How To Have a Recession-Friendly Wedding

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You can have the wedding of your dreams without gutting the guest list, serving hot dogs, or choosing a Tuesday afternoon in January. The trick is knowing where to cut corners.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Smart choices
An open mind

Step 1: Don't be a slave to labels

Consider regular gowns sold at department stores; a gown doesn't have to be labeled "bridal" to make it so. Check out the bargains on eBay and in upscale consignment shops, too. You can even rent a gown.

Step 2: Rethink the reception

Consider having your reception at a restaurant; it can be less expensive than holding it in a catering hall. Or, have a cocktail party with tapas and other small bites rather than a sit-down dinner.

Tip: If you're having an evening reception, consider ending it at 10 p.m. instead of midnight. Most people begin to leave after the cake is served anyway.

Step 3: Bring your own booze

If you're holding your wedding in a hall, negotiate with the caterer about bringing your own liquor. Just make sure you can return unopened bottles for a refund.

Step 4: Have your cake

Order a square cake; it yields more portions than a round one. Or have a small, beautiful cake for show and serve guests from sheet cakes kept in the kitchen. You can even nix the cake altogether and ask friends to pitch in to create a cupcake tree.

Step 5: Be frugal with the flowers

Use flowers that are in season. Have the bridal party carry ribbon-tied bouquets -- they're less expensive than arrangements held together with wire. Skip the flower centerpieces in favor of bowls with floating tea candles from the dollar store.

Tip: If your reception venue has multiple event rooms, ask another couple about buying flowers in bulk with you.

Step 6: Don't stop the music

Create a playlist and hook up your iPod to the sound system instead of hiring a band or a DJ. Or call local conservatories or colleges to find music students who might play for minimal compensation.

Step 7: Do everyone a favor

Instead of providing wedding favors, make a donation to charity on your guests' behalf.

Step 8: All you need is love

Surround yourself with the people you love. That's the most important wedding detail of all.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HotHowTos
• recession
• wedding
• planning
• friendly
• marriage
• cheap
• spending
• money
• saving

[bigguy1028]

Haha. Today's a Tuesday Evening in January

[Niso67]

first comment that says fdhibsodufhbvguyf

[Ograws]

@MasonsTurtle You're one of the few people who are not ignorant and say that the black man is the reason for the issues. Thank you

[okj2luvscanarys]

@kaykaykaykaykk  die

[electrogeek77]

@jogeryjogo I see words, but I don't see any logic.

[electrogeek77]

@FromThe3PointLine Yes, because plunking down a ton of cash to keep up with the Joneses is ALWAYS better than putting in some actual work and creativity.

[assmunch1]

Didn't hear shit about the photography!

[Tressco]

It's going down...

[kaykaykaykaykk]

@MasonsTurtle

You are an idiot if you think Bush casued the recession by himself. You are a BIGGER idiot if you think Obama is actually helping it.

[MasonsTurtle]

Didn't Bush bring about this recession?

Bush entered his presidency with a record surplus thanks to Clinton.

He then brought the US into teh worst debt ever.

Now Obama is trying to fix all the things Bush messed up.

[jogeryjogo]

if your a democrat you might as well just throw up some swastikas in your backyard and invite the rest of the democratic SOCIALIST party. be sure to thank your local democrat and obama for bringing this recession in the first place