Coffee Cups

Welcome to Debt-free Wedding . . . your home for cost-cutting and money-savings ideas for you wedding and beyond.

Wedding receptions are not always the easiest places to save money . . . but beverages might be one area where cost-cutting and shaving can take place. And when it comes to lowering expenses, consider coffee as an option.

Coffee is big right now, and some coffee brands can be pricey. But there are alternatives. In a recent taste test, it was surprising that some brands like Folgers and Eight-O Clock topped big-name brands like Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. Likewise, an old coffee that many people have forgotten about is Chock Full O' Nuts. It's out there, and it's a fraction of the cost of some brands, and it's a great medium blend coffee, too.

If you have have a choice for blends and brands, try some of the others if you have coffee as a money-saving option.

Radio

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, written by Todd Outcalt . . . a place where you can find hundreds of low cost or no cost ideas for your wedding.

There are many ways to announce your engagement . . . and not all of them have to do with print (newspapers). Some communities have free "community pages" or announcements that you could use to tell everyone about your engagement. In other words . . . free.

You might also discover that many radio stations also have dj services or music services that might undercut the traditional dj in price. Go online and check out some of your favorite stations and the services they offer.

Honeymoon Wonders

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . where you can find dozens of no cost or low cost ideas for your honeymoon . . .

And speaking of honeymoon . . . how can you save money there? In Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, I share dozens of great tips, but don't forget to go online for great savings on hotel accomodations. That's where savings can really happen, and you can't go wrong with looking at any of the following:

eleganthotels.com

occidentalhotels.com

luxurylink.com

And this is just the beginning. Check back soon and I'll have some other tips for saving on transportation and recreation!

Sunglasses

Welcome to Debt-free Wedding...great ideas...and all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

How's this for a low-cost but well-received gift idea: Sunglasses!

A summer idea for wedding attendants, helpers, and friends . . . maybe even some photographs. And if you wear your sunglasses only at night . . . you can be a one-hit wonder.

Check out the internet for some nice deals!

Candle in the Wind

Thanks for visiting Debt Free Wedding . . . where I hope you will find some great ideas for your no-cost or low-cost wedding plans . . . and even more to be found in Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget.

Here's a quick low-cost idea for your gift bag for attendants and your reception. Use candles for your center piece display on the reception tables, and purchase enough of these candles to give some to your attendants. Great deals can be had on volume candle purchases--and there are many varieties of candles, too.

Woodwick candles are not only wonderfully scented, but make a fascinating sound while burning.

There are also country candles, scented candles, soy candles, and dozens of other name labels. And everyone not only enjoys candles, but can use another one. Great gift and lively center piece all rolled into one.

The Family That Pays Together

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where all the ideas are free and couples can plan a no cost or low cost wedding. And if you need the book, try Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Many couples have wedding cost assistance from family members or parents. But one of the biggest factors in happiness and accountability is communication about the wedding expenses. It's a must that brides and grooms discuss their wedding plans and costs with those who may otherwise be footing the bill.

The best way to begin the budgeting process is to actually sit down at the table together and review all of the various items and services needed, a ball-park cost for each, and then determine who will pay for what. Those footing the bill may need to weigh in on what is expedient, or too extravagant, etc.

Creating a low cost wedding budget is not that difficult if couples have reason and the ability to talk about their feelings and desires. And accomplished in love, everything works together and works out for the family budget, too.

(PS...does anyone ever watch THE FAMILY GUY? I've never seen the show.)

Shop Till Ya Drop?

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where hundreds of great no cost or low cost ideas await, all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

There are generally two schools of thought when it comes to getting the most bang for your wedding buck: shop till you drop or buy the bargain. The latter idea holds much more promise for brides who want to save money on their weddings.

The thing is, it's far easier for all of us to simply shop at will, or to buy on impulse. But with wedding planning, that's a deadly financial crunch on the wedding budget. Rather, make a list of the items and services you will need for your wedding and then buy the bargain. It's easy to do a casual price check on items by perusing online for awhile before you actually shop it.

Look for bargains instead of impulse . . .

Prioritize to Save

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the place to save. If you need ideas for no cost or low cost wedding ideas, you'll find hundreds of ideas in Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Couples would do well to prioritize to save. Consider the total budget you have to work with (the amount) and then work backwards and subtract items and services from the total budget to plan the wedding of your dreams.

Are flowers more important than the limo to the airport?

Do we really need a full band at the reception, or could a DJ do the trick?

Do we need ten nights of honeymoon, or could we do seven nights?

These and many other questions can help brides and grooms arrive at a safe and secure wedding budget without going into debt. Make a priority list and stick to it.

Watch Those Costs

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding and hundreds of money-saving ideas for your wedding and honeymoon, all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget.

There's one place where most brides/grooms overlook wedding costs . . . and that's the hidden fees. First, there are taxes, and many time brides overlook the mounting taxes added onto dresses, shoes, and items (sales tax). The price seen on the tag is frequently not the price paid at the register.

Then, there are fees associated with services, such as catering. Often, fees can be as varied and difficult to ascertain as the number of shrimp in a salad . . . so watch closely and ask questions.

Finally, fees attached to everything from the wedding license to the various rentals . . . it all adds up. So beware. Shop and compare. Look at the fine print. And save.

Picnic Reception

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding and hundreds of great ideas for creating a no cost or low cost wedding . . . all written by the guy who wrote Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

A few years ago I presided over a small outdoor wedding where, afterwards, the bride and groom had prepared a "picnic" reception. All elegantly done...the picnic was replete with all of the traditional fixings of a picnic in the park. We gathered in a park shelter house and the children were able to play on a nearby playground.

A few blankets, some fried chicken and potato salad, some lemonade. Hey, it's all good and it beat the pants of many of the high-cost receptions I'd been to that were held in stuffy back rooms and country clubs.

How about having a picnic reception? If you love the outdoors and want to have the kind of low-key good time with your friends and family . . . get going, get cooking.

Getting Organized

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can find amazing low-cost or no cost ideas for your wedding plans and much much more.

Getting your wedding organized might not be as difficult as it seems. . . and there is no need to go to great expense purchasing organizational charts and booklets. Here's a hot tip.

Buy a simple block of Post-It notes and find a small area on a bedroom wall or a window where you can lay out your plans and ideas at a glance. Make a few columns for items like Rehearsal, Wedding, Reception & Honeymoon.

As you get ideas for each (money saving ideas are best: See Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget!) simply stick those to the appropriate column along with the date and any notes you need to make. As you get each item accomplished, remove it, or place it at the bottom of the column.

You'll soon be planned up and ready to go, and you'll have saved much money in the process.

Book Now . . . and Forever Hold Your Peace

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can find dozens (maybe even hundreds or thousands) of money-saving tips for your wedding, reception and honeymoon. Written by the guy who brought you Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Now is the time to book airfare. Some rates in your area have never been less expensive, and there are great deals to be had for booking now for your honeymoon later this year.

If you are planning a summer wedding or fall, don't overlook the great savings you can secure by searching and booking now.

Don't forget the big boys like Travelocity. Big savings in the search and comparison.

Writing Letters

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding. If there are money-saving ideas to be found, you can find them here, and plan YOUR debt free wedding.

Saying "Thank You" has become something of a lost art. Rather than write, we email, text and Twitter. But nothing says "thank you" like a handwritten note.

You can save money on your thank you notes by purchasing a nice calligraphy pen (they aren't that expensive!) and then having some fun writing your notes on regular 8 1/2 X 11 sheets of paper (buff colored). This combination looks fantastic, and with just a bit of practice you can turn out some very personal thank you notes to the people you love.

Have fun and save.

Donut Wedding

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can find hundreds of no cost or low cost wedding ideas for your special day, and all written by the guy who gave you Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

It's not necessarily a new idea, but there are plenty of couples out there who are moving to donuts instead of cake at their receptions. Why? Because people love donuts, silly! And there are now an increasing number of bakeries who will make specially-tiered donut cakes for weddings.

Search online for some of these ideas (they are out there and easy to find, with pictures). And if you like donuts as much as many people do, you can probably arrange a special wedding cake for a lot less . . . and maybe even make it yourself.

Go donut!

Now Hear This!

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can learn how to save big money and plan a debt free wedding. Great stuff here, all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".

Need a few money-saving tips for your wedding announcements? Don't go down to the post office and spend hundreds of dollars on postage just yet. Try a few of these ideas that can save you money.

First, pare down your wedding invitation list. Make sure you are inviting the people you want to invite, rather than just casting rice into the wind! If you really don't think some guests will attend, reconsider the cost of sending an invitation.

Once you have your list pared down, consider making your own announcements. Great ideas can be found online and you can make some great invitations using your imagination and ingenuity at your local Kinkos.

Finally, if you absolutely must purchase your invitations...try visiting one of the following web sites for big savings:

http://www.myfuncards.com/

http://www.weddingaccessories.com/

http://www.invitations4sale.com/

http://www.artpaper.com/

Kits N-Kiboodles

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, where you can find a myriad of money-saving and low-cost or no-cost ideas for your wedding, reception and honeymoon . . . and all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

One of the ways you can save money on your wedding and reception plans is to shop for "kits". There are wedding kits for most everything these days:

Kits for table decorations
Kits for table name plates
Kits for wedding announcements
Kits for thank you notes
Kits for gift wrapping

You can also arrange some of your own kits at a fraction of the cost by shopping at party stores and dollar stores. Many of the components of these kits can be had for a dollar or less. You just have to be a shopping mode and have an eagerness to save money.

Keep looking, and make a master list of the items you will need to create a debt-free wedding. Stick to your budget and you'll have money in your bank account at the end.

Spa

Welcome to this money-saving blog tha features hundreds on money-saving tips for your wedding and honeymoon . . . all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

There are hundreds of great spas out there, many of them featuring honeymoon or bridal packages that might also be an option for your wedding location. Some spas actually welcome bridal parties large and small, and have full catering services and/or on site locations for your wedding.

Many of these spas have outdoor water features, gazebos, courtyards, or even beautiful groves or trees or walking trails. If you check around, you'll be sure to find one in your area.

There are also many web sites that can tell you where to find some of the best and least-expensive spas in the country, if that appeals to you as a honeymoon destination. Think outside the box and save.

Thinking Inside The Box

Welcome to debt-free wedding . . . a place for you to save money on your wedding plans. Lots more in Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

There are many "outside the box" locations for your wedding and reception, but perhaps none as versatile as having your wedding inside a greenhouse. There are greenhouses and botanical gardens that are home to many beautiful plants year-round.

Couples can not only find a beautiful spot for the wedding, but they'll have some built-in beauty with the flowers and flora growing around them.

Check the yellow pages in your area for some options.

Tux Rental Savings

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding...a source of money-saving tips for couples who want to organize a debt free wedding...and all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

A few days ago a young man asked me about tuxedo rental for his wedding, and I gave him the following ideas for saving.

1. It is not unusual for the groom to get a free tux if his groomsmen rent from the same rental shop. Make sure you ask for this.

2. Instead of renting from tux shops or specialty wedding stores, check out some of the men's stores in your area. Many men's clothing shops have tuxes as a sideline, and these can be less expensive.

3. Don't overlook coupons from men's stores. They do exist.

4. You might save money by wearing other shoes (instead of the rentals) or by asking for the accessories for a lesser price (cummerbund, tie).

5. Ask for a discount if you have an exceptionally large number of groomsmen (more than 5).

Fair Grounds

You've found Debt-Free Wedding . . . the site that saves you money on your wedding, reception and honeymoon, all written by the guy who brought you Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget (where you can find hundreds of other ideas).

A few years ago I was meandering through the state fairgrounds when I happened upon a small wedding party at dusk. They have found a cozy corner of the grounds, removed from the hustle and bustle, and the bride and groom were exchanging their vows. White wedding and all. But the guests, obviously, were having the time of their lives.

And later? Corndogs perhaps, or an elephant ear? Really, what about the bride and groom riding the ferris wheel instead of driving away in a limo?

Fun stuff, really, and very low cost. A wedding to remember.

Mooove Over

Welcome to debt-free wedding...a great place to find money-saving tips and ideas for your wedding and reception and honeymoon. And all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget.

Within a twenty mile radius of my house, I know that there are at least ten or twelve creameries. These large, open buildings often provide great summer-time treats (like yogurt, ice cream and more) but are frequently unoccupied during the fall and winter months.

However, a creamery is a great place to have a small wedding or reception, and many of these establishments would welcome your group at a very low price. Other creameries have open outdoor spaces and/or seating areas with picnic tables that would be a perfect setting for an outdoor reception.

Check out some of the creameries in your area and start saving.

Old Style

You've discovered Debt-Free Wedding . . . one of the best sources for FREE ideas that can help you prepare a debt-free wedding, and all written by the guy who gave you Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget (thousands of ideas there!)

Somewhere near you there is a historic home just waiting for your wedding party. Historic homes (perhaps a museum, a library, or a vacant home) are beautiful places for small weddings. And if you have your reception on the grounds, you can get the whole package on the cheap.

I've presided over many weddings in historic locations, and all of these have been wondrous, beautiful affairs. You don't have to have much in the way of decoration. Just allow the ambiance of the place to be your beauty, and enjoy creating a debt-free wedding/reception.

Check listings in your area, search the internet, and you're bound to find a house or two near you that would be perfect for YOU.

Holy Rollers

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can find hundreds of low cost or no cost tips for planning YOUR debt free wedding, and all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Now here's a novel concept for those who need a unique reception venue: rent a roller skating rink. Seriously, if you are fun-loving, have an energetic spirit, and just want to give your guests a great time (who wants to sit around a table and eat cake?), why not rent a rink for an evening.

Roller skating rinks would love to have your wedding party and most have side rooms or party rooms where you could serve food, or even cut the traditional cake if you so desire.

Better yet, get out there and boogie! Do the hustle. Go back in time to Donna Summer and the age of disco. Just don't throw a disk!

Farm Hands

Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . this little blog that can help couples save money on their wedding plans: all written by the guy who wrote, Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

There are so many ways to save money on your wedding venue, especially if you know someone who has a farm. Over the years, I've presided at now less than half a dozen "farm" weddings (not all of them, of course, being farm families). Rather, a farm is a great location for a large, outdoor (or even) indoor wedding.

Many couples think a farm will be a smelly or less-than-desirable location, but in actuality, a farm is a scenic, naturally-beautiful venue. Picturesque, even.

If you know a farm family in your community, ask and see if their barn or out-building would be available for rent. You'd be surprised at how often they may have been asked that very question.

Thinking Outside the Box

You've found Debt-Free Wedding and a source for no cost and low cost ideas for your wedding, a perfect blend to the ideas you'll find in Your Beautiful Wedding On Any Budget!

The next time you visit your local library, look past the books and you're likely to discover a rather brilliant space for your wedding. Many libraries have extra rooms in the back, or designed spaces for meetings, large and small.

If you are in the market a very low cost or even no cost option for a small wedding and reception, the library might be just the ticket.

But be sure to get your card punched! You don't want any overdue books.

Thinking Outside the Box

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . your source for no cost or low cost wedding ideas, written by the guy who gave you Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Enjoy.

Finding a low cost place for your wedding doesn't have to be stressful. If you are a non-traditionalist who enjoys new and exciting ventures, who can imagine your wedding in a strange or exotic location, why not go "outside the box" and try a movie theatre?

Think about it!

Theatres provide plenty of comfortable seating, a stage area, and usually enough availability on "off days" and times for the flexible wedding party. Most theatres will even rent other spaces in the facility. They are large, roomy and acoustically helpful.

The next time you are in a movie theatre, as the manager for rental prices. You'll be surprised at the options a theatre might afford you (with a movie at the reception, to boot?)

Four Ways to Save on Flowers

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Lots of ways to save and create a low cost or no cost wedding.

Couples wanting to save money on their flowers (wedding, decor, reception, etc.) would do well to remember these four quick tips:

* Know your budget. Be certain that you have a number in mind as you plan your flower needs. Flowers can be expensive or reasonably-priced . . . and you'll want to be working with a hard and fast number when you go to the florists.

* Compare and save. Don't assume you can't negotiate a flower order, and be certain to compare prices at various florists in your area.

* Bring a list of the arrangements you need. Don't go into the florists with a blank decorating slate, for example . . . know how many arrangements you will need and what styles of flowers you are looking for.

* Don't be afraid to "downsize" your flower order or arrangements if it exceeds your budget. Have a back up plan in place for decor or wedding.

Emotional Inventory

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . a very fine place to discover no-cost or low-cost ideas for your wedding.

There are now many books available that can help couples save money on weddings. They seem to be as abundant as chicken soup. Still, couples continue to go into debt, beginning their married life under the enormous strain of unpaid credit card bills, car payments, and residual payments to be made on the wedding and honeymoon itself. And yes, there are alternatives!

Couples would do well to take an emotional inventory at every step of the way during their wedding plans. Openness and honesty are key ingredients to planning a wedding, of course, but also making a life together.

There are great bridal magazines and other books out there that can prepare couples to discuss the financial and relational realities of married life . . . and they can't go wrong by picking up a couple of these books and sharing them.

Being prepared will, in the long run, save a couple thousands of dollars in so many ways.

Trade Offs

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding...your home for no-cost or low-cost wedding idea, all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Couples looking for great wedding deals can often begin by looking at relationships. Who do they know? Who can help them create a debt-free wedding? What are some of the great deals that can be worked out through creative trades?

For example, I knew one couple who owned a flower shop. They had friends who owned a limo service. They worked out a trade where wedding arrangements were swapped for limo service to the reception hall.

Creative trade offs can be had when couples think about who they know and what they have to offer. A key is making sure everyone benefits, and that they trades are no one-sided.

Great trades can involve not only transportation, but also decor, stationery, or even accommodations. Get creative and start saving.

Light a Candle

You've discovered Debt-Free Wedding, most likely because you are looking for great money-saving tips on your wedding . . . a blog written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".

Most couples are going to use candles in their wedding ceremony. And, while not a big-ticket item, candles can be costly. But there are ways to save on the wax.

For example, if you are having your wedding in a church or synagogue, there will likely be a few candles provided. Don't bring your own candle (BYOC) unless you have to.

But if you are bound and determined to have a fresh stick of wax for your ceremony, why not check out any of the following online places to save. Great options for the wax crowd.

http://www.candlecomfortzone.com/

http://www.waxwizard.com/

http://www.genwax.com/

Wedding Stationery

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding and saving money! Written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, get ready to save!

Many couples have discovered that they can save on all things paper by having a "do it yourself" mentality. Consider stationery and invitations, for example.

Sure, a couple can spend hundreds of dollars by having their stationery professionally printed, folded, and mailed . . . but many of the best-looking and most creative wedding invitations I have seen have not come out of a catalogue. They have come from the creative energies of the couple.

Creating your own invitations can also bring the two of you together as you plan the wedding.

So consider:

* Buying a couple of calligraphy pens from a store like Staples or Office Depot.

* Purchase some nice paper, or use various colors.

* Create your own invitations and address the envelopes by hand using the calligraphy pens. With a bit of practice you'll be writing like a pro in no time.

Give it a try!

Crystal Skulls

You've found Debt-Free Wedding, a great place for no cost or low cost wedding ideas . . . and more, and all written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Couples who set of goal of making it to fifteen years of marriage should begin making plans for the perfect crystal gift. Crystal bowls, crystal glasses, sure, but how about finding the perfect low-cost crystal gift?

For her:

A crystal candy dish

For him:

A crystal paper weight

A Tusk'it, A Task'it

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, home of many low-cost or no cost ideas for your wedding and honeymoon . . . and written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget.

Anniversary fourteen, according to Hallmark, is ivory. But where do you find ivory if not from an elephant? And, do elephants remember?

Nevertheless, if you are planning that special fourteen-year anniversary gift, why not consider one of the following:

For Her:

An ivory stick pin

An ivory jewelry box

A cameo

For Him:

?

Thirteen & Lace

Welcome to the money-saving blog: Debt Free Wedding. All written by the guy who wrote: Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Enjoy.

Some of the best anniversary plans are simple. A nice dinner. A relaxing evening at home. And by the time a couple hits number thirteen, chances are a relaxing evening is enough.

That's why lace seems to be the gift of choice for anniversary number thirteen. Lace?

How about some of these gifts:

A decorative table piece

A lace handkerchief

A lace book mark

Simple but elegant. For him? How about shoe laces? Hey, lace is lace. Right?!

Silk Purse or Sow's Ear?

Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding, the source for low-cost or no-cost wedding ideas. All written by the guy who wrote Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Enjoy.

Any couple who wants to go the distance in marriage will have to make it through the seven-year-itch, eight-year-scratch, and the nine-year-hives. Or something like that. But every couple has the eleventh anniversary to look forward to, especially since it's silky soft.

Here are a few great gift ideas for that eleventh anniversary.

For her:

Silk scarf

Silk blouse

For him:

Silk pocket patch

Silk necktie

Silk handkerchief