Got Wedding Etiquette?

Tales of Our Wedding Our wedding was a casual affair focusing on sharing time with those near and dear to us. We didn't want to spend a great deal or to begin our marriage in debt. So, we hosted ours at our local Veteran's Memorial Center beginning in the afternoon. Saving money on the venue is imperative, as it can be quite costly. With this choice we saved thousands. Of course, hosting our reception in the afternoon also lowers the total cost by allowing us to serve lunch instead of dinner. A lovely, tree-lined courtyard in the center of the property was the perfect setting for the ceremony which was followed by the reception in a large room steps away. The room was lit with natural light from large windows on both sides of the room. The major plus was the kitchen access. For the meal, we chose one of our favorite Italian restaurants as the caterer. It is amazing how inexpensive it was.  Everyone raved about the food. I took classes so I could make our cake . It was beau...

  Consider These Ideas A thrift or hobby shop is a good start. For her wedding , a friend purchased strings of silk red roses (very realistic) from a local hobby shop for a few dollars a bag.  She wound them around the posts of a gazebo leading to the alter.  All cost less than $10. She also found red rose petals to decorate the tables. The venue already has one candle per table. With the pedals, the look was amazing. Two bags total at $1 each. Grocery stores can create special centerpieces for a fraction of the price of a florist. Farmer's markets and local farms may have flowers in bulk at very reasonable prices. Purchase flowers in season. Tap Friends for Ideas. Ehow offers wonderful ideas. Please leave your ideas in the comment section to share with others! More by The Polite One Money-Saving Cake Alternatives Money-Saving Bridal Attire Tips Money-Saving Wedding Favors Tips 

  Wedding favors do not need to be expensive to be cherished by your wedding guests.  Consider these following ideas Thrift or a Hobby Shop: Bargains for the Crafty Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor Take-Home Boxes of Your Dessert Plant Seeds Tree Saplings Bird Seed Tap Friends for Ideas Ehow offers wonderful ideas to make your own! Please leave your wedding favor ideas in the comment section to share with others! More by The Polite One Money-Saving Officiate Tips Money-Saving Cake Alternatives Money-Saving Bridal Attire Tips 

Consider These Ideas Consider a used or rented wedding gown. Please avoid cringing. The dress is only worn once and then placed in a box, which will probably never be opened again. So, picture yourself in an expensive designer gown you didn't think you could ever afford. And the best part is that it is a fraction of the price of one that is new. Plus, you would be "doing the right thing" by being less wasteful. That is a great way to begin this next stage of your life. Used Gowns Preowned Wedding Dresses Used Wedding Dresses Rental Gowns Rent The Runway Search online. More options appear often. Be kind and use rental dresses for your maids as well Please leave your ideas in the comment section to share with others! More by The Polite One Money-Saving Wedding & Reception Tips Money-Saving Officiate Tips Money-Saving Cake Alternatives 

  Consider These Ideas Yes, I also made my daughter’s wedding cake. Darn those cake decorating classes. Just kidding. I was thrilled to do this for my daughter and fiancé’. It also saved them hundreds. Cupcakes—not as wasteful Faux cake for appearance; serve a delicious sheet cake that guests don't see Selections of deserts.  Pie is popular Cookies Parfaits or ice cream Tap Friends for Ideas Great ideas from Style Me Pretty Visitor Suggestions Buy one small decorative cake to show and serve a different Costco style cake to eat. Please leave your ideas in the comment section to share with others! More by The Polite One Money-Saving Wedding & Reception Tips Wedding Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Budget Money-Saving Officiate Tips 

  Consider These Ideas My daughter asked me to be her officiate for which I was very honored. So, I quickly became ordained and performed the ceremony . Not only was this a memorable event for all of us, but it also saved her money. Years later, I officiated my sister’s wedding.  It was a day of pure joy. Becoming ordained is a simple matter these days but is only one option. A friend or family member can also become an officiate for a day in many places, just check in with your county officials. It is usually as easy as signing a piece of paper and handing over a few dollars. Leave your ideas in the comment section to share with others! More by The Polite One Wedding Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Budget Are Charitable Donations an Acceptable Wedding Token? Money-Saving Wedding & Reception Tips 

  Consider These Ideas Venue Host your wedding and reception at the same venue. Choose a wedding date in a less popular month or on a Sunday. Food Buffets served as food stations are usually less expensive than a sit-down meal and can be very special. A cake and beverage reception is perfect for an event early in the day. Beverages Limit alcohol to beer and wine . Purchase your alcohol in bulk from a discount store. The shorter your event is, the less you will need. Entertainment & Archivists Hire photographer/videographer for the wedding only and ask friends to fill in the gap. Contact the music department of the local high school or college about musicians. Tap Friends for Ideas Visitor Suggestions Buy one small decorative cake to show and serve a different Costco-style cake to eat. Ask a friend to become ordained to marry you.  It's cheaper than paying for one. Please leave your ideas in the comment section to share with others...

  Purchasing a wedding gift shouldn’t break the budget nor should visiting the bridal couple’s wedding registries website cause heart palpitations.  If items chosen on that dreaded list are out of your comfort zone, here are a few less expensive ideas.  Purchase Within the Budget Consider the couple’s registry as a guideline and buy what you can afford with their taste in mind.  Just remember that all gifts should be thoughtful .   Each should reflect our feelings for them.   For example, instead of purchasing the requested set of gourmet pots and pans, purchase a set of gourmet seasonings.   Still, if you shop early, you may find more affordable items on the registry, even for the honeymoon registry. Purchase gear rentals instead of one of their chosen activities. Note The rule that the gift’s value must equal what your hosts spend on your meal is illogical.  Bridal couples shouldn’t expect guests to provide their own wedd...