Photography Buffs

Increasingly, I'm talking to couples who have a family member or friend take their wedding and reception photos. Today, with the advent of digital cameras and some incredible software packages that can crop, clip, and color, making great photos is a snap. Now, there are certainly many pros who can do even more with bigger and better cameras and photo shops, but if a couple is looking to have a wedding on an affordable budget, don't overlook photography as one place to save.

And don't forget to check in some of your local photo shops. You might be able to actually purchase your own camera, learn how to use it (then teach it) and let someone be your officially photographer--all for much less than the cost of a wedding photo package with a pro.

Wedding Coordinators

I'm not one to downplay the role of a wedding coordinator in helping brides plan a wedding (some can actually save a bride money and earn their pay). But I do think that brides need to be discriminating when it comes to shelling out cash for a wedding coordinator or planner.

For example, a bride might begin by asking some of these questions:
* Is my wedding small enough that I can plan most of the details myself (or with some help from family and friends)?
* How much will a wedding coordinator charge to do some of the larger elements of the wedding?
* Can I do the wedding with the help of the pastor or church musicians?
* Would a wedding planner help me with the reception only?
* How much would a planner save me? Cost me?

Sitting down with pad and paper early can be one of the best ways for brides to budget for this additional help.

Book Lover's Reception

I'd forgotten about the "librarian" reception I attended many years ago. Simple concept. For decorations, the bride had placed a small pile of hard back books on each table along with a sprinkling of multi-colored stars. The books served double-duty. Great decor, but also a fantastic conversation-starter.

Consider your job. What tools-of-the-trade could you use as your reception center-pieces? You would not only save a little money, but you'd be giving your guests a sneak-peak into your life, too.

Try something creative at your reception to stash a little money away for the honeymoon. Spend your money on each other, or your future, rather than decor that lasts a couple of hours and then is tossed into the trash.

Tough Times Weddings

During these tough economic times, couples are discovering that a wedding doesn't have to cost $30,000 . . . there are other options. An outdoor wedding, a beach wedding, a barn wedding, a tent wedding . . . all of these and others afford a couple much less in costs up front, and with a little ingenuity when it comes to food and entertainment, the price tag can be manageable.

And the honeymoon . . . ? What about doing something you both enjoy? Driving cross country to hike, kayak, visit museums, look at art, relax on the beach? Many couples are finding that the cost of gas is much less than the cost of airfare these days.

Reception Options

For couples who are looking for some lower cost options for reception fare, don't overlook pizza. I attended a very nice reception last month in a church fellowship hall. Nice tables, low-cost table settings, favors (wrapped peanuts and candy), and salads. The main fare was pizza from a local favorite pizzaria that everyone absolutely loved. Pizza doesn't cost much, it's delicious, it's filling, it's a favorite.

It may not be on the "first run" list of reception favorites as far as cousine goes, but everyone had a first rate time and it was one of those receptions I won't forget.

On the other hand, I've also attended my share of steak and lobster receptions that were dark, dismal, and utterly boring.

If you don't have it, food won't save the day. Try something fun and see if the guests don't enjoy themselves too!