How to Have an Elegant Wedding for $5,000 (or Less), Achieving Beautiful Simplicity Without Mortgaging Your Future Book

Contents
Acknowledgments Introduction

1. First Things First—Planning to Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality
Of Utmost Importance Let's Dream Back to Reality Let's Get Started You Will Need Help Your Own Personal Checklist—From Beginning to End

2. The Wedding Budget and Organization—Tracking and Deciding How to Spend Your Money
Money Decisions Budget Samples Keeping Organized

3. Ceremony and Reception Locations—Setting the Stage for Your Wedding Day
Ceremonies to Choose From Choosing Your Location and Surroundings Getting More for Your Money Finding and Booking Your Site Remember to Organize

4. Wedding Attire—Dressing for the Day of a Lifetime
The Wedding Gown The Right Veil and Headpiece The Right Train The Right Accessories Bridesmaids' Dresses Flower Girls and Ring Bearers Groom, Groomsmen, and Fathers Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses Remember to Organize

5. The Reception and Catering—Celebrating with Food and Drink
Time of Day Types of Meals and Menu Ideas Types of Catering Wait Staff Alcoholic Beverages Table Setups Layout of the Room Remember to Organize

6. Photography and Videography—Preserving Memories of Your Wedding on Film
Photography Videography Remember to Organize

7. Music—Creating and Adding Perfect Harmony
Music for the Ceremony Music for the Reception Remember to Organize

8. Flowers—Adding Just the Right Touch to Your Day
Selecting the Flowers Checklist for Flowers Bouquets Floral Options for Mothers and Grandmothers Flower Girl Boutonnieres Choosing a Florist In Season Or . . .
Creating Floral Decorations with Your Friends and Family Marvelous Ideas Worth Duplicating Money-Saving Tips Remember to Organize

9. Decorations—Picking the Perfect Accents
Decorating for the Ceremony Decorating for the Reception Table Linens Decorative Favors Illuminating Ideas Remember to Organize

10. The Cake—Selecting a Magnificent Edible Showpiece
The History of Wedding Cakes A Myriad of Taste and Design Possibilities Icing on the Cake Cake Tops Groom's Cake How to Choose a Bakery Sizes and Prices of Cakes The Cake Table Remember to Organize

11. Invitations—Asking Friends and Family to Share in Your Special Day
Guest List Every Style Imaginable Putting Your Invitations into Words Thermography versus Engraving Inking and Lettering Styles Envelope Styles Reception Cards Response Cards and Envelopes Informals Announcements Placing Your Order Addressing Envelopes Other Invitation Inserts Programs and Napkins Regret Notices Remember to Organize

12. Transportation—Arriving in Style and on Time
Limousines Other Transportation Options Parking Options Providing Maps Remember to Organize

13. A Personalized Ceremony—Individualizing the Wedding Ritual
Religious Ceremony Interfaith Ceremony Civil Ceremony Writing Your Own Vows Specific Details Readings Choosing Music Wedding Traditions Programs for Ceremonies

14. Details, Details, Details—Tying the Loose Ends Together for a Fun and Organized Wedding Day
Using a Coordinator (or Two)
Using a Helper (or Two)
Vendor List Vendor and Helper Follow-Up Marriage License Name Change Hotel Accommodations Bridal Registry Reminder About Decorations Necessary Accessories Pre-Wedding Parties Beauty Care Clothing Check-Up Items to Throw at the End of the Ceremony

15. The Finishing Touches—Scheduling and Rehearsing the Details
Preliminary Schedule Guest Count Details Regarding Attendants The Rehearsal

16. The Day You've Been Waiting For—Making Your Dream Come True
Conquering Stress Before You Start the Big Day The Day Begins At the Ceremony Let's Party!
A Wedding-Day Sample Schedule

Appendix Index Blank Pages for Notes