Save Your Wallet AND Your Sanity

Use a caterer that supplies everything you need, plates, glassware, table cloths, etc.

Make sure you're only charged for the services that you need. If you have your own decor make sure you are able to bring it in to use rather than pay your venue to decorate. 

In-season, in your area foods as well as food that people are familiar with will save you money and reduce waste. Fancy foods that people aren't familiar with gets wasted and is expensive.

Buffets cost less and allow your guests to choose what they want to eat.

Make sure gratuity is included on your contract. Tax and gratuity can add as much as 30% to your final bill.

If you are allowed to supply your own liquor it can save you money but is more work.

A cash bar is acceptable and can be a huge money saver. Serving only wine and domestic beers will save money. Even adding one signature cocktail is less expensive than serving different liquors.

Consider only serving wine and domestic beers.

Instead of a Champagne toast, serve sparkling white grape juice.  This way even the minors in attendance can participate.

Keep the guest list manageable.

If you're having a wedding with 75 guests or under, consider having your reception at your favorite restaurant. You will already know the staff and how the food is. But you may not have a place for dancing.

Your reception is the biggest expense with the food being the majority of the bill. You can save the most money if you shop around.

Money Saving Tips

Having a dessert or cocktail reception can save a bunch of money.

A Rehearsal Dinner is not a necessity or required by etiquette.  Save some money here.

Keep your Guest List in check especially if you are having a seated dinner reception. What if you have to decide who to invite and who not to invite? Invite those you cannot imagine spending your wedding day without.

Have a small Wedding Cake for your cake cutting photo op, just big enough for you and and your bridal party. Supplement this with cupcakes or a sheet cake for your guests.

Instead of a champagne toast, use sparkling white grape juice.

Instead of fresh flower bouquets for you and your girls, if you really want fresh do it for yourself. Let your girls carry silk flowers, then use the bouquets for head or sweetheart table, gift table, reserved family tables, and cake table centerpieces/decor.

For more ideas follow me on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/titusvlleweding/

For Elizabeth and Joe who will be marrying on December 18, 2012, here are some interesting Scottish wedding tidbits:

Marry on Tuesday for health 

"When December snows fall fast,
marry and true love will last."

The waxing moon is a good omen Seeing lambs, toads, spiders, black cats, gray horse, or sunshine and rainbows on the way to the ceremony is considered good luck.

Celtic Blessing:
Deep peace of the running waves to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you

Jeremy and Angela Lindemann wedding - I had the honor of performing the wedding ceremony for this beautiful family.

Honoring Your Mothers 

To honor the two mothers at the wedding ceremony have your florist add two floral sprays that can easily be removed from your bridal bouquet. When you have made your way up the aisle pause and remove one floral spray and either hand it directly to your mother or give it to your escort to hand to her. Be sure to let your escort (father, brother, friend, etc) know in advance what you want to do.
As you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife after the ceremony, stop briefly where your new mother in law is sitting and hand her the second floral spray.
Be sure to keep this plan a secret from the mothers to make this a memorable surprise from you. Everyone will love it!

Bridal Shower or Engagement Gift Suggestion

Not sure what gift to get for a family member who is getting married soon? Here's a thought: How about Titusville Weddings  "Day-of" Coordination services? Then everyone can relax and have a stress free day! www.Titusville-weddings.com

The common process of the “Do-It-Yourself” Bride

At engagement she says “This is going to be so much fun. I know exactly what I want and can do this on my own,

At 9 months from wedding date: “I hope I can afford to reserve ____ for my venue. I wonder which (photographer, baker, florist, DJ or band, etc) is the best value for my money. I hope I can find someone who is still available in my price range.”

At 6 months from wedding date: I have my venue and my dress. Now, how to get everything else I need and stay in my budget? I hope I don't have to (cut the guest list, switch from real flowers to silk flowers, etc.)

At 6 months from wedding date: I managed to hire a (photographer, DJ, caterer) last week, but I wish I could have booked (Photo Art Works, A Better DJ, Floral Creations By Dawn, etc.)

At 2 months from wedding date: I wonder which member of my family or which one of my friends will give up his/her enjoyment of the reception to make sure everything stays coordinated. How will I have time to decorate and still get my hair, makeup, and nails done?

At 2 weeks from wedding date: My friend Rachel has to go out of town and can't decorate and set up for me and Aunt Norma is not going to be able to coordinate, what am I going to do? Who else can I possibly trust to get things done the way I want?

1 week before the wedding: What would you do?

I have been planning and coordinating weddings for over 10 years. Titusville Weddings works within your budget and our fees are more than reasonable. If you are or you know a bride planning her wedding please call us to find out how we can help – (321) 537-3276. You can also visit our web site – www.Titusville-Weddings.com and of course view photos on our Facebook page.