Martha Stewart

I was looking through a Summer 2005 Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and came across an article titled "50 ways to trim your budget" and I found a few that I like. For example:

18. While most popular bridal flowers are available year round, some traditiona ones, for example - peonies and lily-of-the-valley - can be difficult to find and expensive out of season. Seek your florist's advice before deciding on your flowers. (Roses, they're pretty standard.)

19. Mix berries, pinecones (for winter), and other economical nonfloral embellishments among costlier blooms to fill out bouquets and displays. (I want holly and berries in the bouquets.)

37. Borrow accessories from family and friends instead of buying them; this can also provide your "something borrowed." (My wedding dress is borrowed...)

42. Eliminate reply cards and have guests hand-write a note instead. You'll save on stationery and postage, and the responses will be great keepsakes. (Momma convinced me of this one a while back, but it's still a good idea.)

43. Prioritize aspects of the wedding that are most important to you. By compromising in some areas, you can afford to splurge on others. (This seems a little bit obvious...)

44. Use a personal car rather than a limousine to get to and from the reception. (Momma called this one a while back too...)

47. Pay wedding costs with a credit card to earn frequent-flyer miles toward your honeymoon. Just make sure to avoid incurring interest charges by paying the balance in full each month. (I never would have thought of this, but it's an excellent idea.)

50. After the event, donate your flowers to a hopital or nursing home; it's a thoughtful thing to do and also a tax deduction. (This sounds like an excellent idea, especially since then you know that someone is enjoying them and you don't have dozens of flowers all over the place and then you have to throw some away because you have too many.)