Did you know that the average wedding costs over $23,000? While there is no shame in spending more or less than this, the averaged wedding costs can still add up quickly. Most brides overshoot their wedding budget goals by as much as 15%! To avoid breaking the bank with your wedding planning, here are some budget-friendly tips for brides-to-be!

Wedding Budget Tip 1:  Avoid The Busy Season

The majority of weddings occur between May and October. In fact, October is the new June. Late fall weddings and winter weddings are beautiful and allow brides to reduce costs by catching vendors and wedding supplies when they’re not in great demand!

Also, consider marrying on a Friday or throughout the week. Marrying on a weekday may be less traditional, but it’s a fun and unique way to make your ceremony special (and save money!). Weekend weddings are great but reception halls charge the most for Saturday evening weddings. By marrying on a Friday, you’ll be able to save on the reception costs, enjoy great options for the ceremony location, and spend a three day weekend with your groom!

Wedding Budget Tip 2:  Pass Up The Dessert Tray

Wedding cakes are a huge reception expense. Since this is the most important piece at the reception, no bride wants to cut it out completely. Instead, opt for a smaller wedding cake. Also consider a cupcake wedding cake. This tasty trend allows guests to enjoy a small portion of the same great flavor. The biggest treat for you? Cupcake cakes usually run about $60 compared to hundreds for a traditional wedding cake.

If a smaller version of your dream cake won’t feed everyone, consider having a sheet cake of the same flavor along with your wedding cake. An evening of dancing, drinks and good food doesn’t leave much room for dessert. Consider passing up extra dessert options which quickly add up (on the hips as well)!

Wedding Budget Tip 3:  Go Green With The Wedding Flowers

Opt for more greenery in the reception arrangements. Most guests won’t know which flowers are in or out of season so trim the cost of your wedding flowers by using more greenery. The wedding ceremony flowers are a beautiful addition to the ceremony but remember that this is where guests spend the least amount of time. Most spend more time at the reception so consider putting the budget emphasis on your wedding reception flowers instead.

Wedding Budget Tip 4: Go Green With The Wedding Invitations

In the age of technology and conservation, eco-friendly wedding invitations are a big perk. If you want to send standard wedding invitations, consider replacing the RSVP cards with a note on the invitation that asks guests to RSVP at your wedding website. Wedding websites will save a ton on less important wedding stationery. (Oh, and invitation liners are unnecessary. You’re breaking no etiquette by opting out on these.)

Wedding Budget Tip 5:  Double Up With Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a must-have for most brides according to traditional wedding etiquette. Wedding favors can be practical and functional though! Consider favors that double as place cards or serve a purpose after the wedding. Personalized bottles of bubbles serves as wedding favors and can be used instead of tossing rice or bird seed after the ceremony.

Wedding Budget Tip 6:  Opt For A Cocktail Reception

This is a good way to glam up your reception without spending lots of money on food and decorations. Waiters carrying trays of hor d’oeuvres is a glamorous look and a frugal choice for brides. Many wedding caterers have their own wait staff, so consider hiring a local caterer with wait staff for a glamorous but easy-on-the-wallet reception.

Wedding Budget Tip 7:  Buy The Music, Not The Band

A band at the wedding is always fun, but consider a single musician or a dj instead. Going this route with wedding reception entertainment will save costs simply because you’re paying for one person instead of multiple people.

Wedding Budget Tip 8:  Share The Menus

Instead of giving each guest a menu at the reception, opt for one or two per table. These can look elegant when placed between beautiful table settings or when stood on either side of the table’s centerpice. This saves paper and printing costs plus adds to the decor of the table.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Hi im looking 4 a justice of the peace or a clergy member to join my coomon-law and I in marriage, I recently chatted with a woman who did this at her own home for $150, and i have misplaced her information, I really would like the ceremony small us, and 2 people 2 stand up for us, perferably somewhere in Sherwood Park, AB, Please if u can send me some info that would be great, I really need 2 book something asap, NOTHING FANCY AT ALL Thankyou again, Cindy Buzzep

The Celebration Advisor: Thanks for your question, Cindy! If you’re not looking for a religious wedding officiant, the Alberta government page has a list of marriage commissioners who are licensed in Alberta to perform weddings.  Since you’re in Sherwood Park AB, I recommend taking a look at the official website that lists licensed marriage commissioners in Alberta with a whole section for Edmonton wedding officiants. Just click on the link and scroll down to the Edmonton listing. There’s contact information listed for each wedding officiant on the page. Don’t forget to let them know that you found them through Wedding And Party Network!

If you’re looking for a religious wedding officiant in Edmonton AB (Sherwood Park district) but don’t see one that you’re interested in, simply write back and I’ll be happy to find one for you! Thanks again for your question, Cindy!

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I need to know who can make me a Halloween wedding cake, as well as favors and Ideas, and decoratons for my wedding. Most particularly the cake. for 200ppl? and a price in Calgary. Thank you. ~ Carmen Turning Robe, Calgary Alberta Canada

Celebration Advisor: Of course you can find all of that and other great wedding supplies in Calgary AB!

In fact, I know of a few places where you can find theme cakes, wedding cakes and (imagine this) theme wedding cakes in Calgary. For starters, try Cake Creations. They’re incredible! Their wedding cakes are elegant regardless of the theme. All you have to do is ask! Theme cakes as well as wedding cakes come in all shapes and sizes so be specific about what you want. Just let your wedding cake bakery know the size, general theme, and amount of people eating the cake and you’re good to go!

As far as wedding favors and ideas go, that’s greatly dependent upon the type of ceremony that you are having. It sounds like you’re having a really fun Halloween wedding–congrats! That sounds like so much fun! I would start by speaking with the professionals at Claudia’s Mementos. Though not located in Calgary, wedding favors from here are bound to be awesome. They always do an incredible job of hooking you up with the wedding favors that YOU want.

If you want a cool idea to start with for your wedding favors, try this one that my friend is using at her Halloween wedding this year. Our wedding favors are placeholders which are going to be little skulls, monsters, and ghosts with our names written on their heads. It took her a long time to choose those over chocolate cupcakes with vanilla icing decorated like webbing and our names written in red icing over that. Somehow I knew she’d go with the haunted cemetery wedding favors instead! *grin* I’m sure these will taste great with the wedding cake. Have guests bring a sweet tooth!

Wedding decorations aren’t quite as tricky. The only thing you really need to figure out is whether you want this to be more like a Halloween wedding or a Halloween party. If you’re wanting the more upscale, ask a local Calgary wedding planner to help you come up with something that will celebrate the holiday and the occasion at the same time. If you want more of a party atmosphere, go all out with black tablecloths, creepy decorative lighting, blood-colored punch and other party foods, jack-o-lanterns and other spooky decorations. It just takes a little imagination! If you want some ideas, check out these great Halloween party pictures.

Together, your choices of wedding cakes, wedding favors, and wedding decorations is immense when you use the local  wedding suppliers that you have right there in Calgary!

Thanks for your question Carmen. I look forward to seeing the pictures of your wedding!

There are many things involved in selecting the right catering services for your event. Wedding catering services require a high level of quality because it’s the biggest party of the bride’s life. Party catering can range from a simple buffet meal to an elegant sit down reception. Regardless of the type of event, there are several things to keep in mind when working with a local caterer.

What’s Your Vision?
Do you want your service to be big, small, elegant, simple? Know the answer to this before meeting with your caterer. Your caterer will want to discuss this with you at the first meeting because this determines the type of catering services that you will need for your event.

Stick To Your Vision
It’s your wedding so do not be concerned with asking for things to be catered to your specific requests. While there is some give and take to be expected, it is ok to speak up about your preferences.

Know Your Caterer’s Strengths
What are his or her most popular dishes? What type of service (wedding, party, large, small) does your caterer prefer? Knowing these things or learning these things early on will make this part of the process much simpler.

Be Candid About The Budget
Do not be afraid to discuss the food services budget with your caterer. A good caterer will find ways to work within the constraints given or let you know up front of any major changes.

Speak Up About Foods You Do / Do Not Want
It is very valuable to discuss the foods that you prefer. However, it is just as important to discuss the foods that you do not want included on the menu. For example, note any food allergies that you are aware of.

Don’t Micromanage Your Caterer
Most people want to see the Eiffel Tower but don’t care how it’s built. It is important to be available to answer any questions that your caterer may have, but allow him or her to work comfortably without unnecessary interference. Once the right caterer is chosen, you can trust their work without the need to be constantly available.

Encourage Communication Between Catering and Wait Staff
The kitchen and the front end work together so encourage fluid communication between what should seem like one group. This may be less necessary when hiring party or wedding catering services that include bar and wait staff. However, hiring a separate company for wait staff may present an issue if communication is not encouraged.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Please settle an argument between me and my mom. What is the best wedding dress style for a late afternoon fall wedding in Niagara Falls, NY? I want a strapless wedding dress but my mom says it needs to have sleeves. She says it’s tradition for late-year weddings. Is that still the proper etiquette for wedding dresses or can I get away with wearing the one that I want? ~Nancy, Niagara Falls, NY

The Celebration Advisor: Nancy, I hate to admit this but you’re both right! Traditional etiquette says that a full-length skirt and small jacket or sleeves is appropriate for a wedding ceremony during the cooler times of the year. This has a lot to do with what was socially acceptable at the time. Just as much of it was to  keep the bride comfy. Also, a small wedding dress jacket can easily be removed for the reception but is seasonally appropriate attire. Sleeves can’t be removed but no one said they had to be stiff and bulky.

In your defense, the modern wedding is all about the bride and which wedding dress style she prefers. While traditional values are still appreciated, there is no standard etiquette that brides are holding to these days. Most simply try to coordinate their hairstyle with the neckline of their gown, the style of dress they want with the formality of their wedding, the type of dress with the location and other important considerations. If it makes you comfortable and you think it looks good, it’s perfectly acceptable in a modern wedding.

Consider These Beautiful Wedding Dress Styles for Your Fall Wedding

If you really want to go along with your mother on this, there are many beautiful wedding dresses with light jackets. Also consider lace sleeves or something similar. A long skirt can be gorgeous with many of the wedding dress styles of today.

• Mermaid style wedding dresses are form fitting through the upper thigh but then loosen into a more flowing train.
• Empire wedding dresses are usually made of lighter fabrics. They have a very short train that gives the bride a semi-formal look.
• Column style wedding dresses are very simple. They are usually floor-length gowns without a train. These are usually the preferred dresses for second weddings and semi-formal affairs. These can be easily accentuated with a light jacket and still maintain a very beautiful appearance.
• A-line/Princess wedding gowns are arguably the most popular style for modern brides. These are simple enough to allow the bride to move freely without 15 attendants for her train. However, they are also gorgeous and rather formal. They present the best of both worlds.
• Ball Gown style wedding dresses are exactly what you’d think they are. Picture Cinderella’s wedding and you’re on the mark. These have full, elaborate skirts and a less dramatic bodice. You really are the queen for a day in a wedding gown like this.

If you want to hold your own in the debate, you are right also. Modern weddings have less stringent traditions. The brides of today are able to wear whatever they want. Many are even wearing colorful wedding gowns! If your  mother’s argument is mostly that “it’s traditional,” you can respectfully disregard that advice. The modern bride’s wedding is all about her and what she wants.

If you want to wear something sleeveless, that’s fine. If you want to  honor your mother’s wishes and wear sleeves or a light jacket, that’s great too. I recommend column, a-line, or empire styles if you opt for a jacket. All styles can benefit from one but these seem to be the most suited and popular. (That means easier to find!!)

My best recommendation is to find a compromise. Ask your mother if a sleeveless wedding dress would be ok with her. Perhaps something with thin straps but not strapless (works great with an empire style). This way you can still choose a neckline, satisfy your mother, and look beautiful on your wedding day.

Let me know which dress you pick! If your mother is anything like my mother, you’ll look beautiful in a wedding dress with sleeves. *grin*

Before I forget…A shout out to the wonderful people who let me use their photos!

* The photo of the bride wearing a wedding dress jacket was provided by Photographs by Lawrence, a wedding photographer in Marietta Oklahoma.

* The photo of the bride wearing a strapless wedding dress was provided by Prange’s Florist in Gainesville Florida (she provided the gorgeous bridal bouquet also seen in the photo).

Making sure wedding guests are taken care of is an important part of the wedding planning process. Providing transportation for your wedding guests will ensure that all participants will have a good and safe time.  This limousine question from a bride demonstrates how important both transportation price and safety are when planning a wedding

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I am actually asking about transportation from my wedding on August 29th 2009….maybe starting around 1000p - lasting through 1200a , or so.
I only want the reception guests to make it home, or wherever they plan to stay that night.

What is your charge for this type of service.  The main places to carry them will be Tarboro and Greenville.

Thanks for your help Sheila -  Event takes place in Farmville.

Reply:

For weddings, limousines can offer guests a safe and luxurious ride.  Since your event takes place in Farmville, NC but the guests will need to go to Tarboro, NC or Greenville, NC, you have three limo options:

1. A Farmville Limousine service willing to travel to Tarboro or Greenville.
2. A Tarboro Limousine service willing to travel to Farmville or Greenville.
3. A Greenville limousine service willing to travel Tarboro or Farmington.

In areas where cities are close to each other, a limo company from one town will serve the surrounding cities.  So, you should be able to find a wedding limo service that is willing to travel to all three places.

Before you contact one of these limousine companies, you need to know what kind of limousine styles are available.  The best style for extra large groups going to the same place is a limo bus.  Not all limousine companies will have one in their fleet.  However, if this option is available the pricing is usually very cost-effective.  For small groups, the Hummer limo is a novel idea.  For most weddings, the stretch limo is the standard style of choice and can accommodate large groups.

As for pricing, limo rental companies usually have special packages for proms and weddings.  Luckily, the party limousine packages can be tailored to your special needs.  I would first guesstimate how many guests will use the limos.  Then divide the number into two groups - those going to Tarboro and those going to Greenville.  That way when you contact the limousine rental company you will have all the necessary information to select the right wedding limo package.

There should be little confusion or hassle when hiring a caterer. With all of the other things to do when planning a wedding or party, hiring a caterer should be a simple event performed near the start of the planning process. Taste testings are very definitely encouraged. After all, this is the only trial run that you will get before enjoying the meal at your event. To keep everything running smoothly, remember these eight simple tidbits when taste testing options from your local caterer.

Eight Simple Tips For Your Taste Testing Events

1 - Often it is a representative of the chef that presents the food. If this is the case at your taste testing event, ask if it is possible to pay your compliments to the chef. This positive feedback will be well received by the chef and likely work in your favor later.

2 - Bring others along who will be helpful in selecting the proper foods. Your wedding consultant or party planner can offer helpful tips during this process. Your mother, maid of honor, groom and others very close to you are also able to offer constructive advice during the sampling.

3 - There will be many options when sampling foods from a caterer so remember to pace yourself to enjoy each of them. A small bite or two is all that is necessary to enjoy the tastes of the dish.

4 - Discuss particular preferences with your wedding caterer or party caterer. If you have a favorite food or type of food, feel free to discuss foods with these particular ingredients that will be included in the meals. This information will be very helpful for the caterer to note later in the planning stages.

5 - Discuss alternative ingredient options with your caterer. If you like something but want it to be “vegetarian friendly,” simply ask your caterer if this is possible.

6 - Look for signs of quality foods and other ingredients. Catering is not limited to the expensive or the inexpensive tastes. You want the best for your guests regardless of the budget so look for signs of freshness and quality when talking with your wedding caterer or party caterer.

7 — Ask your caterer to present the food to you the way it is to be presented at the wedding reception or party. If it is to be served buffet style over warmers, ask to try the food in this manner. If it is a passed tray reception, ask your caterer if it is possible to sample the food this way. This will help gauge how the food will taste at the reception as well.

8 - Though it does not necessarily pertain to the quality of the food, it is important to take note of the attentiveness of the wait staff. Pay attention to how the front end (servers) and kitchen (chef) communicate with one another. Do things move fluidly or in a disorganized manner? This tip is particularly important if you plan to hire the caterer’s wait staff. 

You might not think “rustic” and “wedding reception” go together, but getting back to nature is especially trendy—and beautiful—when it comes to wedding reception decorations and venues. Whether you live in Boston, Seattle or Dallas, having your wedding reception outdoors in a rustic barn, pavilion or just a spacious backyard can be an especially festive setting.

Functional Outdoor Wedding Reception Decorations

Bring out the galvanized steel tubs to use for everything from iced-down beverages to party favors. Tin buckets and planters look revived as centerpiece containers with fresh cut flowers from the garden. Checkered and vintage tablecloths and napkins set a beautiful table and lend an air of casual elegance to the reception. Old, weathered pieces of wood can be used as signage to direct guests, while outdoor string lights and mismatched candleholders light their way. Decorating can be as simple as draping sheer white fabric along the walls and ceiling and accenting with dried grapevine for a lovely, rustic touch.

Rustic Reception Food With Elegance
Just because your reception may be outdoors doesn’t mean you have to fire up the grill and serve burgers and hot dogs. Beef tenderloin, in-season roasted garden vegetables and a spring mix salad with nuts, fresh fruit and a fresh herb vinaigrette served on mismatched china only reinforces the feel of casual elegance. You can also serve locally made wine with the meal. Use your imagination to transform any rustic outdoor setting into an elegant reception venue that you’ll always remember.

Receptions vary but there is always a need for catering services. Whether a wedding reception, a gala reception or another party, there are three types of catering services from which to choose. Knowing which is your preference will help tremendously when discussing options with your caterer. When selecting on-site catering services for your event, consider these options.

Enjoying A Sit Down or Seated Meal Reception

Sit-down or seated meal dinners are perfect for very elegant wedding receptions, banquets, galas and other sophisticated affairs. This type of meal allows guests to mingle with those at their table. This puts a bit more pressure on preparing the right seating arrangement. However, seated meal receptions are arguably the most elegant type of dining and quite worth the extra attention to detail. When planning a formal dinner, ask your caterer about a seated meal reception.

Buffet Catering Is Another Good Option To Discuss With Caterers

Buffet catering is a type of food catering with which everyone is familiar. Many brides and other party planners prefer this type of catering due to its festive qualities. Guests are able to mingle while they fill their plates with party food or wedding food. There is little doubt that people will receive something that they dislike because they serve themselves. This reduces food waste. Alternatively, plan on the need for a larger amount of food because people tend to eat more when given many options.

“Garcon!” Preparing A Passed-Tray Reception

Passed-tray receptions are the perfect time to enjoy hor d’oeuvres of all kinds. During a passed-tray reception, wait staff weave between party guests while holding hor d’oeuvres and drinks on small trays (hence the name). They seem to flow seamlessly between guests who only notably acknowledge their presence when requesting party food or a beverage.

This is a very easy type of reception to coordinate with your caterer. It is also one that is preferred by many brides for a very simple reception, one with limited seating space, a reception that will be hosted in two places and other options. When guests are encouraged to mingle, passed-tray receptions are the finest option for the wedding or party catering.

Having guests sign a guest book upon arriving at your ceremony or reception is a traditional way of recording who attended your wedding. But even the best tradition deserves some updating. Consider these ideas for a fresh way to record who attends your wedding while making it part of your wedding decorations:

Purchase a picture frame mat and several good quality black ink pens. A 16’ x 20’ mat is a good size and will hold an 11’ x 14’ photograph. Consider using an engagement photo or any photo of the bride and groom. Display the matted photo on an easel with a sign directing guests to sign their names and include a brief note, if they wish. Using the picture mat as a wedding decoration that welcomes your guests and as a guest book is a great way to set the tone for your wedding.

Purchase or make 3’ x 5’ cards on white or colored cardstock. Lay stacks of cards out on a table, along with an empty container that coordinates with your wedding decorations—a basket, a crystal bowl, etc.—along with good quality black ink pens. Have your guest table attendant (or a simple sign) encourage guests to write a brief wish and sign their names to a piece of cardstock. When they finish, they drop the card in the empty container. You can decorate the table along the theme of your wedding for a cohesive wedding decoration. You can arrange these cards in your wedding album as special reminders of those who attended and their well wishes.