Budget Weddings For Dummies

Don’t let ‘white blindness’ drive you into debt! Make your wedding everything you want it to be on the budget you determine.

Are you planning a wedding, but worried about how much money you'll have to spend? In today's tough economic times, planning a budget wedding is more important than ever. This fun, money-saving guide is packed with tips for planning the wedding of your dreams without breaking your bank account!

Inside you'll find tons of tips and advice for planning a budget-friendly celebration while still remaining true to your personality, values, and tastes. You'll see how to make and keep your wedding budget; select the most economical time to get married; scope out wedding locations that fit the bill; and incorporate everything from economical to green ideas that emphasize style and elegance. Plus, you get tips and pointers for negotiating with vendors and avoiding hidden expenses and add-ons.

• Hands-on information for planning a stylish wedding while sticking to your budget
• How to get deals on gowns, tuxes, cakes, invitations, photography, food, and more
• Use your creativity (and friends and family) to save money on decorations, food, favors, and wedding attire
• Cut corners where no one will notice

• Set your own priorities for your big day

• Make your celebration unique

You don't have to settle for less on your wedding day. Author, Meg Schneider is an award-winning journalist who planned her own wedding for less than $5,000 Budget Weddings For Dummies is the only guide you need to save yourself money, time, and stress while you plan a beautiful, memorable ceremony!

Introduction 1

Part I: Coming Up with a Game Plan 7

Chapter 1: Bringing Your Wedding Dream to Life 9

Chapter 2: Working with a Wedding Budget 19

Chapter 3: Deciding When to Get Married and Organizing Your Timeline 35

Part II: Planning the Ceremony 51

Chapter 4: Deciding Where to Get Married 53

Chapter 5: Minimizing Wedding Party Costs 69

Chapter 6: Dressing for Your Big Day 81

Chapter 7: Hammering Out the Ceremony Details 97

Chapter 8: Picking Flowers (Or Fun Alternatives) 109

Chapter 9: Capturing It for Posterity: Photography and Videography 125

Chapter 10: Putting It in Print: Invitations, Programs, and Miscellany 143

Part III: Celebrating with Your Guests 155

Chapter 11: Selecting the Reception Site 157

Chapter 12: Feeding the Hordes 167

Chapter 13: Arranging Entertainment and Preparing the Venue 189

Chapter 14: Making the Most of Prewedding and Postwedding Events 205

Chapter 15: Honeymooning in Style — and in the Black 213

Part IV: The Part of Tens 225

Chapter 16: Ten Ways to Get the Most for Your Wedding Dollar 227

Chapter 17: Ten Inexpensive Wedding Favors 233

Chapter 18: Ten Traditions to Reconsider When You’re on a Budget 239

Part V: Appendixes 245

Appendix A: Your Planning Calendar 247

Appendix B: Price Comparison Worksheets 257

Appendix C: Your Wedding Checklist 267

Appendix D: Your Wedding Budget 275

Index 283

Meg Schneider (Cleveland, NY) is an award-winning journalist who planned her own wedding for less than $5,000.