Amazon

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 more money-saving tips for your special day.

It has been years now since the money-saving light has blinked at Amazon.com, and it is safe to say that brides can find most any item on the Amazon site.  The Amazon bridal accessories, in particular, offer many savings.  Purses, veils, stockings, gloves, even shoes . . . it's all here.

Brides should not overlook the savings to be had in other areas of the Amazon site, however.  For example, there is an Amazon bridal registry.  Brides can set up their gift list here--not much different than any department store.  Only drawback to Amazon, of course, is that brides aren't handling the merchandise first . . . they aren't holding it in hand when they make their selections.  Still, Amazon offers remarkable savings for those who know what they want.  And don't forget the free shipping.

And, as Amazon began principally as a book seller, don't forget that there are many books and magazines that can offer additional savings--resources that can help brides to find those money-saving ideas from housekeeping to honeymoon.

Valentine's Day

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.  Visit often for more money saving wedding tips.

Many couples are discovering that Valentine's Day weekend is a cost-savings bonanza.  In addition to sales and savings on many love-related items, there are also wedding related opportunities to be had. 

For example, a growing number of pastors and churches are offering Valentine's Day weddings (for free).  I've read about several of these opportunities for those couples who would like to get married on Valentine's Day and don't really go in for all of the frills and spills of the traditional wedding (and the related costs).  The Day itself makes the wedding special and memorable, and couples that don't feel the need to buy into the traditional wedding madness can take advantage of these savings (and memories).

The idea here is that couples can get married in a church venue, take their vows, sign their license, and be on their honeymoon way . . . and most of the time pre-marital counseling is included (and that's extremely valuable).  Couples can slate a time, enjoy the already decorated church, and not have to worry about all of the other amenities that consume their time and money.  Invite friends and family and, viola!, wedding. 

It's probably too late to take advantage this year . . . but if you are looking ahead . . . well, book ahead. 

Airport Answers

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the bride and author of Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.  Visit often for more money-saving ideas.

Recently a friend invited me to a wedding in the airport.  Now, this was a new venue to me.  Sure, I considered the airport for my flying needs, but for a wedding? 

What I learned, however, is that most airports do have large meeting rooms.  Most of the time these rooms are used for corporate gatherings, but can also be rented out for other occasions.  Including weddings.

What this bride and groom loved about an airport wedding was the convenience of it.  Evidently, their idea was the get married, host the reception (in the same room), and then, afterwards, catch the first flight out to some tropical destination for the honeymoon.  All in all, not a bad set of ideas. 

I'm not sure about the cost of an airport wedding (as far as rental goes) but I can see the benefits in terms of parking (always available in the large garages), food, practicality, and timing.  For couples who are pressed for time, an airport wedding offers ceremony, reception and travel in a one-stop atmosphere.

I'd love to hear more from other couples who took advantage of this option.  Anyone else out there ever participated in, or attended, an airport wedding?

~Todd Outcalt