Weddings are big business.  According to Theknot.com, the cost of the average wedding last year was $32,641.  And that's an average. That means that while, yes, some people are spending significantly less, another [crazy] portion are spending significantly more.

Why so high?

Thanks to movies, magazines, tv and the internet, we've all grown up with this idea of a huge, sparkling, fairy-tale day complete with dancing, candlelight, an abundance of flowers and a dress that makes us feel like a glittery cupcake.  And there's nothing inherently wrong with that.  But the truth of the matter is that it's a cornered market.  It's a once in a lifetime event that companies know you're not going to want to skimp on, so the rates for all of the pieces go sky high. (Sadly, this is also true of funerals, but that's another rant for a different day.  Also, there tends to be less dancing there.)

For those who are budget conscious (read: strapped for cash), those wedding costs are no where near acceptable.

I'm currently in the process of planning another budget wedding, and as I sift through notes and ideas, I thought I'd pass some tips on to the rest of the Do-Not-Pass-Go crowd.  Over the next couple of weeks I'll outline some of my best ideas for ways to save while still turning out a spectacular event.

So, without further ado...



Money Talks...

Create a Savings Plan
This kind of goes hand in hand with setting a budget.  These both may seem obvious, but in the excitement of All Things Wedding, they both often get overlooked til later in the process.  If you do that, you may find yourself having to make some major changes to plans you already had in the works.  So to start...

How much do you already have in your savings that you're willing to put toward your big day?  What changes can you make to your current lifestyle to increase that number?  Are you planning to add to that savings with odd jobs or yard sales (etc)?

A year before our wedding, we made some major decisions on how much we would spend for bills, how much we would spend on going out (trust me, that's still important), and how much we would be putting away for our wedding.  I also took on a few small jobs in addition to my full time one to increase our savings.  And that leads into...

Set a budget
Much like losing weight, having a very specific number in mind when you start planning makes meeting your goal much more attainable.  You know how much you have and/or will have in your account - so how much can you realistically afford?  What is the max you can pull out of your savings and still feel comfortable?  What is the max you can put on a credit card without putting yourself in a tough position later on?

Once you have this number, stick to it.  Revisit it on a regular basis and match it against all of the decisions you're making and going to make.  Make sure all of the key players (financiers) are on the same page.


Making a List; Prioritizin' It Twice
Okay, it's not as fun as trying on dresses or crafting something but the single best thing you can do for yourself (after setting a budget), starts by creating an itemized list of all of the expenses associated with a wedding.  Include everything - from the invites to the DJ to the place cards to the cake - and then, spend some real time prioritizing.  What are you willing to scale back on?  What can you nix completely?  Be brutal.  The costs add up quickly.

For our wedding, the limo, live music and other assorted things like aisle makers, a runner and tschotchke favors were among the items axed.  On the other hand, the location and food were very important to us, so we allotted more money to those categories. 

Plan to DIY... In Moderation 
Pinterest is a B****.  Don't get me wrong - I love it.  But when it comes to planning anything, it has the magical ability to make you feel like you A) Must create a Martha Stewart worthy affair and B) Should be capable of doing it all yourself.  Do Not Get Sucked Into This Trap.

Your wedding does not need to have every little detail ever thought of incorporated into it.  The wedding is about you and your honey and celebrating a beautiful promise of a life together.  Do not overbook your time, resources or sanity.

That said, doing some things yourself can be a great way to save money.  I saved a ton of money by doing my flowers, programs, invitations and favors myself.  But more on that later...

We were able to save over 75% on our site fee by having our wedding on a Thursday night before a holiday weekend.  That means we got THIS gorgeous venue for far cheaper than smaller, more run of the mill venues!

Out of the Box 

Saturday's are Over-Rated Priced
Have your wedding on a weekday or a Sunday night.  Generally, the price structure from most expensive to least goes: Saturday night, Saturday afternoon, Friday night, Sunday Afternoon, Weekday.  If you can have your wedding mid-week it will drop your price significantly (it also may cut down on the available guests, which will cut down on your costs as well...) 

Gift It
Consider registering for some parts of your wedding.  There are sites that allow you to register for anything you find on the web.  Add items that you could use for the wedding (tablecloths, gift cards to a bakery or wine store etc.).   Be prepared, however: some people (particularly older generations) may find this tacky - like you're asking for money.  

I personally feel that in an era where many people have established an arsenal of household goods pre-nuptials, registering for something a little less mainstream can simply be more practical.  That said, if you choose to go this route, make sure that you still have a more traditional registry for those who are uncomfortable with this avant-garde direction.  (FYI you can also register for honeymoons and house funds.)

Barter
If you're a photographer, a writer, a tax specialist, a graphic designer, whatever, consider offering small businesses a trade.  I WISH I had done this.  Sure, some people might say no.  But if a new business sees it as an opportunity to get their name out there or acquire a service they need, they might be very willing to create your bouquet or give you a tux rental (or whatever) for free! 

Charge People Admittance
Totally kidding.  But wouldn't it be nice...? 
 

Some Related Sites

The Knot has tons of great information and resources, including a free website builder and a free Wedding Cost Calculator
Simple Registry lets you register for anything on the web
Honey Fund is a honeymoon registry first and foremost but has several other unconventional registries

Check here for more money saving tips in the Budget Savvy Bride Part 2: Venues, Food & Alcohol 

Summer is the perfect time for finger foods.  (My mother would tell you that I think ANY time is a good time to eat with your fingers.  She'd probably be right.)  There's an upswing in get-togethers, barbecues, picnics and parties all of which have that wonderful laid-back feeling and fabulous grab and go fare.  But just because the food may be easy going, it doesn't mean it can't be elegant too!

These fillo cups have quickly become one of my favorite ways to serve and devour delicious nosh.  They also win major brownie points from me for being make-ahead friendly.  What's not to love?


Sugared Fillo Cups

Fillo Dough Pastry Sheets (located in the freezer section, usually near pie crusts)
1 Stick Melted Butter
1/4 c. White Sugar
2 Tbsp. Cinnamon (cocoa is another fun option)
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional.  You also might try cake spice, ginger, pumpkin pie spice or anise)

1.  Allow your fillo dough to thaw as per brand instructions.



2.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix sugar and spices in small bowl.

3.  Working quickly on a dry surface, unroll one sheet of fillo dough.  It is very delicate and may tear at times.  Don't worry too much about this - just overlap the tears as best you can. 

4.  Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sugar and spice mixture.


5.  Lay another sheet of fillo over the first and brush with butter, sugar and spice.  Repeat until you have 6 layers stacked up. 


6.  Using a sharp knife, cut into six squares. 

7.  Carefully press each square into a greased muffin cup, allowing top edges to splay over.


8.  Bake for 7 minutes, or until golden brown.  Remove from oven, allow to cool for 1-2 minutes.  Twist carefully to remove fillo cups from muffin tin.  Allow to cool completely.


9.  The baked fillo cups can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.


10.  Fill with ricotta cheese and fruit, chocolate mousse, peach compote or a delicious sorbet!



Bigger fan of savories?
Leave out the sugar, and sprinkle melted butter with lemon-pepper spice, Italian seasoning or smoked paprika.  Fill with chicken salad, egg salad, ham salad or try throwing in a few sliced tomatoes, basil, some mozzarella and drizzling with balsamic glaze for a delicious bite size caprese salad.

"Our mothers give us so many gifts.  They give us the precious gift of life, of course, but they also leave treasured lessons that can guide us along our journeys even when they are not longer with us." 
-Maria Shriver 

A Little History...
In 1905, a woman named Anna Jarvis began a campaign.  Her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis had died that year, and Anna sought to honor her mother not only for who she had been to her personally, but also for the incredible work that her mother had done during and after the Civil war, caring for wounded soldiers on both sides of the battle and promoting peace.  

Five years later, the campaign gained real traction when a Philadelphia business man named John Wanamaker took up her cause and held a celebration of mother's in a local church that he had founded.  Whole states began to follow suit and, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the holiday official.  

These days, Mother's Day has become synonymous with phone calls, greeting cards, and flowers (in fact, Anna Jarvis actually began campaigning against the day she helped to create when she felt that it had become too commercialized, a few years later).  But things are always what we make of them.  

Defining the Present - With a Little Flower Power
For me, Mother's Day is a reflection on how many amazing women - mothers or otherwise -  I am blessed to have in my life.  My own mother is a fantastic combination of beauty, grace, humor and kindness and her talent for making things beautiful is a constant source of inspiration.  Her grandmother, Grace, was the source of strength and beauty that she relied on.  So to honor some of these beautiful women, I'm taking it back to traditions: the wearing and giving of corsages to tell the world how wonderful they are.
  
When the holiday originally kicked off, Anna honored her mother by wearing and passing out her mother's favorite flower - the carnation.  Thus, the tradition of a Mother's Day corsage was born.  Generally, white is worn by daughters whose mother's are no longer alive; pink or red signifies mothers who are.  

*Special Note: Corsages are not worn by people who necessarily are mothers.  They are worn by women honoring their mothers.

Instead of purchasing a store bought corsage, I'm tailor making mine this year to celebrate the beautiful women who have given me - and this world - so much. 

Tools (per corsage)

1 Large Bloom Flower (A Carnation is traditional but Roses or Gerberas look great. Use what your mama likes!)
3-4 Small Accent Flowers (Baby's Breath, Asters, Hypericum Berries)
3-4 Pieces of Greenery (Fern, Dusty Miller, Boxwood)
Florist Tape
Florist Wire
Knife or Scissors
Ribbon
Corsage Pins

Let's Do This

 1.  The first step is to cut down your flowers and greenery to approximately six inches long.  (Don't worry - this Will Not be the final length!) Place in glass of water to keep them hydrated while you work with different sections.



2. Next, lay out 2-3 pieces of greenery, and layer 2-4 filler flowers on top.



  3.  Snip a 6 inch section of florist wire and wrap it twice around the stems, just where the base of the leaves and/or blooms start. 


4.  Layer your large bloom flower (For this one, I used a yellow rose as it's my mom's favorite color and roses hold up well) on top of the greenery packet, with the head resting below the smaller blooms (you want them to peak out the top).  Wrap the remaining ends of the florist wire tightly around the entire bundle.



5.  Briefly admire your work.  "Ahhh. I'm awesome."


6.  If you are preparing the corsage for the following day, stop at this point, but the blooms in a small glass of water and place in the fridge. If you are making the corsage for immediate use, continue to the next step.


7.  The day you plan to wear or present your corsage, remove from cool water and carefully shake out any excess water.  Cut off ends of stems, allowing only 2-3 inches below the blooms.


8. Tie off any remaining florist wire as close to the stems as possible and snip the ends.  Starting at the top of the stems/bottom of the blooms, begin wrapping florist tape tight around the stems, overlapping as you move down.  When you get to the bottom, pinch the ends of the stems and tape tightly together and begin working your way back up.  Back at the top again, secure the tape by tucking it into itself at the very top, or by tying it in a small knot around the stems.


9.  Finally, secure a small ribbon bow to the base of the flowers using florist wire, or even a dot of glue.  Add two corsage pins (if you only add one, the flower tends to turn sideways or upside down when pinned to clothing).






10. Present!  (If you're giving it as a gift, I recommend wrapping it in a cello bag with a ribbon. You can puff the bag out right before sealing it by blowing a bit of air in and then tying it off.)


Whether you're giving it as a gift, or wearing one to honor your own mother/grandmother/aunt or mom-figure, corsages are such a lovely way to show off your love and respect for the women in your life.  On a personal note, I'm thrilled and honored to join the ranks of mothers this year, and can only hope to live up to some of the amazing examples I've had in my own life!!

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!!

Pink and White Twine tie on a hand stamped tag with the date of the happy day.










 Details, like the circular return address and multi-colored striped sticker add both class and whimsy.


















And then the big reveal... 


... A library card announcing the details of the wedding! (How freaking cute is that?!)

The hand-stamped RSVP card nestles in a side pocket while the couple's website details are listed on a coordinated banner with swallow tail detailing.    



 
Even the RSVP card is replete with personality - a Shakespearean petition for music requests rounds out the particulars to be mailed back to the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.