Wedding Savings
WSVN
Channel 7 - Miami- Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Reported by: Lynn
Martinez - Producer: Laura Garrigan
Air Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003
We all know weddings can be extremely expensive. But you don't
have to blow out your bank account for a beautiful ceremony. In
tonight's More Bang For Your Buck, how to save on your special
day.
(WSVN) -- Forget going to chapel, for Pilar and Steve Martell
this is a wedding South Florida style. They recently said I-do
on Miami Beach.
The total cost for the ceremony - 4 hundred dollars.
"It was a great experience, you know, it was really nice
and it didn't cost a lot of money."
The couple proved marriage and money don't have to go hand in
hand by working through a company called Forever In Love.
"What people like about my services is that I offer a simple,
inexpensive solution for brides and grooms."
But whether you're looking for something exotic or traditional,
there are ways to cut corners when it comes to cutting the cake.
And it all begins with timing.
Andrea Ganes of Life of the Party Productions says, " If
you plan for certain days of the week, a Friday or a Sunday, most
vendors can negotiate a better rate."
Time of year - think September.
"Most people are back in school. The hotel businesses are
slow, wedding business are slow, musician businesses are slow."
Time of day - the earlier, the better.
This way, people will eat less and drink less.
As for location, try to have the ceremony and reception at one
venue.
Not only is it less hectic, most places provide a package deal.
"And with those packages, it should include all of your
rentals - tables, chairs, lennons."
For decorations, South Floridians are lucky.
Just ask Steve and Pilar, this is one area where tying the knot
definitely doesn't have to tie up your budget.
"It was beautiful."
On the other hand, if you want flowers, make sure they're in
season.
If you want to do something different, maybe candles can spark
a new vibe.
"I say more candles the better. More candles, less flowers."
Less was definitely more for Scott and Pilar.
They found a simple ceremony can be very meaningful.
"It's hard top put a price on it. This is something ill
never forget."
As for entertainment, it's also easy to save by hiring a solo
performer.
Our wedding experts suggest you utilize the musician for the
processional as well as the recessional.
