The cost of a wedding can really be expensive. Although a number of expenses can be reduced by some research and effort on your part. A great resource for starting your wedding planning is to learn from others who have been married recently and by attending wedding expo's and events. The wedding expo's have lots of vendors in a single place to obtain lots of information and to make reservations. Many vendors will sponsor gifts ranging from a gift basket with cosmetics to a honeymoon vacation. Some wedding expo's even have auctions allowing you the opportunity to receive a number of items for a deep discount, such as: photography, dinner, limo, tuxes, vacations, and cosmetics.

     The expenses can also be reduced by shopping around, creating your own invitations, center pieces and gifts, along with organizing the wedding on your own. Consider extending your engagement to better save money and find more affordable vendors. Reduce the guest list so you don't pay too many additional meals and have a heftier bar tab. Consider getting married on a Friday or Sunday since Saturday is the most popular day. Reduce the size of the wedding party. Select a music student for the reception or a church organist for the ceremony instead of hiring a professional. Consider a four hour reception instead of a five hour reception. Also have the reception as a brunch or a lunch instead of a more expensive dinner. A great web site for a lot more wedding information ideas can also be found at http://www.bridaltips.com.

     Some ideas to prepare for that new edition to the family will first include determining if you are financially capable of providing for a child and then to prepare by saving money in anticipation of unexpected expenses that will occur. You will have to determine what you would have to give up for yourself in order to provide for the needs of your child. A web site for providing a great deal of additional baby information can be found at http://www.babyresource.com.


Return to Entertainment Topics.