Budget Weddings for $mart Brides

Homemade Guest Gifts, Bride-to-Be Advice Crafts for Bridal Shower

I just threw a bridal shower for my daughter. I wanted to make gifts personal and meaningful by involving guests. At the shower we had guests write notes to the bride and groom on household items give as wedding gifts. Here are shower games and crafts to make for brides-to-be. Cheap Bridal Shower Crafts

Cheap, Personalized Bridal Shower Crafts for Wedding Gifts

Meadow Brook Hall, Detroit's Period Romantic Wedding, Honeymoon Destination

When I first rode up the cobbled, gas-lit drive to Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills, Michigan, outside Detroit, I felt I'd been transported back to Regency England. Looking for an intimate interlude amid the bustle of contemporary life? Tour the Meadow Brook Hall and grounds. Refuel your inner romantic with vintage Tudor splendor. And be on the lookout for a special treat hidden in the woods. Meadow Brook Hall, Detroit's Period Romance

Double Duty Bridal Shower Decorations, Prizes, Wedding Gifts

I've said before that I'm a party gal. I love planning festivities with a low-cost, repurposed, recycled, homemade Here are cheap, double-duty party prizes and bridal shower prizes and wedding party gifts for receptions or showers. Reuse decorations as game prizes, bridal gifts and thank-you presents. Here are suggestions. Double Duty Bridal Shower Decorations, Prizes, Wedding Gifts

Host a Coed Bridal Shower; Gender Neutral Party for Guys and Gals

I'm a party girl! I've organized kids' parties, receptions, open houses, theme parties and showers. Currently, I'm hosting a different kind of event: a coed shower. No, you don't bathe together; it's a gender-neutral bridal shower with men and women guests. It's a little outside the box and not all guests maybe comfortable with it. Most importantly, throw a coed shower only at the bride and groom's request. They're the ones you have to please, first and last. Here's how to throw one. Host a Coed Shower; Unisex Wedding/Bridal Party

Free Printable Check Transaction Register, Financial Organizers, Wedding Planners

Brides to be, one of the biggest mistakes married couples make is to start out in debt. A good way to keep wedding costs in check (no pun intended) is to record purchases. Whether you purchase with debit card, checkbook, credit card or cash, keep a balance sheet of wedding expenses. Here are free printable checkbook and debit card registers to help keep wedding spending under control. Keeping a balanced checkbook, including ACH and debit card transactions makes financial sense and cents. If you note down every check you write, ACH purchase you make and debit card transaction you complete, you will keep better account of your wedding finances. Printable Check Register, Financial Organizers

Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner on a Budget

The rehearsal dinner allows you to thank your wedding party for helping to make your big day special. Typically the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner. However, not everyone understands this protocol (my in-laws didn't). If your in-laws aren't forthcoming about whether they will pay for the rehearsal dinner, proceed under the assumption that they aren't. It's not worth creating drama over (weddings usually cause enough drama to go around!). Plan your own rehearsal dinner and consider these budget friendly options. Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner on a Budget

How We Got Cheap Wedding Rings for Bride and Groom Under $200

When we got married, my husband and I paid for our wedding and reception. To cut costs, we looked for cheap wedding rings. For less than $200 we bought a diamond engagement ring, woman's wedding ring and man's wedding ring. 25 years later we're still wearing those wedding bands. Here's how we saved. How We Got Cheap Wedding Rings Under $200

My Cheap Wedding Reception Under $800

My husband and I paid for our own wedding and reception. We paid everything off in advance, incurred no debt and charged nothing. Our cheap wedding reception cost under $800 for 150 people, including food, cake, decorations, music, flowers, equipment and hall rental. This was 25 years ago, but I could still do it today and so can you. Just follow our frugal lead. My Cheap Wedding Reception Under $800

Cheap Wedding Dresses Under $100--New and Used

There's an insidious and unfair misnomer that you can't have a cheap wedding that's nice. Saving money on weddings doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Planning a budget wedding? Good girl--you're smart. You're doubtless looking for cheap wedding dresses. I'm the bargain-minded bride's go-to gal for bridal gowns under $100. Some online vendors offer free shipping, too. Check these sources for a cheap wedding dress. Where to Find Cheap Wedding Dresses Under $100