Bride on a Budget? Save Big Without Cramping Your Wedding Style

You've seen the headlines: Bad Economy. Rising Foreclosure Rates. Credit Crisis. What does this mean for brides? As the dow slides downward, the wedding of your dreams seems more unreachable. But there's hope. Just because we're in the midst of a recession, doesn't mean you have to serve scrod or wear a potato-sack wedding gown. You can have a platinum wedding on a pauper's budget. That's right: budget. Get familiar with the word. I'll show you how to apply it to everything wedding - from the wedding invitations to those bridesmaid gifts. As a previous do-it-yourself (and pay-for-it-yourself) bride, I've become the Suze Orman of wedding planning. Here's how to scrimp and save without cramping your wedding style.

Wedding Favors, Invitations and Centerpieces
The words, "do it yourself" conjures images of cheap, haphazard wedding invitations with disintegrating ribbons and obvious typos. If you can't craft to save your life don't do it yourself. Hire a professional or commission your craftiest bridesmaid. WeddingStand has a variety of chic wedding invitations and custom monograms. Any bride can make adorable wedding favors without becoming unglued. Here's an idea: buy candy containers, fill with mints, and stick a sweet sentimints sicker on top. For centerpieces, find candles in varying sizes and arrange them elegantly in the center of the table. Surround it with rose buds and petals. Money Saving Tip: Buy more than you think you'll need. That way, if you make a mistake, you'll have enough.

Location, Location, Location
For inspiration, read this article on how one couple saved thousands by holding their wedding at home in the family barn instead of a reception hall. Think outside the banquet hall when you look at locations. Cast off those delusions of wedding grandeur and forget the big city reception. In ten years, you can renew your vows. Consider your local park, your favorite restaurant, or the place you first met. If you first locked eyes across a college classroom, ask your University if they host wedding receptions. Or if your first date was a picnic in the park, have a picnic in the park! And remember brides, there's no place like home. Money saving tip: You can save lots by having a Friday or Sunday wedding.

Bridesmaid Gifts on a Budget
No matter how tight your budget is, do not forgo the bridesmaid gifts. Not thanking your girls is a major breach of etiquette. Save money by having three bridesmaids instead of seven; you'll save on both the bridesmaid gifts and the bouquets. Don't worry about your friends left out of the wedding party; in this economy they'll be happy they don't have to spring for dresses, bridesmaid jewelry, and shoes. Money saving tip: Give personalized bridesmaid gifts. Even if it's an inexpensive present, personalizing a gift turns it into a precious keepsake. WeddingStand offers free personalization on lots of bridesmaid gifts.

Don't let this dismal economy ruin your wedding plans. A little creativity is all you need. Shop WeddingStand for affordable wedding gifts, wedding accessories, and everything else you'll need on the big day.