Planning a
beautiful wedding, cheaply
By MARTHA PETTEYS
petteys@poststar.com
Published on
6/20/2003
Arts & Life
THE POST-STAR
(reprint with
permission)
STONY CREEK -- Elisa Gaye Wagoner's daughter was
married under a canopy of century-old sycamore trees. The bride wore a German
Renaissance gown and stood with her groom on fresh rose petals while being
serenaded by a harp and flute. Their celebration had character and elegance, and
it came with a price tag of less than $2,000.
More couples are passing on big, expensive weddings, opting instead for at-home
or outdoor events that are both distinct and classy, said Wagoner, who is author
of "Bringing Home the Wedding," a step-by-step workbook for planning a wedding
on a budget.
Today's brides and grooms often have demanding lifestyles, she said. They are
waiting later in life to get married. They are often paying off student loans.
And they would like to start planning for that first home, sooner rather than
later.
These couples see paying $16,000 to $30,000 (the average cost for an American
wedding) as wasteful, Wagoner said. Cutting out things such as restaurant hall
rentals and in-house catering can trim a wedding budget down considerably,
leaving more money for that future house payment.
"The basic concept of the book is having it all, because home weddings are very
manageable," she said, adding that an elegant at-home or outdoor affair can cost
as little as $2,000.
Planning should start with making a budget and guest list. To keep the guest
list from getting out of hand, remember that this is a celebration for you and
those "near and dear to you," Wagoner said. You don't need to invite far-flung
associates and friends of friends.
Another cost-cutting idea is catering the wedding yourself -- Wagoner promises
that it is not as hard as it sounds. Her book includes menus and 35 tested
recipes. And if you have an aunt or friend renowned for their dessert or entree,
buy them some groceries and have them bring the dish. They'll feel good they're
able to be involved, Wagoner said.
The 110-page book features directions on how to prepare the home or outdoor
wedding site, including sewing patterns for tablecloth variations, place mats
and chair cushions.
"Bringing Home the Wedding" is $24.95
and is available at
http://www.amazon.com/,
http://www.barnes&noble.com/ and
elisagaye@yahoo.com.
Wagoner is currently working on an expanded version of the book that will
include information on putting together wedding CDs and videos.
Wagoner will also be giving a 30-minute talk at noon July 13 on "Preparing the
Home and Wedding Site" during the Adirondack Authors Book Fair at the Tannery
Pond Community Center.
