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May 12, 2009 6:11 pm US/Eastern
Cutting Corners: Tips To Saving On Wedding Costs
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Today's tough economic times have forced many to rethink how they spend their hard earned dollars and what they purchase. For many brides planning a weeding this year, some tough choices will have to be made so she can still have the wedding of her dreams without going broke.
"As a young girl everyone would ask me what do you want to be when you grow up, my answer is always a bride," says Yleibis Castro who is a blushing bride to be.
Castro told
CBS4 Your Money reporter Gwen Belton that in a few weeks her lifelong dream will come true and while she wants to make it memorable, she doesn't want to break the bank.
"We had to cut down some things here and there because it's really just a one day event," she said.
To stay within her budget Castro is getting help from wedding planner Alice Villar of Affairs Remembered in Miami. Villar said couples can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars with careful planning.
"It's like turning that creative button on," she says
When it comes to the bride's gown, Villar said many of her clients have found deals at local bridal shops and on-line.
Brides looking to save money on their gowns may also want to check out the Brides Against Breat Cancer Charity Gown Sale. It will be held May 29th through the 31st at the Embasy Suites, located at 1100 S.E. 17 street , Ft Lauderdale. Name brand, designer and couture gowns will be on sale with savings up to 75 percent off. All the procceeds to help in the fight against breast cancer.
Click Here for more information.
Another good way to save a few dollars is to be flexible with the date.
"If you have something during the week, if you have Monday through Thursday events, that can save you a lot of money," said Villar.
When it comes to decorating she suggests using candles, if flowers are too costly, or a combination of the two. Villar advises a buffet instead of a sit down dinner, a disc jockey instead of a band and watch the guest list.
"That will really set the limit and tone, as far as where to go with your budget," she said.
Castro took Villar's advice and cut her guest list way down to just family and close friends. When it comes to capturing that special moment experts says photography is one place where you don't want to skimp, but there are ways you can save money.
"You can save on not getting the extra bells and whistles," according to Eli Arias.
She is an assistant at Rodrigo Varela Photography in Miami. Arias said skipping extras like the pre-engagement session and the post wedding session will cut down on costs. And instead of getting a wedding album, she says consider a DVD which you can reprint and create your own album.
Castro said because she set a budget and stuck to it, she won't have to worry about having to pay the bills when they come in.
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