How to Plan a Cheap Wedding
by Claire Bowes
There’s no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is $20,000 – $25,000, and weddings are estimated to be a $25.3 billion industry. But don’t worry if your budget cannot stretch for the most expensive custom-made gown, elegant invitation cards, or the top photographer, it doesn’t mean that your wedding will be any less unique or special than anyone else’s.
You just need a bit of guidance and a few tips to help you achieve the dream of your big day. Here are a few suggestions with tips on how to save on some of the more expensive aspects of a wedding.
Wedding Gowns
Do you really need a hand-made wedding dress with beads and diamantes? This is where the big cost is and there are several options in cutting the cost. Why not opt for a second-hand wedding dress? It’s probably only been worn once anyway and you can get a once expensive dress for half the price. Consider buying an evening gown/cocktail dress from a department store or look into renting your wedding dress for the day.
The Reception
This is where the cost of a wedding can get out of hand. The wedding reception is normally the biggest expense, but one of the easiest to cut down on costs. Statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend a wedding, this is a lot. Try and keep your guest list to a minimum, do you really need to invite family members who you have never seen for years? Instead of a three-course meal why not opt for a hot and cold buffet (even cater for yourself)? Instead of holding the reception in an expensive hotel suite or wedding reception, why not consider having it at someone’s home or a club, or even book a restaurant. Keep an open bar to a minimal and only serve beer, wine and soft drinks.
Photography
The obvious choice is to shop around for the best rates, but consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony only and ask a family member or friend to take snap photos of the reception. Or you could go one step further and ask them to take the photographs for the whole day and not bother with the expense of a photographer at all.
Invitations / Stationery
If you’re on a budget and looking for cheaper wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/invitation-cards.html. There are many online stationer’s that will offer this service free of charge. You pay for the paper and envelopes, then use their software to print directly from your own PC. With sophisticated customization tools you'll be able to enter your own text and preview it before you print so as not to make any costly mistakes. Alternatively, you can buy software and do-it-yourself from your PC.
Miscellaneous
Flowers can be another great expense, but also an unnecessary one. Why not buy wholesale flowers, or pick flowers from your garden (or a friends or relatives). Buy plain gold or white gold wedding bands as these are the cheapest. Get a friend to make your wedding cake for you and opt for a smaller tier cake and it doesn’t have to be a fruit cake – try a sponge, chocolate or carrot cake! Make your favors and center-peices yourself. Accessories for these can be found at little outlet stores or online. Lastly, instead of a limousine why not rent a car or borrow a luxury car from a friend or relative?
Summary
Weddings are expensive if you want them to be. But if you want to keep money aside for a deposit on a house or a honeymoon to remember, then there are many cost cutting ideas. All you need is a little imagination, and some help from friends and family and you too can have a luxury wedding with all the trimmings.
How To Make Cooling Neck Ties
by Brian Fogarty
Have you ever used a cooling necktie? If you have I bet two things surprised you. How they helped you keep cool and how much they cost. About $8 each. Ouch!
This article shows you how to make your own, for just a few cents.
Supplies you will need:
1 yd cotton fabric that is at least 42" wide and a maximum of 45". This will make 8 ties Wash the fabric before use.
Water absorbing polymers these are available at hardware's for gardening or you can purchase them at Watersorb http://www.watersorb.com If ordering from Watersorb, order the medium granules.
A tape measure.
Sewing machine.
Scissors.
1. Cut or tear strips 4 1/2" wide by the fabric width eg 
How To Make Cooling Neck Ties
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The Best Things In Life Really Are Free!
by Jennifer Holder
Who ever said you couldn't get something for nothing sure was wrong. My husband likes to call me the "Freebie Queen" because one of my all time favorite hobbies is searching for things that I can receive for free. Well you can begin to fill your mailbox with free goodies too all that is required of you is a little bit of time and research. I have received loads of free goodies over the past few years including product samples, full sized bottles of shampoo, diapers, baby formula, cosmetics, oral hygiene products, magazine subscriptions, coupons for free products... the list is almost endless.
If you have spent any amount of time on the internet I am sure you have seen all of the freebie sites that are out there these days. There are literal The Best Things In Life Really Are Free!
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Confessions of a Retread Wife
by Barbara Eastom Bates
My name is Barbara and I am a proud Marine Corps wife. I am the granddaughter of a Korean War Veteran and the daughter of a military brat. Long before meeting my Marine Corps husband I had gypsy feet from my childhood spent with a father who, after growing up in the Navy, could never remain in one place too long. I coveted the stories of my father’s youth, growing up on military bases and seeing the world.
Perhaps then it was no surprise to anyone when some years later, I was again charmed by the stories of adventure and ideals of patriotism another man in uniform brought into my life. But despite my initial fascination with the military, when a marriage license and a Budget Truck found me halfway across the country as a new bride Confessions of a Retread Wife
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Do You Know What To Do If Someone You Loved One Is In the Hospital?
by Tammy Gonzales
If someone you know and love is in the hospital there are a few things you need to know especially if you are the Heath Care Agent or the surrogate that will be acting and making decisions for the patient.
Keep a notebook and a pen available with you at all times. You will have many things going through your mind that you may need to keep track of and the notebook will be helpful. Much of this information will be exchanged in the days to come with physicians, other family members and friends, and the discharge planner. Family or friends may be asking you questions and offering to do things for you. You do not have to do all of the writing, assign whoever is with you to do some of the writing for you.
Be sure to use the opportunities Do You Know What To Do If Someone You Loved One Is In the Hospital?
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