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Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the money-saving blog written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, Before You Say "I Do", and 300 Debt-Free Wedding Ideas. Be sure to visit often for more money-saving tips on your beautiful day.
One of the simplest and least-expensive ways to entertain your guests is to have some conversation-starters at your reception round tables. One idea: purchase some simple triangle table games. The ones similar to the games at Cracker Barrel can be purchased for a buck at many dollar stores, and the Dollar Store web site and catalogue also has these available in bulk.
These little games will not only entertain your adult friends, but will be a life-saver to some families with short-attention-span children. And there are other games that can be had for just a few bucks also.
Think about it . . . if you have twenty-five round tables you can outfit the entire reception area for just a few dollars.
Entertainment on the cheap. That's one way to save.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog that saves you money. Written by a father of the bride and author of twenty-five books including Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Visit often to find dozens of creative solutions to your wedding needs.
In case you haven't noticed, it's a coupon world out there. There are still ways to clip and save, and now many of these cost-saving coupons have been passed along on the internet instead of the newspaper or flier.
Be sure to visit bridal gown web sites, bridal magazine sites, and even the web sites of those specialty wedding stores in your area. They often have coupons that can save you money, and if you are the type that plans ahead, some of these may be just the savings you are looking for . . . savings on bridal gowns, decor items, BOGO candles, programs, tux rentals, and more.
There are also seasonal savings to be had. With the holidays approaching, don't neglect to visit those places that have special deals immediately before (or after) to clear their inventory. Savvy brides can find some super-savings if they keep a careful watch.
Clip a coupon and save. Keep a file. Write down dates. You can save hundreds if you time your purchases well.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Join me here every week for new ideas on how to plan a low-budget or debt-free wedding!
Every now and again I run into a bride who is decidedly undecided about her wedding plans. She wonders: do I go with a traditional long-train and veil, or opt for something trendy? What should the menu entail? Where to honeymoon?
For these brides, I suggest a coffee intervention!
Here's how it works. Gather a select group of 5-6 of your valued friends and family (the ones with great ideas and wit). Take them out to coffee, and bring along your questions and ideas.
It's amazing how some caffeine and focus can turn and otherwise slow-moving wedding into a full-steam ahead affair. Use the power of many to find direction and decision. Or, as they say, two heads are better than one.
And even if you don't land all of the details of your wedding, you'll still have a great time. Just don't forget to enjoy the coffee and the conversation.
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 here often for more debt-free ideas for your wedding plans!
How about this? Create a fun, easy, and humorous reception by giving all of your guests "Fun Money"...these can be vouchers or certificates or Monopoly-style money that you give to your guests at the door. Your guests can then "buy" various items or services at the reception in exchange for their fun cash.
Looking for a way to spice up your low-key reception or to make a low-cost reception more unique? Try some fun money.
Items/services that your guests might purchase at a reception could include:
Drinks
Bread
Photo-op with Bride & Groom
A Dance
Dessert
Valet Parking
Coat Check
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the bride and author of the books Before You Say "I Do" and Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget. Visit often for these debt-free and money-saving tips to create to the wedding you want on the budget you have.
Another unique option I have seen at some wedding receptions: an old fashioned photo booth. Evidently, once again, these are rental options . . . and your guests won't mind paying a buck to sit in the booth for their series of photographs (and their take-home gift).
This is yet another fun and funny option for a reception . . . but one that can yield great dividends in the memory department.
Check the party stores in your area for this option (and other throw-backs) that might add a bit of unique zest to your party.
Welcome to Debt-Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author of Before You Say "I Do", Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, and dozens of bridal articles. Visit here to find your own path toward a debt-free wedding.
Here's a fun and low-cost idea to parlay into your reception. Bring in a sketch artist or cartoonist to draw guests. Many of these artists will work on tips (with guests giving the tips), and in a few minutes of sitting, guests can enjoy a funny sketch of themselves . . . which they can take home, of course.
Check with your local art community or state fair board to get names. This is one of the most enjoyable and unique events you can have at your reception.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father-of-the-bride and author of Before You Say "I Do", Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget, and Your Wedding Planner (kindle). Be sure to visit each week for new money-saving and "free" ideas that can save you hundreds of dollars on your wedding plans.
A recent wedding reception showed me that sweet somethings can be a low-cost way of providing some fun and entertainment . . . if that sweet something is a cotton candy machine. When I asked about this, I learned that the machine was rented (low-cost) and that making cotton candy is, in fact, a very inexpensive treat.
There were long lines at the cotton candy machine all night--and not just kids. The cotton candy was an even greater hit with the adults. And most people took a stick of cotton candy home in a bag.
Take a look at this option for your reception if you are looking for a fun and easy way to create a party atmosphere post-wedding.
