Old Stuff

I guess I'm a guy . . . and I can't remember the old adage for bride's about "something borrowed, something blue". But isn't there also a part of that that says "something old and something new?"

Okay, let's pretend, at least, and stick with the old for a minute. How about saving some money on decorations at the reception while also having a bit of fun? There are literally dozens of antique shops in your area where you could pick up some great old finds for table centerpieces, useful items that might help on the cheap, or even gifts.

I'm not suggesting you spend big bucks, but you can certainly find some bargains out there among the old and musty.

Oil Up

Another great idea for your attendant gifts, thank you gifts, and, perhaps, even table decor. Fine olive oil. Everyone is using olive oil for cooking now, and the health benefits are enormous. Likewise, olive oil in the jar is beautiful, colorful, and expressive.

There are literally dozens of labels now, and many sizes of olive oil to choose from. You can also pour it, portion it, or even give gift cards for it.

And there are also olive oils that are used for bread-dipping which are highly expressive and remarkably complex. Yet still inexpensive.

Looking for a great gift? How about oil?

Shoe Leather

A few days ago I looked out the window of my car and noticed a shoe cobbler's shop. A shoe cobbler? I didn't know they existed any more.

Now here's a novel concept. Looking to save money? How about re-leathering some shoes instead of buying new ones? How about re-polishing the old pumps instead of buying new ones?

And don't forget: You might be able to find some high-quality used shoes out there. If you've got the feet for them . . . .

Lava Lamps

Need a simple, entertaining, and unique table centerpiece at your reception? How about trying lava lamps? Fun, low-priced, readily available. And these pieces have some inter-generational interest.

And if you are really generous, you could give them away as gifts.

Big City Savings

Need another money-saving tip for a honeymoon excursion? How about going big city? There are now many downtown hotels that offer great packages on everything from overnight stay to transportation packages.

New York

Chicago

Seattle

These are just a few of the places where you can find great savings, especially at older, historic hotels. Make a few calls and see what's available for a honeymoon package.

More Freebies

Here's another freebie that came to my attention recently: transportation. Many resorts and travel packages now include side trip travel for free (or, at the very least, it's built into the price).

Some of these resorts give vouchers for side trip travel or bus trips to various sight-seeing locations. Couples who are honeymooning in these places simply sign up, sign out, and go!

Don't forget to ask about these free side trips when you call your hotel/resort destination.

Cooking Up A Wedding

How's this for a creative gift idea? Instead of giving family and friends in your wedding party a bunch of items they will never use, or a gift that has a short life, why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Namely . . . how about a cookbook?

And what's the one cookbook everyone is talking about right now? How about Julie Childs': Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Great recipes. Timely gift. Lots of fun.

And as for cost, a mere $22 a copy from Amazon (and free shipping if you buy but two). That's low cost as far as gifts go, and it will likely fit your budget.

Free Weddings

I heard it the other day on the radio: a free wedding package. Yes, increasingly bridal shops, bridal web sites, and bridal shows are offering free packages in order to spark interest and business.

Now, if you are a couple who can live in the limelight, or who love a good competition, better apply for one or two of these. Drop your name in the hat. Go for it.

You can't beat free when it comes to having a debt-free wedding. The freebies are out there. You just have to listen . . . and look.

Free Hotel Rooms

Increasingly, it seems that many hotels are giving away free rooms. With the downturn in the economy--not just in the U.S. but globally--there are ways to find free hotel rooms most anywhere. Some of these deals would actually give couples a free room at a single location, while other deals might provide a free day or two with the purchase of a week's reservation.

Yes, those deals are out there. And you might even ask at the front desk for these types of deals when you call. It may come across as crass, but some managers will actually cut a deal if they can sell you a longer reservation.

Good luck in the search. And don't forget to check out web sites like:

Hotels.com

Travelocity

Orbitz

Guest Brides

Anyone want to be a guest bride on this blog? Have an idea that has worked for you and has saved you lots of money on your wedding plans?

Drop a line. Love to hear from you . . .

SightSeeing

Many couples book far too many excursions or expensive side trips on their honeymoons. There is a tendency for couples to think they have to see all the sights. But sight seeing can be a laid-back experience.

How about hiking together?

How about a picnic?

Instead of booking that helicopter ride that will cost a thousand dollars, rent a car and drive to the top of a mountain instead. Much less expensive.

When planning your honeymoon, consider what you can save by seeing fewer sights, but spending more time at the places you really enjoy.

Cruise Wedding

On a recent cruise, I noted that there was a beautiful chapel on the 14th deck of this magnificent ship. I also noted several couples getting married, and during the cruise, there was a preponderance of newlyweds everywhere I looked. I guess cruise weddings are popular these days. And perhaps with good reason.

A cruise wedding can, potentially, be a prohibitive favorite for couples when it comes to saving money. Especially if couples forgo the big wedding/reception blowout and opt for a more laid back/small wedding aboard a cruise ship with family and a few select friends. In that case, everything is included: wedding, great reception food, and honeymoon. Everything rolled into one.

By the time the couple returns home they are refreshed. And they don't even have to clean up a reception area or return tuxedos (they even have these aboard the cruise ships). Can you ask for anything more?

Coffee

A great new gift to give your bridal attendants is coffee. Lots of options, lots of blends. Prices vary, but you can certainly find some nice coffees for a reasonable price. And you don't have to brew it either.

Or, instead of coffee . . . how about a gift card to Starbucks or a local coffee shop? Many of your attendants will appreciate the option of enjoying your wedding for weeks ahead, and every time they drive through to get a cup of java, they'll think of you!

Happy brewing!

Change Up

Many brides and grooms are discovering the savings to be had in changing up, what has become, the traditional wedding/reception flow of events. For example, many couples are opting to have a very small wedding, with only a few family members and friends (low cost) following by a honeymoon. And later, maybe a few weeks later even, the couple hosts a much lighter reception event for family and friends.

This new pace has several pluses. First, couples get to enjoy the reception more after they have returned from the wedding/honeymoon (they are not tired and stressed, but rested) and couples can also do more on far less money by having both the wedding and the reception on a smaller scale.

It may seem nontraditional, weddings and fads are changing constantly. This new thing may indeed become the new tradition in the next decade.