Here are a few suggestions you may find helpful in planning your wedding day. Most of them are with the budget-conscious bride in mind. Alos, be sure and read my suggestions for economical and practical banquet and reception decorating.
RSVP- You may think that by not having your guests RSVP you will be saving money by not purchasing RSVP cards, envelopes and postage - WRONG !!!! What you save on those items may very well cost you (sometimes 2 - 3 times as much) in other costs. You'll probably purchase more food than you need, you may rent a larger facility than you need, etc.
Caterer- Unless you are a super organizer, HIRE ONE ! Or at least have an aquaintance or friend, who is a good organizer and tireless worker, take charge of the reception. This works well for a cake and coffee or finger food type reception. For a hot meal reception, hiring a caterer will keep the stress level down. Make sure to find out who is responsible for food clean-up, will the caterer stay and clean up or will you need to have a cleanup crew lined up?.
Will the caterer stay and serve or will you need servers?
Disposable items are a huge timesaver when clean-up time comes around. Use them wherever possible and environmentally safe.
Coordinator - This can be a professional or simply a friend with good organizational skills, LOTS of patience and a calming personality. (Really, the last thing you want to be doing is phoning the limo service waiting for the car that was supposed to whisk you away to your reception)
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen - decide what their duties will be and make sure they understand their responsibilities. Here are a few things that you may want to have them be responsible for -
Passing out the corsages and bouteneers (if the florist isn't there to do it)Handing out the wedding programsGreeting guests at the doorEscorting guests to their seatsDistributing favors, momentoes and disposable cameras at the receptionEncouraging guest participation where applicableAssisting the Bride and Groom in pre-wedding activities : picking up the tuxes, transporting tables and chairs to reception hall, etc.Keeping child participants focused and happy - a screaming flower girl makes for a stressful day !Being pleasant and friendly to the guests.Flowers - I'm obviously partial to silk flowers for these reasons : They cost less, last longer, they're non-allergenic, theyr'e always in season, colors choices are endless and silk bouquets weigh less. They can also be made weeks in advance.
Altar arrangments can be given as keepsakes to honored guests to have as an ongoing reminder of your special day. (My daughter still has her silk hair wreath she wore as a flower girl 10 years ago!)
