How to Avoid Stress, Save Money, and Still Make Your Wedding Special

Did you know that the cost of a wedding is now over $20,000? I wouldn't spend that much even if I were a millionaire. I would rather put a down payment on their house. I may be a cheapskate, but I'm sensible.

Getting married is stressful, and I believe heartily in avoiding stress whenever possible. Yes, it's a special day and a great deal of care needs to be taken with the details to keep everything from flying apart, but don't worry so much. Have fun with it and enjoy the planning! It doesn't have to cost the parents or the happy couple thousands of dollars to be memorial.

* Let Them Do It Themselves!

Take your ideas of how her wedding should go and pack them away; let her make the decisions. When she comes to you for advice is soon enough to give it, and she will. It's their wedding; let them make their own memories. Years later, when someone is relating how their Mother-in-law from Hell took over and did everything, you'll be glad to know they aren't talking about you. Always think ahead.

* Marriage license

When my children married, I worked in the County Clerk's Office so I was able to actually issue their license, and I treasure the memories. The office gathered around and watched them take the oath; it boosted their morale too, to be able to congratulate and have fun. Of course, I paid for the license.

* Invitations

Buy a few boxes of nice invitations that include a web site url for specialized printing. Since none of us knew calligraphy and our hands wouldn't have lasted through that many cards anyway, we used the service. All we had to do was choose the format for the cards we'd purchased so the printing would line up correctly. Next was choosing a font, typing the information and printing them out. They looked nice and professional. We were very pleased.

* Paper flower décors

Buy enough colored tissue paper in size no smaller than 9X9 and fashion your own flowers to tape to the chairs. The paper comes in enough colors that you're sure to be able to match the wedding theme. Even the younger kids can help do this. Practice on Kleenex.

* Wedding Photos

These can be expensive. I was fortunate to have a professional photographer friend, so asked her to bring her camera. I do recommend a few professional pictures because, hopefully, this moment only occurs once in their lifetime. A quick photo session should give you all you need though, don't let emotion cause you to overspend. I like the fun pictures too, the candid ones that aren't posed for. Pictures of the guests are a nice surprise for everyone and a member of the wedding party or a guest can take these with a standard camera. Make enough copies for everyone. They'll love it.

* Wedding Gown

When our only daughter married, this cheapskate did not intend to spend hundreds of dollars on a gown. It was a good decision too, because years later, she has only sons. (no daughter to pass it down to) I found a 'worn only once' dress for $100.00 that seemed made for her. It was a perfect fit and she looked beautiful. I couldn't have done better by spending more. I did buy a new veil and bouquets from a bridal shop.

* Home Setting

Back yards are wonderful settings for weddings. They can reduce stress and costs, too. Avoiding the back and forth drives through traffic to get to the hall is wonderful. Instead of stressed out because someone couldn't find the wedding location, everyone will be cool and relaxed. In addition, there is no rent due for the use of the hall.

* Consider asking for cash instead of traditional gifts.

This is best done in a straightforward manner, such as asking friends and family to give money instead of a gift. You'd be surprised how many would be relieved to give cash instead of spending hours trying to find 'the perfect gift' and hoping the couple doesn't receive five of the same thing. You know they will return the extras anyway. Save everyone the stress. The couple can then use the money for their wedding trip or whatever they choose.

I've used each of these ideas in marrying off my five children and they worked for us.

Article Source: http://www.bestweddingarticles.com

About the Author This article has been submitted in affiliation with www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations. Harriet's portfolio can be found at www.Writing.Com/authors/storytime

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