Save Money by Staying on Track

One of the keys to saving money when planning a wedding is to stay on track with the planning. Nothing wastes more money than having to do things last minute.

• Use wedding checklists available at www.weddingchannel.com and www.theknot.com
• Once a week check to see how your doing and make a list of anything that needs to get done within the next week, as you get closer to the big day you'll have to do this process more than once a week.
• Remember to delegate anything you can to your fiance, mom, bridesmaids, etc, so that you don't end up doing everything and get overwhelmed.

If you follow this process you should be able to stay on track, save money and have some time to relax while planning your wedding.

Ceremony Rehearsal Bouquet

At the bridal shower there is a tradition of creating a bouquet from all the ribbons and bows. Let me show you how to create this bouquet.

1. Start by taking a sturdy paper plate and cut a small hole in the center of the plate.
2. Have one of your bridesmaids sit next to you when you are opening your presents and collect all the bows and ribbons.
3. Gather a thick amount of ribbon and pull it through the hole in the plate and tie a large knot on either side of the hole, this will lock in the handle.
4. Final step, stick on all the bows and extra ribbons to complete the bouquet.
5. Now you can use this bouquet at the ceremony rehearsal.

Money Saving Tips

Here are a few tips that I have used to cut down on a wedding budget:

1. Cut down the guest list.
2. Choose a cake without nuts or fruit (this will also help with allergies).
3. Put together your own favors.
4. Address your own invitations.
5. One step further, print your own invitations and programs.
6. Have your bridal shower at someone's house or in their backyard.
7. Choose simple inexpensive flowers for the bouquets.
8. Most tuxedo rental stores have deals so that the groom gets his tuxedo for nothing.
9. Have open bar for only the cocktail hour and not for the entire reception.
10. Usually the chicken option for the dinner at the reception is the cheapest way to go.