I am asked by many brides - How do I save money in planning my wedding?? Here are some popular suggestions:

1.Rent your wedding gown. Bridal gown rental companies are becoming more popular with the ever increasing cost of wedding gowns.

2.Shop sample sales. Bridal stores sell sample gowns at a substantial discount. 3.Have your reception on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday. Many reception venues may give you a discount on those days.

4.Have a winter wedding. Many vendors may give you a special cost discount for January through March.

5.Have a morning or afternoon reception. Evening receptions often cost more.

6.Have a punch & cake reception or serve champagne and desserts instead of dinner.

7.Have a cocktail reception with light hor'duerves.

8.Use linens provided by caterer or reception venue. Specialty linens can add up in cost.

9.Choose basic cake flavors such as vanilla, yellow, and almond with no filling for your wedding cake. Order buttercream instead of fondant frosting. Simple designs instead of fondant bows and flowers with ornate patterns. You will find that when you go to order your wedding cake, all of the fancy additions will drastically increase the price of your cake.

10.Order a smaller wedding cake for show and order sheet cakes to be cut-up and served to guest.

11.Hire a skilled silk florist instead of using fresh flowers. This could save you a considerable amount of money.

12.Keep your ceremony flowers and use them at the reception instead of buying additional flowers for the reception.

13.Use the fresh flower hand-tied bouquets as arrangements by putting them in a round glass globe or tall vase with water and arrange on the table.

14.Have a signature drink instead of an open bar.

15.Have premium liquor for cocktail hour and have beer and wine for the rest of the reception.

16.Make your own favors.

17.Make your own invitations.

18.Use one site for the ceremony and reception. You'll cut down on fees and won't need to spend money on transportation costs between the two locations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rene'John Designs offers its clients an individualized design experience with attention to detail.  By listening to her customers and applying information that she obtains from their personalities and lifestyles , Rene' designs an event reflecting her clients' vision -not Rene's.
Her services includes floral design, rentals, custom linens, lighting and wedding consultation.
Rene's one goal is to deliver a level of excellence like none other. 
www.renejohndesigns.com

Photos are of weddings designed & coordinated by Rene' Davenport, owner of Rene'John Designs whose services includes floral design, rentals, custom linens, lighting and wedding consultation.