a 2010 Wedding Report study). If you want to include those far away in your wedding celebration, consider sending out an announcement (in print or electronic) featuring photos from your wedding day after the event.


own attire…within


Let your bridal party pick their the


guidelines


you establish. There are few items more


impractical in your closet


than a bridesmaid’s dress. Even if you’re lucky enough to score a decent-looking dress, the chances of you ever wearing it again are nil (regardless of the bride’s assurance that you will!). It’s a growing trend to do non-matching dresses. Embrace this practical alternative and choose a color or theme, and allow your bridesmaids to pick their own dress; while you retain “veto” power! If someone offers their services for


your wedding, suggest that be their “gift” to you. Whether it’s helping arrange


flowers, valet parking or doing hair and makeup, if a friend pitches in for your wedding, let them know their services are the best gift -- and completely sufficient.


to


Get practical when it comes accommodations.


If travel is


required to attend and/or be part of your wedding, consider your guests’ needs. While you want to reserve rooms at a good rate, you don’t want them to slum it for the weekend in a one star hotel miles away from the event. Many hotels offer special rates for weddings, but you may also find out if local friends and family might offer guest bedrooms for those who may need extra help. Pool


your


available resources.


Guests could split a rental car and hotel room. Chances are there will be many others flying from out of town, so an extra trip to an airport or a pullout sofa bed may work just fine.


Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of “Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot,” and blogs from her home in Orlando, Fla. For more budget saving ideas, visit her website at cheapwaysto.com.


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