Saving Money on Your Wedding

Hi Everyone!

Some of you may be aware (and some not aware), that our ministry offers extremely competitive rates if you would like me to be the Officiant at your wedding (or if you know of someone who needs a wedding officiant).  You can read more about this service at our website, www.FTFM.org and click on the "Wedding Ceremony" link on the front page.  I offer a FREE "e-wedding book" to assist you (or someone you know) in planning the wedding. (the free e-book is available through the website link or you can click HERE to have access to it now)!  This blog article is also something I believe will assist you (or someone you know) in saving money on their wedding…(Please post your comments below - and be sure to SHARE this post with others)!

Ways to Save Money –

But Still Have a Memorable Wedding Day

As you are aware (or you will be soon), planning a wedding involves a lot of time and energy. Plus, with rising prices in almost every area, paying for a wedding is definitely not cheap anymore. Use the tips in this short guide to save you money on your wedding plans, while still having a memorable wedding day that you will treasure forever.

1.  Shop around and compare prices for locations and hall rentals. 
2. Consider using a local park to get married in, this is often much cheaper than renting a banquet room.  
3. Holding your ceremony and reception at the same location often lowers the cost considerably. 
4. Does a family member have a large or scenic property that you could use? 
5. Have a backyard BBQ instead of a formal wedding rehearsal dinner.  
6. Book your reception hall for a shorter time period. 
7. You may want to think about traveling to a destination for your wedding - this would involve lower costs but some guests may also not attend. 
8. Hold a small, private wedding with family and your closest friends. 
9. Don't opt for a full bar, just select to offer beer and red and white wine. 
10. Remember to offer non-alcoholic drinks as well. 
11. Look to your local college for a band when it comes to finding live  entertainment for your wedding. 
12. Choose an up and coming cake decorator to make your cake. Offer to recommend them to your friends and business connections in return. They get exposure and you get a good deal on a cake.
13. You may want to choose cupcakes over a larger tiered wedding cake. 
14. Serving cheesecake is becoming a popular trend and is much cheaper. 
15. Display your menu items in attractive bowls, this can help hide the fact that the menu items are plainer. 
16. Consider serving an afternoon tea reception instead of a full dinner evening one. 
17. You don't need to order champagne for the wedding toast, guests can just use whatever drink they have at the time. 
18. Cater for any children who may be present, kids meals are often much cheaper than ordering an adult size. Plus there will be fewer leftovers. 
19. When renting a car for your wedding, ask if the dealer offers a wedding special. 
20. Opt for a van instead of a limo, this way more people can ride with you and this saves money for everyone involved. 
21. Choose black ink for your wedding stationary and print out your own invitations. 
22. Use potted plants for your table decorations. 
23. Use flowers in season and add ribbons to brighten up any arrangements. 
24. Bowls of fruits make affordable center pieces, which can then be used for dessert. 
25. Shopping for wedding attire during sales to find great deals on brand  names. 

After saving money in all these different areas you can then splurge on your wedding photos, or another area if you wish. Wedding photos offer you a permanent reminder of your special day. So this is an area where you may not want to cut corners or costs.

I hope these thought provoking ideas help you.  You may incorporate all of them or some of them in your efforts to keep costs under control.  Just remember, THIS IS YOUR DAY!  So enjoy yourselves!  Just do not put your marriage in extreme debt with an extravagant wedding – unless you can really afford it. It is better to keep this one day event in your lifetime of marriage under control – and put that extra money to work for you in other areas (a new home; a home renovation; etc.).

Talk Soon,

Pastor Bob