"The Budget Wedding Sourcebook" by Madeline Barillo

The Budget Wedding Sourcebook presents dozens of creative, money-saving techniques for making the most out of any wedding budget. From choosing a location to ceremonial decor, Madeline Barillo shares ideas, hints, and real-life examples to help the bride and groom have the wedding they want at a price they can afford.



CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE. PRIORITIES AND EXPECTATIONS 1Identifying Your Priorities 2
Clarifying Your Expectations
The Wedding Expectations Worksheet
The Wedding Planning Calendar
CHAPTER TWO. THE BUDGET BLUEPRINT
Will Our Dollars Match Our Dreams?
Average Costs and Percentages
The Basic Budget Blueprint
Our Savings Goal
CHAPTER THREE. GETTING STARTED AND GETTING ORGANIZED
The Organization Game Plan
The Golden Rules of Budget Planning
The Golden Rules of Budget Shopping
The Top 50 Shortcuts to Savings
CHAPTER FOUR. THEWEDDING CONSULTANT
How Do I Find a Consultant?
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Consultant
CHAPTER FIVE. THEMYTHS AND REALITIES OFWEDDING PLANNING
What Insiders Know
The Most Common Wedding Myths 67
CHAPTER SIX. REAL COUPLES, REAL BUDGETS
Lynn and Bob Dennis
Anna Marie and Glen McElroy
Lisa and Shawn Michael
CHAPTER SEVEN. BUYING THE RINGS
Choosing a Diamond
Buyer Beware
Great Sources for Free Buying Guides
Ways to Save on Rings
CHAPTER EIGHT. THEWEDDING GOWN
Savvy Shopping Strategies
Ways to Save on the Wedding Gown
Ways to Save on Accessories
CHAPTER NINE. THEWEDDING PARTY
Ways to Save on Attire for the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids
Ways to Save on Attire for the Flower Girl
Ways to Save on Attire for the Best Man and Groomsmen
Ways to Save on Gifts for the Attendants
CHAPTER TEN. WEDDING INVITATIONS
Printing Methods
Ways to Save on Invitations
Engagement and Wedding Announcements
Invitation Resources
CHAPTER ELEVEN. FAVORS AND ACCESSORIES
Ways to Save on Wedding Favors
Ideas for Inexpensive Favors
Do-It-Yourself Ideas
Ways to Save on Popular Accessories
Resources for Unique Favors and Accessories
CHAPTER TWELVE. THEWEDDING CEREMONY
Setting the Date
Ways to Save
Special Touches That Don’t Cost a Fortune
Questions to Ask the Officiant or Ceremony
CHAPTER THIRTEEN. THE RECEPTION AND CATERING
Ways to Save on the Reception
Ways to Save on Liquor and Beverages
Ways to Save on Catering
Special Touches at the Reception
Questions to Ask the Reception or Catering Manager
Catering Your Own Wedding
CHAPTER FOURTEEN. FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS
The Six Rules for Saving on Flowers
Choosing the Bridal Bouquet
Ways to Save on Flowers
Ideas for Inexpensive Centerpieces
Ideas for Decorating an Outdoor Site
Inexpensive Flowers
Internet Resources for Information on Flowers
Do It Yourself
CHAPTER FIFTEEN. THEWEDDING CAKE
Flat, Tiered, or Stacked?
Easy Ways to Slice the Cost
Sources Other Than a Bakery
Popular Wedding Cake and Filling Combinations
Bake It Yourself
CHAPTER SIXTEEN. THE BRIDAL REGISTRY
Ways to Save on the Registry
Unusual Items to Register
Bridal Registry Resources
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Ways to Save on Photography
Ways to Save on Videography
Questions to Ask the Photographer or Videographer
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Music for the Ceremony
Hiring a Disc Jockey
Hiring a Band
Ways to Save on Music
Questions to Ask the Musicians or Disc Jockey
CHAPTER NINETEEN. TRANSPORTATION
Ways to Save on Getting Around
Sample Hourly Rates
Questions to Ask the Vehicle Company
CHAPTER TWENTY. THE HONEYMOON
Finding a Knowledgeable Travel Agent
Avoiding “Honeymoon” Spots
Airfare Savvy
Ways to Save on Accommodations
Staying Close to Home
Train and Airline Passes
Honeymoon Cruises
Be a Wary Consumer
CONCLUSION
INDEX