Don't Forget the Groomsmen!

Before I really got into the research aspect, I used to believe that the groomsmen just stood up at the church and looked handsome for everyone... little did I know they actually have a few expectations...So for those of you out there like me who may not have known, heres a list of their traditional "expectations."

•  Lighting the aisle candelabra 15 minutes before the ceremony
• Seating guests
• Taking down pew ribbons as the pews are needed
• Putting the aisle runner in position and removing it after the ceremony
• Participating in the processional and recessional
• Escorting the bride’s and groom’s parents out, then dismissing one aisle at a time after the ceremony
• Dancing with the bride and bridesmaids

Five Ways to Save

Save a significant amount of money with just these five tips!

1. Cut the Guest list (can save up to $200 per person!)

2. Cut out Liquor - instead go for one signature drink plus beer and wine

3. Skip Flower girls bouquets - use alternatives (see an upcoming post for more ideas)

4. Order a 2 tiered cake - then cut up a sheet cake in the back

5. Used digital printing for stationary (saves about $1000!)

For more tips like this visit www.theknot.com

How to Save on Catering

•       Do not have a sit down dinner; instead choose a brunch, afternoon tea, desert or late-night cocktails.

•       Have your guests choose their meal choice in advance.

•       Choose liquors priced at the mid-line.  Don’t go for the most expensive.

Main Task: DECIDE ON A DATE

All of these fabulous tips were take from 1000 Best Wedding Bargains.  It’s a great book filled of 1000 (yes that’s right – 1000) best wedding bargains.

1.     Avoid May to September as this is peak wedding season

2.     Winter has lower prices, and makes for wonderful snowy photos

3.     You are less likely to compete with family and friend’s weddings in off season times

4.     Be wary of holidays – many places choose to charge more just because it’s a holiday

5.     New Year’s Eve/Day and Valentine’s day are the most popular wedding holidays, prices with be much higher and vendors will be hard to find

6.     Avoid super bowl Sunday – it will spike the price of your bar tab.

7.     Holidays can also increase the prices of travel for guests

8.     Choose other days besides Saturday, you’ll be amazed at how much you can save

9.     Save almost 20% by having your reception between 1pm and 5pm on a Saturday

10. Fridays are becoming more popular for weddings, but also allow a savings between 15-20%

11. Have a luncheon or afternoon tea on Sunday as your reception

12. Save 30 to 40% by choosing Thursday nights (best when all friends and family are in town or it’s a holiday weekend)