How to Have a Dream Wedding on a Budget
No one wants to pay more than they have to for anything, especially something as costly as a wedding. And if you're like me, and you had to foot your own bill, then you certainly want to keep costs down. I was afraid it couldn't be done, especially since my husband and I live in one of the most expensive regions of the country. But my wedding is proof that it can be done, and here's how: Reception Venue Look for non-profit organizations that host wedding receptions, since their rental fees are extremely reasonable. And many of them - the American Legion is one example - have gorgeous, well-maintained facilities.
If you prefer an outdoor wedding, then skip the country club and go to a state or national park, where you can get beautiful landscapes at a fraction of the cost. Catering Many rental halls offer full-service catering, which includes linens and tableware, wait staff, all food prep and cleanup, etc. But unless you're at a non-profit (which hopefully you are, if you followed step #1), then this can be extremely expensive. Try to find a smaller catering company that typically does at-home meal service, since they know how to do things on a budget. And they are sure to give you excellent customer service.
Alcohol You must, must, must buy your own alcohol. If you purchase it through your rental hall at retail price, you will be paying through the nose. If you have followed step #1, then you have most likely found a place that will allow you to bring your own alcohol, or will give it to you at a non-profit price. This is the only way to go. Flowers & Decorations Eliminate additional expense by keeping everything simple.
There really is no need to have little party favors at each table, since hardly anyone remembers or appreciates those items anyway. And go easy on the flowers ? having a few simple arrangements strategically placed can be very sophisticated and elegant. Music With the abundance of music available for (legal) download via the internet, it's easier than ever to create your own CDs to play at the wedding. It's great to have creative control over the music, and it gives you and your future spouse a project you can work on together. A lot of rental halls will have equipment available for you to play your CDs, but you can also rent this equipment fairly inexpensively.
Invitations Save on invitations by only ordering paper invitations for family members. Everyone else, including your friends and extended family, can be invited via email. You may think it's tacky, but it's really the best way to get an accurate headcount. It's much easier for people to respond to an email than to have to mail back a response via snail mail. But still use the paper invitations for your family, since this is the more traditional route.
You can get very inexpensive invitations these days through various printing websites. In addition to the recommendations I have listed above, there are many other little ways you can save. For example, going to discount bridal stores for your dress, getting a friend to make the wedding cake, etc. - but I have found that trying to micro-manage every little item on your checklist will make you crazy. So just keep it simple with the big items that I listed above, and you will have the ultimate dream wedding ? a beautiful venue, excellent food, plenty of beverages, your favorite music, all on a budget!.
Rachel Greenberg has a background in business and finance, and she received her MBA from Duke University in 1999. She writes fun and informative pieces for her website http://www.bargainfamily.com - which she created with her husband Lee. The website provides advice and recommendations for families on various products and services for their homes, lives, and businesses.bargainfamily@yahoo.comSurprising Clues He's Cheating on You
So you think that your man is cheating on you but you don't want to make the mistake of accusing him if you are wrong? Here are some clues that he might be sneaking around:1) He doesn't want you to see his cell phone or pager. 2) He has several calls, especially at night, that he has to leave the room to take.3) He forgets to put on his wedding band, claims that it doesn't fit him or professes to have lost it.4)He accidently comes home with part of his clothing inside out.5) There is lipstick or perfume clinging to his clothing and he doesn't work in a cosmetics' factory.6) He mixes up his stories. One minute he was working late and the next he was out to dinner with a client.7) He doesn't meet your eyes when he tells you where he's been.8) He gets defensive when you ask questions.9) He suddenly is more generous with gifts, flowers etc...These are just a few possible signs of a possible cheat..
Caterina Christakos is a published author and dating coach. To learn how to seduce your... Surprising Clues He's Cheating on You
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Sensual Lines and Subtle Texture Punctuate Contemporary Vase Collection from Realm Dekor
(ContentDesk) September 26, 2005 -- Like swirling undersea formations, Realm Dekor's new group of contemporary glass vases inspire and compel. Created in shapes that zig-zag, yawn wide in unexpected spots, and in some cases appear to be taking off into space, the new collection is certain to please fans of modern design. Seven distinct vases make up the new group, Flow, Koral, Loft, Orbit, Orb, Root, and Bubble. Hand blown from white art glass, Flow features a classic vase shape punctuated by side "vents".
The piece was designed by Ohio artisan Sam Drumgoole and retails for $100.
It measures 9 inches tall x 5 inches at the base.Creamy ceramic glides across a table top in a playful form.
Koral was inspired by the peculiar shapes of a coral reef, and can be adorned with a variety of flowers and leaves to create changing moods.
Koral retails for $75 and is approximately 8 inches long. Simple geometric shapes are drawn together to make Loft, a tower of...
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Flowers How to Have a Dream Wedding on a Budget student loans
Affiliate Summit Affiliate Marketing Conference Announces Call for Speakers for January 2007 in Las Vegas
Berkeley Heights, NJ (ContentDesk) August 1, 2006 -- The Affiliate Summit Convention will be held January 21-23, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Affiliate Summit is presented by Shawn Collins and Missy Ward and provides the unique opportunity for affiliate marketing professionals to gather and learn from one another in a cooperative environment. The goal of the Affiliate Summit is to create a learning environment and networking opportunity that facilitates the exchange of information about affiliate...
Flowers Affiliate Summit Affiliate Marketing Conference Announces Call for Speakers for January 2007 in Las Vegas How to Have a Dream Wedding on a Budget speakers
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Life Insurance Explained
Copyright 2006 Stacey Zimmerman
Most people generally understand that life insurance is necessary. Your life insurance policy is a method of protecting your family after your death. However, many may not understand the various types of life insurance that are available today.
Whole Life Insurance is an insurance protection policy that will remain in effect, as long as you continue to make the premium payments. One of the major benefits of Whole Life Insurance is that...
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Flowers How to Have a Dream Wedding on a Budget
Emergency Generators
The disruption of power for substantial lengths of time can occur at any time due to hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, snowfall and other natural calamities. Having emergency backup power in such situations is not only essential for hospitals and commercial establishments but also in homes to run critical appliances like lights, refrigerators, heaters and medical equipment.
There are basically two types of generators that can be used in an emergency: portable and permanent standby generators....
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