The first week of January changed my world a bit.  I became engaged.  The big question was popped.  I said yes.  The first thing we did, that night, was pick a date.  The second thing we did was run to Barnes & Noble the following night.  I was in desperate search for the book ‘From Beginning To End’ by Robert Fulghum.  I read this book the year it was published back in 1995.  It changed my entire perception about weddings.

Prior to reading the book I had wanted that fairytale wedding that so many young women dream about.  I had visions of the long flowing dress, lots of flowers, five star restaurant style food, for everything to go as planned, a cake that left people speechless and for the reception to be at this magical place with lots of sparkling champagne and dancing.  It would be a world within a world that left a lasting impression on all those that attended.

Then, I read ‘From Beginning To End.’  There is one chapter titled ‘Union’ and it’s devoted to describing a simple wedding based on 3 married couples that Robert Fulghum knew.  He played a big role in these wedding ceremonies and the receptions that followed. He took the events of their wedding days and combined them into one.  It made for a thought provoking and beautifully written chapter.  He has a way of shaking up your most stubborn plans and ways of thinking.  When all is said and done and the debris settles, you’re left with a slightly different change of plans.

I needed this book.  Since reading it the first time around, my desire for that fairytale wedding faded.  I wanted simple.  Down to earth.  Comfortable.  Come as you are.  Great homemade comfort foods.  Homemade gourmet cupcakes instead of a cake.  Mason jars filled with simple flowers.  Appetizers before the ceremony so people can meet, mingle and eat.  A bonfire.  Everyone holding a balloon that they let go of to create a bouquet in the sky instead of a handheld flower bouquet.  Thoughtful and crafty goody bags.  That’s what I wanted.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to have.  I’ve been searching the web for ideas and it didn’t take me long to realized that more and more people are gravitating towards this style.  I didn’t have to do much digging to come up with some really great and inexpensive ideas.  This trend is catching on.  Couples are embracing this idea not only to cut back on costs, but to simplify things.  Simple is in.  Frugal is in.  Homemade versus store bought is in.

You can apply these frugal ideas to just about everything…kids birthday parties, entertaining, gifts, graduation parties, etc.  It’s simple and, when all is said and done, you’ll save a considerable amount of money.  There won’t be the stress of blowing through your budget.  In the weeks to come, I’ll unravel some of the ways that you can simplify events and special occasions.  I’ve always been budget savvy, but I have to say, I’ve learned a lot in the past couple of weeks.  Whatever ideas I stumble across is a learning experience for me as well.  People are always coming up with innovative ways to save money and spectacular crafty ideas to replace store bought stuff.  I’m lovin’ it!

And with that, I’ll leave you with some words of advice from Robert Fulghum (which just so happens to be my favorite lines within the pages of ‘From Beginning To End.’)….

“Weddings are a lot like any other occasion in life.  Anything can happen.  The great banana peel of existence is always on the floor somewhere.  Not only that, anything might go right!  Sometimes the unexpected is an unforgettable moment that transforms a standard wedding into a memorable experience.  The sweetest memories are seldom the result of planning.  Forget fashion shows, forget a performance, forget perfection.  Whatever happens gets acknowledged and included.  Whatever happens, we work it in.  Nothing can ruin a wedding if the heart is right.  Nothing can help a wedding that is a military drill.  Relax.  Be here.  Notice each other.  You could walk through fire together.”

Did you know that December is the most popular month for couples to get engaged.  With those engagements comes the task of planning for the wedding.  Most couples decide to tie the knot during the warm weather months.  Spring and Summer are the most favorable seasons with June, August, May & July being the top four months.

With all this planning comes expenses…and lots of them!  Sticking to a budget tends to be challenging.  What if you could actually save money and have that dreamy wedding you’ve always wanted.  Follow these frugal tips and spend less on your big day!

1.  If having a wedding during the Spring & Summer isn’t a must, than opt for the Fall or Winter.  The time of year does make a big different on how much you’ll pay for a location.  Keep in mind too that getting married on a Friday or Saturday is more expensive than a weekday or Sunday wedding.  The time of day you exchange your vows makes a big difference too.  Opt for earlier weddings rather than late afternoon or evening ones.

2.  The largest expense for a wedding is the location and reception.  To cut some serious expenses opt for a more reasonably priced, or even free, venue.  Choose a local church, a relatives home, a nearby park, lakefront, the shore of the ocean, a vineyard or a mountain side field.

3.  Wedding dresses can quickly break any budget.  You can keep the cost down and find the perfect dress.  Shop the clearance rack at Romantic Gowns and save up to 70%!  Milanoo is another great place to shop with over  3,000 dresses starting at only $42.99! You can also check out local thrift stores or consignment shops.

4.  The cost of flower arrangements can add up fast.  Purchase flowers from a wholesale retailer or farmers market and make your own bouquets or table arrangements.  Check out Budget Blooms for tips and videos on how to create your own.

5.  Ordering invitations online is usually less expensive than a local store.  Check out Invitation Consultants,  Exclusively Weddings or The Knot Wedding Shop for discounts and coupons.  You can also get creative and purchase card stock to make and create your own wedding invitations.

6.  You don’t need to spend a bundle of money on a cake.  Those exquisite show piece cakes will cost you $400 to $1000 if not more.  Is there a family member or friend that has the talent to make your cake?  Ask them to create one as their gift to you.  Decadent & beautiful cupcakes are another option.  Cupcake wedding cakes have made their place into some of the most lavish weddings.

7.  Finding a photographer that fits your budget can be a tough one, but certainly not impossible.  Find a photographer who will take pictures and only put them on a DVD or thumb drive so you can print them out at home.  Printing your own pictures is a lot cheaper than the photographer doing it.

8.  Cant’ forget the wedding favors and the other tiny details.  Wedding favors don’t have to cost a fortune.  Shop Wedding Channel Store, ShindigZ or Beau Coup for discounted wedding favors and supplies. This is another area where you can show off your creative talent.  Purchase Hershey Kisses (or other candy) and create a tiny bundle tied off with guests names or make your own gift bags stuffed with inexpensive treats.

I am learning that the key do the best job that you can do, after that it’s out of your hands. There is no point in worrying about something you can’t change. Everyone needs ways to relieve the tensions of everyday life and lately my stress relief comes from the gym. My favorite method of torture is the spin classl. The more brutal the better. It feels so good to push the limits and leave all my stress back at the gym when I head for home.

With all that being said Ill leave you with a quote that sometimes helps me deal with life (I have it stuck to my bathroom mirror).

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -Emerson