by By Tracie Morris, Certified Wedding Consultant

Many brides have been dreaming about their wedding day since childhood.
These dreams come with an expensive price tag and the realization of their
fairytale day may be distant. Although, weddings are very costly today your
dream day can happen. I am going to share some tips to cut corners and
advice on how to save you money without making huge sacrifices. By making
the time to plan and investigate, you will be amazed at the amount of money
to save. You would not arrive at an interview for your dream job without
prior preparation would you. No, you would not and that is why preparation
and research will make your wedding a success without remortgaging your
parents or your house!

Order a small wedding cake for the cake table to display and a large sheet
cake to cut and serve from in the kitchen. Serve the cake as the dessert to
complete your meal and forget about other sweets.

Rent, borrow or make as many items as possible! Some items to borrow from
a friend or relative are a cake knife and serving set, toasting glasses,
jewelry and the bride's shoes. You can make several items or enlist a few
friends to help you with ribbons, pew bows, veil and headpiece, church
programs, bridesmaids dresses, bridal purse, ring bearer pillow and the cake
top to reduce costs.

Instead of hiring a florist, make items or contact local floral design
school and hire them to provide your flowers. Carry a small bouquet or one
flower and have your attendants do the same. The bridesmaid's bouquets can
double as flower arrangements on the head table.

When shopping for dresses shop J.C. Penney and Chadwick's catalogs,
consignment shops, discontinued gown racks, the Internet and newspaper ads.
Remember it is always great if you can count on Dear Aunt Sally or your
Grandmother to make them too! I am sure they would be honored.

When setting the wedding date you may want to consider choosing a Friday
rather than a Saturday as it usually trims off about $3 per guest at your
dinner reception. Choose buffet or plate dinner vs. sit-down. Serve chicken
or pasta; it is less expensive. In addition, you may want to decide on a
morning or an afternoon reception and serve cake, punch, and hors d'oeuvres.
Serve beer, wine or just host a cocktail hour. Purchase your liquor from
wholesalers. It may be wise to check with culinary and bakery schools in
your area to see if they can help with food preparation. Many will prepare
the food for its cost.

Rent a Cadillac or other luxury vehicle just for the Bride, Groom,
Maid/Matron of Honor and Best Man to save on the expense of a limousine. The
other members of the Bridal Party will most likely want to ride with their
spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend to the reception.

When choosing your wedding invitation, select one that will only require
one stamp. Another great tip is to have your reception information added on
the ceremony invitation to eliminate the expense of the reception card.

A little thought and creativity will certainly go a long way to help you
have a wonderful wedding on a budget! Good luck!

You're The Bride