10
Tips for Planning an Outdoor
Wedding in a Recession
by
Kim Knox
Beckius
1. Borrow wedding books and magazines from your local library--or a recently married friend.
The tendency when you're newly engaged is to rush out and buy up every wedding publication on the planet so that no source of inspiration is overlooked. While each magazine or book might not be a major expense--a stack of them can add up to a hefty total. Save money by employing the "something borrowed" tradition as you begin your wedding planning.
2. Find your wedding gown at a consignment store.
If there is a consignment store specializing in bridal or formal attire in your area, you may be surprised by the selection offered--and the quality. I bought my outdoor wedding gown at
Brides to Be in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and I was impressed to find that most of the gowns
carried by this consignment shop were brand new. They were either discontinued styles, manufacturer's samples, or closeouts from bridal boutiques. and they were all very affordably priced.
3. Forget the fancy shoes.
If you're wearing a floor-length gown, almost no one will notice them, anyway, and their likelihood of surviving an outdoor wedding in wearable condition is slim. Shop at discount footwear stores or low-end department stores for a comfortable, basic pair of white or ivory flats or pumps. Dress them up with bling from a craft shop yourself, if you must.
4. Email your invitations.
While traditionalists may pooh-pooh the idea of email wedding invitations, they're a perfectly suitable option, particularly if you're planning a small, rather informal, outdoor wedding. Evite offers a wide variety of
really nice designs that can save couples a bundle on printing and postage, not to mention time spent tracking RSVPs. Evite does the work for you. Evite is also a particularly nice option for outdoor brides, since it makes follow-up e-blasts to attendees easy in the event of a change of plans. Worried about what people will think? Tell them you're choosing email invitations to keep your outdoor wedding "green."
5. Don't rent; borrow!
Need folding chairs? Table vases? An industrial-sized coffee pot? Before you head to a rental center, brainstorm other sources first. What can you borrow from family members? Your church? A local school, senior center, or civic group? A donation to a smaller organization may be much appreciated--and much cheaper than renting. Don't forget, however, that you'll need to arrange to transport and return borrowed items.
6. Skip the boutonnieres.
If you're marrying in a colorful outdoor setting, your flower budget is one place where you can easily cut expenses. Start by skipping the boutonnieres, which may seem like a small item, but at $25-$30 a pop, they add up. Plus, they're always difficult to pin on straight, they don't hold up well in the heat, and there isn't a man alive who will pout because you didn't make him wear a flower.
7. Get yourselves to the church on time.
A limo is a luxury. But chances are good you won't be wearing a giant, poofy dress for an outdoor affair, and you won't really need a Stretch Hummer to take you there. Ask a friend with a nice set of wheels to be your driver, or enlist a family member to drive you to your wedding in your own car.
8. Serve only wine and beer, instead of having an open bar.
You'll save a bundle and still satisfy guests. If you'd like to splurge a bit, add a signature cocktail to the mix of options.
9. Choose a cheaper dessert.
Unless you've always dreamed of a statuesque wedding cake, cross this indulgence--which doesn't always hold up well in the outdoors--off your menu. Substitute a fun and more affordable choice: cupcakes, shaved ice, sorbet, watermelon, apple cobbler, cookies.
10. Register for your honeymoon--instead of gifts.
Honeymoon registries are a perfect alternative for couples who want to free up cash for other wedding necessities. This is a particularly practical idea if you already have an established household--or two--or if you know you won't get much use out of crystal goblets and an espresso machine.
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