Another thing down- the soon to be hubby's grandmother used to own a bakery and he asked her if she would do the wedding cake and she said she would be happy to and just tell her when the wedding is!!!!

First-- Congratulations on your engagment!!! That is great news. Secondly, I am sort of "known" in my family as the wedding planner, so here are some tips I use:

First, use silk flowers and do your won bouquets. They are TONS cheaper than real flowers, last longer and are just as beautiful. Also, skip all the "unnecessary" flowers sucha s on the pews, or centerpieces. Do you remember any of these from any weddings you went to before, chances are you didn't.

Second, skip the programs as they usually end up on the floor or in the garbage by the end of the day. Most people coming to your wedding know you and who is in your wedding party.

Make the invitations yourself on your computer

Call in every favor from all your talented friends.

Disclaimer from me: If you read the above and really want real flowers or programs or whatever, then do it. It is your day and you should have everything you want and enjoy it! These are just suggestions. !!!

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Carrie

I was thinking of doing the invitations on decorated "geo" paper. Would that be too tacky and cheap looking you think???

Bump

I think the invitations should be whatever you want them to be. I did my own and everyone raved about them and wanted to know where I got them. Well they were announcements really since we got married in a private ceremony.

Definitely find someone you can trust to take pictures. Whether its a professional or a friend or family member that does good work. My mom used her brother and her pictures are great. I used a pro and hate mine. The pics I love most were taken by a friend with my camera. You might try a local college or even high school photography class. Often times the students are very good and would do pics for cheap to just build their experience and portfolio.

Are you wanting to do a full dinner or just some snacks to go with the cake?

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

MY BLOG!

I am not sure what to do about food!!! Suggestions?

How many people are you having? That will greatly influence what you decide on for your food if you're trying to do it within a reasonable cost. You might want to get a rough idea of that first...

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First of all, BEST WISHES!!!!!!!

Secondly, frugal tips from my wedding for 300 people...our limo ride was a wedding gift from my SIL's boyfriend who drove a limo on weekends for extra cash.

Our cake was a gift from my MIL's best friend who does cakes for a living...

Our flowers were silk, a gift from my best friend who does silk flowers, and I just had to help. Also, we made my veil and used supplies we got at Michael's. The arrangements were borrowed from the church.

We hired a photographer for formal shots only, and the candids were all done by a friend who photos as a hobby (another gift--he gave sets of all the pix to me, my parents, and my inlaws).

The caterer we had to pay--but she was a friend of the family and cut us a great deal ($4.50 per person for full buffet including roast beef, chicken, potato, 2 veggies, bread, and water/tea/coffee). I don't think she made any money on that.

Really, it depends on what YOU want. Don't feel you have to do a dinner, or have twelve bridesmaids, or take a limo. Whatever you want, and whatever you want to spend your money on, is your decision. Everyone is more likely to remember that they had a nice time
at your wedding than they are to remember that you didn't have twelve bridesmaids.