Discount Luggage, Vacations & Travel Accessories Information

He popped the question. Everyone is excited! You set a date and began shopping for prices. You returned home and both had to lie down, shocked at what weddings cost today and shocked at what you can get when looking for discount wedding favors.

This is typical of so many couples who initially venture out into the “wedding jungle” with great expectations, only to find themselves in the middle of nowhere, not knowing how they are ever going to pay for their wedding. Help has arrived! And help has arrived to show you the most amazing edible wedding favors.

Weddings are what memories are made of, and of course, every bride has envisioned this day since she was a little girl. But, with the average cost of a wedding over $20,000, how do you afford to even get married today? And then if you want wine wedding favors it can be ever more.

There are some variables, when planning a wedding, which are totally under your control. Your guest list is the fist place to begin. The easiest way to proceed is to make 3 separate lists: the have-tos, the want-tos and the possibles. This is the quickest way to reduce your wedding budget and one way to still be able to splurge in other areas. Remember, a difference of even 25 guests will impact your budget significantly.

Food is the biggest expense of the wedding. One strategy for saving money is to have a buffet instead of a sit-down dinner. Also, instead of a dinner, have a high tea or dessert or brunch reception. Recently, I consulted on a wedding which consisted of hors d’oeuvres only, and it was one of the most successful weddings I’ve ever done and the guests raved about it.

Another major expense is the location of the wedding. Banquet halls are the most expensive, with restaurants a close second. Saving money in this area is easy if you are flexible and creative. Consider local and national forests or parks. Perhaps a close friend or relative has a beautiful backyard that they would allow you to use. Is the ocean close by? Some of the most memorable weddings I’ve been involved in were right on the beach. Also, remember with this area of the wedding budget, that off-season and any day other than Saturday will help cut costs.

The wedding gown can be a real money saver. Shopping at bridal outlets, looking for last year’s designs or buying a vintage gown are all acceptable ways to reduce the budget and still look beautiful. Also what is getting very popular is renting your dress. If you don’t have visions of your own daughter wearing your gown when she gets married, this is probably the least expensive choice.

Flowers and decorations for the wedding can be made by friends and family. There are many books and ideas in craft stores that will totally explain how to adorn your wedding and tables beautifully on a budget. Of course, if you get married in the spring in an outdoor area, the natural landscape and flower budding is free of charge!

Another do-it-yourselfer is with wedding invitations. Everyone has a computer and unique printing paper is available everywhere. The wording of the invitation can be found online or write your own, print it out and decorate it with colored, satin ribbon that matches your wedding scheme. Beautiful!

Wedding music – band or DJ? Obviously, the DJ is usually much less expensive and a great way to cut costs. But, if you must have a live band, go to your local high school or university and check to see if their music department has any groups that will do it just for the practice. If that’s not available and you can’t afford a DJ? Bring in your own CD player and speakers, buy some great CD’s of music you both love and your have yourself entertainment.

Photography and Videography are so important to capture memories you will have for a lifetime. Honestly, if I were to spend money anywhere, this is the area I would splurge on. But, again, if budget is very tight, then enlist friends and family members to chronicle the day. In fact, ask several people, and allow that to be their gift to you. Also, don’t forget to put a camera on every table, which will cover the photos of all the guests.

With the information here, your budget can easily come in under $5,000. Beautiful weddings do not have to be expensive, just creative and reflecting the couple’s personalities. Enjoy your day! Hopefully it will be everything you’ve always wanted for less than you ever dreamed possible!