Lately, I’ve been getting the same question pretty frequently: Did we stick to our 12k wedding budget?

The short answer is no.

Here’s the long answer:

Before I started planning, I should’ve done more research on how much average costs were for weddings and receptions in our area. I would have had a more realistic view of things. Instead we threw out an arbitrary number based on our first estimate of how much we might’ve been able to save leading up to our wedding date.

We compromised on a lot of things like decor, catering and parking for our guests. But after a lot of discussion, there ended up being some things we absolutely did not want to comprise on.

Like the premium open bar. Everyone enjoyed themselves so thoroughly, which in turn made it a crazy good time for us. And I’m so glad we were able to slip that one in.

In the end we ended up spending about 15k. We saved a lot in a lot of places but ended up going over after all.

It’s one of those things. If I had it to do over again, I’m confident we could’ve gotten a lot closer to 12k but we’re not expecting any do-overs in this lifetime.

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Technorati Tags: 12kwedding, Bar, Catering, Decor, research, wedding budget

Now I know, if you’re ladies (and gents) after my own hearts, you went out and bought lots of holiday decorations 99% off on December 26th. If not, shame on you, you deserve to pay every penny of full price.

If you did happen to get some good deals, hopefully Christmas lights made an appearance in your shopping cart. Try using these little beauties as part of your wedding decorations.

Before you even fix your face to frown and call me tacky, just hear me out.

Now, in my defense, I’ve not seen this done tastefully in person, but I’m willing to guess it’s completely possible.

When done the right way, those tiny bursts of white light can probably do wonders at a wedding.

What do you think? Can it be done? Is it possible?

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Technorati Tags: Christmas, Decor, lights, Reception, Wedding

I’ve been thinking more and more about the centerpieces for the tables. I just don’t know what I’d put in these vases. I was going through my wedding files on my computer this morning and ran across a picture I’d saved a while ago. I’ve probably posted it already but who know when and in what context. Me thinks I might be able to use it though.

What if we did a large 36″ ivory balloon at every table, along with a bud vase with one or two inexpensive flowers, and the information cards like these I plan to hijack, which include the menu, afterparty plans and the table number?

What do you think? Could I pull it off?

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Technorati Tags: After Party, Balloon, Bud Vase, Decor, Flowers, latex balloons, menu, wedding reception

For all you crafty brides and even the wannabees like myself, Glidden Paint is giving away free paint that can be used for your next project.

Through July 2, 2009, got to Glidden.com and choose the color that you like. Glidden will send you a free quart of your favorite color in 3-4 weeks.

Think creatively on this one. After you get your paint, feel free to share your DIY pictures with us and I’ll be sure to post them.

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Technorati Tags: craft, Decor, DIY, Free, Glidden, paint

I want to do a DIY project with paint sample cards from the hardware store.

Not because I have a project in mind. But because it would be an accomplishment.

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Just saw this wheat grass centerpiece expample over at Weddingbee PRO.

I love the little flowers for a softer touch.

Source: Angel Swanson at Weddingbee PRO

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Technorati Tags: Centerpiece, Decor, Flowers, Reception, Wheat Grass

If you missed the first 75, you can find them here:

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 1-25

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 26-50

101 Ways to Save on Your Wedding: 51-75

——————————————————

76.    Use silk flowers in your real bouquet to replace those blooms that you really want but are too expensive or difficult to get
77.    If you have a bar, nix the iced tea/punch offered by the caterer. Your guests can soft drinks from the bar instead
78.    Before you purchase anything online, use a site like retailmenot.com to find discount codes and promotional coupons
79.    Use Ball canning jars as vases. You can usually find a case of 12 for less than $10.
80.    Grow your own wheat grass to use for centerpieces or to hold the escort cards
81.    Use chalkboard paint and chalk to transform a piece of plywood into a seating chart
82.    For the groom and the groomsmen, most places will provide a free tux for the groom with 5 or 6 paid rentals.
83.    Use carnations. One of the most expensive flowers, carns look gorgeous when bunched together instead of just being added as an afterthought
84.    Use branches from your own yard to serve as the tree to hold escort cards
85.    Use a clothesline with clothespins to display your escort cards, especially if you’re planning an outdoor wedding
86.    Check sites like travelzoo.com for hotel deals to block rooms for your out of town guests
87.    For the cake, skip the intricate adornment work and instead opt for a plain cake with simple details that can be dressed
88.    Have your rehearsal dinner at a local eatery that’s special to you as a couple. It doesn’t need to be formal, so choose a limited menu within your price range
89.    Add your wedding and engagement rings to your current homeowners or renters insurance policy and get a multiple-policy discount
90.    Skip the videographer. Instead, have a family member document your day. It’ll be a lot less expensive (hopefully, free!) and a lot more meaningful
91.     Sew your own ring bearer pillow. Of course you can add your own style to it, but simple directions can be found at http://www.ehow.com/how_17555_make-pillow-ring.html
92.    If you absolutely must use a credit card to pay for your wedding, which I highly discourage, find a card with 0% interest or a cash back feature: http://moneycentral.msn.com/banking/services/creditcard.asp
93.    If you’re interested in using a live musician during the wedding ceremony, contact the Music School at your local University and offer the gig to a talented student
94.    Instead of providing a full open bar for your guests, choose a few signature drinks that will be available throughout the night. This will cut down on the variety and amount of liquor that the bartender will need to stock
95.    Skip the champagne toast. Instead, guests will naturally just toast with whatever they have in their glass at the time.
96.    Host wedding parties (bridal shower, bachelorette party etc.) at someone’s house rather than renting a separate space
97.    Have your wedding in a park or other natural space, where little to no extra décor is needed
98.    Use your bouquets or pew arrangements as reception décor, either a the cake table or head table.
99.    If you’re completely overwhelmed and have no idea where to start, hire a wedding planner. If you really research and find a good one, they will actually save you more money than you think with all their industry connections and insight.
100.    Find your flowers at local farmer’s markets. In Detroit, for instance, the Eastern Market is a great resource for a wide variety of inexpensive flowers
101.    Look for contests online to find giveaways on everything from dresses and shoes to airfare and spa services

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Technorati Tags: Bar, Decor, Flowers, Free Stuff, Discounts, Contests, list, rings, Wedding Party, Wheat Grass

Different elements can be used in place of flowers for centerpieces.

Of course we’ve already talked about peas, fruit, feathers, balloons and wheat grass…twice.

Although I still haven’t decided exactly what we’ll do for ours, here are a couple more ideas you might want to incorporate in your wedding reception table settings.

Seashells

Especially if you’re getting married on the beach, seashells are the way to go. They’re generally pretty cheap and if you’re willing to spend a little time and have a little patience, you can likely find all the shells you need for free.

Source: Millie Holloman Photography

Colored water

Not my favorite, but an option nonetheless. This could work for you, especially if you’re having a hard time finding decorations in your wedding colors.

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Technorati Tags: Balloons, Candles, Centerpieces, Decor, fruit, Reception, seashells, water, Wheat Grass

Have you seen DollarTree.com lately? I suggest you have a look-see.

In the vases and bowls section, they have plenty of options that could be used to help build centerpieces for your reception tables. Everything doesn’t have to cost a fortune. And of course, all of these are only $1.

Side note: I used to always tell my mother, “If you say bucks instead of dollars, it makes it sounds like less. So that means 20 dollars seems like a lot more than 20 bucks.”

So all the bowls and vases are only a buck

A few examples for your viewing pleasure (of course the flowers and candles are sold separately):

Antiqued Bronze Plastic Pedestal Vase

Black Ceramic Garden Dishes/Planter

Glass Cylinder Vase

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Technorati Tags: Centerpiece, Decor, dollar, dollar store, dollar tree, Reception, Table, Vase

1. Hold your wedding on any day other than Saturday. Saturday’s are priced at premium rates so try a Friday or Sunday instead
2. Negotiate with your vendors. They might be willing to cut the rate if you’re willing to go without some of their services that aren’t essential
3. Share décor/supplies with another bride
4. Provide liquor yourself from a wholesale store, like BevMo, Sam’s Club or Costco
5. Purchase a used dress from a site like OnceWed.com, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com or the WeddingBee.com Classifieds
6. Purchase a bridesmaid dress as a bridal gown
7. Create your own bouquet with store bought flowers. Check out DIY Instructional videos like this one here
8. Get ready at home and don’t pay for a hotel room
9. Drive your own car and don’t rent a limo
10. Get married at a public place with little or no rental fee like a local community center
11. Shop for décor at the dollar store. Just be aware that they might have a better in-store selection than online
12. Wear borrowed jewelry from a friend or family member to add a free personal touch
13. Wear shoes you already own
14. Don’t use flowers on the reception tables. Use other items that are less expensive but that have just as much character, like feathers, moss and books
15. Don’t give out favors. Guests usually throw them away anyway, making them a general waste of moneyDon’t rent chair covers. Use the chairs that come with your venue. In most pictures the guests will be sitting in the chairs anyway
16. Don’t rent chair covers. Use the chairs that come with your venue. In most pictures the guests will be sitting in the chairs anyway
17. Skip the aisle runner
18. Buy Christmas lights on clearance after the holiday and use them to set the mood at your wedding
19. Use weekly coupons mailed from craft stores like Michael’s and Jo-Ann Fabrics. Each one is usually good for about 20% off
20. If you’re purchasing the flower girl dresses, look for them during or right after the Easter holiday for deep discounts
21. Instead of expensive gifts, give your attendants handwritten notes of thanks
22. Put the money you don’t need right away in a CD to allow the money to grow for you with little effort. Check rates on a site like bankrate.com
23. Purchase décor from an auction site like ebay.com
24. Visit sample sales at local dress boutiques to find your bridal gown
25. Instead of buying bridal magazines, check them out from the library for free

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Technorati Tags: Bridal Gown, Bridesmaids, Budget, Caterer, Decor, Favors, Food, Venue