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Three Ideas For Saving Money on Your Wedding

SavvySugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:30:22 -0700

Weddings haven’t halted with the economic slowdown, but couples have been reconsidering the budgets for their big day. Old tricks like hiring local music students to perform as an orchestra, opting for seasonal floral arrangements, and pouring wine but nixing the bar are becoming more common. The New York Times interviewed some budget-conscious brides and grooms that have a few other tricks up their sleeves.

One couple posted an ad on Craigslist for a photographer and offered a flat $200 fee. In just a few hours they received 70 responses and chose one that was trying to build a career as a wedding photographer. They gave her $40 extra to buy a better lens to shoot their wedding — $240 total for a photographer is inexpensive and avoids having to ask family members to be responsible for taking pictures.
A planner suggests that if the wedding needs to be indoors, consider a restaurant. Event spaces usually charge a venue fee but restaurants typically do not.
If you need to rent tables and chairs through a rental company, do your research. Some companies require higher minimums than others.

Source

Renting Your Wedding Cake: Brilliant or Baffling?

SavvySugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:30:35 -0700

Between a struggling economy and inflated prices on anything wedding-related, it's almost essential to channel creativity in saving money while planning for the big day. One company has formed their entire business based on the idea that most couples are unwilling to sacrifice the wedding cake but are adhering to a budget that may not allow for an elaborate concoction. Cake Rental claims its services are elegant and economical — a three tier cake can be rented for $150. The rental cake is not for eating, rather it is simply on display when the couple feeds each other and then is taken to the kitchen. Guests are handed slices from a regular sheet cake kept out of view. Most of you said that cakes aren't a disposable wedding expense, but do you think this is a good alternative for those looking to spend less on their wedding day? Source

Renting Your Wedding Cake: Brilliant or Baffling?

Brilliant!

Baffling!

Undecided.

Shelling Out For Wedding Dresses Dates Back to Depression

SavvySugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00:54 -0700

Our eyes grow wider as the average price of a wedding keeps rising, and the nearly $30,000 price tag makes some brides stop and wonder how it's possible that everything wedding-related seems so inflated. The New York Times reported something very interesting this weekend that points out how long the tradition of marriage has been paired with the tradition of spending lots of money.

According to the article, called "Party Peer Pressure, and Why You Shouldn’t Succumb to It," wedding sections were introduced to department stores in the 1930s. Marketers adopted a "love knows no Depression" slogan in spreading the trend, and assumed that even when times were tough, brides would still find the money for a wedding dress. Wedding sections are staples in many department stores nowadays — looks like those 1930s marketers knew their stuff.

Source

Including Wedding Registry Info in Invitation: Tacky or Not?

SavvySugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:30:44 -0700

Getting the word out about wedding gift registries can be accomplished via word of mouth or a wedding website, but I'm more interested in what you think when couples include their registry details in the actual wedding invitation. Some wedding-goers think that including it is like assuming your guests will spend money on a gift and are obligated to do so, while others feel it's an acceptable practice. Where do you stand?
Source

Including Wedding Registry Info in Invitation: Tacky or Not?

Tacky!

Not tacky!

I'm against wedding registries in general.

Undecided.

Your Two Cents: Is It Rude to Request a Gift Receipt?

SavvySugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:30:29 -0700

A frustrated wedding invitee wrote to Slate's Dear Prudence asking if he's right to judge the engaged couple's actions as rude. The envelope containing the invitation also included a sheet of paper with places the couple is registered, along with the request to please include a gift receipt. The guest thinks the couple is rude for mentioning the gift receipt and feels as though the couple could just be looking for a way to get cash without straight up asking for it. What do you think? Source

Your Two Cents: Is It Rude to Request a Gift Receipt?

Yes, it's rude of the couple to request a gift receipt. They obviously just want cash.

No, it makes sense they'd want gift receipts in case they end up with duplicate items.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

10 Questions to Save on the Guest List: Would You Use Them?

SavvySugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:00:44 -0700

The average wedding guest list has 153 names on it, and 45 percent of a couple's wedding budget is spent on the reception venue, meaning this is one situation in which more is not always merrier. CNN published this list of 10 questions to ask about the people on your drafted guest list to aid in trimming it down.

The list's author says that a score of 50 percent or below allows you to cross that person off your guest list, those scoring between 50 and 60 percent are moved to a waiting list, and anyone scoring above 60 percent receives an invitation. She recommends throwing some of these questions into conversation during your engagement to get a feel for how well potential guests know you.

Name the city I'm living in now.
Name at least two of my closest friends.
Name my current employer and my past employer.
Do I have any kids?
Do you know the name of my fiancé? Bonus question: Where and when did we meet?
Do you know where my parents are and whether they are still alive?
Name at least two of my hobbies.
How old am I?
Where did I go to college?
Name my last boyfriend before this engagement. Bonus question: if you can name the last two and why we broke up. If you get the bonus question right, that might automatically get you in.

Source

What Happens If My Husband Has Bad Credit, or No Credit at All?

SavvySugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:30:35 -0700

You know it's important to maintain your own credit identity when you're married, but here's what ehadams is curious about: "What happens to credit when you get married? For example, if he has bad (or no credit) and you have excellent credit, what happens?" The answer to this is less complicated than going through the process of changing your last name! Find out what it is when you

New Bride's Guide to Changing Her Name

SavvySugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:31:01 -0700

Updating your email address to reflect your new married name is the easiest step of all, but unfortunately the laundry list of other changes is much more time consuming. Some women end up dragging out the process because it can be a bit tedious — the DMV and Social Security don't exactly elicit excitement, after all.

If you've decided that changing your name is the right move for you, commit to the process by following my New Bride's Guide to Changing Her Name. Simply print out the checklist to learn what steps you may need to take. You'll find that some areas require more attention and paperwork than others, but keep in mind you only need to (hopefully) do this once! Make copies of all of the documents for your records, just in case.

Maxed Out: 20-Something Newlyweds, $100,000 in Debt

SavvySugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:31:25 -0700

Maxed Out is finally back with some new episodes, and it seems like the show will never run out of material. This episode is about Erin and Darryl, newly-wedded 20-somethings who have managed to dig themselves into over $100,000 in debt.

They have $16,500 in credit card debt, $25,000 in student loans, and owe their parents a whopping $60,000. At the rate they are going, it will take nine years and $39,000 in interest for them to become debt free. Find out how financial guru Alison Griffiths helps them figure out a plan when you

Holding on to Your Credit Identity Once You're Married

SavvySugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:04:34 -0700

You may assume your husband's last name when you get married and you might even merge bank accounts. Just as you maintain an individual identity outside of your husband and your new last name, you need to protect yourself by sustaining your own credit profile. This can be accomplished even if you combine checking and savings accounts. Find out how to keep your credit identity and why it's so important when you

Do You Spend Without Checking in With Your Husband?

SavvySugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:01:50 -0700

If you wanted to buy, say a new pair of Loubs to fulfill your everlasting desire for red-soled shoes, would you have to consult your husband? And if he wanted to go on a Best Buy binge, would he need to check in with you to negotiate a limit?

Discussing spending priorities is a must when you're pooling your money, and some couples make a rule that they cannot spend over a certain amount without first checking with each other. Is there a rule in your household that calls for checking in, or do you have total freedom when making a purchase?

Financial Considerations For Newlyweds

SavvySugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:27:31 -0700

Ideally you hashed out the His and Hers money issues before you said I do, and beginning your marriage with openness about finances will set the tone for constant and comfortable communication. A good place to start is the three-bucket approach: One shared and two individual accounts helps to maintain a sense of independence while combining funds for shared expenses eases you into the idea of combining funds, though this approach isn't for everyone.

You can always rethink your married money situation later if you feel another approach better suits you, as there's not a single formula that works for all couples. There are additional money issues to consider aside from spending habits and who is responsible for paying off which debts. Find out what they are when you

Should I Keep My Maiden Name Professionally But Take My Husband's Name Personally?

SavvySugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:03:13 -0700

Even if a woman doesn't get cold feet about getting married, she may experience them when it comes to changing her name. Toying with this decision can be tougher for some than tying the knot, and there's a lot to consider besides the fact that you're giving up the name you've always had.

Depending on where you are in your career, changing your last name can be complicated beyond all of the paperwork. Check out some last-name options when you

Brilliant or Baffling: Bride Finds Sponsor For Wedding on eBay

SavvySugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:15:59 -0700

A brainstorming session that started out as a bake sale quickly turned into a bidding war for a bridesmaid job in a Virginia Beach wedding. Bride-to-be Kelly Gray was considering ways to raise extra money for her upcoming nuptials when her existing bridesmaid said, "We need to auction something (on eBay). There's Dr. Pepper cans and Cheetos bags for sale, so let's just go ahead and do a bridesmaid."Kelly wasn't hopeful that the eBay plot would yield any results, but she ended up with dozens of bids. The winner was the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group which won with their final $5,700 bid and voluntarily upped it to $10,000. They'll also provide the beverages for the wedding. Who will stand in as a bridesmaid remains to be determined, but the company's spokesman said they're thinking about having a contest or asking a celebrity. Kelly is very grateful and said, "I don’t want it to be extravagant, but now I can get that wonderful D.J. who has the lights; I can do that. Now I’m thinking of a honeymoon."

Brilliant or Baffling: Bride Finds Sponsor For Wedding on eBay

Brilliant! She took a chance, and it paid off.

Baffling! Will there be Dr. Pepper and Snapple wedding favors, too?

Other. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Three Things to Do Before You Leave For Vacation

SavvySugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:06:01 -0700

Packing for a long vacation takes a surprising amount of energy and having to account for several wardrobe changes can be admittedly overwhelming. Remembering the bikini that makes you feel best is a must-do but there are a few other tasks that should be on your prevacation checklist. . . . and guess what? They don't take nearly as long as thoughtfully stuffing your suitcase.

Set up automatic payment for your bills. You don't want to be greeted with late-payment fees or increased rates due to missed payments when you arrive home from your vacation. Schedule auto payments online to avoid any harmful mistakes.
Sort through your wallet. Remove any items that you won't need for your trip like your social security card or extra credit cards. Carrying everything with you means keeping track of them, and if you're a victim of tourist theft those are more cards you'll have to cancel. For happier traveling, simply place them in a secure place before you leave.
Make copies of important items. Some people prefer scanning images of their passport and credit cards and then emailing the files to themselves, but others don't feel secure having these on their computers. Whichever method you prefer, make copies of important items in case something is stolen.

Source

Traveling Under Maiden Name Vs. Married Name

SavvySugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:34:48 -0700

After a fabulously exhausting evening of teary vows, dancing the night away, and tight-hugged goodbyes you're off to a relaxing romantic escapade as an official Mrs.

It's not a given that you'll change your last name to match your husband's, but if you're considering it then take care when making your honeymoon and other travel reservations. Find out how to treat traveling as a newly married woman when you

Travel Insurance: What, Why, and When

SavvySugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:33:36 -0700

Travel insurance doesn't only apply to lovebirds planning their honeymoon, it's something that anyone traveling on an expensive trip may want to consider. Learn the basics of travel insurance here to see if it's right for you.

What

Different policies will vary in what they cover, but the possibilities include bankruptcy of any travel supplier you've planned on using, accidentals before or during the trip that prevent travel, baggage loss or delay, trip cancellation, delay, or interruption, basic medial coverage, and emergency assistance.
Your travel agent will provide you with insurance information, but if you're planning without an agent make sure you research a variety of providers to compare rates and fine print coverage details.

Find out the when and the why when you

Obtaining a Passport: Honeymoon Planner, Part III

SavvySugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:35:15 -0700

Securing a passport is necessary if you're planning on leaving the country and it's best to apply early to ensure successful travel. And if you already have one but haven't touched it in ages take it out of its hiding place to check the expiration date.

You may renew your passport through the mail if you have it in your possession (aka, not lost), you were at least 16 years old when it was issued, the passport itself isn't more than 15 years old, and you still have the same name or can provide proof of a legal name change. Find out how to obtain a brand new passport when you

Five Money Saving Tips: Honeymoon Planner, Part II

SavvySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:33:20 -0700

You've set a budget, brainstormed honeymoon hot spots, and are on your way to sealing the deal on the vacation of your dreams. Whether you opt to hire a travel agent or choose to do the planning alone, these money-saving tips will help stretch your budgeted bucks.

If you're all about all-inclusive resorts, know what is included before you book. You'll want to double check on whether or not gratuity is included and which excursions are part of your package. Something like gratuity may not seem like a big deal, but if you're away for a week or two that means you'll need to budget a few hundred dollars more for tips.
Wherever you go, be sure to tell your hotel it's your honeymoon because you may just get a complimentary room upgrade or extra perks. And if you're paying the special honeymoon rate bring a copy of your marriage certificate because you may be asked to show proof that you were just married.

There are three more saving tips so just

Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent: Honeymoon Planner, Part I

SavvySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:06:39 -0700

After you and your fiancé have figured out what you can afford to pay for your honeymoon, the next step is to choose the ideal location to celebrate your new marriage. Costs can vary greatly depending on destination so it's best to come up with a short list of places that you'd love to visit. A list of three to five locations means that while your budget is fixed, you are flexible and will be able to find an affordable vacation in one of your options.

Wedding planning can seem like a second job in itself and leaves little time for focusing on your honeymoon. Whether or not a travel agent makes sense for your honeymoon mainly depends on what type of trip you want and where you're headed. For example, venturing on an African safari is almost impossible to plan on your own, while booking an all-inclusive resort in the Virgin Islands is something you can do simply with the assistance of resort staff. Find out the pros and cons of using a travel agent when you

Money For Your Honey(moon)

SavvySugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:34:41 -0700

Saving for your honeymoon is an absolute must. Sure, going into debt for it will get you to your romantic destination, but you don't want to have that debt cloud hanging over your heads while basking in the clear-sky sunshine. Saving for a big vacation for two people takes some discipline, but think about the end result!

Your newlywed vacation is quite the fabulous reward and you may even feel good moving money each month from your checking account to your honeymoon fund. Each deposit is so many dollars closer to your love-fest getaway, and if that doesn't serve as motivation to save, I don't know what does.

Check out all of our wedding season coverage at IDoSugar.

Source

Your Two Cents: Is It Better to Regift or Give Nothing at All?

SavvySugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:39:33 -0700

It's conservative to say that wedding season can be costly when usually it's ridiculously expensive. Sometimes we receive gifts that may not be suitable for our tastes, but when it comes to regifting Steve Kemble, star of Style Network's Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and Married Away says, "What makes you think someone is going to want a gift you did not want? Plain and simple, regifting is tacky! If you do not have the time to think about what a couple would really want then don't give anything at all." For some people regifting is more about not being able to afford a new gift than being thoughtless, but would it really be better to give nothing at all? Source

Your Two Cents: Is It Better to Regift or Give Nothing at All?

It's better to give nothing. Regifting is tacky and I'd rather just get a nice card.

It's better to regift. At least you're trying to give the impression that you tried.

Other. See my comments below.

How Do You Determine the Amount Spent on Wedding Gifts?

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:46:32 -0700

Gifts are a way to acknowledge your congratulations to newlyweds and to show appreciation for being included in the celebration. There are various opinions surrounding gifts: Some say guests have a year to give a gift, some assume the cost of the gift should be approximately what the couple spent on each guest, some only give money while others would never think of it, and the list goes on.

Rob Johnsen, co-founder of MyWedding.com advises to decide how much your relationship is worth: If the couple are "two of your most cherished friends or relatives" expect to spend about $200, if they're people you value but don't communicate regularly or see often than spend between $50 and $100, and a couple who you don't know very well would receive a gift worth $50 or under.

Do you agree with his calculated assessments or do you focus on the actual gift and not the money spent? How do you determine the amount that you'll spend?

Source

Ask Savvy: Should Engagement Announcements Include School and Work Details?

SavvySugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:34:28 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I am looking ahead to engagement announcements in newspapers for my upcoming wedding. Is it necessary to list where both the bride and groom went to college and subsequently what each does for a living? I do not mind, but my soon-to-be fiancé says he doesn't want his place of work in the article. Also, is it still customary to put a picture of just the bride or of both bride and groom? I would love to see what fellow Sugars suggest about things like including education and work in the engagement announcements!

See my answer and then share your own opinion in the comments! Just

What's the Most You Have Spent as a Bridesmaid?

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:23:13 -0700

It's more than acceptable to turn down some wedding-related events because of financial strain, but during a busy wedding season, costs can add up even if you are bowing out of events here and there. Arriving as a guest can be expensive in its own right, but the title of bridesmaid comes with several additional costs that, according to The Knot, can easily amount to $1,000 or more. Keep in mind, especially as an out-of-town bridesmaid, that just because you receive an invitation to a sampling of showers doesn't mean the bride expects you to be there. There are happy mediums to be found in managing the many events and your budget, so pick which are most important for you to attend and don't look back! To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.Bella Pictures

What's the Most You Have Spent as a Bridesmaid?

Well over $1,000.

About $1,000.

Between $700 and $900.

Between $500 and $700.

Between $300 and $500.

Between $100 and $300.

Less than $100.

I've never been a bridesmaid.

What British Brides Shell Out For Their Big Day

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:02:07 -0700

The $30,000 average price tag on an American wedding seems high to many of us, but compared to what? Everything is relative according to our location and budget flexibility, so for some fun food-for-thought let's consider what UK brides are spending on their nuptials. Taking into account the dumpy dollar and its low value compared to the British pound, life as a US bride continues to brighten against that alternative. Find out how much the average bride across the Atlantic pays for their wedding when you

Should You Tell Potential Employers About Your Upcoming Wedding?

SavvySugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:03:34 -0700

One of my best girlfriends is getting married in just two months, and yesterday we discussed whether or not her wedding should come into conversation during an upcoming job interview. Her dad advised that she shouldn't bring it up, while her fiancé and the woman who is her connection with the new company said that she should mention it. She doesn't want the upcoming wedding and honeymoon to give her a disadvantage but she doesn't want to be dishonest, either. Find out what I suggested when you

Would You Use Any of These Tactics to Save on a Wedding Dress?

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:21:08 -0700

Wedding gowns come in countless styles and fabrics, and boy do they run the gamut in price points. Most costs associated with weddings are bumped up just because the word wedding is attached, and gowns generally aren't excluded from that expensive reality. There are some alternatives when purchasing a bridal gown to call your own, and you couldn't help but save money by opting for one of them. From gowns on eBay to nonbridal dresses and renting, there are plenty of options for a bride on a budget — which of these tactics would you use? Bella Pictures

Would You Use Any of These Tactics to Save on a Wedding Dress?

I would borrow a dress from a family member or close friend.

Buying a worn-once gown on eBay sounds like a good idea.

I'd rent my dress — it's only good for one wear, anyway!

Buying a dress that isn't necessarily tagged "bridal" would work for me.

I wouldn't use any of these!

I'd consider using all of these tactics.

Other. See my comments below.

What Do You Consider a Reasonable Wedding Cost?

SavvySugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:24:29 -0700

As we judge the cost of everything from jeans and shoes to jewelry and cars, we make judgments on what is a reasonable wedding price tag and what is expensive. This appraisal not only depends on how much we can afford to spend on a wedding but how much we are willing to spend. With the average wedding in the US costing almost $30,000, it would seem that all of our opinions on what we consider to be reasonable should together fall closely to that number. Let's find out, shall we? To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.Bella Pictures

What to Do If Your Boss Calls With a Work Emergency on Your Wedding Day

SavvySugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:32:24 -0700

It's finally the big day and you've had a tight grip on your BlackBerry all morning in case of a wedding emergency. You're about to meet up with your bridal party for brunch so you can give them their gifts, and when your phone rings you expect it to be the florist saying all of your flowers are dead, or your mom asking for a lunch-spot recommendation. As you greet your Maid of Honor with a smile, you tell her you have a call and peek down at who is trying to get your attention on your wedding day. She sees your smile turn into open-mouthed astonishment paired with an appropriate eye-roll because that phone call is from your boss. Your MOH tells you not to even think about picking up the phone but you hesitate. Find out how I would handle this situation when you

Surviving a Pricey Wedding Season, Part III

SavvySugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:28:17 -0700

While you may not see your savings account grow during wedding season, you can do your best to see that it doesn't shrink or completely vanish. Most engagements average about a year, and usually you're aware of which weddings will include you on their guest list far in advance. A flexible rule of thumb: If you're surprised to receive an invitation to someone's wedding and it requires many expenses, send the couple a gift but don't attend. Of course, if you can afford it by all means make the trip, but if your wedding season has you fretting about money it's OK to say no thank you. Discover my three-step wedding season budget plan when you

Your Two Cents: Buying Gifts From Wedding Registries

SavvySugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:05:11 -0700

Wedding registries are a sensible way for couples to get the things they need for their home, and they certainly make it easy on guests when figuring what to buy for newlyweds. But I know some wedding guests who complain that wedding registries make gift giving uncomfortable because the couple knows exactly how much was spent on the gift. There are no rules that say wedding registries are a must for the bride and groom or for the guests to use, but I also don't know any couples that have chosen to go without one. Source

Your Two Cents: Buying Gifts From Wedding Registries

I like buying gifts from registries because I know the couple will like the gift.

I don't mind buying from registries, but I can understand why some people would mind.

I don't like using registries to buy gifts.

Other. See my comments below.

Surviving a Pricey Wedding Season, Part II

SavvySugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:28:45 -0700

Is your Summer calendar full of weddings and all of the events surrounding them? Are you trying not to make anymore female friends so that you don't have to add another one to the list? Just kidding. But wedding season can make you realize how many people you actually know, and how much money it will take for you to attend the Summer lovefest. Here are some of my survival tips.

Only attend the events that you can afford! If you really can't manage to pay for a bachelorette party / bridal shower / plane tickets to fly to a destination, simply don't go. The wedding is not optional if you're a close friend or in the wedding party, but brides will likely understand if you can't attend one of the other events because of money issues. Be honest with the bride and don't make up some lame excuse — she'll likely be understanding, thank you for your candor, and focus on the time you will have together.
Save on shoes: If you don't already have shoes that go with your bridesmaids dresses, try and buy a pair in a neutral color that will go with many shades of dress. And if the bride insists that everyone get matching shoes and presents an unreasonably priced pair, there's always room for suggestions. Try and hunt down a pair that looks similar and costs less — a bride has so many decisions to make, it's likely she didn't exhaust her bridal party footwear search and will be open to alternatives.

I have two more tips for wedding guests and bridesmaids alike, so just

Surviving a Pricey Wedding Season, Part I

SavvySugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:03:04 -0700

Memorial Day weekend suggests that Summer is just around the corner and is also the unofficial kickoff to an eventful wedding season. I've suggested plenty of budgeting tips for brides to be, but this edition is all about budgeting for your friends' big days. Looking ahead at the rest of 2008 has got me slightly stressed because of the many bachelorette parties and weddings that I'll be attending, and every event will require plane tickets, hotel stays, new apparel, and gifts. I know through good planning I'll be able to enjoy my Summer of witnessing wedding love and be the best bridesmaid and guest possible.

First and foremost, try and take the bitter out of the equation. Yes, weddings can be insanely expensive as a bridesmaid or guest, and I know that costs add up. But don't make your friends feel badly for all deciding to get married at the same time — it isn't a plot against you or your bank account. Like any relationship, friendships involve give and take, and your newlywed friends will be there when it's your turn or have been there for you already. Your friends will sense your bitterness and will prove that bitterness goes both ways. This is a time to make good memories, not to be talking behind each other's backs about so and so's ridiculously expensive tastes.

That doesn't mean that you should let the bride kick you around and be insensitive to her friends or unrealistic about her needs and wants. Some brides are highly demanding, but if you go into the situation with a good attitude, you're more likely to win her over with some of your lower-cost suggestions. Whether you're in the bridal party or you're a guest at the wedding, the bride-to-be has included you because you're her friend, and it's not part of some evil plot to make you go broke. Keep that in mind when the bitter-bug starts creeping.

Stay tuned for some of my tips for surviving a busy wedding season, and check out all our wedding coverage at IDoSugar.

Bella Pictures

Maxed Out: Clean Slate Wedding

SavvySugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:09:40 -0700

This episode of Maxed Out features Tabetha and Greg, a couple in their mid-twenties planning to get married in exactly 14 months. The only problem is that the two of them together equal one big financial mess. Tabetha has a growing pile of debt that is currently at $34,000 on top of her mortgage, while Greg can't offer any advice because he knows absolutely nothing about managing money. He's a debt-free student living at home and gets an allowance from his parents, and he and Tabetha hadn't ever talked about money until recently. They don't want to start their lives together with old financial baggage, so in order to have a clean slate wedding they call in Allison Griffiths to work her magic. Find out how she helps the pair when you

What Is the Most Disposable Wedding Expense?

SavvySugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:26:50 -0700

Everyone has their opinion about which aspects of a wedding are budget-worthy and which can be skipped altogether. Of course I have my own opinions, but I'm more interested in learning what you think a wedding can do without most. Common details I've heard brides ditch because they thought their funds would be better spent elsewhere are wedding favors, a formal wedding cake, and cocktail hour hors d'orderves. Bella Pictures

What Is the Most Disposable Wedding Expense?

Who needs wedding favors?

Nobody eats the cake anyway!

Hors d'orderves aren't necessary — dinner is enough!

Something else. See my comments below.

What Would You Do? Broke Bridesmaid

SavvySugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:26:04 -0700

Imagine that you're a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of your closest friends, and you've been selected to spearhead the bachelorette party. Organized is your middle name, and you've been planning the weekend practically since your friend was engaged, all the while including the other girls on emails and asking for feedback every step of the way.

It's a month from the big bachelorette weekend, and you get a call from one of the bridesmaids who you don't know very well. She asks if she can pay you in installments of $50 per week, after the weekend has come and gone, instead of handing over her portion of the expenses at the start of the weekend. If you were the in-charge bridesmaid, how would you handle this situation? This is a true story — it happened to my friend who is planning a bachelorette— so to see how my she handled it just

What Would You Do If Your Ideal Wedding Was Out of Reach?

SavvySugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:54:07 -0700

From the walk down the aisle to the last drop of champagne at the reception, weddings are some of the most joyous and memorable celebrations — but it can cost a dreadful amount of money to produce the wedding you picture in your head. If you couldn't afford to pay for something close to what you consider to be your ideal wedding, which of these options would you choose? Bella Pictures

What Would You Do If Your Ideal Wedding Was Out of Reach?

Take out a wedding loan.

Ask to borrow money from family or friends.

Elope.

Put off the wedding until we had enough saved.

Create the best wedding possible on our budget.

The Best Way to Organize Bachelorette Party Funds

SavvySugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:04:32 -0700

If you think splitting a dinner bill with a large group can be difficult, multiply that frustration by a million when trying to collect funds for a bachelorette weekend. Even if everyone involved says they want to give the bride the most memorable weekend possible, it's likely that some of those attending will have different ideas about how much money it takes to make that happen.

In order to avoid arguments over money with other bridesmaids or friends of the bride that will be celebrating the bachelorette, it's important that one or two people are designated as spearheading the event. While the maid of honor is a natural selection, there's not always a MOH to call on and perhaps the bachelorette is one time it's acceptable for the other bridesmaids to handle some of the heavier planning. For my tips on how to organize funds for the weekend, just

Would You Want an Office Bridal Shower?

SavvySugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:51:37 -0700

Some offices have the tradition of celebrating a bride-to-be with an office bridal shower. These resemble your usual shower typically put on by friends and family, except it's planned by your office mates and the guest list is limited to your female co-workers. Sometimes the women spearheading the shower will try and surprise the bride and they secretly send invitations to all female employees and include registry information. The party is typically held during lunchtime and likely takes place in a big conference room. More often than not, cake is involved.To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.Source

Would You Want an Office Bridal Shower?

Absolutely! I'd appreciate it and would like to spend time with the other female employees.

I'd only want an office shower if no gifts were involved. I'd feel uncomfortable accepting gifts from some co-workers.

No, most wouldn't be invited to the wedding so I'd feel awkward accepting a party and gifts.

Other. See my comments below.

Your Two Cents: How Do You Feel About Prenups?

SavvySugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:12:27 -0700

Prenuptial agreements among Hollywood's couples awaiting the walk down the aisle generally don't cause much of a stir, but when it comes to engaged couples who aren't among the rich and famous prenups seem to have a thicker haze surrounding them. Those asked to sign tend to think their loved ones are asking them to put a value on themselves, and what's more, they're calling the future of the marriage into question. Some are more sensitive than others though, as there are some among the newly engaged who think a prenup is sensible with such high divorce rates as a reality. Where do you fall? How would you feel if your fiancé mentioned a prenup as part of the deal? To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.Source

Your Two Cents: How Do You Feel About Prenups?

I'd never sign a prenup. They're insulting and unromantic.

In some cases it makes sense, but it would depend on the situation.

Prenups are sensible and are just another part of the legal union of marriage.

Other. See my comments below.

Money Tip: Choose a Tax-Deductible Wedding Venue

SavvySugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:02:05 -0700

The Knot's Annual Real Wedding Survey found that about 45 percent of a couple's wedding budget is spent on the reception venue, and based on the average $27,882 budget that amounts to about $12,722. One way to save on your venue is to hold your reception somewhere that's an approved nonprofit organization — your cost may be tax deductible as it could be considered a donation to the organization. It doesn't take too much thinking outside the box to come up with this type of venue as several museums and historic landmarks fall into consideration. Just be sure to ask the organization for a statement that includes the amount of your contribution, otherwise known as the facility fee.

Source

What Do You Think of This Wedding Fund-Raising Tradition?

SavvySugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:54:21 -0700

In the US, pre-wedding events can include an engagement party, a bridal shower, bachelorette and bachelor parties, and a rehearsal dinner. But engaged couples in Manitoba, Canada have one tradition that's unique to their community: Socials are pre-wedding parties thrown by engaged couples hoping to raise thousands of dollars for their weddings. These types of parties are held in other parts of Canada, too, but Manitoba considers the tradition to be a rite of passage. The socials are thrown at an inexpensive venue and the couple makes money from the admission fee guests pay and the no-host bar. Businesses and sports teams are asked to make donations that are raffled off at the social, and the couple makes money from the raffle proceeds as well. To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar. Source

What Do You Think of This Wedding Fund-Raising Tradition?

Great idea! It could really bring a community together.

I'd like one for myself, but it would make wedding season even more expensive.

I think it's tacky to ask others to donate to your wedding fund.

Other. See my comments below.