More Bills?

Planning and hosting your wedding costs money, lots of it – especially if you don’t account for ALL potential costs in your wedding budget.

I’m not talking hidden costs here because these cost aren’t hidden!

In fact, these costs exist for the majority of couples and, where applicable, they’re spelled out in every single vendor contract you sign!

In the end, they’re really just an every day reality associated with planning a wedding.

So here’s a fairly common list of costs you’ll have but maybe they don’t stand out to you!

Overlooked Wedding Costs

Printing

Unless you’re outsourcing all invites, save the dates, programs, place cards, menu cards or any other paper item, you’re likely to experience some cost associated with printed materials.

Even if you’ve outsourced all of the above, you still might experience printing costs due to labels, printer ink or even a fee charged by a calligrapher. Realize the fee is there and put it in your budget. If you have amazing handwriting and are not prone to mistakes – more power to you!

Postage

Postage is one of those inevitable expenses that you really just can’t squeak by in your budget. Now, we’re not saying it’s impossible. With the internet, Evites, and wedding web sites, it’s entirely possible that you might be able to send invitations and receive responses all electronically.

Problem is, some of your guests live in the old ages (without the internet – blasphemy I know) and are going to need a paper invite or response card to let you know they’re coming.  Therefore, you should always budget at least a little money to take care of purchasing stamps, unless you’re ready to make a lot of phone calls!

Delivery & Setup

Many vendors charge a deliver and setup fee and it’s perfectly ordinary for this to be the case. We’re just saying that sometimes couples don’t realize the possibilities. Make sure when you are discussing your costs with your florist, linen or other rental company that you find out costs that are associated with delivering the materials and setting them up for your day.

Also, you might consider discussing options where these fees might be able to be reduced or even eliminated, i.e. maybe your mom can pick up the linens!

Gratuities

Just like when you go out to eat at a nice restaurant with a party of 8 (sometimes 6) or more, hosting an event for 50-300 people, results in a significant gratuity charge. Depending on the venue or caterer, these charges will vary, but in general you could expect to pay anywhere from 15% to 25%.

If you’re planning a wedding in St. Louis, Mo., you can expect them to fit within that range too! (If you find one that doesn’t, let us know!)

Taxes

No shocker here, right? We all know that taxes are a part of life. Well taxes are a part of weddings too! Just like gratuities vary from venue to vendor, taxes vary from location to location.

Depending on state and/or city tax rates, can expect to pay anywhere from 7% to 10%, and that’s a St. Louis figure. Moral of the story – be sure to find out the rate so you know what to expect!

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind while looking at your costs:

1. Tip 1: When negotiating a cost per person caterer or venue with you, tell them your budget is “inclusive.” This can help save you any heart attacks down the road! If you can only afford $50 per person, let your vendor know that this needs to include taxes and gratuities too. Next, see if they will work with you on it!
2. Tip 2: You can save on setup fees if you have a coordinator or planner! We have to throw this out there, of course! Some people don’t realize that a wedding planner can take care of a good portion of the setup duties. From linens to flowers, wedding planners can chip in wherever needed – part of the reason we can be so great to have around.

Related posts:

1. 5 Ways to Slash Wedding Costs Now
2. Should You Get a Loan to Cover Wedding Costs?
3. Who Pays for the Wedding?

Expert Catering Tips

With the amount of people you need to accommodate, it’s no wonder why weddings are so expensive.

The amount of money spent on food, specifically, can reach well beyond the thousands.

In order to save money and still make an impact on your guests, try to incorporate the following tips to reduce your catering budget.

1. Change up the seating: Instead of having the traditional sit down reception, try to add a little flair to your wedding and make it more like a cocktail hour. You can reduce the amount of money you spend on table and chairs and your guests will be more apt to mingle. For older guests and children, you can still create a reserved seating section for them, but for everyone else a lounging area will suffice.
2. Choose a tapas menu: If you don’t want to stick to the normal chicken or fish menu, then incorporate a tapas menu into your reception. Many people will appreciate the variety and it won’t strain your budget. Space out the dishes throughout the evening so nobody ends up filling up on one item.
3. Get a smaller wedding cake: Not everyone is a fan of cake, so instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars on a 6 tier wedding cake, opt for a smaller cake and add a few other desserts for some variety. There are several options that exist when it comes to dessert, but also think about accompanying elements like a cool coffee station if you’re serving traditional desserts.
4. DIY entertainment: While having a DJ or band is important, it may not be necessary for the entire reception. It may be a nice touch to include a music request card with your invitations when you mail them out and dedicate the last two hours to your guest’s requests. That way you get a wide range of tunes that will keep everyone up on their feet and engaged as they wait for their special song to play.
5. Mix it up:  When it comes to alcohol, certain brands are more expensive than others, so try to mix up the pricier items with the less expensive brands. Most of your guests probably won’t have a preference anyways, and you could end up saving about 30% on the cost of alcohol.

In the end, creating a memorable culinary experience at your wedding doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. By following these tips you will be able to fulfill your wedding day dreams while staying within your budget. Your guests will have a good time and nobody will even realize you were “cutting costs.”

Related posts:

1. Wedding Budget Tips
2. Wedding Catering Tips & Tricks
3. Wedding Catering: How to Get More for Less

Creativity is a Good Thing

“We discovered we could order tropical flowers from Hawaii over the Internet cheaper than we could get them locally,” Mead said.

“The arrangements were not as large, but the bright colors and uniqueness made them very pretty.”

The Collinsville newlywed saved in other ways, too.

Forgoing a groom’s cake saved money on catering.

The reception site didn’t allow alcohol, so it was off to Sam’s Club for sodas. A shoe sale at DSW provided the perfect pumps. And all this meant that she and her intended could invite whomever they wanted.

“That was a choice of ours… we didn’t want to cut the guest list, so we cut in other areas,” Mead said. Even with champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, you can have the wedding of your dreams – if you exercise some creativity.

Budgeting is the primary step

“Sit down with everyone who is paying for the wedding,” said Denise Fields, co-author with her husband, Alan, of “Bridal Bargains” (Windsor Peak Press). Today, one-third of all couples pay for their own weddings, which average $19,945, according to “Bridal Bargains.”

For the majority, however, it is a combination of the bride’s parents and the bride and groom who foot the bill. So when it comes to planning, talk isn’t cheap – it’s essential. “When someone is kicking in some money, they may want a say in the process,” said Alan Fields.

Prioritizing is the other key to creating a wise wedding

Have you always dreamed of a horse and carriage? Or is your heart’s desire to have hordes of photographs to remember your special day? Give serious thought to what you really want. And work with the people you hire to help attain it. When meeting with vendors, Carley Roney, says do your homework first.

Make sure that what you want and what you can spend are realistic. “Challenge them if the estimates are too high by saying, ‘Help me–how can I achieve what I want with the money I have?’ ” Roney said.

More cost-cutting wedding ideas

All in the timing

Thinking about becoming a June bride? So is everyone else. Considering other times of the year may afford you more flexibility with your budget. “Wedding merchants have to pay their mortgage year-round. In January they are really lonely,” said Alan Fields. “The slowest times of the year to get married are October, November, January and February – except for Valentine’s Day.”

Off the beaten path

“There are amazing places to have a reception,” Alan Fields said. “People e-mail us all the time about zoos, museums. These are all very affordable alternatives.”

Beer vs. liquor

Think about what’s quicker. “Most people believe that a beer and wine reception is cheaper, but hotel staff tell me that isn’t true. People consume more beer and wine than hard liquor. As a result that bar tab is higher,” said Sue Winner, a wedding consultant in Sandy Springs and author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Budgeting for Your Wedding” (Macmillan USA, $16.95).

As for the popularity of cash bars, Winner warns that you wouldn’t invite people to your home and make them pay, so you shouldn’t invite them to your wedding and charge. Instead, she said if you can’t afford liquor, punch is proper.

With the end in mind

Keep sight of your long-term goals as a couple. Going into debt for the perfect wedding is never advised. “Keep that budget in your face. You want a house someday, which is a worthwhile goal,” Denise Fields said.

Weddings often take on a life of their own, and it’s hard not to get carried away by expenses. So, the Fields suggest keeping in mind the importance of the special day. “The goal is to see two people married and have a party (within their budget),” said Denise Fields. “It is the being married part that is really cool.”

Related posts:

1. Creative Ways to Save on Wedding Invitations
2. The Definitive Wedding Budget Guide
3. How to Stretch Your Wedding Budget

There's Only One First Dance

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is estimated to be around $38,500 according to a 2010 survey of the Bridal Association of America.

This figure is inclusive of the engagement rings and the honeymoon which are estimated to be around $4,400 and $3,700 respectively.

So while the honeymoon is often covered, in many instances it isn’t and the newlyweds have to dig deep to pay for their once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation.

With so much money involved, it’s a wonder anyone gets married anymore.

No matter how much money is involved in planning and implementing a wedding, a budget will be needed.

Putting together a wedding budget can seem like cruel and unusual punishment because there are so many things to consider, from flowers to the gown and favors to photographs.

This is why you need to take the time to do your research properly and get your budget sorted well in advance. That way you won’t have any nasty surprises when it’s too late for you to do anything.

Before the Budget

There are a few things you need to sort out before you start working on your budget. These factors are important because they will heavily influence the outcome of your budget. After all, if you don’t know how much you can afford, or how many guests you will have, you can’t really budget properly.

A Wedding Involves Two People

Some couples tend to forget that there are actually two people involved in a wedding. When the stages of planning take a heed and you are in the middle of choosing your wedding dress/suit, the venue, the guest list and how to send out the invites it is easy to get flustered and forget all about your husband/wife to be. We tend to get so involved in the details of a wedding that we forget to take a moment and ask the other party what they want.

You may want a huge wedding with hundreds of guests, in a stunning venue and a dress to rival any monarch’s wedding dress, but your groom might want a small, quiet affair without all the hassle. So you will have to compromise, no matter how long you have been dreaming of your perfect wedding day. After all, the two of you will be spending your lives together and the wedding only lasts a day. Do you really want the first day of wedded bliss to be shadowed by a thundercloud? Is it worth it?

So, once you have agreed how you want the wedding to be, you will have a better idea of what costs will be involved. The grander the wedding, the more expensive it will be, obviously.

Available Funding

Now, let’s make time for the touchy subject of funding for your wedding. Presuming you have known for some time that you are getting married, you might have saved a decent amount of money for it. If on the other hand things have evolved much faster than you planned consider speaking to your parents to see if they want to contribute financially, either with cash or by paying for various aspects of your wedding.

Whatever you do, don’t take out a loan to supplement your funds, and definitely don’t charge anything to your credit card without paying it off in full at the end of the month. The last thing you need is to start your new life with a huge loan that will only add to the stress of a new marriage. Plus, you’ll eventually end up hating your wedding when the bills keep coming every month.

Remember that the average cost of a wedding could be used to cover the downpayment on a home instead, which is definitely more important and valuable than a wedding reception. In the end, it’s just a big party where you pay everyone’s bill and then it’s over. So, keep things in perspective and don’t go overboard with your finances.

Leverage Friends and Family

Make sure to speak to your friends and family because you might find that you already have a photographer, a dressmaker or a driver with a great car willing to help you for free. Your friends and relatives will jump at the chance to help you out on your big day, so don’t be shy to ask.

Guests: Who Are You Inviting

You need to work on a tentative guest list. Even though you probably want to invite the whole country to witness the big event, you have to be sensible. The more people you invite, the more it’s going to cost you. Think long and hard before putting someone on the guest list. That means that you shouldn’t be inviting your office colleges if you don’t get along.

Limit yourself to friends and relatives, but only up to first cousins. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t seen someone in two decades and can’t remember what they look like, they’re probably too far-removed as a relative to be invited.

The Budget

Once the preliminaries are out of the way, it’s time to get to the wedding budget. The first step, of course, is to make a list of the major expenses.

Major Expenses

The biggest expenses of your wedding will be things like the food, drinks, and the venue. You will need to get quotes from a few suppliers and also check if they’re available on the day. Start with your favorite venue and catering company and then work your way down the list until you find the perfect balance between costs and availability.

Of course, there are many other expenses including the dress, photography, flowers, hair and makeup, favors, and so on. You will have to prioritize though, because you might not be able to cover everything. Unless you’re planning a beach wedding the dress comes first. Everything else comes after, but try to be realistic and realize you may not be able to have absolutely everything your heart desires.

Put That Down!

Once you have your budget ready, you have to stick to it. No picking up different trinkets or falling in love with a different centrepiece that cost three times your original choice. You don’t need “shark-lilies” from Antarctica because you won’t even notice them after half an hour.

Save Money on Your Wedding

There are ways to save money and still have your dream wedding. In fact, your wedding can be even more spectacular because the savings you make can go towards something else.

Haggle

There is an art to haggling, especially when it comes to people in the wedding industry. Remember that they deal with weddings and brides regularly, so many suppliers are willing to be flexible. Even if they don’t drop the price, they might throw in some extras.

Remember to be nice when negotiating. Flattery will get you everywhere. Also remember that you aren’t in a boardroom, negotiating a contract, nor are you in a Turkish bazaar where haggling is akin to a battle. No, the nicer you are, the more likely they will be willing to compromise, especially in terms of the flowers, photography and venue.

Just explain your situation to them and you will surely be able to come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement.

Creativity, Resourcefulness and Realism

The Three Elements of a Perfect Wedding on a Budget
The more creative you are, the more money you can save. For example, consider using the same product for a number of things, such as decorating the venue with the flowers used in the ceremony.

Instead of buying everything in local stores, search online because you can often find great deals on lots of things including favors. Also don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for favors. You never know who your friends are connected to. It could be people that might be able to provide their services at a discounted price, or even for free.

In the end, the key to the perfect wedding is being happy. If you are stressed out over how much money has been spent, the last thing you will do is enjoy yourself. So, if you really want the perfect wedding, then be realistic and realize that your wedding will last for one day and your marriage will last a lifetime.

Related posts:

1. Beat the Wedding Budget Blues
2. How to Stretch Your Wedding Budget
3. Wedding Budget Tips

Outdoor Wedding Setting by Paul Schultz

If you are an advocate for the environment, you know that a wedding can cause a lot of destruction to the Earth, and consider using some eco-friendly tactics to make your day a success for you and the environment.

One big problem with going green is the expense.

Serving organic meals, using environmentally-friendly businesses, and finding items made by small, local merchants can eat away at your budget.

Luckily, there are ways to incorporate green practices into your wedding and save money at the same time.

Send Less Mail

First, consider the amount of paper you use during the wedding process. Though it might be tempting to go overboard with announcements and invitations, there really is no need. Instead of sending engagement announcements, save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and wedding announcements, use the Internet to get some of this information across to your friends and family. Using email and a wedding website can eliminate a giant chunk of your paper products, helping the Earth and your wallet at the same time.

For some people, though, there’s just no way to get around sending some type of invitation through the mail. If Great-Aunt Muriel just isn’t quite in the technological age yet, or you want to set a more formal tone for your wedding, you will at the very least need to send out the wedding invitations the old-fashioned way.

If you’re sending out invites, you can still cut back on the amount of paper your invites use by avoiding large square invites, which will both lessen your paper waste and save on postage; you can even ditch the envelope altogether and use postcard-styled invitations– even cheaper postage, and don’t you look trendy! You can also get rid of RSVP cards by asking your guests to RSVP via phone or email instead of mailing a card and envelope. This saves paper and the cost of another batch of stamps (but be warned that it might lead to a lot of people forgetting to respond).

Ditch the Programs

You can save on paper products at the wedding itself, also. Instead of ceremony programs, place a large posterboard with details at the entrance of the church or ceremony location. Most people glance at the program during the service, but throw them away shortly after. This might cut down on several hundred sheets of paper being wasted, depending on the size of your guest list.

Move it Outside

Another great way to help the environment is to be out in it. Host the reception outdoors, so you won’t be using air conditioning or heating to keep guests comfortable and have the ability to reduce the amount of electricity used on indoor lighting. As an added bonus, you won’t need to buy a bunch of cut flowers to decorate the area, because you’ll have living foliage already decorating the area for you. Reserving an outdoor location is often less expensive than choosing something indoors, it’s cheaper to decorate, and you’re being green by actually being out in the green, which sounds almost poetic.

Streamline the Send-Off

If you are considering something wasteful such as paper decorations or something that might be harmful to wildlife such as latex balloons, opt for a more eco-friendly alternative. Instead of having guests toss confetti, have them blow bubbles as you leave the celebration. Better yet, just have everyone create an aisle and wave to bid you farewell. Not only is this better for the environment, it looks great in photos.

A great rule of thumb to observe when planning a budget-friendly green wedding is “less is more.” The simpler and smaller the wedding, the less damage imposed on the environment. When planning each aspect of a wedding, couples with concerns about the environment and their budget need to consider their impact from beginning to end, and while this can be time-consuming, it can also be very rewarding when, at the end of the day, you know you have helped the Earth and saved some money.

Related posts:

1. Green Weddings Made Easy
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3. Going Green on Your Honeymoon

Videos really do last forever.

Do you feel that an inability to hire him will ruin your special day?

This could lead you to overpay for something that you can get elsewhere for a lot less.

This, in turn, might mean that you have to cut costs on other important aspects of the wedding, like the dress, the food, or the flowers, for example.

You may even have to cut back on the honeymoon.

In truth, the video will last forever, so it may be worth it to spend a little more, but there’s simply no reason to toss the budget out the window and drag yourself into debt over one day, especially not when there are so many options that will allow you to save.

Here are just a few ways that you can get the wedding video of a lifetime for a lot less.

Get Referrals

You should start by getting referrals from friends, family, and other acquaintances.  Finding a great videographer begins with a referral from someone you trust.  It can also keep you from approaching a vendor that isn’t in your price range.

And by going to a videographer on the referral of someone who has already used his services, you may be eligible for some kind of discount right off the bat.  Of course, it couldn’t hurt to do some searching on your own, as well.  You need to look at a lot of different vendors before you choose the one that is right for you (financially and aesthetically).

Browse Local Websites

You can start by looking for vendors in your area that have websites.  This way you can narrow down your list of candidates without having to waste time running all over town.

It’s important that you find someone local to shoot your wedding video, so if you’re planning a destination wedding, you need to take that into consideration.  This will significantly cut down on associated costs since you don’t want to have to pay for travel, lodgings, and other expenses in addition to the cost of service.  And by looking through online albums or demo reels, you can get an instant feel for the quality and style of the services offered.

This will also help you determine which vendors are in your price range.  People are often tempted to look at prices first and product second.  And this is certainly a good way to ensure that you don’t end up with a videographer that is beyond your means.  But you shouldn’t discount someone simply because you deem his services too cheap.  Many videographers who are just starting out may charge less because they lack experience or exposure, but that doesn’t make them any less talented, so perhaps you should check out their work before you write them off.

Video Packages

Finally, you’ll need to select a video package.  You can actually save a lot here by simply asking for the raw footage.  You don’t really need an edited video set to music to remember your wedding day.

Instead, get all of the footage on a disc (probably the least expensive since there’s no additional labor).  You can then download it to your computer and use a basic (probably free) program to cut together a few clips to send to friends and family or post on Facebook.

Related posts:

1. Why Hire a Wedding Planner?
2. Secrets to Looking Good and Feeling Great

Your father will thank you for being frugal.

And its no wonder with the economic downturn our country has experienced over the last two years.

Today’s engaged couples are striving to do more with less.

Frugal weddings have become chic!

There’s no reason to fret if you are among those who are planning your nuptials with limited resources.

Your parents will thank you for being frugal.

Here are five easy ways to save some money without sacrificing a nice wedding.

Save Money on Your Wedding

1. Don’t get married in June!

June is by and far the most popular month for tying the knot.  Thus, it’s also when churches, photographers, DJs, florists, and caterers are busiest.  Conversely, many of these service providers are hungry for business during winter, early spring, and late fall.  If you haven’t already chosen your date, consider planning your wedding during the off-season.  You will probably be able to negotiate some great deals with your vendors.

2. Choose a unique day and time.

Just as June is the most popular month for getting married, Saturday is most popular day of the week, and late afternoon or evening is the most common time of day.  Break the mold by planning your wedding on a different day and at a unique time.  Not only will you find it easier to book the venue and suppliers of your choice, but you’ll probably also realize some great savings in doing so.

As an added bonus, you can create a really unique wedding that your guests won’t soon forget.  After all, what could be more original than a Sunday morning wedding, followed by a lavish Sunday brunch served to your guests?

3. Seek out low-cost (or possibly free) venues.

Assuming you don’t have your heart set on saying your “I do’s” in a special church or pricey hotel, consider choosing a less expensive spot.  Some alternative wedding locations that won’t break the bank could include a local park or community garden.

If your guest list isn’t too large, you might even be able to swing a free wedding space by soliciting a friend or family member to use their home or yard.

Tip: Check out the backyards of any friends who are avid gardeners, as these can be really charming spots.

4. Plant your own flowers!

A great way to save money on decorations and flowers at your wedding is by donning your gardening gloves and planting your own.  Choose some unique pots or planter boxes that coordinate with your wedding colors and decorations, and do your planting several weeks or months in advance so they’ll be ready when the big day arrives. 

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t hire a florist as well, but by creating a few of your own arrangements, you can definitely rein in the costs on flowers.  As an added bonus, when the wedding is over, your new plants will have a happy home in you and your spouse’s new abode.  That brings us to our fifth and final money saving tip…

5. Look for decorations that can be re-purposed in your new home.

Why blow your budget on a bunch of decorations that will only get used once?  For example, what are you going to do with a bunch of white wedding bells or faux doves after the ceremony is over?  Conversely, if you can combine some of your wedding budget with money reserved for decorating your new home, you may be able to stretch your dollars farther.

Large vases or urns can make great wedding decorations, and can then be repurposed in the new couple’s home once the nuptials are over.  If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, consider a wedding arbor over the altar that can later be permanently placed in your new backyard.  These kinds of decorations are money well spent because they will serve as special mementos for years to come in your home.

While planning a wedding on a budget can require some sacrifices, it shouldn’t be cause for major frustration or disappointment.  Step back, think outside the box, and find ways to save money while still planning a wedding that’s as unique as you and your significant other!

Related posts:

1. More Ways to Save on Your Wedding
2. Bizarre Ways to Have an Incredibly Cheap Wedding
3. 6 Ways to Save on Wedding Jewelry

Flowers are a wonderful asset to any event, but at weddings they’re often center stage, next to the bride. Unfortunately, beautiful flowers can also be quite expensive, especially if they’re freshly cut.

To help offset costs and still have the wedding of your dreams, find out how to save big with beautiful budget flowers.

Go Local
When it comes to flowers, it usually pays to go local. As you’re planning your wedding, be sure to check prices with as many local florists as you can. You don’t want to get stuck with a hefty flower delivery charge and comparing prices is the best way to check to see if you’re getting a good value. Even if you have your heart set on a certain type of flower, you can help lower the cost by pairing it with the cheapest flowers of the season.

Consider Your Venue
If you’re open to outdoor weddings or have the opportunity to do something not quite so traditional, you may want to consider choosing a wedding location such as a garden or a restaurant or banquet hall with a garden as the wedding location. The price of flowers can definitely be a budgetary woe for some bride-to-be’s but if your venue has a built-in flower selection, you’ll save bunches.

Another option is to choose your venue and see if another couple is planning on being married on the same day. If you feel comfortable, there’s nothing wrong with asking the other bride and groom if they’re willing to split the cost of flower decorations, flower delivery and florist fees. You would have to have similar tastes, but you could both wind up saving a pretty penny.

Choose The Date Wisely
As they say, timing is everything. Depending on the month and season you choose for your wedding, you may wind up saving big on flowers, or paying extra. If your wedding is going to take place near Christmas or Easter and you’re getting married in a church, it’s likely that the church will have quite a few decorations in place. You’ll probably still want some of your own, but you won’t have to buy so many.

Likewise, getting married during the month of February, especially if the big day is close to Valentine’s Day, can increase your flower rates. There’s a higher demand for flowers in general during this time, so prices will automatically go up across the board, no matter which kind and how many you choose.

Think DIY
If you’re hard-pressed to find a florist that suits your needs and your wallet, don’t be afraid to engage in a little Do It Yourself action. You’ll need plenty of time before the wedding, but you can plant your own flowers in your own garden or enlist the help of family and friends to plant in their gardens. If you give yourself enough time, the flowers should be ready in time for your wedding and all you’ll have to worry about it cutting and arranging them to your specifications. No flower delivery charge in sight.

Have Fun
The most important thing to remember about flowers is that they’re fun, pure and simple. Don’t get too caught up in the stress of wedding planning that you forget to get a little creative with your flower selections and arrangements. Try decorating the flowers with streamers, ribbons, mirrors or other decorative pieces. As long as you stay within budget, the sky’s the limit.

This article was written exclusively for STL Weddings by Jodi Smith. Jodi is a writer for an online flower delivery website, a loving wife, a caring mother, and an avid florist. In her free time she enjoys baking and reading to her children.

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