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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?
