June Wedding? Cancel It, Quick!

Planning a June wedding? Consider getting hitched this month instead.

I don't mean to be a total killjoy. But given that the average wedding these days will set you back about $20,000, you may be looking for ways to keep your special day from costing more than the down payment on your first condo.

A stroll down the aisle doesn't have to mire you and your lovely in debt. A little creative thinking can cut your wedding tab 25% to 50%. Think nontraditional. Think memorable. Think laser tag, as my colleague Robert Brokamp and his bride did for their nuptials.

OK, don't think laser tag. (Although I know a few grooms who would go teary-eyed with joy if their bride suggested it.) Here are a few ways to save on your big day:

Timing is everything:

Lovebirds pay a premium to tie the knot on a Saturday or in June. Pair the two and you're facing a few extra Gs on the bill. Off months such as March and April are more affordable, as are morning weddings where expenses such as food, transportation, and hall rentals can be a lot cheaper.

Location, location, location:

Modern Bride estimates that a wedding reception costing $4,000 in San Diego would cost $9,000 in Chicago and $15,000 in New York City. See? Even not-so-small towns have their charm.

Wouldn't your mom be thrilled if you got married in your childhood stomping grounds? Your guests will certainly appreciate cheaper lodging costs. Even if you live in a high-priced city, nontraditional places such as public parks and art galleries can cost less than rental halls and hotel ballrooms.

Bite your tongue:

Anything that has the word "wedding" attached to it can instantly fetch a 25% premium (or more) over the generic version. When shopping for your cake, flowers, tablecloth, "ring pillow," or dress, beeline away from any options preceded by the "w" word.

Put your pals to work:

In lieu of another Crate & Barrel tchotchke, ask your talented friends for a gift that you could really use: their help. Perhaps you know someone who can perform music at the service (or change the CDs you and your sweetheart make yourself), take photographs, tend bar, or play videographer -- all functions that will cost you $500-$900 to have someone else do. Chances are your best friend's brother won't charge a corking fee.

Trim the guest list:

At $80 per person for food, wine, cake, napkins, and every one of your variable costs, this is the fastest way to save. Remember, this isn't just some kegger that's open to all of your office mates. It's your wedding.

Just say "no":

Anti-etiquette bride and author of Fire Your Wedding Planner Stephi Stewart says that assertive brides and grooms need to learn to just say "no." Party favors? Feh. Engraved napkins? Puh-leeze.

Dream of the future:

Before you shampoo the rice and rose petals out of your hair, start planning your financial future -- together. Saving for a house, college for future critters, paying cash for a vacation -- these should all be things in the back of your mind before you write a check for your wedding gown.

By putting just a few money-saving steps into place, couples can begin their married life in that rare blissful state called "debt-free."

Taken From Fool.com

Plant City's Strawberry Festival Sees Its First Wedding

PLANT CITY — Four years ago, Jennifer Faircloth and Jeff Lingerfelt had their first date at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

"It was just the day my family always went to the festival each year," said Lingerfelt, explaining why he chose to take Faircloth.

On Saturday, surrounded by their families, closest friends and hundreds of fairgoers, Faircloth, 19, and Lingerfelt, 22, became the first couple to be married at the festival.

"It's awesome" to be married at the site of their first date, said the bride.

The Lingerfelts tied the knot at the festival's pavilion, accompanied by a procession of wedding party members, sheriff's deputies and the Durant High School Junior Air Force ROTC honor guard.

The couple was selected from a number of contestants who asked to be married at this year's festival, said Sunny Smith, who coordinates special events.

The contest ran during September, Smith said. Entrants had to submit a photo with a 300- to 500-word essay explaining why they wanted to be married at the festival. The contest was limited to eastern Hillsborough County residents and it had to be a first marriage for both the bride and groom.

Angel Carter, chairperson of the entertainment tent came up with the idea last year.

"I passed it on to have the board look it over and they went for it. They thought it was the greatest thing," Smith said.

In addition to the service, the couple received a free reception, complete with strawberry wedding cake, free dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids, a free room for the wedding night at the Red Rose Inn and Suites in Plant City, as well as free festival admission for up to 50 guests. The festival's official photographer also shot a wedding album for the couple.

While the ceremony was open to all festivalgoers, only invited guests were allowed at the reception.

Jeff's mother, Lorie Lingerfelt, said the free wedding was a nice surprise.

"I didn't even know Jennifer wrote the (contest) letter," she said.

Jennifer's mother, Julie Faircloth, said she was happy about all the freebies that came with the wedding.

"It came out better than we could afford," Julie Faircloth said. "And she found herself a good man."

Smith declined to say how many couples entered the contest. The selection committee was impressed with the fact that the Lingerfelts met at the festival and are both graduates of Plant City High School.

They were also touched by the fact that they wanted to get married last year, but couldn't due to financial problems, Smith said.

Jeff Lingerfelt said he was grateful to the festival for making their day memorable.

"It is such a wonderful blessing," he said.

Taken From TampaBay.com

Beautiful Flower Arrangements on Wedding Occasions

Flowers play a vital role in wedding. It's a special occasion that brings two people together for entire life. It is one of the strongest bonds between two people based on love, trust, respect and honesty.

After this day, life of the man and woman tying knots changes completely. To make that special moment more memorable every arrangement should also be unique and special. Flowers impart elegance along with beauty to that special day and form an integral part of wedding celebrations.

Sweet and lovely flowers are used to decorate wedding venue to add beautiful aroma in the wedding environment. Flower decoration gives royal look to wedding place. Wedding flowers need to be of special kind vibrant and appealing to match the beauty and elegance of the gala event.

People often hire an experienced florist to accomplish the task of wedding decoration in the best possible manner. Because only an expert and skilled florist can create the most beautiful atmosphere and surrounding by making the best flowers arrangement and their perfect placements on wedding venue.

Right from the entry point of wedding venue to the actual place of marriage, flowers are arranged in various forms. Use of flowers as overhead horizontal garlands on the way, to circular flower arrangements at entry point and scattered flower petals on pathways are very popular.

Flowers are not only used for wedding decoration. It is widely used in greeting guests visiting to the wedding party. The tradition of presenting exclusive flowers bouquet to newlywed couple is a very old and popular. After wedding, people wish for the bright, happy and successful wedding life of couples by throwing rose petals over them.

Hand-tied or Loose-tied bouquet are very popular on such happy occasions. In this flower arrangement, the stems of the flowers are shown which convey the greenery of the garden, thus giving the bouquet a casual look. The flowers are tied around the stems using ribbon or lace. The florists choose flowers like roses and sweet peas giving a beautiful look to the wedding bouquet.

Silk Flower Arrangement, Artificial Flower Arrangement, Dried flower arrangement are other popular flower arrangements used in wedding. The fragrance and tenderness of fresh flowers makes the best for Wedding decoration. Exotic Flower Arrangement in brilliant colors adds the refreshing beauty to the wedding venue.

Rideau Florist Toronto is a local Toronto florist. Send flowers & gifts the same day in Toronto area. Find premium quality flowers at affordable prices. For more information please visit: http://www.rideaufloristtoronto.ca

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