Ten Money Saving Tips For Your Wedding

Book one location for your ceremony and reception to avoid multiple site fees and having to provide transportation between venues.

Cut out the champagne and let guests toast with whatever drink is in their hand.

If you're a stickler for tradition and can't live without a wedding cake, choose buttercream or cream cheese instead of expensive fondant.

To save on flowers, use lush greenery in your centerpieces.

Buy in-season flowers wholesale and then pay a florist to do simple arrangements (or you're crafty, then you could DIY!).

Hire a student quartet from a local music school to play during cocktail hour or during your ceremony.

Instead of paying extra for your invitations to arrive assembled, gather friends and set up an assembly line.

If a photographer whose work you love is out of budget, ask if you can wait until after the wedding to order proofs and albums. Save up, or use some of your gift money later.

If fancy wheels are a must have for you, a limousine will be cheaper than a stretch SUV. And if you don't mind taking your own ride you could hire a private chauffeur to drive your car, which would be much cheaper than hiring a limo.

Do you have a relative who never puts his video camera away at family occasions? See if a professional videographer will edit amateur footage — it will cost a fraction of the price for having the professional shoot the wedding.

source: IDoSugar.com

best spring 2009 trends

If you're throwing a Spring 2009 wedding event - or are planning on attending one - learning about the season's top wedding trends can make the event even more unforgettable. Wedding trends for Spring 2009 capture some of the season's fresh designer trends from the runways, and the year calls for a mix of classic styles and modern designs.

From Grecian-inspired gowns for the bride to flapper dresses for the bridesmaids, here are some of the best Spring 2009 wedding trends to plan for:

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: Black Flowers and Accessories

Black wedding dresses were a top trend in 2007, and black reigns on with black accessories for 2009. Pick up black roses or rosettes, black table linens and black and white color combination for a sophisticated and modern look.

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: Pink Flapper Dresses

Pink is a top choice for color this Spring 2009, so deck out the bridesmaids in classic, pastel or shocking pink for a modern twist to basic cream and white. Flapper-inspired dresses with their fitted, mid-calf length style get a fresh look in innocent pink.

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: Red-Trimmed Wedding Gowns

Red is a bold and vibrant addition to the usual pastels and classic white ensembles for Spring weddings, and you'll find it trimming wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses this season. The red and white combination adds a twist of modern romance to any Spring wedding.

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: The Mini Wedding Dress

Super-short wedding dresses are a fresh trend for Spring 2009, giving you every excuse to show off those legs this season. Pair this look with ankle-tied sandals for a chic, dramatic look this wedding season.

source: http://www.ezinearticles.com

wedding tips: pre-ceremony

• Have a designated person to be the personal attendant of the day. This friend - usually not part of the wedding party - will be responsible for assisting the bride in matters such as making sure the vendors are doing what they are paid to do, the right photo is (photos are) taken, the bridal party is announced, wedding participants are in place ready to go, etc. It may even be helpful to have a separate bride’s attendant and groom’s attendant.
  
• Be extremely specific about when each person involved in the wedding should arrive. Don’t automatically assume that everyone will know when to show up…you might be surprised as to how many people think they are exceptions! Be clear on when musicians vs. vendors vs. the bridal party vs. family members and other helpers such as ushers and greeters should arrive.


• Have 2-3 greeters and a separate gift table attendant, and be clear on who is transporting what to and from the ceremony. The 2-3 greeters can focus on making sure people know where to go and ensuring guests sign the guestbook properly, while the gift table attendant should focus on receiving and tracking the gifts.
  
• Regarding the gift table, a great way to track gifts is to have a gift log with some stickers that you can write numbers on. When each guest drops off a guest, stick a number on the gift and note it in the gift log (i.e. sticker #1 refers to Mr. and Mrs. Smith). This will go a long way in making the thank-you-care-writing process much easier! Another reason it is important to have a person focused specifically on the gifts is for their watchful eye, as there have been occasions when gifts have disappeared. Weddings are prime targets for theft, as passersby know that guests are bringing lots of bright and shiny things for the newlywed couple!