A decrease in average wedding budgets and technological advancements for do-it-yourselfers has inspired several alternatives and options for obtaining inexpensive wedding invitations. Although traditional, formal invitations complete with RSVP cards are still fairly popular, they can be had at much lower prices as well as being easily made on the personal computer. The standards of acceptable and inexpensive wedding invitations have changed very much over the years. No one really cares if invitations are engraved or even in envelopes.

Unfortunately for printing businesses across the world, we can make our own inexpensive wedding invitations at home. Every word processing program has a multitude of fonts and settings to design perfectly formatted content. The enhanced capabilities of home printers have made the trip to the printer’s store completely unnecessary.

Purchasing the ideal paper and envelopes is as easy as a trip to an office supply outlet or a quick search online. In addition to purchasing paper online, printing companies that evolved with the advent of the World Wide Web have made it easy to shop for and purchase inexpensive wedding invitations from their websites. Prices have been drastically lowered in comparison to past years in acknowledgement of the ease with which we can accomplish the task on our own.

Types of inexpensive wedding invitations changed with the times as well. Not only have traditional mailed invitations been streamlined, “save the date” postcards have all but eclipsed them as the most popular method of inexpensive wedding invitations. These postcards usually feature a photograph of the couple and can range in styles from pseudo-formal to completely whimsical.

Their casual appearance makes them easy to post on household bulletin boards and refrigerators making them very convenient for the guests. Using this method of inexpensive wedding invitations also saves on postage when mailed in bulk from the post office. They also make wonderful additions to collages and photo albums as keepsakes.

Although the choice of wedding invitations is just as important as it ever was, the methods and costs have made the task much less tedious than in the past. It no longer has to be a chore delegated to a member of the wedding party and the myriad of available options make it much less taxing on the couple’s wedding budget. Choosing the design and type of inexpensive wedding invitations can be a fun and enjoyable shared task for the bride and groom to be.

Creating a wedding gift list is a thoughtful gesture to the wedding guests as well as a time and hassle saver for the bride and groom. All of the wedding guests are going to want to give a gift that the couple will appreciate and that will help them in establishing their new home and life together. Making a wedding gift list will assist the guests tremendously.

Traditionally, the couple registers at a particular store and informs the guests in a note included with the wedding invitation or by some other means. The purpose of having the wedding gift list or registry at one place is to allow the guests to clearly see what it is the couple wants as well as what has already been purchased by other guests. Using a wedding gift list in this way will prevent duplicate gifts and the need for the couple exchanging them.

In addition to registering the wedding gift list at a particular store, couples can now input their wedding gift list online. This is a very convenient way of allowing guests to shop from any source they choose while still being able to have access to the wedding gift list. There are many websites that offer this service and there is usually no charge, especially if an online wedding gift list is made at a specific store’s site. Couples also have the option of creating a charitable donation in their name instead of a wedding list that guests can contribute towards.

When making the wedding gift list, the couple should focus on the needs of their combined household. Since often both the bride and groom have their own established households, an inventory should be taken to see what practical items are necessary.

There are some items that the couple may want to replace in order to establish the unified identity and atmosphere of their home. By replacing pots and pans, bed linens or bathroom towels, the couple can make a fresh start together. The wedding gift list is not the place for individual or singular gifts. Items you would not want to include in the wedding gift list would be things like perfume, clothing or jewelry.

Once the couple has made the wedding gift list, they do not have to worry about it anymore. The store or online service with which the wedding gift list was posted will take care of the updating. It is a good idea to entrust checking on it or managing it to either the mother-of-the-bride or the maid/matron of honor, just in case.

The wedding favor ideas you are considering should reflect a memory you want your guests to take away with them as a token of the couple’s appreciation for attending. Magazines and websites are full of ideas that are not too costly depending, of course, on how many guests are expected. Outside of price, the primary considerations for choosing between wedding favor ideas is whether they will be practical or whimsical, lasting or perishable.

Wedding favor ideas that satisfy both the whimsical and perishable categories could be of the edible type. Luxurious bonbons are always popular favors and can be personalized as they are made. Any confectioner or candy store can provide these and you can taste before you buy.

M&M’s offers personalized candies that you can order online, too. You can be more practical in your edible wedding favor ideas with customized breath mints. Another edible wedding favor idea is mini-wedding cakes. The baker of the wedding cake can also make miniature replicas for guests to take home.

Practical and lasting (yet still fun) wedding favor ideas can include items that could be used in future celebrations. Customized wine keys or bottle openers are useful and will definitely remind people fondly of the couple that gave it to them.

Pillar candles or boxed tapered candles can be imprinted and given as favors guests will use and appreciate. Since the lasting and more practical wedding favor ideas may cost a bit more than the perishable ones, it is a good idea to make them unisex. Colors should be neutral and the item should be something both men and women can use.

For even more personalized wedding favor ideas, the couple could consider making a project of the wedding favors and creating them from scratch. Although there are probably a lot of tasks on the plates of both the bride and the groom, coming together to create a symbol of the union may give the two a much needed reminder of what the event really means to them and what they want the people sharing it to take away from the event.

This is a chance for the couple to be creative and even silly. Hand painted seashells, decorated candle holders or pillar candles, or even loose candies packaged and signed by hand are some personalized wedding favor ideas. This is the time to explore talents and gifts the couple share with each other and want to share with their nearest and dearest.

No wedding is complete without flowers. Wedding flowers are indispensable at the wedding ceremony and reception as well as in the bridal bouquet and attendants’ bouquets. Flowers, however, can be very expensive and you can easily spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on floral arrangements. The following tips will ensure that you get the best wedding flowers while keeping your budget in control.

1. Talk To Your Florist

Communicate with your floral designer or florist and let her know your vision, expectations, likes and dislikes. Be flexible and be ready to consider your florist’s advice on possible substitutions. Your florist wants your wedding to be as breathtaking as you want it to be.

2. Choose Wedding Flowers In Season.

In-season bridal flowers are less expensive than other blooms. Find out what flowers are common for all seasons.

3. Ask For Inexpensive Options

Selecting certain flowers can make a huge difference on wedding flower costs. Hydrangeas are expensive but a bunch of affordable carnations can mimic the look of a hydrangea. Combine flowers to provide the most impact at the least cost.

4. Pick A Color And Design Scheme.

Instead of a flower scheme, let your floral designer come up with the colors and designs you envision that will fit your budget. A florist with enough experience can show you how some flowers can be substituted for others and save you big money.

5. Recycle And Reuse Your Blooms

Cut costs by reusing your ceremony flowers at the reception. Aisle flowers can be used as table centerpieces while larger altar floral arrangements can be moved to the buffet table. Your florist will be more than happy to move the wedding flowers to the reception after the ceremony.

6. Include Greenery

Stretch your wedding flower budget by incorporating foliage in the floral arrangement. Your florist can add greenery with unusual textures and silhouettes to make a stunning wedding centerpiece. Foliage is less expensive than most flowers.

7. Take Care Of Your Blooms

Some flowers, like hydrangeas, must stay hydrated. Without water, their average lifespan is only about three hours. Make provisions to keep your bouquet fresh throughout the ceremony and reception.

8. Don’t Be Afraid Of Pricey Blooms

You don’t have to avoid the more expensive flowers like orchids, calla lily, gardenia, lily of the valley, etc.  A cattleya orchid may be expensive but a single bloom can have a greater impact than a bouquet of roses.

9. Avoid Strongly Scented Flowers

Highly aromatic flowers may seem like a good idea but some of your guests may be sensitive or allergic to them. Limit the use of strongly scented flowers to your bridal bouquet or altar arrangements.

10. Bring Samples To Your Florist

Help your florist create the wedding flower arrangement you want by showing her samples of your favorite colors, swatches of materials, and pictures from magazines and websites that show your décor preferences.

Weddings can be very expensive and as you begin planning for your wedding day you will start to wonder who will bankroll this major event in your life.  Traditional wedding etiquette lays down the ground rules on who pays for what, but these days it is no longer unusual for the bride and groom to share expenses, or for both sets of parents to more or less evenly share wedding-related costs.

The Bride And Her Family

In the past the father of the bride paid for the wedding and reception, but today the bride’s family is no longer expected to pay for the entire cost of the wedding. However, the bride and her family are still traditionally expected to shoulder the following expenses:

• Costs related to the ceremony
• Costs related to the reception
• The wedding dress
• The groom’s ring (this is paid for by the bride)
• Wedding invitations
• Wedding favors and gifts for the bride’s attendants
• Fees for the bridal consultant
• Wedding decorations
• Photographer and/or videographer

The Groom And His Family

According to wedding etiquette, the groom and his family are expected to pay for the following:

• The bride’s rings (the groom pays for the bride’s engagement ring and wedding ring)
• Groom’s attire
• Marriage license
• Fee for the clergyman or judge
• Rehearsal dinner and related expenses
• Flowers for the bride
• Corsages for the mothers and grandmothers
• The honeymoon

Bridesmaids And Groomsmen

The attendants are responsible for their wedding attire. Aside from paying for their wedding clothes, bridesmaids and groomsmen should pay for their own travel expenses. Bridesmaids would buy a gift for the bride and they may choose to host a bridal shower party at their expense. The groomsmen would buy the groom a gift and hold a bachelor party for him.

Practical Considerations

The list given above only serves as a guideline and you may veer away from the traditional wedding etiquette for who pays for what. The bride and groom may decide to pay for all expenses for themselves, or their families can agree to split the cost of the wedding in the most convenient way for them. The important thing is to work out the details and determine who pays for what. This should be done soon after you announce your engagement.

Regardless of how you decide to pay for the wedding costs, make sure your wedding budget is reasonable. Don’t plan on an elaborate wedding that doesn’t fit your budget. With a little creativity you can always find economical substitutions that are just as nice.

Follow the correct wedding etiquette, or come up with a way of splitting the costs that will be to everyone’s satisfaction and your wedding day will always be a happy memory for you to treasure.

Unless you’re royalty or have an unlimited budget you will want your dream wedding to be classy but affordable.  These wedding reception ideas can help you plan out your special day. Your choices may appear endless but you should decide how formal or informal you want your reception to be. Have an idea of the size of your guest list and your budget before dealing with the other details of your wedding reception.

Pick A Wedding Theme

A wedding theme can make the planning stage that much easier. Once you have chosen a theme, your wedding reception decoration ideas will fall into place. You can also begin to think about wedding favor ideas to match your theme.

You can have a beach wedding theme, black and white wedding theme, spring wedding theme, hearts or butterflies theme, etc. Everything about your wedding will revolve around the theme, including invitations, wedding cake, decorations, favors and music.

Decide On The Location

The perfect venue for your wedding reception involves many factors, including your wedding theme and budget. If a traditional wedding reception in a hotel ballroom or reception hall is not your thing, you may want to consider the beach, a boat or even your backyard. Ideas for wedding reception venues need creativity and ingenuity to make your reception unforgettable without going over your budget.

Shop around and compare the cost of different locations. Find out how much you will have to pay for food, beverages, parking, rentals of tables, chairs and canopies, set-up fees, etc.

Make Your Own Favors

This wedding reception idea can save you a lot of money. Make potpourris in drawstring bags of lace or tulle. Put M&M’s in your wedding colors in clear bags and tie a pretty ribbon on them. You can also make candles or small flower arrangements that can double as wedding decoration and favor.

Food And Drink

Food and drink will eat up a huge portion of your budget. For your wedding reception, it may be a good idea to set up a simple buffet. You can also ask your family and friends to help out in preparing the food.

You can cut your food and drink bill if you forego the alcohol. Liquor is expensive and will require the services of a bartender or someone who knows how to mix drinks.

Entertainment

Here’s another wedding reception idea that can save you money. If you book your reception at a restaurant or hotel ballroom, ask the catering manager to take care of coordinating the wedding, including services for the wedding cake, DJ, florist, etc.

You can also ask your local college if they have a campus DJ who’ll be happy to make a few extra dollars. Pick out the wedding songs that will reflect the theme of your wedding while providing entertainment.

The reception is one part of your wedding that can come with a hefty price tag. Cheap wedding reception ideas are important in planning for your most memorable day.

Your wedding day may be the most important day of your entire life and it should be an event for you to cherish and enjoy. For a worry-free wedding you must make sure not to spend more than you can afford. Weddings on a budget will help you save money on aspects where costs can be controlled. You can still have your dream wedding while eliminating unnecessary expenses.

Save Money On A Wedding Reception

A big chunk of your wedding budget will be spent on the reception. After all, your wedding would not be complete unless you invite your dearest friends and family members. However, there are ways to cut down on costs if you know how to plan weddings on a budget.

Venue and Schedule: For a church wedding the best time is festival time because churches are already decorated for the festival. This saves you a lot of money on wedding flowers and decorations. Another idea to save money is to hold your wedding on a weekday or a Sunday night when wedding halls and caterers give discounts.

Hold your wedding early in the morning and serve lunch or brunch instead of a more expensive dinner. A buffet can also cut catering costs especially if you serve simple dishes.

Guest List: Invite only intimate family members and friends. Keeping your guest list short will save you a lot of money on wedding invitations, food and drink.

Decorations and Flowers: Wedding decorations and flowers are areas where you can save money for weddings on a budget. Call your friends over for a fun weekend making wedding favors and wedding centerpieces. You and your bridesmaids can make your own bouquets. You can also make wedding invitations at home.

Band: You don’t need an expensive band to provide the wedding music. Hire a small band that is good but not yet popular. An alternative is to download some of your favorite songs onto a CD and hire a DJ.

Save Money On A Wedding Dress

It is every girl’s dream to wear a fabulously romantic wedding gown. But if you are planning a wedding on a budget, you can buy a beautiful wedding dress online at a discount. You may even consider renting or borrowing one. You can also have a seamstress, your mom or a friend sew a wedding dress for you.

Save Money On A Wedding Cake

You cannot do without a wedding cake but it does not have to be expensive. For weddings on a budget you can get a small and beautiful wedding cake for the ceremony and a sheet cake for your guests. Your baker can make one that will fit your budget.

You can also buy or bake a cake and have it decorated at a cooking school or bakery. Borrow or rent the cake pillars to save on your wedding cake.

Wedding showers are in these days, with both bride-to-be and groom-to-be attending. The actual wedding tends to be a solemn affair, but wedding showers are exciting because everyone can enjoy and have fun with wedding shower games. This is when the couple and their friends can let their hair down with fun activities to entertain everyone.

A wedding shower is usually organized by the bridesmaids, best man, maid of honor or close friends of the couple. If you are in charge of the shower, you will have to choose the theme, make arrangements for the food and drinks, and send out invitations. You must also come up with a selection of wedding shower games that are appropriate for the occasion.

When organizing the wedding shower, be sure to have hearty food, drinks and games that everyone will enjoy. Wedding shower games can be used as an icebreaker for guests who do not know one another. If the guests are a mixed group, be sure to choose games that will not offend or embarrass anyone.

However, if the people at the party know one another you can design games that are more personal. Just remember to keep the bride and groom the center of all activities.

Toilet Paper Wedding Dress

This is a popular wedding shower game. Divide the guests into teams of three and give each team four rolls of white toilet paper, tape, and a pair of scissors. Each team must design and create a “wedding gown” in 20 minutes for their chosen “bride.”

The “brides” will parade their wedding gowns, and the designers and model of the prettiest gown wins the prize. Don’t forget to take pictures of the fabulous creations of all the designers. A spin-off of this game is to use newspapers to make the wedding gown.

Two Truths And A Lie

This game is a great ice breaker for a wedding shower. Have a guest tell the group three things about herself. Two of these should be true and one should be a lie. The other guests will try to guess which one was a lie. Guests will have fun telling the most outrageous stories.

Hot Potato

Guests will love this silly wedding shower game. Everyone should be seated in a circle. Music is played and a box is passed around until the music stops. Whoever is left holding the box must wear the contents of the box for the remainder of the party.

Wedding party gifts are traditionally given as a “thank you” to the participants in the bride and groom’s big day. Generally, the best man and maid/matron of honor have additional duties and deserve particular appreciation so their gifts are often distinguished from the rest of the party’s.

There are many types of wedding party gifts to choose from so the bridal couple is free to consider certain factors of the decision according to their unique set of priorities. The couple needs to take into account the number of wedding party gifts that need to be purchased, the overall personality of their wedding party, the budget and their own preference for what their closest friends and family standing with them should have. Wedding party gifts can either be different for the male and female participants or be the same item for all.

Many people opt for engraved wedding party gifts because they can be personalized and serve as a more personal gift even though the same item is being given to more than one person. Some items that are particularly good engraved wedding party gifts would include key chains, flasks, mugs, stemware or glasses.

More casual or whimsical personalized items can be beverage coolers, t-shirts, coffee mugs and baseball caps. Tradition does not really dictate whether the wedding party gifts are practical or fun, but to not give them is a serious breach of etiquette.

Wedding party gifts don’t have to be tangible items. A great way to say “thank you” may be a spa gift certificate or restaurant gift card. Traditionally, the wedding party gifts are items that will last for years symbolizing the long-lasting contribution to the marriage. Couples should not feel needlessly tied to this tradition, though.

Giving wedding party gifts that will make good memories for the members of the wedding party can be just as meaningful. The important thing to remember is that the wedding party gifts should not appear to be an afterthought. They are supposed to be chosen with care, appreciation and love. So, if the couple does go the less traditional route, the wedding party gifts must be worthy of the appreciation and love meant to be expressed.

The budget the couple sets for the wedding party gifts can vary in size for any number of reasons. It is important to remember that wedding party members usually have to spend their own money to participate in the wedding. The more responsible positions of best man and maid/matron of honor usually bear the cost of the bachelor party and the bridal shower respectively which is why their wedding party gifts are generally distinguished from the other party members.

Winter weddings can be very beautiful and have an element of heightened celebration due to the timing being within the holiday season as well as the extra effort made by guests to attend if in areas where weather can cause difficulty in travelling. These factors can serve as inspiration for winter wedding ideas highlighting warmth and closeness.

Lighting can play a major role in achieving this effect as can all of the other choices that must be made to realize winter wedding ideas. No matter what religion the couple follows or where in the world the wedding takes place, a wedding that takes place in the winter will be somewhat more meaningful to your guests because of the season.

Winter wedding ideas for the venue should concentrate on more intimately styled spaces. If a church is not to be used, mansions and historic homes are ideal for establishing the familial tone particularly suited to winter wedding ideas. As long as the venue has enough space to comfortably accommodate the number of people on the guest list, these types of settings offer features that can’t be easily incorporated into commercial venues such as banquet halls or hotel ballrooms.

Of course, if you need a really large space, you can achieve some of the same effect by strategically using light fixtures and controlling the house lighting. Use a lot of candles and very little overhead lighting. Everything takes on a glow in candlelight and the flames exude warmth whether it’s real or just perceived.

The colors used in the wedding and reception resulting from winter wedding ideas should convey warmth as well. Deep red, greens and blues are a far cry from the glaring colors of summer. However, the formality we are all familiar with due mostly to the celebration of New Years can be taken advantage of in a black and white color scheme. Don’t be afraid to borrow from holiday colors! Breaking them up will prevent a campy look, though.

Winter wedding ideas for the menu can either focus on a comfort food kind of meal or go for ultra-elegant dining. Either way, there should be a lot of hot dishes and plenty of protein. Again, there is no shame in using traditional holiday meal inspiration for winter wedding ideas and it may even be a bit more cost effective because caterers are already stocking up on the traditional menu items for the holidays. No one ever gets tired of being served beef, ham or turkey in the winter.