Get married in style without breaking the bank

Last weekend I went to a picture-perfect wedding in New Hope, PA. We're talking mountains, sunset, classical guitar and mini hot dogs. There was no cake but there was an awesome ice cream truck that drove in for dessert and interrupted a very long speech (bonus!).

The non-traditional wedding is the new black. Not only is it cooler, but it saves moula. There's no need to serve smoked salmon when people prefer little hot dogs and who really needs a wedding dress with a train? Apparently men don't even like trains! While we're slicing and dicing, the multi-layer cake can go too. It often tastes like cardboard and costs an arm and leg.

The most beautiful weddings focus on a couple's unique connection and personal passions and not on carbon copies of expensive and mass marketed "perfect wedding" ideals.

I spoke with wedding planners who specialize in saying "ta ta" to the traditional along with smart and savvy brides-to-be to get you the skinny how to say "I do" without having to say "I can't do anything for a while after the wedding."


Go retro with appetizers
Mini hot dogs, tiny sliders and gourmet grilled cheese could be the belles of the ball. And If you want to spiff it up a notch, opt for an interesting cheese or organic meats.

Don't feed an army
Have you ever been to a wedding where there wasn't enough food? There's always about 20% extra, right? Adjust accordingly.

Beer and wine, baby
For better or worse, everyone has the token scotch-lover in the family. Newsflash is that they can deal without for a day and they may even thank you the next morning. The amount of money you'll save by keeping the spirits dead for a night is astounding.

Mum is the word
The minute you say "wedding" people see dollar signs. Don't believe me? Call a restaurant and ask them how much to rent the place for a three course meal for 60 peeps. Call back later (voice disguised, of course) and ask how much it costs to have a 3 course meal for 60 and while you're at it mention it's your wedding. 1000 + bucks says the quote is a bit higher.

Rock your ipod
Two questions. One. Do you really want a "wedding dj?" Two. Do you really want a "wedding dj" who pretends to spin records while he's playing his ipod? Save money and ditch the dj. If you're not a downloading diva, enlist a friend to help you compose a killer playlist. And guess what? If you really want to hear "Oh What a Night' you still can but here's hoping you're over it!

Have an ice-cream sandwich station
Have you ever tried Tate's cookies with vanilla ice cream smashed in between? It's dreamy and more fun than a slice of snooze. Get daring with your desserts and your guests will dig-in.

Related Links:

10 great one minute appetizers

Bye, bye boring desserts