Wedding Plans

Now I'm not a planner by any means. I wouldn't know how to plan a simple birthday party if asked to do so. But I'm in the midst of planning my wedding. And how, you may ask, can one plan a simple but elegant wedding, with no idea on how to plan one? Well I've learned some simple tricks along this stressful journey and I'm here to share them with you.

First make your guest list. I made my guest list first to see just how big of a space I'm really going to need and how to easily accommodate them all. Simple and easy right?

Secondly, you should find your location! Check around your town to see if there are any areas like pavilions and such to do your wedding. We found a wonderfully wooded, park area for free and through our local cable company!

Thirdly, if you need chairs and tables call around to your local churches and even funeral homes. Most likely they will let you borrow the items at no cost!

Fourth, If you want pictures for that special day you could always have a family member or friend do your "formal" pictures and then just buy a bunch of disposable cameras and let your guests run wild with them! Simple and you will have fun looking through those pictures and seeing all the things you couldn't see while being preoccupied with your wedding :)

Fifth, want a great wedding gown or tux but just can't afford to go out and buy something lavish and expensive? Well scour your local consignment and thrift stores! I found a BEAUTIFUL wedding gown for only $45! And your man can easily rent a tux affordably!

Sixth, Food! Ah you know you are going to have to feed those guests when they show up right? Well do something simple. There are no rules that say you have to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on lavish food or caterers! Make it fun and whimsical and enlist the help of friends and family!

Seventh, Want a cake? Well sheet cakes are always a plus. We are doing a wonderful sheet cake and it's not going to break the bank either! Just go to your local grocery and compare some of the prices! And you have to think, not all of your guests are going to eat it anyway. I've been to tons of weddings and never ate the cake! (but do remember to at least keep one or two pieces to freeze for that one year anniversary!)

Eight, Gift registry! just remember that this can be done online! It saves the time and hassle of having to make time when you both can go and you can do it from home right online!

Nine, invites! Ah yes I almost forgot the invites! You can also do this cheap and fun by making your own or going to your local dollar store and buying some blank cards and writing them yourself! Nothing is more personable than getting an invite in the mail that is made from the heart! Shows your guests that you really want them to attend that special day with you!

Ten! (Last but not least) FLOWERS! I know every girl wants flowers at their wedding...but really what is the purpose of having all those flowers? I'm going simple with just one bridesmaid and two bouquets. One for me and one for her. And my fiance is having one best man. So only two boutineers will be needed!

Hope this article helps out. Just somethings I've learned along the journey! Also I almost forgot...You will need someone to perform that ceremony for you! GAH can't believe I forgot! Call your local justice of the peace! Usually as long as it's not far away they will come to you and do the ceremony for around $35 or if you want to make it really special you can have a family member go online and become ordained in about a month!

See the big day doesn't have to be stressful, nor does it have to break the bank!