Something Blue Book» wedding advice

Easy Way to throw a Charming Wedding Day

Admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:30:59 +0000

Trying to throw a small yet elegant wedding on a low budget? Here’s an idea for a wedding that should cost you $1000 or less!

I have gotten some “Ask Tinka” emails about throwing a wedding as little as $1000 so I decided to respond with an idea I have. Afterall, everyone deserves to celebrate their wedding– even those who don’t have $15,000 to spend!

If I were getting married with a small budget and wanted to have a simple wedding day with only close family and friends, this is what I would do: I would have the wedding and reception at my home or the home of a close relative or friend. It’s cozy and best of all, FREE! I would wear a simple white sundress and have my groom wear something casual like khakis and a white shirt. Then, instead of a traditional buffet or sit-down dinner, I’d serve coffee, hot chocolate, and cake! Get your favorite songs together to play on your stereo and have a designated area for dancing. Keep the reception short– about an hour or two and maybe serve wine and beer.

That sounds just delightful to me

Liquor or No Liquor?

Admin — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:49:27 +0000

I am currently planning my wedding, and we are trying to make a decision about whether or not to serve liquor at the reception. My family is for it and claims weddings are boring without it, but my fiance’s family is totally against it. We are paying for the wedding ourselves so whatever my fiance and I decide will go. I just don’t want to anger either side.
-Heather

Dear Heather,
I am always all for doing whatever is going to make you and your fiance happy on your wedding day. However, you should always show your guests respect. In other words, do what makes you happy without horribly offending your family. I would suggest completely eliminating liquor. You can serve champagne with the toasts and then maybe offer beer and wine. Also offer cider or something similar to those who do not wish to drink. This way, those who want to drink will (in moderation) and those that are against drinking don’t have to.

When should we start planning?

Admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:16 +0000

Hey Tinka,
My boyfriend proposed to me in Feb..we have set a date for July 4,2010. How soon should we start planning. I don’t want all our conversations to be about the wedding day you know.
Gloria

Gloria,

Congratulations! Well, it is never too early to start looking for sales, coupons, and other deals! I would work out your budget between now and July of this year and start looking for venues. Then, I would recommend beginning the wedding planning a year in advance. Check out our ultimate wedding planning checklist!

Budgeting for a $15,000 Wedding

Admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:48:32 +0000

Dear Tinka,

I am having some trouble managing my budget for my May wedding. My fiance and I are always fighting about how much money I spend. Our budget of $15,000 is quickly drying up, and I am beginning to panic! I am almost ready to reschedule the date so we’ll have more time and more money. Any tips?

Stressed-out Bride named Olivia

Olivia,

First of all, take a breath. This is a very common problem that brides have when planning their big day. I suggest that you and your fiance sit down and focus on the things that are most important to you on your wedding day– what you will remember for years to come. It could be having great pictures and an amazing DJ. Then, you need to think about what is not so important. Is it THAT important that you get expensive centerpieces? Then, write down a budget and STICK TO IT! Write down what you have already and what you still need. Remember– you don’t want to start your life together fighting and broke! If you need more tips, visit our article Money-Smart Wedding Planning.