Money Saving Wedding Ideas

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They say there are two things that will withstand the test of time, and love is one of them.

However, with gas prices flirting with $4 a gallon and lavish weddings chock full of frivolity, lovebirds are looking for the most cost effective ways to tie the knot.

And they aren't skimping on the details.

THE DRESS AND TUXEDO

Summer may be known as the season for weddings, but according to Cathy Heim, seamstress at Nicole's Bridal Boutique in Seneca, brides-to-be are choosing simpler designs and more contemporary looks to satisfy both the warmer weather, as well as lighter wallets.

"You can pay just as much for a formal dress as can you for an informal," Heim said. "But for this area, people are buying a lot more conservative."

Heim, who is working on more than 20 weddings this month alone, said business is as steady as ever, adding that she has received a lot of requests to alter dresses bought from outside dealers. The four-year employee said many women are purchasing the perfect dress elsewhere, but sticking to local seamstresses for the modifications, saving a much needed tank of gas as well as some sanity.

Heim said the only major cutbacks so far include slightly less expensive bridesmaids' dresses - shortened from full-length to tea. She said she doesn't expect any bride's budget to favor a dress that is subpar to what they have always dreamed of.

"Every bride has a dream," Heim said. "And they will sacrifice to get that. Now whether that means a cheaper tuxedo or fewer flowers, I don't know. But the dress (the average is $650 at Nicole's) really isn't the biggest cutback."

And neither is the tuxedo, according to Rob Walter, an employee with F.L. Crooks and Co. on Main Street in Clarion.

The specialty clothing dealer, offering a range of prices on both lower-end designs and top name tuxedos, said the average cost for the groom comes in at around $100 for a complete rental with the most expensive falling somewhere near $160. And while the only shift Walter has seen is to cooler microfiber shirts, many men are still going for a quality fit and fabric to satisfy their wants as well.

"Everything's really just on par as it's always been," Walter said. "I haven't noticed any big difference."

THE RING

Perhaps the most illustrious piece of wedding memorabilia is the smallest and oftentimes most expensive for the big day.

Niki Volmrich, owner of Feldman Jewelers in Franklin, said couples are shopping vigilantly, but 'going for the gold' when it comes to actually buying.

"I haven't seen where they're really cutting back," Volmrich said. "I mean, they're still buying, but they're just perhaps not spending as much."

A veteran in the jewelry industry, having owned her Liberty Street shop for 23 years, Volmrich said those looking to celebrate nuptials are keeping a keen eye out for more traditional pieces that will not only look good, but won't break the bank.

One way brides are saving money is by purchasing titanium or tungsten bands for the groom, rings that not only have the weight and look of more expensive metals, but cost much less. An average price equals out to a little more than $100. Volmrich said many of the aforementioned materials are a lot more durable than conventional models.

However, she noted, grooms are still perusing the shelves for diamonds set in gold and platinum for their brides, in addition to the pricey engagement rings bought prior to the actual day.

"(Rising prices) don't really affect wedding jewelry, other jewelry yes, but not this," Volmrich said.

She also said the store's registry has consistently done quite well, with brides requesting various decorative accessories and everyday dishware.

"The ring is something you will have forever. You're going to be looking at that for years and years...hopefully," Volmrich said with a laugh.

By: Nicholas Hess
from Derrick.com