50TH ANNIVERSARY FAVORS

DOUBLE PICTURE FRAME FAVOR. PLACE A PHOTO OF THE COUPLE WHEN THEY FIRST BEGAN THEIR JOURNEY THEN ANOTHER PHOTO OF PRESENT TIME, ATTACH A THANK YOU NOTE TO IT.

Artificial Flowers

Artificial flowers are great to use not only for the bride's bouquet but also the bride's maids flowers. They will not wilt by the end of the evening, and plus they, and you, will have a great floral arrangement for home!

Baby wipes submitted by: Connie- Mother of Bride

Those wipes used to clean up babies make wonderful cleaners for the brides dress. Removes makeup and other smears wonderfully without leaving any stains

Build a Binder to help

Make a binder w/dividers like: church, reception, ideas for flowers-cake-favors, invitations... As things take shape you'll know exactly where you are at AND you'll have written information for others...Example: our church kept giving us the wrong info. AND didn't know the proper flow of what's next to do... As we figured out these things (like when to call the priest and how many times you need to see him, or the price of renting the church, AND what it included)...we kept our own detailed list to give to the rectory-hopefully to keep by their phones to help the next callers...

Center Pieces

Go to a craft store purchase small glass bowls, but they are shaped a little higher. Purchase small round mirrors to place underneath. Fill 3/4 full of water and place an inexpensive fish gold fish or Beta) inside. Lets the kids at your wedding take them home.

Centerpieces

Instead of spending a fortune on centerpieces, my fiancé and I are asking people in our family to bring a framed picture of themselves on their own wedding days. They are much more interesting to look at and cost less than floral arrangements!

Centerpieces submitted by: Janet M.- Wedding Professional

Try making small fruit trees using a cone shape foam and inexpensive decor toothpicks. All you need is fresh or can, like canned pineapple, fresh grapes, strawberries, melons, and insert the fruit with the toothpicks, use kale lettuce to fill in the empty spaces and it looks beautiful and its a great way for your guests to snack on.

centerpieces

I meet my husband-to-be about 2 years ago. Everyone in our family think that we are card freaks. We have been together for 2 years. And We have 300 cards. So we have decided to use some of the cards for centerpiece. To let the people see through the good and bad we still made it.

Clearance Rack

Go shopping at the end of the seasons for Bridal Gowns And Bridesmaids dresses I got all 6 of My girls dresses & my own on a clearance rack our total price was $500 for all of it. Sometimes they may not have everyone's sizes so ask the girl to call a few other stores. Remember bigger sizes can always be taken in.

Crochet hook for the groom

Remember that a crochet hook/needle is invaluable for buttoning buttons on the back of some dresses but don't forget the groom may need some assistance unbuttoning the gown after the reception.

Discount Tiara

While looking for tiaras the only decent ones I found were $50 or more everywhere I looked. Having a tight budget I could not afford that luxury. While walking in the mall I went into Claire's (or The Icing, they're both young girl stores that also sells prom accessories) and found the perfect tiara for just $29 with tax. Just because it didn't have the word wedding attached to it made the price go down.

Disposables submitted by:

Don't forget the disposable cameras. They can come in handy and possibly get the best pics of the day. Just place one or two on each table during the reception and let the guests help to fill up your wedding album with memories of the their experiences.

Easy Bustle submitted by: Leah F- Bridesmaid

It's a good idea to make one of your bridesmaids responsible for bustling your dress before the reception. A few days before the BIG day, invite her over to your house to learn how to bustle your gown, and let her practice it a few times on her own. This can save you lots of time and frustration when she needs to do it during the reception.

Engagement Picture submitted by: hollie p.- Mother of Bride

I went to look at a reception hall today and I saw a great idea. The bride and groom had there 8x10 engagement picture framed in a beautiful 16x20 frame with a white mat. The guests sign the mat instead of a book.

Flowers on a Budget submitted by: Angela C-

I'll be getting married in May 2004 but because we are on a very tight budget, I've been stock piling some of the most beautiful silk flowers. Just a little at a time. And only the type for my season of wedding...Closer to the wedding I'll have the people at the craft store make up the baskets for the church and the bouquets. Didn't cost much.

Holding up the train submitted by: Lisa L-

Some gowns I have seen have a strip of cloth sewn under the bow or flowers on the back of the gown for this if not your tailor could add one and it shouldn't cost much extra.

Instead of signing a guest book submitted by: Laura T.-  Bride

Instead of having guests sign a guest book at the wedding, have them sign a very large framed picture of the bride and groom., then it can be hung up on the wall of the bride and groom and always be treasured.

Keeping Champagne Bubbly submitted by: Allison K.-

Fortunately strawberries are in season in June. We are going to have fresh strawberries put in each champagne glass for our toast. It cuts down on the cost of champagne and also at most weddings Zach and I have attended no one drinks the champagne empty. The best part? It keeps the bubbles up in the champagne since we have 300 guests, it will keep it fresh while they are pouring all of them.

No Candles Allowed? submitted by: Dina M.- Bride

Museums don't allow candles. Use battery operated ones that you can find at craft stores and place them in your centerpiece.

Once in a life time submitted by: Jeff S- Groom

My future bride and I are planning and paying for our wedding, reception, and everything else ourselves. We are college students and we graduate in May and are getting married in July. One thing we thought was a good idea is to type out a budget and then have the actual cost to see the difference. We have done this, but I am at the point where I told myself and her that it only happens once, so whatever she wants I will get it for her because she is so special...

Rehearsal Dinner Alternative submitted by: Charity F.- Bride

Rather than spend of spending a lot of money on the rehearsal dinner why not have a rehearsal dessert instead? have every one make or bring a dessert and have coffee tea or what ever you would like to drink. That way its simple but very nice

Saving time and money on those submitted by: C. I.- Groom

Instead of the overwhelming task of writing the "thank you" notes, have a brief thank you printed, as you would have your invitations done.) This card, which also states the date and the name of bride and groom can double as a favor when placed in a small elegant picture frame.

Try a seamstress submitted by: Michele H- Bride

If you have your heart set on the perfect dress, but it is out of your price range, you might want to check into a seamstress. They can work from pictures, drawings, or ideas that you have. Don't assume that they are our of your price range because they custom make your dress--you could be pleasantly surprised. In addition, you can often trim costs that way by choosing less expensive fabric or trims. My seamstress charged me $350 for her work. After fabric and notions and trim, the dress I saw for $4000 in a bridal shop (PLUS alterations) became less than $800.

Worry-Free Candles submitted by: sandy c- Wedding Professional

I found that with large wedding receptions where they don't have servers and such, to put a little plastic cup on the table with the matches and have the DJ announce that before the blessing or prayer, would an adult please light the candle and put the match book in your pocket, keeps young hands from getting them.

Wear your shoes a couple of days before your wedding.
Stretch them out while wearing a pair of Tube Socks.

Consider a Buck & Doe Party
Many brides and grooms have left the bachelor(ette) parties and gone to a co-ed function. MORE FUN!

Register with Registries ONLINE
It gives everyone a easier chance to shop for your gift. Plus, they can see if something was already purchased

The Beverage Dilemma
Our Beverage Calculator will give you a pretty close count to needed items even if your reception is only Beer and Wine!

Bridal Party Gifts
Most of your attendants appreciate something personal or personalized. Consider this when shopping

Budget
Try to stay within your budget. Remember, your honeymoon is part of the entire package. It is the little things like favors that can add up quickly.

Hiring Vendors
Remember, you are the interviewer here. Gather your information and then pick 2 or 3 to speak with. Find the one you are most comfortable with!

Use your Bridesmaids!
They will appreciate you delegating some of the tedious tasks to them. They are there for you and want to assist where they can.

The Younger Brother Dilemma
Got a brother who is about 12? Don't really have room in the bridal party? How about using him as an acolyte for the candles?

Guest Book
Find someone you know that will be at both the ceremony and reception. Preferably someone who will be at the reception early. Many times, the guest book arrives after most of the guests have been seated for dinner

EMERGENCY
Make sure you have a little back-up. The personal needs as well as band aids, extra hose, needle and thread, aspirin or Tylenol, scissors, tape, shoe polish, buttons for your bustle.

Bustling?
If you want to save yourself some trouble, think about bustling either just after your pictures or just before your first dance. This will help keep the wanderers off of the gown.

Blocking Rooms
Guest accommodations are very important. Let all your guests know where you have rooms blocked. Even your in-town guests may want a total night out and some even plan on it.

The Rehearsal Dinner
Many times, this is where you are meeting some of the out of town guests for the first time. Consider a more private room at a restaurant. Many venues will also have a smaller room that can accommodate your needs as well.

Let the Groom Help
"What ever you want, dear" is probably said more times before a marriage than afterwards. Let the groom have some responsibilities and they will surprise you. It is like letting you know you made a wise choice in a husband.

Pamper Yourself
Make a day to meet with your attendants and hit the spa. Lavish yourself in a day where you are the Queen. Get a massage and a mud pack. ENJOY!

Trip the Light Fantastic
Many successful wedding receptions are because the bride and the groom are enjoying themselves on the dance floor. Your guests will feel more comfortable celebrating with you there.

Call it an evening!
If you planned on the reception to end at a specific time. End it, yeah, it is easy to say "We're having a great time, let's keep going!" They will remember it more if they go home wanting more! Who's flight leaves at 6 am?

Slippers
You know the kind, the soft and cuddly, maybe even the big rabbit ones. Who's gonna know? Put them on at the reception and take care of your back and feet!

Invitations sent?
6 to 8 weeks before is best, however, if you have a 'B' list who you couldn't fit on the 'A' list, consider 10 weeks, you may get back some regrets and you can now invite from the other list.

The 60% rule
Nationally, 60% of your guest list will actually show up to your reception. As hard as it is to figure, some of the people who even say they will attend are No Shows.

Speaking of Guests and Invitations
If you plan on 300 guests, you don't need 300 invitations. About half of the number you are inviting is the number of invitations you need. Order an extra 25 for mistakes and keepsakes.

Salt Substitute Please
Your dress has been tried on, altered and looks GREAT! Now, you have one little dilemma, SALT. Try to cut out the salt about a week before. This will keep that dreaded water retention down.

Table Visits
Keep your table visits short and sweet and even shorter for your friends. Just 5 minutes a table at a 100 person reception is 1 hour! Try to keep the friend's tables short as the more mature guests will need that little more time!

The Groom's Dad
Other than a dance partner for the Groom's mom, what is their duty? Maybe ask them to say blessing at the reception or offer a toast. Make them a part of the day.

Pictures
Most photographers have some great places they know will get great results. Don't be afraid to offer some of your ideas and wishes too! The professional will welcome this and also maybe have a new favorite place because of you!

Yesterday Pictures, today RAIN
Have a backup plan for your photos. Somewhere if the weather just refuses to break for you that you can get some great shots. Check with local hotels. Some lobbies make a GREAT PLACE for a photo.

Gimme some Water
When riding to the photo places after your ceremony, most bridal parties drink. Remember, keep plenty of bottled water and alternate. The evening is long and you may be in the sun for a while. Keeps you refreshed as well!

Flower Savers
Check with your florist to see what flowers are in season when your wedding is to be. You would be surprised at the amount of money that can be saved and be just as beautiful when using flowers that are "in season"

Practice makes perfect
Don't forget to practice with your hair and make-up a week before the wedding so you know how it is going to look. It also keeps you a little calmer since you have already done it once.