| Create a wedding journal | | | | 12 to 17. |
| When planning your dream wedding, the best | | | | Buying your own drinks can save you a lot |
| place to start is by creating a wedding journal. | | | | especially if you are able to choose a venue |
| Every couple has different priorities. | | | | where you do this. |
| Start by listing the must have items. After all, it's | | | | Photographychoose a photographer that will give |
| your day and you should have the things that | | | | you the negatives. Limit the number of locations |
| make it special for you. A general list includes:i. A | | | | where the photographs are taken. Look for less |
| venue for both the ceremony and the reception. | | | | expensive photography options. If your budget |
| Ii. Attire for the bride and the groom (including | | | | does not allow for the cost of a professional |
| accessories). | | | | photographer, consider hiring a photography |
| Iii. A wedding cake. | | | | student from a local college or university. Perhaps |
| Iv. Food and/or drinks. | | | | you have a friend that can do it as well. |
| V. The wedding officiant. | | | | Ringsopt for simple but elegant rings. The most |
| Vi. A marriage license. | | | | inexpensive option is the classic gold. Buy your |
| Vii. Rings. | | | | rings as a set. |
| Viii. Gifts for the attendants. | | | | Many rings are available as a set that includes the |
| Money saving tips for your dream wedding | | | | engagement ring and the brides wedding band. Or |
| planning | | | | you may even be able to find a set that includes |
| One of the first steps to planning a fabulous | | | | the grooms band as well. |
| dream wedding on a budget is to start being | | | | Decorations and accessoriesmake your location |
| realistic about what is affordable for you. | | | | the focal point. Choose a location that is naturally |
| Start planning your ideas based on your budget. | | | | beautiful such as a site overlooking the ocean or a |
| Keeping the guest list small as bigger is not | | | | beautifully restored historical building. Add some |
| always better. One of the most difficult tasks | | | | simple floral arrangements and there is no need to |
| you'll face while planning your wedding is deciding | | | | spend a bundle on decorations when the location |
| who to invite. Choose smaller vendors you will | | | | itself is already stunning.Use the church's |
| often find that that accommodate your needs at | | | | decorations. Plan your dream wedding for a day |
| a better price. | | | | shortly after a big religious holiday like easter and |
| Ask a trusted friend or family member to help | | | | take advantage of the fact that the church will |
| you by being your honorary coordinator. | | | | already be decorated. |
| Give her an itinerary, checklists and phone | | | | Wedding cakemake your wedding cake all the |
| numbers for all your vendors. | | | | dessert you need. It's nice to be able to offer |
| Choosing your day to have the wedding on | | | | guests a variety of different desserts, but the |
| Choose any day other than Saturday. Since the | | | | price can add up. Avoid this extra expense by |
| majority of couples plan their wedding for a | | | | having your wedding cake made with a different |
| Saturday, choosing any other day of the week | | | | flavour for each tier. You'll then have 3 or 4 |
| can be a huge cost saver. The most expensive | | | | different options for guests to choose from. |
| elements such as the venue rental and reception | | | | Musicplay your own CDs instead of hiring a |
| fees can decrease by as much as 50% for | | | | professional DJ. Most halls have sound systems |
| weddings held on a Friday or Sunday. Plan your | | | | with multi-disc players that are available for your |
| wedding for November through April and you'll | | | | use. Simply ask friends and family members to |
| save a bundle. The cheapest month of all? | | | | help you compile CDs of great dance music and |
| January. | | | | you'll have a full nights worth of entertainment for |
| Receptionknow what you'll be getting at the | | | | a fraction of the cost. |
| venue you have selected. | | | | The bridal gown and tuxedochoose an inexpensive |
| Use a free location. There are lots of unique and | | | | wedding gown and make it look expensive. Buy a |
| beautiful places to hold your dream wedding. Public | | | | floor sample bridal gown. |
| gardens, the beach, a park or local tourist | | | | At the end of the season, bridal shops sell of the |
| attraction are all potential locations that will save | | | | gowns that they have made available for brides |
| you money. And if you choose a unique spot it | | | | to try on. This can greatly reduce your costs. |
| will most likely be perfect as it is - so you'll save | | | | Look for stores that offer the grooms tuxedo |
| on decorations. Holding the ceremony and | | | | for free. |
| reception at the same location eg.Beach,park. | | | | Flowerskeep your bouquet simple. Flowers such |
| Food and drinksinvestigate school programs for | | | | as calla lilies, roses and gerbera daisies are |
| your catering needs. Reduce your costs by | | | | excellent choices. For an added piece of romance, |
| cutting down the amount of appetizers or hors | | | | have friends and family members hand you the |
| d'oeuvres you order. If children and teens are | | | | flowers for your bouquet as you walk down the |
| attending the dinner be sure to request a childs | | | | aisle. Use silk flowers. For large arrangements and |
| meal for everyone under 11 and a teen meal | | | | centrepieces, consider using silk flowers instead of |
| (same as adults but without the alcohol) for ages | | | | real ones. |