You can have beautiful arrangements on a budget by opting to place potted plants throughout your ceremony and at reception sites, instead of ordering expensive floral arrangements. Use colorful, glazed ceramic pots, or dress up earthy terracotta stoneware with ribbons, decoupage, or decorative paint effects. The plants can be distributed as gifts for guests, or the bride and groom may choose to take the plants home.
If you have the time, you should try something relaxing the morning of the wedding day. A great choice would be getting a half an hour massage before your big day so that you can relieve a bit of your stress.
If you are having a destination wedding, why not treat your guests with an indulgent gift basket delivered right to their hotel rooms? The basket should contain useful items such as a map, sunglasses, disposable cameras and a hat. You may also want to include a guide for the restaurants in the area so they can choose where they prefer to eat.
Whilst you may feel guilty for not following family traditions or recommendations, you need to remember that your wedding day is yours, not theirs. While family members may feel compelled to offer limitless advice and suggestions, a polite and firm 'no, thank you' is entirely appropriate. Doing so means you can reflect upon your wedding free of regret.
Choosing centerpieces for your reception tables can be a difficult and costly decision. Avoid overbearing table decor; instead, opt for something simple yet elegant pieces. This has the added advantage of not making it difficult for guests to talk to each other due to a huge obstruction.
If you plan to give a speech at a wedding, write out and practice what you will say beforehand. You want to write a wedding speech ahead of time, and practice it until you know it by heart. If not, you may become tongue-tied and do a poor job of it when the time comes.
If you're one of the many people who don't want to spend upward of a thousand dollars on a fat-and-sugar-laden wedding cake, check with local bakeries for lighter, individual-sized wedding pastry suggestions. Bakeries can offer options, such as sugar free cupcakes or a gluten-free cake, if you want a healthier option or if you have guests with special dietary needs.
Take a long time to write your vows, as this is something that is very important towards your husband or wife. Understand that marriage is a very strong commitment that requires the both of you to make sacrifices. Express your love in your vows.
Consider placing your colorful cake on a piece of fabric or tablecloth in a coordinating color. To make things interesting, fabric can be solid, patterned or heavily textured materials of silk, satin or velvet.
Think about your guests when planning flower arrangements for the reception. Usually, the flowers are only in your guests' way. Some people attending your wedding may have pollen allergies, as well. Adorn the tables with romantic, non-scented candles instead.
You can still manage to pull off an amazing, elaborate ceremony without going wild with the budget. These tips can help you save money, while still creating a romantic, dream wedding.