Wedding Lists

Ok so NOW that you’ve tried to borrow, borrow, borrow… before you buy, I’m sure you’ve started to accumulate a LIST of what it is that needs to be done…. The Bride’s TO DO list! SO here are a few tips on how you can CHANGE some of the things on your list to make them more Friendly/Cost effective!

12 months in advance list: (hypothetically… but really this COULD be done much quicker)

• Select a wedding date. (Perhaps discuss a date which is NOT on the busy days that are booked up or expensive?!)

• Determine number of guests. (Who REALLY needs to be there?... YOU, the GROOM and the minister…. and hey anyone else it a bonus, but think wisely, do you KNOW everyone you’re inviting? Does the number of people MAKE the day for you? It sure might, but think about it first!)

• Choose your wedding attendants. ( One thing to think about is that being IN a wedding in $$$ to, so think wisely, are there ways you can HELP you attendants by cutting costs? Discount dresses, having only ONE shower or party, etc.)

• Reserve reception site and hotels (Think outside the BOX, Halls and Hotels are $$$ and often make attendants feel obligated to stay in your venue site or the pricy hotel you’ve reserved… For the Reception site what hasen’t been DONE that could make it just as exciting but perhaps cut costs, perhaps you know a GREAT park? Cabin? etc. and provide your guests with a list of alternative accommodation options that are competitive pricing)

• Book caterer (there are MANNNNy fantastic food services out there however think LOCAL if possible. Perhaps there is someone you buy your weekly goods from at the farmers market who can help. Fresh local dishes are a pleasant treat to the traditional $25 a head meals you get a hotels, etc.

• Select and reserve your wedding Photographer, Videographer, Musician etc. (For many people the capturing of this day and the music in it are VERY important to them… and if this is the case for you, great… but for others, just a few great photo’s and CD’s filled with YOUR favorite songs is enough… so where do you fall… can you make compromises? Perhaps check out the local camera club for an amateur photographer who would be significantly cheaper and yet EAGER to photograph your wedding.)

• Start to look for your wedding gown. (Well if you haven’t BORROWED one yet how about checking out your local Salvation Army first, REALLY…. Yes, yes many are NOT so great but other’s can be altered and made WONDERFUL…. Heather bought her dress for $75 at Salvation army and had a friend do silk-screening on the bottom to make it hers! Ta da! Another option is go out and think LOCAL, perhaps there is a new and eager designer in your area who would love the opportunity to make your dress… OR check out the discount bridal stores online (you can try the dress on in stores and order online, Chanel ordered hers online and it came wonderfully packaged and she hired a local seamstress to alter the bits and pieces! Go early and find some great deals you can SNAG!)

• Plan your wedding color scheme. (all I can say is think about what colors ARE available… eg. My friend chose Navy… well let’s just say she spent a small fortune trying to get everything she needed in Navy)

Stay tuned for more list's and tip's coming your way!

Heather and Chanel