7 Ways to Save

Weddings can be expensive and before you know it, you've gone over your budget.

Here are 7 ways to save when planning your wedding:

1. Save money and feel good about your favours by donating to a charity. Pick one that's close to your heart as a couple or one that you've volunteered for before. Helping others not only will give you the warm and fuzzies, but will save you money (& waste as most people don't keep or even take their favours). Plus, you'll get a tax credit for your charitable contribution.

2. Marriage licence fees vary depending on the municipality. Do a bit of research to see who closest to you offers the lowest cost. An extra 10-15 minute drive could save you $20-$40.

3. Beg, borrow and rent your wedding attire. There are plenty of used and sample gowns that are just a beautiful as the original, and are usually more than 1/2 the cost. Also, ask friends who've been married recently if you can borrow or rent their veil, shoes, etc. You'll only wear your dress and accessories for one day, so if you can save here, you'll be able to spend more on something else.

4. Have your wedding during an off-season month like Jan-Mar or Nov-Dec. Friday weddings are also not as affordable as they used to be, so don't think that will save you much. Having a wedding on a Sunday of a long weekend may be a bit less expensive, but they are gaining in popularity as well.

5. Choose a venue that is already decorated (think at Christmas time) or is beautifully staged on it's own. This way you cut the costs on hiring a decorator and renting chair covers, etc. Banquet halls are less expensive, but then there are the costs to make it not look so cookie cutter...flowers, lights, drapery, etc.

6. Ask your servers to pour wine for your guests rather than have bottles on the table. If people see the wine, they'll drink the wine. Save yourself some money by not displaying bottles on the tables.

7. Reduce your guest list with this simple trick; if you haven't had a sit down meal with them in the past year,  cut them from your list. We know that this isn't typical for everyone (you're Fathers co-workers, etc), but if you're debating about that friend from your old job, or the neighbour down the street, think of that trick.
Less guests equal less money spent.

Wine Not?

If you're looking for a romantic, classy, exclusive venue for your up-coming nuptials, why not look into Ontario's Wine Country? Check out Wineries of Ontario for official information about Ontario's beloved wine regions including Niagara on the Lake, Grimsby, Prince Edward County, Toronto and Pelee Island.

Niagara on the Lake is one of my most favourite areas to visit all year round. From walking and shopping during the holidays, to experiencing a live theatrical show and picnic in the spring or summer, there is plenty of things to do and enjoy while visiting for the day, weekend or even a few days to a week.

Niagara on the Lake (NOTL) boasts many Inns as well as B&B's because it's a very popular location for romantic getaways, honeymoons and even weddings! Niagara's Finest Inns showcases some of the most exquisite Inns in the region. Having your wedding ceremony and reception at an Inn allows you to have an intimate gathering with close family and friends and yet feel like you have travelled away to a remote piece of property, but you are really only about 20 mins from Niagara Falls and an hour or so from Toronto!

If you need a bit more room for hosting your wedding, try Vintage Hotels - where you can find information on hotels like Queens Landing, Pillar & Post and Prince of Wales.

Wineries in the area that have large rooms dedicated for weddings and special events are; Hernder Estate Wine, Casablanca Winery &; Inn and Peller Estates.

No matter what you choose, having your wedding at a winery or an Inn within the beautiful region of Niagara on the Lake allow you to have a theme at your fingertips. Incorporate wine into the menu, use corks as place card holders, use grapes and vine leaves in your decor, centerpieces or cake and give an engraved or personalized wine stopper as a guest favour. There are plenty of ways to enhance the theme of your wedding with fine details.

Think you might want to look into an Inn or winery for your wedding?

I say, "wine not!"