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Scrapbookr18

Weekly Correspondent

• Lindsey
• Professional Development Assistant
• Financing Fiancee
• Golf v Tennis
• Frugal / No
• Empowered / Yes
• Impulsive

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A Few of My Favorite Things

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Date? Check. Venue? Check. Dress? Check. Everything else? Piece of (wedding) cake.

1. Stationery: This includes invitations, RSVP cards, escort cards, programs, place cards, menu, etc. Have a printer at home? It’s a very easy DIY project; just make sure you buy a little extra if there are mistakes. No printer? Take them to a local print shop (i.e. FedEx Kinkos) and have them print them for you. I purchased my invitations from Hobby Lobby at half price—I also took them to FedEx Kinkos to get them printed for 9 cents each. Don’t forget the stamps!

2. Flowers: This cost can easily be in the thousands if you choose to go through the florist. If you do, choose flowers that are in season to curb some of the cost. However, it’s also another DIY project. First option: you can purchase the flowers wholesale (i.e., Sams) and arrange them the day before. Option two: fake flowers. Hobby Lobby offers beautiful floral pieces/arrangements (often at half price) and no one will know the difference! Don’t know how to put a bouquet together? Ask a florist to do it—it’s still much cheaper than going with real flowers. Both of these alternatives could also work for the centerpieces.

3. Food/Cake: No wedding is complete without food and cake! Yet instead of a sit-down dinner, try to offer heavy hors d’oeuvres or a buffet style dinner. With the cake, ask a relative that is handy with baking to give it a try. Sam’s also offers bridal/groom cakes at a low cost.

4. DJ: One word—iTunes. This is a fun way to customize the music for your wedding (no “Hokey Pokey,” please) that will save you hundreds. Have a friend keep an eye on the music to change it accordingly.

5. Photography: The cost of photography is astronomical (averaging $1,500 – $5,000); however, this is one of the most important costs because photos are what you keep forever, so make your decision wisely. You can always have a family member/friend take the pictures and it will be immediately available to you. Another option is to hire an amateur photographer. Generally, there is less cost involved for a lot more.

6. Favors: DIY, DIY, DIY. Need I say more? Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels offer a wide selection of fun favors that will save you money. If you still want personalized favors with out the brunt of the cost, many of the favor packages provide tags that you can print at home, or you can order personalized ribbons instead of getting the favor personalized itself.

These and other tips are offered at The Knot or Modern Brides. In the midst of all the planning and budgeting in preparation for your day, don’t forget to have fun!