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Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . where you can find money-saving tips from a father of the bride and author of Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do".
Any bride looking for a tasty but low-cost dessert option at a rehearsal dinner or even an outdoor wedding reception (summer) doesn't have to look any further than an ice cream sundae bar. For the cost of a few gallons of vanilla ice cream (or, okay, throw in chocolate too!), some toppings and parfait bowls and spoons, you have all the trimmings of a real hit.
The ice cream sundae bar goes over very well with families, and people love making their own treats. Add some chocolate syrup, some butterscotch, and maybe strawberry toppings . . . what a popular dessert.
This low-cost option is an easy one for busy bridal parties, too. And it doesn't take long to set up.
A real win-win . . . and your bank account will thank you later.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . the blog written by a father of the bride and author the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Join me here often for more money-saving tips for your beautiful day.
If you are looking for a low-cost but practical gift for your guests . . . and one that might also be a keepsake . . . consider an umbrella with your names and wedding date. There are several companies that make these specialized umbrellas. And the expense is minimal.
Or, consider a bulk purchase for push-button mini umbrellas. These can be found in various styles and colors and may be an option gift, especially if you are planning an outdoor wedding and simply want to provide a quick roof in the advent of rain.
Everyone can use an umbrella . . . unless you live in the desert. And a bumper shoot is one of those gifts that your guests can carry home in a purse or drop under the car seat for a rainy day.
Welcome to Debt Free Wedding . . . written by a father of the bride and author of the books Your Beautiful Wedding on Any Budget and Before You Say "I Do". Visit often for more money-saving tips!
During a recent foray through the countryside, I came across several wineries that had not only built top-scale tasting rooms and storage areas, but also some incredible vistas and gathering places for bridal parties. In fact, several of these wineries had actually built with weddings in mind.
When I asked the owners if brides had discovered their beautiful areas, they seemed downcast to relate that only a handful of bridal parties had taken advantage of these beautiful surroundings.
But here's the thing: there are some values to be found in outdoor weddings also, and not all of these options are completely exposed to the elements. Many of these wineries also had banquet facilities and covered areas (gazebos, etc.) where a ceremony could be held in the advent of rain.
So . . . take a drive through the countyside in your area and see what's out there. Better yet, take an internet tour of the wineries in your area. And check out the prices in comparison to some of the traditional large-box banquet facilities that most brides use.
You may be surprised to find that you can embrace beauty, uniqueness and natural settings for a fraction of the cost of a generic catering hall. Get more for your money, but also more for your guests!
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 each week for more money-saving tips on creating a debt free wedding.
Autumn offers some money-saving opportunities for the frugal bride. First, consider the beautiful natural decor that comes from turning leaves and beautiful skies. A well-chosen outdoor wedding site can provide a perfect ambiance.
And indoors? Many reception halls and banquet facilities have the decor already built-in to the mix with pumpkins, autumn colors, or cornucopia table centers. Or you can create your own with just a few dollars investment.
Don't forget the opportunities that come with seasonal decorations. These can save money . . . and even a little savings can add up to larger opportunities for your honeymoon or travel.
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.
