ON THE MONEY offering one signature drink (like a gourmet martini) along with beer, soda and juices. Another idea: Buy cases of a favorite local wine and serve just that. ➍ LIMIT THE LIMOS. It’s nice to pull up to the ceremony location in a sleek limo or classic car, but consider skipping the rides elsewhere to save money. Instead have your brother or a cousin chauffeur you and your new hubby to the reception. ➎ DON’T GO FLOWER MAD. There are plenty of ways to keep your bill from blooming: Buy flowers wholesale and give them to a florist to work with or create centerpieces that use candles and just a few beautiful blooms. A profusion of petals looks lush and lovely, but keep in mind you can get the same effect with fewer flowers than you think. ➏ AVOID IMPULSE BUYING. Got everything on your list? Then stop shopping. If you’ve already bought your bridesmaids lovely shawls, and you see pretty handbags that would match… and sparkly earrings…put them down.
DRESS SHOPPING • ERASE THE EMOTION. If you were the girl who pinned towels in her hair to play bride, you may need extra help with this step. Pulling the emotion out of the event and remaining level-headed as you shop for your dress will help you stay within the bounds of both budget and practicality. If it helps, bring your mom and a down-to-earth pal along with you. • KNOW WHAT KIND OF SHOPPER YOU ARE. Some brides relish the hunt for the ideal dress, and happily book a number of appointments at bridal salons. They like having a salesperson who offers ideas and selects gown styles for them. Others would really love to just slip into a store (a department store, a specialty boutique, a secondhand shop) and find their dress hanging there on the rack. Both ways are possible. Decide which kind of shopper you are, and work accordingly. • DON’T SECOND-GUESS YOURSELF. Think you’ve found The One? Then you probably have. Look no further—and relax.
QUICK TIP It’s likely everyone will be going snap-happy with their camera phones. To avoid ending up with 300 nearly identical shots, give guests a few ideas (print up a card to place on each table). Suggest one photo of each couple at the table, some goofy dance pics and a surprise shot of their choice—all to be shared later.
PHOTOGRAPHY: LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY;V
Wedding budgets have a way of expanding like a balloon. Keep yours from popping (and give yourself some wiggle room for those unexpected expenses or must-haves) by reining in spending. Here, six smart saving tips: ➊ BORROW. Did you totally love the tiara your sister wore? Borrow it for your ensemble! You can borrow jewelry (just like the stars do at Oscar time) and other accessories, honeymoon luggage (no reason to splurge on new suitcases if your parents have good stuff), vases for centerpieces (if you’re doing these yourself) and so on. ➋ USE PEOPLE’S DIY SKILLS. If your aunt is a sewing whiz, she can create a veil or even do alterations on your dress. A skilled artist can create personalized invitations. A crafty pal can come up with a fun favor. An avid scrapbooker can put together an album for you. Just let them know this will be their wedding gift to you. ➌ CREATE A SIGNATURE DRINK. If you’re tempted to save by having a cash bar, stop! Instead, cut down on liquor costs by
