places like Bed, Bath & Beyond and Dick's Sporting Goods. Or, check out the many selections that can be had for under $15 on Amazon.
One recommendation: The LunchBot. These stainless steel lunch boxes are of simple construction, have air tight snap top, and come in a variety of colors. And they are large enough to carry man-sized portions to work, to the football stadium, or to the next tail-gating party.
Great gift for a guy who may feel out of place at a wedding.
You probably have a photographer in the family. And if you are planning an outdoor wedding it might be the perfect time to give your aspiring photographer-relative an opportunity to shine. The sun, after all, is a perfect source and there are natural backgrounds that can make for some spectacular drops for your photography set.
These photos were taken at my daughter's wedding and show what can be had with a nice camera and a willing eye.
And the best part . . . if you know someone who has the equipment and the desire, you don't have to hire a "pro" to take some great shots.
If you are in the market for a debt-free wedding (and who isn't?) . . . don't look past your photographs. Look up and make your plans.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . this blog written by a father-of-the-bride and a guy who has written the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, Before You Say "I Do", Your Wedding Planner, and Debt-Free Wedding Ideas (Kindle).
My daughter recently purchased her wedding dress online: from China. My wife and I were skeptical. Not only was the dress purchased sight-unseen, but my daughter was also crossing time-zones and cultures to obtain the dress for her special day. Would measurements be the same? Would color? Style? This purchase had all the ingredients for a disaster.
But . . . well, you see the results.
Not only was the dress perfect for my daughter (isn't she lovely?) but the dress fit her perfectly and was, well . . . her!
And top this: the dress cost less than $100.
Don't think you can create a debt-free wedding? Think again! There are thousands of ways to save money and yet find the perfect dress, gifts, food, and other items for your wedding.
Join me here for more ideas later this week!
At a recent wedding reception I fell upon the soft bed of nostalgia as the atmosphere had been created by antiques and 50's music. Not only was this a unique idea, but also a cost-saving extravaganza--as the entire reception had been created by borrowing something "old" instead of something "new".
Don't overlook a throw-back reception when it comes to planning a debt-free wedding. There are plenty of "old" items that can add an ambiance and mood to a reception, especially if reserved in a historic location. Sometimes a bit of history is not only the most creative, but also the least expensive option and the most memorable.
Consider the perfect time period for your wedding and reception. Are you Elizabethan? Roaring Twenties? A flower child?
No doubt you'll be able to create a fun and surprising atmosphere planning a low-cost period reception. And with the help of your family and friends, you won't even have to sweat it that much.
Leave the effort to Richard Simmons. He can lead the dance.
My daughter recently opted for cupcakes at her wedding. There were several reasons. First, she loves cupcakes. Loves to bake them. Loves to eat them. And, when compared to wedding cake preparation (not to mention the distribution at the wedding), cupcakes are much easier to work with and, yes . . . less expensive.
Ask around in your area. Cupcakes are becoming extremely popular options. These can be placed on a rack, or placed on the tables before the reception.
Either way, and regardless of the practicality, cupcakes can be a lower-cost option as you plan a debt-free wedding. Less fuss. Less muss.
Take a look at cupcakes, get some quotes, and you may be surprised at what a baker can do for you.
A recent (2010) study showed that the new median age for first-time marriages has now shot up to 27.2 years (for men) and 26.1 years (for women). Pros and cons for this growing trend at wedding later in life, with many now choosing to marry after 40 years of age.
Pros . . . couples who wait to get married can establish careers, save money (if they are frugal and wise!) and otherwise gain an advantage in being able to navigate and balance home, independence, and career.
Cons . . . couples who get married later in life have firmly established habits and ideas that may not translate well to the shared life that marriage requires, or they may also bring greater debt into a marriage.
Regardless, what counts in marriage is maturity (relationally, emotionally, financially) . . . and couples who are able to discuss/converse/and decide on a deeper level will do well in marriage.
Couples who wait to get married, and who save, save, save also stand a better chance of having a debt-free wedding.
What do you think is the optimal age for getting married . . . and why?
My daughter was very creative for her debt-free wedding . . . and one item in particular impressed me. She created fans--using paint stir sticks and construction paper--and then pasted her order of worship onto the fan, along with the names of those in the wedding party.
This was an easy item to create, but one that was both functional (outdoor wedding) and beautiful. And the cost was super low.
Instead of making your programs, or paying big bucks to have them produced by off-set printers or at KINKOS, why not make your own?
Fans are only one idea; I'm sure you could think of others.
But bottom line, you don't have to spend top money to have a top flight ceremony. Use your imagination and use the setting itself.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding blog, written by a dad who just paid for his daughter's debt-free wedding and the author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, Debt-Free Wedding (Kindle), and Before You Say "I Do". He is also the author of dozens of bridal and wedding articles. Be sure sure to drop by here to plan your debt-free event!
The talk from Kelly Ripa this week was that, sixteen years ago, she spent a whopping $279 TOTAL on her wedding. As she described her wedding costs she noted that she and the groom used free travel miles, stayed in cut-rate hotels, and basically had a destination wedding for very little cost. As Ripa noted, even adjusted for inflation, this would adjust to a very low-cost wedding in 2012.
How true.
Average cost of a wedding/reception event now? A whopping $27,000!
Think you can do a wedding for less? Sure you can! In fact, my daughter's recent wedding cost far less than this. With simple taste, some help from a shrewd wedding planner, and a do-it-yourself attitude, you can create a low cost wedding . . . and certainly a debt-free wedding. Save your money and pay-as-you-go!
I'm not sure what Ripa's attitude and secret was sixteen years ago (or if she would spend only $279 on her wedding if she were getting married in 2012), but clearly she doesn't view a wedding as the largest and most extravagant event in her life. Better save those dollars for important matters like college education, anniversaries, and even fitness.
What do you think? How inexpensive could your wedding be in 2012?
Here's a low-cost decorating idea I learned from a wedding planner. Instead of going in for fancy lighting arrangements, ribbons and bows, or labor-intensive decorations, use white strands of Christmas tree lights to add a splash of light (but not too much) to the dinner reception. Chances are, no one will notice the lights, but the lights will make the room feel warmer and more welcoming.
Best time to buy these lights? The week or two after Christmas, when stores are marking down Christmas inventory drastically.
If you can plan ahead, purchase your lights then a save a bundle on this portion of your wedding decor. Doesn't take much effort to light up the room, and if you have a color scheme, you could also opt for lights with a splash of color, too.
Have you heard about the latest wedding fad: Guerrilla weddings? The idea is this: a wedding party decides to conduct a wedding ceremony in a very public place...a place normally off-limits or un-rentable, such as standing in front of a famous work of art, or in a museum, or in the foyer of a public library, or on the courthouse steps.
The wedding party sends invitations to the crew and everyone agrees to show up at that location at a precise time (and I do mean precise!). Each person in the wedding party (and guests) comes dressed incognito, and then at the precise time, everyone gathers at the location, forms a cluster around the bride and groom, and then the officiant quickly performs the ceremony before anyone can stage an objection or alert the guards or police.
In other words, guerrilla wedding.
I'm not sure what the attraction is for guerrilla weddings, but one aspect, I suppose, is cost-savings. People could literally have a quickie wedding at not cost at all for rental or reception or overnight lodging.
All the party has to do is find an officiant who is willing to perform a guerrilla wedding on the fly.
Got a priest in mind?
After a nearly two-year hiatus from writing the Debt-Free Wedding blog, I am now returning to give more money-saving tidbits and advice to brides, grooms, and families who are eager to save money on wedding expenses. My question is: Will You Be Reading?
I hope so.
But I'd love to hear from some readers.
What kinds of money-saving tips are you looking for?
Are there areas of your wedding or honeymoon that you find particularly problematic when it comes to finding the best deals?
What would be helpful to know?
I am a seasoned hand at this money-saving business, and in fact, am now busily helping to plan my own daughter's wedding (and I've learned a lot from personal experience!). I've also married hundreds of couples (I am a United Methodist pastor). And, I've written both Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and the all new Kindle title: Debt-Free Wedding.
Let me hear from you . . . I'd love to give some tips that would be helpful and usable!
