Weddings bring memories, or bankruptcy?
By | July 15, 2010
A couple on the Dr. Phil show argued over the amount that would be spent on their wedding. The husband-to-be wanted an elaborate wedding which would cost well over $10,000. The bride refused, wanting a much more modest celebration. I don’t remember anything being said about the income the couple had or what financial help, if any, would come from parents. However, the final analysis by Dr. Phil was the couple should plan on spending at least $3,000. I sat in shock as I agreed with the woman: The money could be used toward a down payment on a house, a saving account for emergencies, or other needs for setting up house. Many couples now-a-days are going into debt to have expensive weddings, starting out on the negative side of a balance sheet. A wedding should provide memories of a loving couple becoming one, not the first step toward bankruptcy.
The first step toward deciding what to spend on a wedding should be how much money the couple has, including any amount provided by family. The funds should be those not required for other necessities or expenses for living. Going into debt should not be an option.
Once the amount is known, then a list of what each person wants without change. For example, one bride I knew wanted her own wedding dress. Everything else was negotiable. The couple borrowed the arches and candle holders from a friend’s friend. They used silk flowers, and with the help of family members, made all flower arrangements. Another friend created the veil. Family and friends made items for the reception and served food they provided. The final cost of the wedding was less than $500, yet it was beautiful. The guests never knew what was created or donated. Memories of the wedding included some rather ridiculous ones, such as the member of the wedding party that exposed everyone to a very violent stomach upset, but the wedding and reception were lovely and memorable for the right reasons.
A granddaughter’s wedding cost about $600, but family members all chipped in and covered the expenses so that the young couple wouldn’t have to start their life together in a financial hole. A mother covered the cost of a limited number of flowers. A grandmother provided the cake, punch, and other eats for the reception. Everyone provided copies of pictures taken during the ceremony and reception, many of professional quality.
Perhaps if the couple has money to spare, or a parent does, spending thousands of dollars on a wedding may be understandable. But people of limited means can still have a wedding to remember for considerably less than $10,000, or even $3,000, without bankruptcy looming on the horizon.
About the Author
An author and poet on a site for Poetry Contests, Vivian Gilbert Zabel currently has two books published: Hidden Lies and Other Stories and Walking the Earth: Life’s Perspectives in Poetry. This article has been submitted in affiliationwith http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations.
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Fountains for Weddings And Their Many Uses
By | July 11, 2010
I attended a Bridal Show yesterday afternoon with a friend at the local Friends Community Center. One of the things that impressed me most was the many ways that you can use a fountain at a wedding reception. Traditionally, fountains have been used for years for punch or champagne, but now they are coming in all shapes and sizes and are being used for all kinds of foods.
The large 3 tier champagne fountain now looks very elegant with melted chocolate pouring over it’s sides, and a matching 3 to 4 tier serving tray piled high with strawberries, chunks of fresh pineapple, marshmallows and pretzel sticks. The guests can help themselves using wooden skewers and let as much chocolate as they dare to drizzle over their choice of fruit or marshmallows. I’ve even heard that at some weddings the chocolate fountain is beginning to replace the wedding cake. The large 3 tier was by far the most elegant, but the splash over was greater as well. If you are considering a fountain of this size be sure to surround the area with white linen towels that can be washed.
I saw chocolate in smaller two tier fountains. By the way, you can choose white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or just any variation that you can come up with. I would probably go for this smaller fountain because it would be just as much fun with a lot less mess.
Punch, champagne and chocolate are not the only things that you can put in the fountains. Ranch dressing flowing from the smaller two tier fountain looked great sitting on a table with fresh vegetable trays or salads, or next to a cheese tray.
What about barbecue sauce in the small fountain next to a plate of meatballs or tray of chicken or ribs. Even melted cheese can be used in the fountains. Quite frankly, you can just use your imagination to see what uses you can come up with.
All of the fountains that I saw were available for rental by the day. The elegant 3 tier fountains with gold trim went for around $35.00 to $40.00 per day, while the small two tier fountains rented for $15.00 to $20.00 per day depending on the company and how they were made. The 3 tier elegant clear plastic tray for the fruit display rented for $14.00 per day, but you get the tray lighted for $20.00 per day.
One thing you might want to realize is that you will need to designate someone to remove the leftover chocolate and clean the items rented and make sure that they are returned in good condition.
Adding a chocolate fountain can add a whole lot of fun and elegance to any wedding reception, and as you can see it doesn’t have to be expensive.
About the Author
Author: Barbara King
Owner:Tips For Budget Weddings Plan your wedding like a professional would. Plan A Wedding You Can Be Proud Of -Without Breaking The Bank! You Don’t Have To Be Rich To Have An Unforgettable Wedding Ceremony! (And No One Will Ever Know You Did It For Less!
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Dream Weddings and Honeymoons In Mauritius
By | July 8, 2010
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Weddings and honeymoons in Mauritius provide the kind of romantic and memorable setting that most couples dream of. It is no wonder that this tropical paradise is a popular destination and amongst the top three places to get married. Warm clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, warm climate, fantastic dining and tropical scenery, Mauritius has it all. If you are getting married, your big day in Mauritius can be created effortlessly, with a range of exquisite wedding venues and packages available to you. A wedding in Mauritius oozes sophistication, style and elegance. You can rest assured that whatever wedding venue you choose, your special day will exceed all your dreams and expectations. Choose from a luxury hotel wedding or a beach wedding. Some of the benefits of getting married at selective resorts are discounted accommodation, free upgrades or all-inclusive updates for the wedding party. The hotel staff offer excellent attention to detail and most of the hotels only have one wedding during the day ensuring all the attention is focused on you. Le Victoria, a luxury hotel is a very popular choice for weddings and honeymoons in Mauritius. Experienced in providing wedding facilities and services, the hotel can help to calm any pre-wedding nerves and sort out any bridal concerns. The accommodation with its spacious rooms is ideal to accommodate for family weddings. There are 11 family apartments with separate rooms for children and a parent?s room with balcony. For unrivalled luxury there are 7 suites at 120 square metres. For more adventurous couples looking for an alternative venue, you may consider a secluded beach wedding, catamaran wedding, a submarine wedding or a colonial wedding. Selected travel specialists will coordinate your wedding (or honeymoon) from start to finish, working with your budget to assist in the wedding planning, booking flights and a luxury hotel. Local Mauritian staff can provide you with information on the legal documentation; organize photographers and hen and stag events. You and your wedding party can relax and enjoy your time on the island, get spa treatments, whilst the staff make sure everything runs smoothly. Alternatively you may have decided to have your wedding closer to home and plan to jet off on your honeymoon to Mauritius. Staff will be happy to advise you on the most romantic locations and create an unbeatable experience to rival that of your wedding. Most of the hotels have spas where couples can be pampered together. And if you don?t want complete relaxation there are plenty of golf courses and water sports to keep you busy. The beauty of Mauritius is truly overwhelming. Set in the vast Indian Ocean of the East coast of Madagascar Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate all year round ensuring you are virtually guaranteed sunshine on your wedding day. Renowned as one of the most romantic and beautiful places on earth, it is the perfect setting for your honeymoon abroad to explore and enjoy each others company. Dreams really do come true when it comes to weddings and honeymoons in Mauritius.
Article Tags: hotel, mauritius, wedding
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