More Christmas Decor

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the 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 for money-saving tips for your beautiful day.

There's more to Christmas decor . . . including those money-saving ideas for wedding and reception.  When you think about color and attitude, why walk away from a season loaded with lights, candle flame, trees, poinsettias, bulbs and bells?  There's enough here to save loads of money if you choose a fully-loaded reception hall or house of worship.  The decor comes standard.

And consider this too:  if you can arrange your wedding on a non-Saturday afternoon (say a Friday or Sunday) you can very likely save even more money on those rental fees.  Off-peak hours are usually less.

And finally, if you can hold your wedding between Christmas and New Year's day, you will likely have more guests (or at least guests who can travel).  And all of that decor will still be there . . . all for the taking.

What's not to like?

In Shape

Staying in shape for one's wedding . . . or getting "into shape", can actually be a cost-saving measure, too.  Being healthy, and taking responsibility for one's health, is a key ingredient in marriage.

Couples that enjoy activities together--and even simple past-times like eating meals together--are far more likely to have long and healthy marriages. For years my wife and I have enjoyed hiking, kayaking, and exploration.  These pursuits have not only united us in common interests, but have also enabled us to stay in shape while enjoying long conversations and problem-solving.  (It is indeed amazing how often we have discussed family crises, financial stresses, retirement planning, and trip planning during our hiking adventures.)

The point here is this:  you don't have to spend big money to have fun together.  And you might also want to think about some of those inexpensive activities during your honeymoon, trading out some of the high-cost excursions for simple past-times that would strengthen your relationship.

Staying in shape can also keep your marriage in shape.  It's true.  Now get on that treadmill!

Making the Most of the Holidays

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 often for money-saving tips for your beautiful day.


It's a fact that brides can usually save big money on wedding decor . . . IF they are willing to use the holiday decorations and colors already existent in the church, the rental hall, or the park.  The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy money-saving options, and all of those holly sprigs, Christmas trees, poinsettias and Hanukkah decorations are perfect for your wedding!  You don't have to do any set up, just take advantage of the beauty.

And with the average decorating costs for a wedding running into a five dollar bill, it's easy to see how a holiday wedding can provide enough money-savings for an extra night or two of honeymooning or even pay for airfare.  Or, for those brides who want to be really frugal, you can essentially pocket those savings and keep the money in the bank.

Make the most of the holidays by making your wedding both memorable and built-in-beautiful.   

Corny Ideas

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . a blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, 300 Weddings Ideas, and Before You Say "I Do".  Brides who visit often will find dozens of money-saving tips for their day.

Poppers

For centuries people have enjoyed popped corn, and as far as snacks go, popcorn is still King.  Better yet, it's also one of the lowest cost snacks to make.

Many wedding receptions have looked to the popcorn popper (think movie version) as a low-cost option for after-dinner snacks, or even as an addition to the festivities, especially if the reception is centered on drinks and dancing.  Even large popcorn poppers don't cost much (Sam's Club, Meijer, Costco all have versions of the popper for sale) and they are also rentable.  Ask around, and you might be able to locate a popper that a friend would loan.

And if you have children at the reception, you can't go wrong with this idea.  Kids love popcorn, and having a popper on hand can also make the parents very happy. 

Happy popping . . . .

 

Let's Get Started

So, after this long hiatus, it's now time to begin again like Michael Finnegan.  For those brides who are looking to save money, create a debt-free wedding, and kick start their marriage with a balance in their bank account . . . this is one place to begin. 

Dads will also appreciate this blog, and mothers, too.

But after this long break (and my own daughter's wedding) let me get started with this super-duper money-saving tip:

Marriage Advice in a Bottle
     Couples can create a fun and exciting marriage by inviting the reception guests to deposit "marriage advice" in a bottle.  These bottles, and the accompanying slips of paper and ink pens, can be on each reception table or placed on a stand near the buffet.
     But after the wedding, don't open all of these pieces of advice at once.  Rather, read a piece of advice each week during your first year of marriage, or spread them out over your first five anniversaries.
     These small bits of advice will keep you grounded, draw you back to the support of your family and friends, and provide some remarkable conversation-starters to help you build your marriage. 
     And here's the kicker:  very little cost associated with this marital advice.  A few wine bottles, some scrap paper, and a package of ink pens.  Much less expensive, believe me, than hiring a counselor to provide the same advice.