You Did WHAT to Her Wedding Dress?!
These days, the typical wedding is anything but cheap. After all, for most people it is one of the most important days of their lives. Still, finding ways to keep the costs down is a noble endeavor. Today's tips are among the best ever! I think that all you brides, grooms and the families who love them will agree.
DRESS DUTY. I was going to take my daughter's wedding dress to the dry cleaner when I read the tags. It was made of 100 percent polyester, making it 100 percent washable. I placed the dress in a large net bag, used gentle detergent in cold water, and washed it in the washing machine. I even dried it for four minutes on a medium setting in the dryer. Then, I hung it up to finish drying. It came out beautifully. Since then, it has been worn two more times by friends. Each time it is washed, it comes out looking like it just came off the rack. Faylee J., Tennessee
DRESS DEAL. When I was looking for a wedding dress, I couldn't bring myself to pay $1,500 for something I would wear for eight hours. Instead, I put an ad in the paper: "Looking to buy, rent or borrow a wedding dress." I received 15 calls and found a beautiful designer gown that I purchased for $40. I had it altered slightly, which brought the cost to a whopping $100. Maryann B., New York
BRIDE'S BLOOM. When I got married, money was tight. Since my wedding was in mid-October, I purchased potted mums in my wedding colors for less than $5 each. Wrapped in beautiful paper and ribbon, they dressed the altar. Afterward, I planted them in my garden. Twenty years later, I have a beautiful reminder of our wedding day when those mums bloom on our anniversary. Kathy, Iowa
WEDDING WOES. I work at a photo lab. Here's a scene I've encountered many times: A happy bride pops in with 25 single-use cameras that she put on the tables at her reception. The wedding photographer was only at the church for formal photos, so she counted on guests to take photos at the reception. She hoped for great candid shots of the event. Instead, children play with the cameras as toys so she gets floor shots and heads cuts. I've had brides in tears because it was such a waste of money. Disappointment is the norm. There are other ways to save on photography. Brides should cut the cost of the wedding in ways that won't sacrifice the pictures she will treasure in years to come! Janice B., New York
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