This is so exciting. I cannot wait to share my budget savy story!

I am having a huge wedding (300) and my budget is $10 000! All it takes is a little ingenuity and some work!

- My biggest money saver -- I got a job at the hotel where we are having our reception as a part-time bartender. I work a shift here and there (make awesome tips!) and gat a 10% staff discount for my wedding! Also, it is an international chain and I get room discounts for our honeymoon! The best part is, I know all the staff and what to expect during the big day since I have worked so many weddings there now.

- The hotel will order me linen in my colours, and I will just reimburse them the rate they get. This is a good saving tip because it cuts out the middleman, if you order from a rental place.

- Work with the chef to come up with a meal based on YOUR budget, not the one given. Chef's like to create menus and are willing to help you have a special meal (It makes them look good too!)

- I decided that I want really tall centerpieces so mom and I went out and cut a bunch of willow from a neighbour's farmland. My bridesmaids and I are glueing on tiny yellow silk flowers (that I bought on sale) so that the branches look like tall orchids.

- I bought my flowergirl and ringbearer outfits second hand from an online site, and plan to sell them again after they are used.

- We have enrolled friends with a special talent to help us out. Friends are doing photography, music, lighting and dj-ing!

- Luckily my groom is a graphic artist and we designed our own invites. Also, luckily, my aunt works for a print company and is doing the printing for us! Ask around to friends with a design talent to help design your invites!

- My groom wants to wear a kilt but they are crazy expensive. We found another family friend with some seamstress skills to make one for about a quarter of the price.

- Using lots of candles! Go to the dollar store. I got some great, simple candleholders for a dollar a piece. I also got some metal chutney cups (5 for a dollar) that perfectly fit a tealight. They look gorgeous grouped around the centerpieces.

- Making my own bouquet! Go to Costco and get flowers! Just have a picture in mind or buy all the flowers in your colour and make your own.

- Try on veil's at the store and then shop online for a cheaper one!

- Have the rehearsal supper and the gift opening at a private home. Ask some people to bring a salad or dessert. Super cheap and informal. People will feel way more relaxed.

These are some of the ways I am staying a “budget savvy” bride!

I think the most important thing is to decide which items are most important to both of you, whether it is food, entertainment, or decorations.  However, you also have to realize that once you start planning, these priorities may change....AND THAT'S OK.  :)  Life is all about how you deal with changes!

Creativity will impress your guests so much more than the amount of money you spend!  Small, inexpensive details WILL be noticed....especially if they are something out of the ordinary....PROJECT WEDDING is a great site for helping those creative juices flow!

One thing that I've realized is that you can spend as many HOURS online "wedding planning" for FREE!  And it is very satisfying....Plan your little heart out!  ;)  The best piece of advice I've heard from people is to enjoy every minute, and believe me....I am!!!  You are just "doing your research"....right?

http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/budget-savvy-bride-by-genae-dixon-grand-total-of-wedding-5-157-98?page=1

I have no idea where my article is. I wrote one for this contest:

http://www.projectwedding.com/wiki/show/rachel-the-nitty-gritty-budget-savvy-bride

I posted my article early, does it still count?

http://www.projectwedding.com/wiki/show/why-time-is-a-brides-best-friend

Here is my full article: http://www.projectwedding.com/wiki/show/michele-and-jason-is-a-budget-savvy-bride-couple

And here is the preview: