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Affordable yet elegant wedding themes
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aving money is always smart, but can it also be romantic? When it comes to your wedding day, spending less doesn’t mean you have to give up elegance and romance. It’s all about wise choices, setting priorities and selecting a theme that is the perfect marriage of elegance and budget mindedness. “We’ve all heard how the cost of the average wedding increases every year, but it’s also easier than ever for savvy brides to save money and still have a smashing wedding,” says Tara Sikel, a wedding-planning expert with Ann’s Bridal Bargains. “Picking the right theme can go a long way toward making the most of your wedding budget. And the money you save on the ceremony can go toward something equally romantic and exciting, like the honeymoon or buying your first house together.” Certain themes speak of romance and elegance, but can easily fit into a leaner budget. As you’re planning your budget-friendly wedding, consider one of these themes:
Destination
Who wouldn’t love to say their vows on a tropical beach or on the lawn of an Irish castle? If going to the actual destination is beyond your budget, look for ways to recreate that location’s ambiance closer to home. Live near the shore? Potted palms, combed sand, an arch, bouquets of tropical-hued flowers and flickering torches can turn any beach into a tropical experience. Recreate the Irish countryside in a local park or your parents’ backyard with wildflower arrangements and decor in hues of emerald and cream. Whatever your special theme, you can set the tone for your wedding by choosing destination wedding invitations that evoke the spirit of your destination.
Rustic
Even the truest love can sometimes be complicated, which may explain the appeal of a simple rustic wedding theme. On your big day, everything should feel easy and natural, and a wedding of simple decor and natural themes can accomplish that. The outdoors make a perfect setting for rustic weddings, allowing you to use nature’s beauty as wedding decor. You can also bring the outdoors inside, decorating a banquet hall with natural touches. Replace pricy centerpieces with artfully SEE AFFORDABLE THEMES / PAGE 14
GARDEN OF FLORALS
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