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Budget Bride 101
Planning the perfect Virginia wedding can not only be stressful, but can also be expensive. There are ways, however, to make your wedding look like a million bucks without actually spending that much! The first thing to do is to sit down and decide on a budget and all the facets you wish to include in your wedding- band or dj, videographer, etc. Now prioritize those items, allocating the most funds to those items most important to creating the wedding of your dreams!
One of the most important decisions every couple must make is what time of day to have their ceremony. The romantic, evening wedding with back-lit photos is a dream come true, but it is also the most expensive way to go. Planning a morning ceremony offers not only the romance of a fresh, sun-filled venue, but also an inexpensive alternative to night-time nuptials. And what better place then Virginia to enjoy the sun overlooking the Potomac River in beautiful Leesburg. If you are set on the traditional evening wedding, why not spin it with a non-traditional twist- instead of a full sit-down dinner have a cocktail party with jazz band and served hors-d'oeuvres at sunset overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Your reception is where you will spend the majority of your budget. An evening wedding reception at a swanky hotel in downtown Richmond brings with it a full dinner and open bar that is always a bit costly. A afternoon or early evening reception, however, allows you and your friends to host a hot and cold buffet. Another way to save on your reception is by holding it in the same place as your ceremony. Beautiful banquet halls in Manassas, Virginia are ideal for both your ceremony and the reception following.
Money can be saved by personally attending to other details as well. Favors and flower arrangements can all be hand created to add a touch of personal style to any wedding. Visit a nearby craft store and pick up inexpensive supplies to make your own favors that look as though they came from a professional. For your flowers, buy them wholesale or use silk (which last forever!) and arrange them yourself. Why not use the Virginia state flower, the beautiful, elegant American Dogwood to accent your reception tables.
A beautiful and elegant wedding can be achieved at a reasonable price. It is important, however, to realize that these do-it-yourself suggestions don't mean you have to do it all alone. Ask your friends and family for help. It will relieve a lot of unnecessary stress. Take a hands-on approach and not only will you save money but you will be able to say your wedding was exactly as you wanted it to be and as personal as possible.
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