Tips to Keep Within the Wedding Budget

1. It´s not a good idea to go over your budget or go into debt in order to pay off your wedding. Beginning a married life together is a difficult transition as it is, and having a debt because of your wedding only adds to the financial problems.
2. Choose a weeknight to get married at your favorite wedding chapel, church or even destination. Rates are much lower for weekday weddings (and this includes not only the locatin, but also the vendors rates) and you get to enjoy the weekend for your honeymoon.
3. In general the initially quoted price for wedding services will be high. Keep this in mind and don´t be afraid to dicker. Tell them outright that you don´t intend to spend that much and you will be surprised at the accomodations they can make rather than lose a sale.
4. To stick tight to your budget, before you meet with a vendor, get a rough idea of their price rangeand don´t meet with that vendor if you know that they´re out of your price range. When you do meet with the vendor, tell them your budget up front so they can help you pick from options that will stay within your budget.
5. The rate of couples getting married goes *way* down in the winter. With the exception of December (all those holiday weddings!), November thru March aren´t big wedding months---you´ll spend less money if you get married during the off-season.
6. If you *really* need to save money and aren´t afraid of a little sneakiness, you can do many things (flowers, banquet halls, etc.) and without mentioning the word ´wedding´ can save a bundle. Prices go way up when flowers are ´wedding flowers´ as opposed to ´party flowers´ or ´reunion flowers.´

A Gift for Your Ushers and Ring Bearer that you can Bank On!

Gifts you can bank on : ) Looking for a gift for the ushers or even the ring bearer? Here are 3 timeless gifts. They work for little boys AND big boys. Most men like trains, tractors and cars and these are affordable, usable and timeless. And, you can put a note with it, "Here's a bank to save up for your new lawn mower, car (or whatever)!

Personalized Train Bank - $ 31.44
Give children this imaginative, old fashioned keepsake train bank, reminiscent of boxcar kids on the L&N. Personalized with up to two lines with 10 characters per line. Size: 6 1/2" x 3 3/4".

Personalized Tractor Bank - $ 31.44
Made of sturdy materials and engraved with a child's name, this tractor is a welcome addition to any bureau as a keepsake that also teaches "a penny saved is a penny earned." Personalized with up to two lines with 10 characters per line. Size: 6" x 3".

Personalized Silver Plated Train Bank - $ 22.09
A perfect gift for the young and/or the frugal. This old-fashioned engine car can hold lots of savings, and can be personalized with a special name or message. Personalized with two lines of 12 characters per line. Size: 5 1/2"x 2 1/8".