But not everyone has the money to make their wedding as lavish as they’d like. Despite what you see on TV and in magazines, most people have limited wedding budgets. So, if money can be saved on any aspect of the big event, it can make a difference. If your parents are paying for the wedding; they’ll definitely appreciate it if you save them some money. And if you’re paying for it yourself, then any savings will really hit home. After all, no one wants to begin their marriage by being seriously in debt!

Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice the integrity of your wedding day just to save money. With the help of some judicious shopping and following the suggestions below, you can have a terrific wedding or commitment ceremony at  a price that won’t make you wish you had eloped:

Make your own wedding invitations
In years gone by, you would have been laughed at (or pitied) if you wanted to make your own wedding invitations. But nowadays handmade wedding invitations are actually quite chic. Not really a crafty person? Don’t worry. There are an array of free printable wedding invitations that you can download and produce on your home printer. If you want to keep them simple, you can just print and mail them. But if you’re feeling more creative, you can decorate them with purchased three-dimensional embellishments, ribbons, vellum and other extras. As long as you keep them looking clean and classy, just about any style is fair game.

Make your own wedding favors
Try giving your guests something handmade, instead of pricey store-bought wedding favors. Free wedding scrapbook paper can be used to make elegant origami paper sculptures, which will be guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind. If you’ve never made origami sculptures before, don’t worry. There are many wonderful origami templates available for no charge on the web. Make sure you begin well before the wedding, though, since it will probably take a while to generate enough sculptures. To accelerate the process, get your bridesmaids and family in on the act.

If origami wedding favors don’t suit your style, you can use the wedding scrapbook paper and a gratis envelope template available on the Internet to make custom packages for Jordan almonds or even bird seed for your guests to toss as you depart the church or wherever you’re holding the wedding.

If you’re creative, I’m sure you can find many other techniques to cut corners that won’t diminish the ambiance of your special day. In fact, if you decide to “go handmade,” chances are you’ll only add to the charm of your wedding. The Internet is full of money-saving ideas and projects for wedding ceremonies and receptions, so some online research done beforehand can save you quite a bit. that way, when your family is established decades from now, you’ll be able to tell your kids that your wedding was both cost-effective and fashionable.

• Take some square based vases and fill them with small stones up to a third of the height of the vase. Fill two thirds with water and use the stones at the bottom to hold up three brightly colored Gerber daisies.
• Imagine a field of wild flowers and different grasses. Go hunting and pick a large assortment. Then make a cone shape from thick, dark colored paper or card that is about half the height of the flowers that you collected. Arrange the stems around the cone to conceal it. Then wrap a 1-2 inch band of string around the top of the cone and mid way up the stems. Finish off with a colored ribbon tied around the string. This would be great for a fall wedding with the yellows, oranges and browns of the straw like grasses.
• Find small terracotta plant pots and plant with flowering shrubs or small rose bushes. Tie a ribbon around the pots for added elegance.
• Take some goldfish bowls, fill to a third full with sand and place a candle in the center.
• Find some tall square bottomed vases and fill three quarters full with water. Place limes in the water up to half way up the vase and top with three or four floating candles. Stand next to small, clear bottles holding table number signs. The bottom of these bottles should be filled to about two inches deep with coffee beans.
• Create collections of 9 or 10 glass jars and vases of differing shapes for each table – at least three should be tall and the others should be of varying heights. Fill all with sand up to a third of the depth and then place different shaped and sized candles and shells on the sand.

These arrangements should help your wedding centerpieces be that little bit more unique and personal and are budget friendly too.

Most adults can handle dipping fruit or other treats into a chocolate fountain without making a huge mess. When you think about it, many appetizers have the potential for being messy and these are usually the most popular items! If you are dressed up in your finest you are apt to use extra napkins and plates with the foods that tend to spill out or drip.

Younger children may have more difficulty with dipping items into the flowing chocolate without dripping some onto their clothing. If you are inviting several children under the age of 12 or so, you may want to have the chocolate fountain slightly out of reach, so that the younger kids will ask their parents for assistance.

The only other times that a chocolate fountain could get messy are at an outdoor reception or if the fountain is too close to the dance floor. Chocolate fountains will not work well at outdoor receptions if there are any flying objects about such as bugs, leaves or pollen. They work best at indoor receptions when you do not have to worry about wind and anything else that could end up in the chocolate.

It is also a good idea to keep the chocolate fountain table away from the dancing area. You do not want a dancing guest to end up in a chocolate bath! Any drip of chocolate could also cause someone who is dancing to slip. As with a wedding cake, don’t take any chances and set up the chocolate fountain on the other side of the room.

As long as you use these tips, you should have a lot of happy wedding guests enjoying the wonderful chocolate treat you have provided!

To find scrapbooking wedding invitation ideas, the best place to search is online. There are many craft and scrapbooking sites which have posted images of actual wedding invites that people have made themselves. Another place to look is in photo galleries where people post their own DIY items.

Here are a few practical ideas that you can use right now:

Matting

Assuming you have some accent colors to work with (take a look at the wedding party’s attire for some color inspiration), you will want to add these colors in to your design to make it attractive. One of the quickest ways to do this is to matte the top page. To matte, cut out the same shape as the top page, but in the accent color and in a slightly larger size. Depending on how subtle or how strong a statement you are going for will depend on how much larger you make it. If your top page is white and has all the wording on it, you may like to have the accent paper piece behind it be about a 1/4″ larger all around. Glue to top to the center of the background piece and your invitation is matted!

Fonts

There is no need to go with standard Arial or Times New Roman fonts. There are so many new and interesting ones out there that you can use that will help make your design stand out in the crowd. Also, don’t forget to use italics and / or bold whenever you feel it is necessary. You can also go with a few different fonts to help create an original looking wedding invitation.

Embellishments

Embellishments can make or break a design. The reason we are saying this is because you can go overboard and make a design look too busy if you use too many. Scrapbooking embellishments are plentiful in their selection and it is tempting to use all your favorites, but it is best to restrain yourself a little. Practicing restraint in scrapbooking wedding invitation ideas is probably one of the best tips you should adhere to. This will go a long ways in making your design a classy one. One way to spice up your wedding invitations are to add a bit of bling. There are many varieties of jewel type stickers and rub-ons too that can be used to help create a lovely design. Another idea is to use a simple flower and attach it to your wedding invitation.

Digital Designs

Don’t forget about digital designs when looking for scrapbooking wedding invitation ideas. You can easily use digital embellishments to help jazz up a wedding invitation as well. Take a look for flowers, scrolls, borders and other things that may be appropriate for your design.

Whatever you decide on in the long run, you will find that there are plenty of scrapbooking wedding invitation ideas available online to help you in your creative journey!

I once had a boyfriend who was preoccupied with planning for the future. On a large whiteboard in his bedroom he’d written lists of long-and short-term goals. Although his mania for planning did seem somewhat obsessive, I was impressed and excited to be going out with a guy who, in his mid 20s, was this motivated – so impressed, in fact, that it took me a while to notice I didn’t even rate a mention on this detailed map of his future.

Needless to say, our relationship didn’t work out, but it taught me the importance of being with someone who shares your view of the future and wants to get there with you by their side.

Being on the same page is what draws many couples together initially, but continuing on in the same direction helps ensure the success of their relationship. Before and during your engagement you will have discovered a great deal about each other’s likes, dislikes, hopes, fears and goals. But, although you may have already talked about these things, now is the time to really start fleshing out the details. Getting down to the nitty-gritty on some issues may seem premature, but the future has a habit of arriving sooner than we expect, so why not be as prepared as possible?

Those who’ve already been through a divorce or the break-up of a long-term relationship will be more acutely aware of the need to sort out important issues. They’re likely to have learnt the hard way that just because you love someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean you share the same standpoint on everything.

So what are these vital subjects we should be thinking and talking about? Roughly, they fall into three categories: living arrangements, finances and family.

Where will you live?

If you have already determined what city, or even country, you are going to live in, there is the practical matter of accommodation to sort out. For many couples nowadays this isn’t an issue, as it’s likely they’ve been cohabitating for months or even years before the wedding. Chances are that one or maybe even both of you already own a home, so it really just comes down to how best to manage your properties. Do you consolidate your assets and buy another house or rent one out and live in the other? If you’re currently renting, is this a lifestyle you both want to continue, or do you hope to buy your own home one day?

Ready to buy

When it comes to finding the perfect house, we all have different ideas. Make sure yours are in tune by writing out separate lists of your ‘must-haves’, ‘optionals’ and ‘definate no’s’. Compare your responses to see where they overlap and talk about any discrepancies. Before you start house-hunting, work out what you’re looking for: a house or an apartment; a modern/new house or a traditional/character home; how many bedrooms; if you require outdoor living space and off-street parking; which suburbs you’ll be looking in; and how much you’re prepared to pay.

Drive around your neighbourhood and point out what you like to see how similar your tastes are. Then, it’s just a matter of going to the open homes, finding something within your price range that suits your needs, and putting in an offer. Easy!

Finances

Money management is a vast and complicated area, and one usually at the centre of marital problems, so it’s best to consult a financial planner if you want to put in place any elaborate investment plans. But key issues you’ll need to go over as a couple include:

• How your finances will be combined. Do you want to retain separate bank accounts and open a joint account for household expenses? Consider whether your financial independence is worth the increase in bank fees.
• If you’ve already been together for three years, under the Matrimonial Property Act all your assets are considered to be owned equally by both parties. But there may be certain items, acquired before you met, that you want to keep separate. If this is the case, it’ll pay to visit a lawyer and have some sort of contract drawn up. Of you haven’t been together for three years then this is the time to legally sort out any issues over asset ‘ownership’ or financial matters.
• It’s wise to discuss your spending priorities. Some couples decide to spend the first few years paying off as much of their mortgage as they can. Others take a more leisurely approach, enjoying an annual holiday, socializing and keeping their wardrobe up to date, while gradually chipping away at the mortgage.
• What are your saving goals? You may want to have accumulated enough assets to retire at 55, but your partner might be the ‘spend now, worry later’ type. Talk about what compromises you can make to keep you both happy.

Choosing the right bridal fragrance is as important as choosing the right wedding photographer because a fragrance holds the same sentimental value as a photograph. Research shows that the part of your brain that recognises smell is connected to you limbic system, where your deepest memories emotions and desires are stored. When you look back at a photograph, the visual will help you conjure up memories of that special moment; a sniff you your bridal fragrance can also evoke those same vivid memories.

Fragrances are categorised according to their fragrance family. It’s an interesting fact that most of us tend to like fragrances from the same fragrance family, usually because we associate their scent with positive memories from our past. There are five basic fragrance families – Oriental, citrus, floral, green and woody.

Oriental fragrances are described as hypnotic and enchanting, usually containing ingredients such as vanilla, musk, spices and exotic flowers.

Citrus fragrances are clean, tangy and refreshing, like the smell of fresh citrus fruits.

Floral fragrances are described as soft and fresh.

Green fragrances are sharp and can be compared with the smell of freshly cut grass or the scent of crushed leaves.

Woody fragrances are deep and hearty like an old forest, enriched with the aroma of wood, oak, moss or sandalwood.

However, no matter which fragrance family you favour, there’s no such thing as a right or wrong one, just the one that vest reflects you and your occasion. Your bridal fragrance plays a significant role on your wedding day. It’s not just something that you can smell, it’s also an emotion and a state of mind. The fragrance you wear has a great capacity to evoke your most intense feeling and memories, so choose carefully.

But for many of us, shopping for the perfect fragrance can be an overwhelming experience. With such a magnitude of fragrances to choose from, it’s hard to know just where to start.

Here are some tips to help you with selecting your bridal fragrance.

photo credit: Bloomacious

Shopping for you bridal fragrance

• Always shop for your fragrance weeks ahead of the wedding. This allows you to get used to the fragrance so you do not feel uncomfortable or conscious of the way you smell on the day.
• Your sense of smell is usually sharper at the beginning of the day, so try to shop for your fragrance in the morning.
• Make sure that your skin is clean and scent-free before you start shopping. This means no perfume, scented body lotions, perfumed deodorant or soaps.
• To ensure that you have selected a fragrance objectively, never try more than three fragrances on your skin at once. Apply the first fragrance to your wrist, wait a while, then apply the second fragrance to your other wrist and the third fragrance to the inside of your elbow. Now ‘live’ with the fragrances for a day. This way, you will be able to test them individually and get a better idea of how each fragrance develops with time. By wearing a fragrance home, you are also able to get a second opinion form your fiancé or best friend.
• Never buy a fragrance without testing it first. Fragrances will smell different on different people. Just because it smell good on your friend doesn’t mean that it will smell the same on you.
• Once you have decided on a fragrance, why not splash out on the complete range of products? Many fragrances are also available as body lotions, scented powder, body sprays, shower gels, hair sprays and deodorants.

Wearing your bridal fragrance

• You can make your fragrances last longer by layering different products of the same fragrance.
• Instead of spraying half the bottle of perfume on to make it last the whole day, you can start by using a scented body lotion, followed by scented oils and then a spray of your perfume. By using different products, you will enhance the staying power of your fragrance.
• Apply fragrances to your pulse points – your wrists, the hollow in your collarbone and behind your knees. These are the heat centres of your body and will allow the fragrance to defuse throughout the day.
• Always let your fragrance dry first before you get into your wedding dress. Although fragrances don’t usually stain, you should never take that chance!

Easy Online Bridal Shopping

There are many shops that are excellent for different items, such as, Orange Blossom Tiaras who stock tiaras, headbands and really wonderful bridal hair accessories that are very affordable. If you need a variety of matching accessories and rhinestone bridal purses you will find really good buys at Anna Bellagio;  everything there is elegant and excellently crafted. It is also really nicely and easily presented online to make shopping and choosing what you need really fun and uncomplicated.

Cheap, Fun and Stress Free Buying

If you need accessories that range from garters to wedding veils to accent the bride and her party from head to toe with hair products to shoes, then you need to pay a visit to a couple other shops that specialize in weddings, such as Eliza Fig and Model Bride. Forget spending a fortune at exclusive shops that cater to brides who are excited and stay in control by shopping online without salesclerks. You need to be able to see the items you need without the stress of people telling you what you want – you have enough of that with helpful family members and friends. Relax and spend an hour browsing the gorgeous rhinestone bridal purses and bridesmaid bags, the delicate bridal veil selections and elegant hair accessories and tiaras and even choose a few little extras for yourself without anyone knowing you can afford to treat yourself to your very own “something blue” like a garter or some lingerie.

Stick to your Budget

If your budget is between $30 and $50 you will be able to get all you need in handbags and hair accessories and even jewelry if you shop at Model Bride, Anna Bellagio and Eliza Fig.

A sheer foundation is the best choice to even out the bride’s skin tone, as oily formulas can be shiny in photographs and heavy powders and creams may crease. A cream blush in bright pink can be blended onto the cheeks to give the bride a youthful, sunny look. Lip gloss will give the bride all day wear that easy to maintain while conventional lipstick may run, crack and rub off.

Eyes should be the focus of wedding day makeup. Natural shades such as warm brown, taupe and pink add depth to the eyes without being too distracting. A liquid liner will remain in place longest and is easily applied. As the bride may find herself overcome with emotion throughout the day, a non-clumping and waterproof mascara is among some essential wedding day makeup tips. Of course, eyebrows should be well-groomed by a professional in order to best feature the bride’s eyes.

photo credit: Madalina Lesan Photography

To add glamour to wedding day makeup, a light shimmer can be dusted onto the cheek and collar bones for a special glow. For an indoor or nighttime wedding, shimmer may even be added at the temples and along the hairline to create an otherworldly appearance.

Brides may want to keep a small makeup bag on hand on her wedding day – complete with extras of their favorite makeup products. This way, the bride can be sure to look her best throughout the entire day’s events with quick touch-ups here and there. This will eliminate stress and worries and allow the bride to be happy, relaxed and beautiful while enjoying her special day.

Once you have decided on how many wedding venues you are looking for you can get on with looking at the type and location choices available. Within reason you can have your wedding wherever you like – there is the obvious church choice or a hotel and then you can branch out into the slightly more unusual wedding venues such as local halls, restaurants, museums and parks or even consider the truly unique mountain top or beach wedding location. Be creative but remember that the more unusual the location, the more work you are going to have to put in to organise everything. When you are going through your wacky list of venues, just make sure to consider how accessible they all are and whether they can cope with the number of guests you plan on inviting.

Once you have a shortlist of venues, get out there and visit them. Confirm dates, guest numbers, food choices and all of the other intricacies you want the venue to feature, as well of course as the cost. Keep detailed notes and even photos of each venue as they will all merge into one after a while. Try to write down what you like and dislike about each one as you go round, so you can pull all of this information together when you get home to find the wedding reception venue that is going to be perfect for your big day.

The first thing that you have to have is a plan.  A wedding cake is a big project, and if you forget something on the big day a whole lot of problems are going to stem from that.  First, figure out how much cake there needs to be.  Most wedding cakes are tiered, which allows you get a lot of cake without taking up too much space.  That means that you need the cake pans, the tiers, and the stands.  Round cakes are the norm, but square wedding cake pans are also available, they are also a bit easier to decorate if using fondant.  Baking the cake isn’t the tough part, but it can still be stressful.

There a lot of people that think that they can bake, and will offer to bake your cake.  They key is to sit down and have that person bake a test cake for you, decorated and all.  It’s not important to go as far as to put together all of the tiers, but one level that’s completely decorated.  It will help you get an idea of how good your cake is going to turn out, and it will help the “baker” get a feel for how your cake is going to turn out.

Baking your own wedding cake is a great way to save money and with some planning and practice it will turn out great.  Just remember to work out all of the kinks before hand, rather than waiting until game day to find out that your cake is a disaster!