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Informative Articles

A Beach Wedding Cake
Looking for a beach theme wedding cake? When it comes to wedding cakes, long gone are the days of following tradition. Since you are considering a beach theme wedding cake, you are obviously not a slave to those traditions. So...let's stray...
Allergy-free Wedding Flowers
Allergy-free Wedding Flowers Thomas Ogren I get quite a few emails from brides-to-be, asking me which flowers would be good to use at their weddings, flowers that won’t make them or their bridesmaids start sneezing and sniffling right in the...
Setting A Good Wedding Budget
Depending on where you live, the average wedding can cost thousands of dollars. While some are in a position to spare no cost when planning the perfect wedding day, others simply can't afford to or would rather see their hard-earned money used for...
Wedding Day Hair Styles - A Top Ten Checklist
The big day is fast approaching, and the energy of the moment sweeps you up. But does it carry your hair along too? Use the following checklist to ensure your wedding day hair is everything you dream it will be: 1. Which stylist? Make bookings for...
Wedding Etiquette for the Best Man, Groomsmen, and Ushers
Undoubtedly, the groom will want to choose a few good men—often his brothers, college buddies, and best friends—to carry out all of the responsibilities traditionally assigned to the guys. Once your fiancé has picked his team, he’ll have to give...
 
5 Quick Tips for Saving Big Money on Your Wedding with an Outdoor Ceremony

Looking for ways to cut costs on your wedding but still have the event you've always dreamed about? You can save a great deal of money by hosting your ceremony outside in a beautiful park, at the beach, on a hilltop or even in your yard. (Of course, having the ceremony in your backyard is the cheapest - but not everyone has a yard big enough to accommodate today's hundred-plus guest lists).

Here are five quick tips if you're thinking about an outdoor ceremony that can save you money all around.

* Choose an open public forum that does not generally have a great deal of people trying to access it, and remember to get the right permits beforehand. The less demand there is for a space, the cheaper it's likely to be (and easier to obtain).

* Opting for an ordained minister rather than a priest is often cheaper. Just be sure to check that whoever you choose can legally perform wedding ceremonies in your area.

* You can forego the chairs and have the guests standing as long as you host a short ceremony. A nice white or themed linen on the ground for guests to stand on is an elegant touch.

* When going with outdoor ceremony, people often opt for a portable arch because it is easy to transport and just as elegant as more permanent structures.

* Outdoor


ceremonies open the door to many themes that can greatly reduce the cost of your wedding and reception. For example, Hawaiian themes and beach themes can help you save money on formal wear and decorations because people having an outdoor wedding are often casually or "island dressed." It makes the ceremony more comfortable for the guests as well, because they're also able to dress casually.

And here's another plus: outdoor ceremonies can immediately switch from ceremony to reception without changing venues, which saves some extra money on travel fees such as limos, and eliminates the need to rent two venues. For example, the Hawaiian theme mentioned above would be a great way to have a luau or pig-roast reception. You might also want to consider a theme that lets you have a picnic for your reception party, or a beach party or bonfire - all of which are acceptable alternatives for the couple on a budget.
About the Author

Chris Simeral is the creator of The Ultimate Wedding Vow Toolkit, the wedding-coordinator-approved home-study course for couples personalizing or renewing their wedding vows. Sign up for the free wedding vow mini-course at http://www.weddingvowtoolkit.com.