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“But like everything else, if you want to pull it off and not drive yourself nuts, there are rules,” says The Broke Ass Bride.  Here she lays down the laws of iPod-ing your wedding music:

1. Check with your venue about their sound system, what kind of equipment they have to attach speakers to, and whether you can get the speakers from them, or if you have to rent them.

2. Test the speaker system, leaving plenty of time to make changes if you have to (not at the rehearsal dinner).

3. Figure out the logistics, including moving the system from the ceremony to the cocktail hour to the reception. Bring extension cords if necessary.

4. Pick someone to monitor the music, because YOU will be a little too busy during the the wedding to deal with it. Give them a list of all the songs in your playlist(s), and review it to make sure they’re all on there.

5. Make a separate playlist for each segment of your wedding – ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, cake cutting, bouquet throw, open dance floor, etc. Put them all in order.

6. The ceremony: Decide who is going to walk down and whether they will walk in to the same music. Use cross-fading so you’re not being jolted from one song to another.

7. Cocktail hour:  You  need about 18-20 songs, depending on the length, to fill an hour. It’s a good idea to throw a few extra songs, just in case you’re not feeling whatever’s playing at the time.

8. Dinner: Create a good mix of fast, medium, and slow songs. You don’t want music that will put your guests to sleep, but you want them to enjoy their dinner in peace, too. Decide if you want to play straight through or shuffle your playlist. (Broke Ass Bride notes that her ipod and itunes playlists tend to shuffle in the same order. Anyone else notice that?)

9. Reception events: In case the timing is off, it’s good to keep each in a different playlist, instead of throwing them all together.

10. Open dance floor: Its party time! You want to get everyone on the dance floor, so think about your crowd and what will get them out of their seats. Hip hop? Country? Sinatra and the Rat Pack? Show tunes? Throw in a little somethin’ for everyone!

And here’s link to $3 in MP3s on Amazon.com that we’ll pass along from The Broke Ass Bride. They download directly into itunes for you. Now check out the rest of her blog for more bold and original approaches to wedding planning and healthy budgeting.

Talk about money: Sit down with your fiance and go through your bank statements, pay stubs, bills, and other financial records. Discuss how much each of you can afford to put toward the wedding.

Write it down: You might think this goes without saying, but some brides just never get around to doing it. Put everything down on paper.  If you find that one area (wedding dress, let’s say) turns out to be more than you planned on, you have two choices: find something cheaper, or readjust your spending in other areas (such as toning down the flower arrangements or limiting the alcohol.)

Save wherever you can: Here are a few suggestions: Skip the popcorn at the theater, and spend time watching a movie at home and cuddling with your fiance. Cook dinner together instead of going out to your favorite restaurant. Make a commitment to put 10 percent of every paycheck into your wedding fund. A few small changes here and there can add up!

Talk to your parents: Although most couples are now paying for more of the wedding costs that they did in the past, often parents are more than happy to contribute. Find out how much they can afford to invest in your big day.

Prioritize: Once you know how much money is at your disposal, rank the importance of each wedding expense. The more imporant things get a larger chunk of the pie.

Get a wedding planner: Although a consultant might charge as much as 10 percent of your wedding budget, he or she could keep you from going over budget and into debt.  Let your wedding planner know how much you can spend, what your priorities are, and give her a realistic picture of the wedding you hope to have.

Don’t sweat the small stuff: Weddings are expensive, and you may not have the fairy tale affair you once dreamed of.  That’s OK. Trends and styles come and go, but you’ll always have the photos, dried flowers, and memories– and those are priceless.

feature image from wedding planning basics

Save on Alcohol

• Instead of providing a full bar, serve a signature drink, such as punch or a favorite cocktail, instead of providing a full bar.  Another option is to limit alcoholic beverages to wine and beer, choices that will satisfy most of your guests.

• Rather than pouring Champagne all night long, serve just a single glass to each guest at the appropriate time to toast the bride and groom.

• Technically, Champagne is sparkling wine that’s from the Champagne region of France. But you can find plenty of substitutions that don’t come with the high price tag.  For example, Cava, the Spanish take on Champagne, or Prosecco, from Italy, which is smoother, sweeter, and a better fit for a small budget. Even French sparkling wine is cheaper; it’s made the same way but isn’t actually from Champagne.

• Buy your own wine wholesale. You may pay your caterer a corkage fee to pour it, but wine purchased through him can cost twice as much.

• Most merchants offer a 10 percent discount for buying wine by the case, and they’ll often increase that if you purchase several cases at once.

Save on your Wedding Cake

• Hire an outside baker to provide the wedding cake, if your caterer’s contract permits. You may have to pay a cake-cutting charge, but you will likely pay less overall.

• Want a tall cake but don’t want to pay full price? Have your baker make just enough to serve each guest one slice.  Additional tiers can be made of Styrofoam and iced to match the others.  No one will know!

• Alternatively, you can order two cakes for the reception: a small fancy one to be used for display, and a large sheet cake, which does not need to be elaborately decorated.   The bigger cake gets sliced and dished up in the kitchen.

• Or, order a very plain (and moderately priced) cake, and make the focal point the cake topper. Vintage toppers and classic symbols can make a cake memorable.

• You don’t need a whole separate dessert course. Just present the wedding cake as dessert, with coffee and tea, to end the meal.

Save on Ingredients

• Have your caterer use local fruits and vegetables that are in season. They’re tastier, fresher, and more economical!

• Use expensive ingredients, such as lobster, in hors d’oeuvres rather than in a main course.

• How you serve dinner affects the price. Regular plate service and French service, in which guests are served by waiters from a platter at the table, are the most expensive. Family style, where diners help themselves from serving dishes brought to the table, is more economical.

Save on Flowers

• Many popular bridal flowers are available year-round, but some traditional ones — peonies and lilies of the valley, for example — can be expensive out of season. Consult with your florist about what flowers are in season and easy to obtain.

• Mix berries, pine cones (for winter), and other economical non-floral embellishments  to fill out bouquets and displays.

• You don’t need to deck every pew with flowers. Get the most bloom for your buck by asking your florist to design two lush altarpieces, which will direct everyone’s eyes exactly where you want them to be: on you and your groom.

• Make floral arrangements do double duty: If designed properly, your ceremony flowers can serve as centerpieces at the reception, or decorate the guest-book, seating-card, and favor tables. Place bridesmaids’ bouquets on the cake table.

Saving on Centerpieces

• Floating flowers: Instead of decorating tables with large arrangements, float a few flowers in shallow bowls or glass cylinders filled halfway with water.

• Economical flowers: Floral standbys like daisies and carnations are available year-round, are quite affordable, and when arranged en masse make delightful centerpieces and bouquets.

• Flowering bulbs: Flowers like amaryllis, narcissus, and hyacinth often cost less than regular flowers and are dramatic rising from a layer of stones set in clear containers.

• Fruits: Bowls or compotes filled with seasonal fruits from a farmer’s market can take the place of expensive floral presentations.

• Candles: A single pillar candle in a hurricane lantern is a wonderful centerpiece, as is a casual display of votive candles in the middle of a table.

• Vases: You’ll save money if your florist doesn’t have to supply vases for your centerpieces. if you have a collection of containers, such as jelly jars or milk jugs. Filled with flowers, just about any type of vessel will make pretty displays.

Save on Favors

• Use favors as place cards to save a bit on stationery costs. For seating cards, write guests’ names and table numbers on strips of paper, affix them to the favors, and set in order on a table near the entrance. For place cards, put favors with names attached at guests’ places.

• Handmade favors (especially edible ones like cookies or candies) and decorations are appealing and usually cost less than store-bought.

Save on the Season

• A winter date may come with lower fees, rather than scheduling in the summer, when rates are at their highest.

• Weddings scheduled during holidays or vacation times are more popular and therefor more expensive. To cut costs, plan your wedding during an uneventful season.

• Fridays and Sundays are generally less expensive than Saturdays for renting a venue.

• For a destination wedding, book a date that is not as popular for travel in the region.

Downsize

• Wedding Party: Try to keep the number of attendants as small as possible.  The larger the bridal party, the more you’ll spend on gifts and flowers.

• Transportation:  Use a personal car rather than a limousine to get to and from the reception.

• Wedding Highlights:  Hire a videographer to work just from the ceremony through the first dance rather than for the entire wedding.

• Photographer: There are many talented photographers who haven’t made a name for themselves yet, and their lack of fame can save you a fortune. If you fall hard for a photographer who’s in high demand, ask if she’ll refer you to a lower-priced colleague (just make sure you like his work before you commit).

• Location: If you are considering two locations, small towns are more economical than big cities! One bride moved her wedding from Brooklyn, New York to a beach town in Michigan, and watched catering quotes drop from $140 per head to $40 — a savings of $15,000!

• Guest List: To minimize the guest list, refrain from inviting children and coworkers. Include your friends’ significant others but not casual dates.

• Extras: A venue that comes with extras built in, like a wedding coordinator or an on-site ceremony location, means significant savings.

• Negotiate: Before signing a contract with your caterer, photographer, or florist, try to negotiate a lower yet still reasonable price.

• Celebrate in Public: The nicest wedding sites — parks, museums, public gardens — may be the most affordable.

• Music: For your reception, remember that a deejay can be less costly than a live band.  To avoid hiring two bands and paying two separate fees, ask if just a few pieces of the band can play during the ceremony and cocktail hour, as well as at the reception.

Save on Your Wedding Dress

• Look for a dress at sample sales, trunk shows, and outlets; you can sign up for some designers’ sample-sale listings online. Most wedding-dress designers allow you to sign up for news and updates.  Even if you dislike this type of spam, getting on their e-mail lists will keep you informed on time-sensitive info such as sample sales and trunk shows.

• Consider wearing your mother’s gown. The costs of cleaning and alterations will likely be far less than the cost of buying a new wedding dress.

Use your Friends

• Borrow accessories from family and friends instead of buying them.

• Ask talented friends or relatives to help with your wedding. An artistic friend, for instance, might design your stationery, or a baking enthusiast could make cupcakes or cookie favors.

Hope these tips are helpful! For the complete list, visit Martha Stewart Weddings: 65 Ways to Trim Your Budget.

Know the market

Find out what other vendors offer for the same price point, and use this as leverage. Ask about every single thing that’s included in your package. Then find out in advance what extras are going to cost — and whether those costs can be waived.

Stick to your limit

A vendor may be willing to cut you a deal as long as you agree to something additional — for example, he might consent to give you an extra hour of shooting, but only if you have him take your engagement photos. What you need to ask yourself is whether this will actually cost you more in the end.

Adopt a friendly but firm demeanor

There’s no harm in for a deal… if you do it politely!  If vendors feel positive about working with you, they may be more willing to come up with creative solutions.

Be indifferent

You need the vendor to believe that if he or she won’t meet your offer you will walk away. Consider collaborating with your fiance to employ the old good-cop-bad-cop routine.

Practice makes perfect

Try your hand negotiating at a flea market to see what talking style works for you.

Visit The Knot for more wedding planning ideas.

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How to choose a venue:

1.  Do you plan to marry in a church or synagogue, and then move somewhere else for the reception?  Or do you prefer the convenience of having the wedding ceremony and reception all under one roof?  Factors such as ease of transport from service to reception will be important when planning your church wedding.

2. Make a list of all possibilities, and then call them to check the availability on the day you and your beloved have decided to wed. This will narrow down your search, as venues tend to book up quickly and some may not even be available on your desired date.  It’s a good idea to reserve your venue from six months to a year before your actual wedding. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, you may have to be flexible about the date.

3. Put together a tentative guest list of family and friends you think will be at the wedding.  Then, look only for venues that can accommodate that number of guest. If you plan on inviting the whole town, you’ll need a large hall that fits all those hundreds of people. If you plan on having a smaller affair, you can choose something more cozy.  Find out when the venue of choice needs to have a head count.

4. Discuss your wedding budget with your spouse-to-be, and decide how much money you can devote to the wedding venue. Some venues charges a flat fee, while others charge per hour. Some provide special packages that you may be able to work into your budget. You should als0 find out whether they offer discounts on certain days, like a Thursday or Sunday. Once you decide on a venue, make sure to find out when deposits and payments are due.

5. Ask the wedding venue director what items are included in the price. Some venues offer tables, linens, chairs, and even decorations, while other venues offer only the space that you will need to fill. Be sure to find out if a set-up or clean-up fee is included in the price, and how much time before and after the wedding will be needed to do so.

6. Find out whether the venue offers only in-house catering or if they allow outside caterers.  If you and your fiance have dietary needs, or have your hearts set on a particular menu, this will play a part in your decision.  If the catering is in-house, inquire whether it is also included in the price.

7. Do you want to be married outdoors? Look for a place that will host an outdoors wedding ceremony and/or reception, but make sure they have a provisional space in case of bad weather, too. Also, find out if the venue offers changing rooms for the bridal party and groomsmen.

8. If you and your spouse-to-be plan on serving alcohol, discuss any rules or restrictions they may have. Some venues allow you to bring in your own liquor, while others make you use their own in-house bar and bartender.

9. Bands and other forms entertainment can take up a large amount of space, as can a dance floor, so decide when and where you want the entertainment to take place, and check that there will be enough space available.

10. Parking may be a consideration for your guests. Some venues offer valet parking (which you can choose to cover) while others offer adequate-sized parking lots for all of your guests.

Types of Venues:

Your perfect wedding can take place just about anywhere you want it to, but here are some of the most popular choices, brought to you by WeddingPath.

Historic wedding reception venue. Castles, country houses and stately homes are among the locations many dream of for their big day. If your budget can stretch to it, this offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the use of a stunning building.

Hotel wedding reception. There are so many different types of hotel that there’s likely to be something for everyone, from traditional to ultra-modern. Having accommodation on the spot is, of course, a big plus.

Marquee wedding reception. If you have access to spacious gardens or other outdoor space, a marquee, or tent, could be worth considering. Many people are surprised at how pricey it can be to hire a marquee for their wedding, but the plus side is that you can take control of wedding catering and could save a considerable amount by providing your own alcohol.

Sports or social club wedding reception. Different types of club premises can be perfect for a wedding reception. Do plenty of research and you could find one that’s in a stunning location, too. For example, some sailing or rowing clubs have picturesque waterside views, and can often be hired at a reasonable price, certainly compared to other popular wedding venues.
Restaurant or pub wedding reception. Food and drink are among the main ingredients for a successful wedding reception, so where better to head than to a lovely restaurant or pub? Bear in mind that you’re more likely to find a good match if your wedding party is smaller, and if you’re lucky you might even be able to escape the heavy costs that are often quoted as soon as you mention the ‘w’ word!

Things to watch out for!

Wedding prices. Don’t fall for over-inflated prices. Whether it’s sky-high drinks or hidden costs in the small print, you don’t want to feel exploited, so vote with your feet if you feel it’s not worth it.

Wedding venue staff. Do they seem experienced and professional? Are they flexible and willing to adapt to your needs? This will be a major factor in how smoothly your day runs.

Wedding venue facilities. Is the venue accessible for guests with a disability? Is there appropriate seating for the elderly and/or young children?

Wedding guest accommodation. Is there a reasonable range of accommodation (hotels, guest houses, etc) within easy access of the venue?

Wedding transport. Is there enough parking for guests who drive, and decent transport links for those who don’t?

Wedding venue restrictions. Does the venue impose limitations that could put a damper on your celebration? Some stipulate no loud music after a certain time, others don’t like confetti or candles, and certain (usually historical) venues forbid high-heeled shoes for fear of their flooring being damaged.

Wedding photography. Plenty of natural light in your venue will mean better pictures. You might also want to check that there are plenty of appealing outdoor spots close at hand.

Wedding decoration. Are table linen, flowers, place cards and other decorations included in the quoted price, or will you have to provide your own?

Wedding extras. Check the availability of extras such as a cake stand and cake knife. Many wedding venues will lend you these, but having to hire them separately adds to your hassle and your wedding expenses.

Photo from countymarquees.com

What you need to do first is create a list, and put it in prioritized order.  This will lay the groundwork for every single decision you will have to make about your wedding.  Refer to this list to determine how your budget is structured and what shape your wedding will take.  If you concentrate on your top priorities, the rest of your wedding planning will fall into place.

This is what Big-Wedding-Tiny-Budget calls a Sane and Sweet Step in the Cheap Wedding Planning Process. It will keep you both Sane – (NO! DON’T JUMP!) – and you Sweet!

WEDDING PLANNING PRIORITIES:

(Don’t forget to let your fiancé pick one or two. OK – Just one)

• Number of Guests
• Location
• Ceremony Site
• Reception Site
• Season
• Time of Day
• Formal, Semi-formal, Informal
• Photography
• Videography
• The Dress
• Flowers
• Beverages: Full Bar versus partial or none
• Music
• Cake
• Food/Catering: Lunch, Brunch, Cocktails, Hors d’œuvres, Dinner, Desserts
• Other (you fill it in!)

Prioritize the list, and then highlight the top five. So far so good! You will now refer to your Wedding Budget Guideline and figure out how much money will be allowed for each priority. Although every wedding is different, below you will find the average percentages normally spent on each category.

• Ceremony – 2%  (Location Fee, Officiant, Accessorites/Lagniapp)
• Reception – 48%  (Location Fee, Rentals, Food, Wait Staff and Gratuity, Beverages, Bar Service and Gratuity, Cake and Cutting Fee)
• Bride’s Attire – 10% -(Wedding Dress, Veil, Shoes, Undergarment)
• Photography/Videography – 10%
• Music – 10%
• Flowers – 10%
• Invitations – 4%
• Lagniappe (Miscellaneous) – 6% – Transportation, valet, thank you stationary, etc.

Do some research online or using your phone book to get an idea of what things cost in your area. Then you’ll be able to realistically allocate your available money toward each category.

The great thing about your budget is that you can continually adjust  your money allocation as you save money along the way. To do this, take a look at big-wedding-tiny-budget‘s website for more money saving tips.  For example, let’s say your budget is $5,000 so you have allocated 10% ($500) on your dream wedding dress. Well as luck would have it, you found your dream dress at a sample sale for $200… Voila! Now you have $300 to allocate somewhere else in your budget.

Luckily, planning your big wedding on a tiny budget does not mean you have to sacrifice your taste and personal style. With some thoughtful planning and attention to saving money, you’re on your way to a gorgeous affair that with memories to last a lifetime!

See Wedding Planning Priorites: Part 2: Should it really be a priority?

Not to keep rubbing it in… but with the barrage of news stories like these, what can you expect!?

Although some may say weddings are “recession-proof” (we can hope!) these headlines seem to differ….

Wine-country weddings, recession style

Budget-minded brides seek out thrifty elegance

Brides make mad dash for discounted wedding dresses

Budget Brides: Planning a wedding during a recession

10 Ways to have a Frugal but Fabulous Wedding

So we know all about the recession, the layoffs, the foreclosures. What it all means for couples getting married is that shelling out tens of thousands for a one-day event probably isn’t the smartest investment. According to the Press Democrat, a recent study published in the Wedding Report, said the average spending on weddings fell by 24 percent in 2008, to about $22,000. “Everyone is looking to save a little,” said Santa Rosa caterer Rob Gronbach, who’s been doing local and “destination” weddings for 19 years. “There’s a lot of apprehension, a lot of foot-dragging.”

So now, brides and grooms are opting for a more basic wedding that leaves them with money for a down payment, a new car, or just to tuck away as a nest egg. Brides and grooms are shopping around for the best deals, cutting costs wherever they can, and trying to plan as far in advance as possible. Here are still more ideas on how to have a Frugal but Fabulous Wedding, from Boston.com.

1.What Matters the Most?

You may want to pick one or two things to make really special, rather than spread your money around and do everything minimally, advises Linda Matzkin, owner of Hopple Popple Inc. event planners in Newton. She suggests putting in order what matters most to you, such as food, music, flowers, keepsake album, and so on. Then you’ll know which vendors to splurge on and where to economize.

2. Say No to Third Cousins

Inviting every distant relative and co-worker is really what makes budgets balloon, according to Samantha Goldberg, a television personality and celebrity event designer in New Jersey. “Just include your nearest and dearest.”

3. Forgo that Saturday night June wedding

Avoiding Saturdays or considering off-season months can save bundles. A Friday night during peak periods or a weekend in January, February, or March can sometimes save almost 25 percent, says Daniel Briones, president of the National Association of Catering Executives. “And winter weddings,” he adds, “can be quite beautiful.”

4. Get Thee to a Wedding Planner

It may sound odd to economize by hiring someone to do things you could do yourself, but wedding planners save you more than just time. “You’ve never done this before. How do you know you’re getting the best value without an expert?” asks Briones, who’s also director of catering at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia. Wedding planners know vendors in every price range and can also spare you from making costly mistakes in contract negotiations. And couples on a small budget shouldn’t be intimidated about calling for an appointment, she adds. “Many companies like ours work on labor and consultation fees, not a percentage of the overall cost. We have no vested interest in how much someone spends,” she says. At the very least, she suggests buying Mindy Weiss’s The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day, published last spring, for tips on planning and economizing: “It’s the best I’ve read.”

5. Dine early, Dine for less

The timing of your meal can save you money!  “A meal during the day is less expensive than a dinner, and people consume less alcohol,” Briones explains. Consider a late Saturday afternoon lunch or a Sunday brunch.  Regarding buffets, it’s a mistake to think it will cost less than a served meal because it requires less staffing. Not only do buffets require more food to be displayed, but “people tend to serve themselves more than they’re possibly going to eat.”

6. Surprise me! Saving on centerpieces

Rather than picking the type of flowers, pick a talented florist who can design something spectacular with what’s readily available. Special orders are what drive up the prices of centerpieces and bouquets, while “stock” flowers — in-store your wedding week — tend to be quite reasonable. Or, Goldberg suggests, buy wide-diameter bark or pillar candles and sprinkle rose petals around them on the table. You get romantic lighting and a bargain centerpiece all in one.

7. Dim the lights

And speaking of mood lighting, Goldberg maintains it can totally transform any space inexpensively. “It re-creates everything and really impacts your photos.” Dimmed chandeliers, flickering candles, and amber-tinted bulbs can be directed on the table linens and guests’ faces to make the room positively glow, she says. “The venue can have the ugliest carpeting, and with the right lighting, no one will ever notice.”

8. Choose Rings With a Past

That gorgeous diamond you covet might be a bargain at an antiques store or estate sale. Another option: Visit the website IDoNowIDont.com, where people sell their new and vintage diamond rings (certified, and often with a fun history) with payments not processed until you’re satisfied. The site claims you can find rings up to half off their original price.

9. Go the Distance

Exchanging vows on an exotic island can actually lower your wedding budget. “First, the couple is already in their honeymoon destination,” says Susan Biemans, co-owner of the Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba, named last year as one of the top 10 romantic resorts in the world by TripAdvisors. Other reasons, according to Biemans: Resorts see weddings as a draw to fill hotel rooms, so they reduce catering and service fees; fewer guests are willing to travel, which cuts down your list; and when the backdrop is a sunset over the ocean, even a simple, inexpensive arch with flowing linens and a few flowers looks amazing.

10. Avoid an outrageous registry

Sure you can register for a pricey china pattern you otherwise couldn’t afford, but in this economy, how many will you actually receive? Take advantage of today’s mix-and-match trend, says Sheri Singer, registry manager at Bloomingdale’s. A basic white china pattern can be transformed when combined with an exquisite charger and salad plate. Or mix dramatic champagne flutes with less expensive glasses, made even more glamorous if all are tinted different colors.

The NY Times also mentions a cool website called Bravo Brides. This is a fantastic forum for brides-to-be who want to save money by purchasing pre-owned stuff, and brides-who-were who want to get some money back on wedding items they no longer need. You can buy or sell anything wedding-related, from designer wedding gowns to groom’s attire, veils, shoes, jewelry, candles, isle runners, ring pillows, flower girl baskets, place card holders, cake toppers, centerpieces, wedding planning guides, party and shower items, and much more!

They also have listings for local vendors and wedding tips to help you save even more money on your wedding planning needs!

Why choose Bravo Brides? Here are their reasons!!

	We’re the premier one-stop resource for all your wedding needs
	You won’t find bicycles or fish tanks on BravoBride. Instead, we focus completely on pre-owned designer wedding dresses, jewelry, accessories, ceremony and reception items, wedding favors—everything you need for the perfect wedding. Here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say about their experience with BravoBride.
	It’s easy to find exactly what you need on BravoBride
	With our advanced search features, you’ll find the items you need quickly so you can focus on more important things like deciding on the flavor for your wedding cake. Search for wedding dresses by style, size, designer, or price—to name just some of the options. If you see what you want but aren’t ready to buy, simply add the item to your ‘Favorites’ list to purchase later.
	BravoBride makes selling your items easy
	Listing items for sale and uploading your photos is very simple, there’s no technical knowledge required. We don’t charge any listing fees or commissions so you can sell your item at the best possible price. Your listing stays on the site for 18 months, giving your buyers plenty of time to find and purchase your items. You can upload up to eight images and make three image and text edits after your listing has been posted at no additional cost. It’s easy to track your sales and update your listings.
	We support the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign
	Did you know that heart disease affects more women than cancer? BravoBride is proud to donate a percentage of our proceeds to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke among women. You can read more about the Go Red for Women Campaign here.
	BravoBride is good for your budget—and for the planet.
	When you shop on BravoBride, you’re not just getting the wedding items you need at a great price. You’re also making the Earth-friendly choice to re-use and pass along. Just a little something extra to be happy about when you walk down the aisle!
	BravoBride offers a range of features no free site or auction site can match. For example:
	Featured Item placement Advanced search capability Multiple photos My Favorite Items section Recommend items to a friend

Simply desserts points out that some bakers charge by the “serving” for decorating fake tiers (about $2.50 per serving) so this can actually add a significant amount to the final cost of your cake. Explore all your options to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible!

Take a look at the two cakes below (I got this picture from the savvy event, via  Rachael Ray’s website)… One cost $250 while the other was $2500. The fake cake has a real bottom layer, and the top three layers are fake. The couple cuts from the bottom layer for pictures, then the cake is moved to the kitchen where the bottom is served in addition to a cheaper sheet cake. (One website I looked at pointed out that if you use an entire real cake, much of it gets wasted in the kitchen anyway, since it gets messy and falls apart while being cut.)

You can also create an entire fake cake, and serve sheet cake from the kitchen. If you want to do it yourself, you can find tips on faking a cake here at thrifty fun or party pop. They suggest using styrofoam “cakes” that you can find in craft stores, in all shapes and sizes.  Use a Royal Icing (egg white based icing) that dries hard to cover the styrofoam and decorate as you would a real cake.

Aside from fake cakes, there are other ways to cut costs on your wedding cake. A great source for ideas is big-wedding-tiny-budget. They point out that much of the cost of decorating wedding cakes comes from the labor involved: applying icing or fondant and creating intricate designs. Keeping your cake design simple can save you a bundle.

1. Add fresh or fake flower:

2. Add a Swiss dot pattern and simple piping:

3.Add a jeweled monogram cake topper (which could be a fun do-it-yourself project):

4. Create an elegant, textured look by applying “messy” icing:

Click here for more creative ways to save! Check out Ultimate Baker, Wilton.com or SugarCraft.com for all your DIY wedding cake supplies.

But if you think about it, how often is your flower girl actually going to wear her little princess gown? Once? Maybe again for a holiday or a party?  Either way, it seems silly to spend a lot of money on something that they’ll only wear once, especially when you can get a beautiful dress for less! Why spend $450 when you could spend $45? When my daughter was a flower girl at my brother’s wedding, we got a lovely light-yellow colored dress (sweater and shoes too!) from Target for under $30! There she is, pretty as a picture:

Flower Girl Dress for Less has dresses starting from $29 (but see comments below from our readers before you make a purchase):

Flower Girl Princess has some gorgeous dresses, the ones below are $39.99 and $54.99:

Target has something similar to that blue one (so cute!) for even less ($19.99). The white one is $22.99.

At The Perfect Pear, you can select a dress for your little girls, with a sash that matches your bridal party’s colors ($58):

There’s no need to compromise on style for the sake of your budget! Do your own search online and you’re sure to find the perfect flower girl dress!