Wear Again Wedding Dresses

Recessionistas rejoice! In these economic times, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to wear your wedding gown more than once (without looking ridiculous)? NY-based designer Sioloonim offers a couture line of white silk taffeta blouses and floor-length silk skirts that – when paired together – create a one-of-a-kind look for wedding dresses. As an added bonus, brides can get more mileage out of the top, which is simple and chic enough to be worn again for a night on the town with skinny jeans and stilettos or to the office with a pencil skirt and pumps.

Read more about these wear again wedding dresses at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

What are some of the most affordable wedding flowers?

Your floral budget can certainly run the gauntlet. On average you should expect to spend about 8-10% of your overall wedding budget on the flowers. While this is a good estimate, you can modify many floral elements to determine the actual amount you will spend on your wedding flowers. Factors such as the types of flowers you choose, whether or not they are in season in your area, and the number, size and complexity of the arrangements,all influence your final cost estimate.

Some flowers tend to be moderately priced -they are:

Orange Blossoms
Lavender
Daffodil
Daisies
Chrysanthemum
Carnations
Roses (due to huge variance in kind, quality, and color)
Greenery – such as ivy

On the other hand, these flowers tend to be expensive:

Lily of the Valley
Calla Lily
Orchids
Magnolias
Peonies
Gardenia
Hydrangea

Get more tips on how much wedding flowers cost

How much does a professional wedding planner cost?

You may think your wedding budget’s too maxed out for hired help, but the good news is that most wedding consultants will work within a variety of budgets and can customize a planning package that serves your needs. While many orchestrate entire events from start to finish (which can be pricey), most can be hired for specific services such as vendor selection or day-of coordination. Learn more about the different types of wedding planning services

Your cost will ultimately depend on what you hire them for, so start by making a list of things for which you’d like the help of a professional – i.e. finding and booking all your vendors, or just making sure things run smoothly during the final days. Then get in touch with a few to find out what they’d charge for those services. Use the elegala.com local vendor search to find recommended wedding planners in your area.

How does the billing process work?

Different planners have different billing methods: some charge by the hour (anywhere from $40-$100+), others charge a percentage of your entire wedding budget (10-15% is typical), still others charge a flat fee depending on the services you need (package rates run the gamut).

Can a Wedding Planner Help Save You Money?

Hiring a pro to assist with your plans can actually be a wise economic decision. Need convincing? Here are a few ways a wedding planner can help you save some serious headaches – and cash:

• Set Your Budget…And Stick To It Once you set your wedding budget, your planner will help you stick to it. Be open about any budgetary constraints during planning sessions. Once you’re on the same page, your planner can help you determine what’s most important to you and make spending choices accordingly.
• A Friend Indeed A good wedding planner will get the most for your money by choosing the best vendors. As industry insiders, wedding consultants have built a network of reliable professionals and can make recommendations based on your style and budget. This can save countless hours of research and potentially avert costly mistakes (you can rest assured knowing Johnny Photographer isn’t going to skip town with your photography deposit).
• Prime Negotiator Your wedding planner will review all vendor contracts before you sign on the dotted line, catching any hidden fees and ensuring your needs are covered. As repeat clients, planners may even score you some vendor discounts.

Learn more about how a wedding planner can save you money...

Getting Married? Plan for a Healthy Financial Future Now

If every couple devoted as many hours to strengthening their relationship as they do to planning their wedding, U.S. marriage statistics would boast a brighter tale. The high divorce rate proves combining two lives in wedded bliss requires more than a knack for stamping a monogram atop every unembellished surface. So just what is the key to a healthy marriage? A healthy financial portfolio, apparently. Financial woes are one of the main stressors in a marriage and a primary cause of divorce.

It’s easy to see why love and money don’t always mix. Polite society has banished the subject of money, which joins religion and politics in the prohibitive club of taboo discussion topics. Commingling the concept of dirty, cold, hard cash with that of pure, virtuous love is therefore decidedly uncomfortable. Single people grow accustomed to treading the financial landscape alone during the first phase of adult life, and suddenly marriage enters the equation. But rather than addressing the financial impact of “me” becoming “we,” the topic becomes the proverbial pink elephant in the room.

In a perfect world, an honest financial discussion occurs long before the sparkling diamond adorns your left finger. But if you’ve been negligent, and you know who you are, there’s still time to lay your financial cards on the table. A wedding is often the first big ticket item for which a couple plans and saves, and it provides an obvious opportunity to bring this taboo subject into the open.Now’s the time to set a precedent for your financial future. Elegala.com's list of financial planning tips for to-be weddings offers advice on what you need to do now to avoid some of the major roadblocks confronting couples when balancing their mutual checkbook...

Wedding Budget Etiquette - Who Pays for What?

Tradition states that the bride’s parents are responsible for fronting the bill for the wedding reception; but these days, the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, and the couple themselves all contribute to the wedding pool. That said, it helps to come to the budgeting table prepped with the traditional list of which side pays for what. These conventional “rules” can then be adjusted according to your financial situations:


Wedding Costs Paid by the Bride and/or Bride’s Parents:

• Ceremony rental fee

• Bride’s dress and accessories

• Ceremony flowers and décor

• Bouquets for bridesmaids and flower girl

• Photography and videography

• Engagement party

• Bridesmaids’ luncheon

• All vendor services for reception, including food, beverages, décor, and entertainment

• Groom’s ring

• Invitations and stationery

• Transportation for bridal party to and from ceremony and reception

Wedding Costs Paid by the Groom and/or Groom’s Parents:

• Marriage license and officiant’s fee

• Groom’s attire

• Bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres for ushers, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers

• Honeymoon Travel

• Rehearsal dinner

• Bachelors’ dinner

• Both of the bride’s rings

Costs Incurred by the Wedding Attendants:

• Their own attire, including shoes and accessories

• Their own lodging for the wedding (if necessary)

• Bridal party hosts bridal shower and bachelorette party

• Groom’s party hosts the bachelor party

Get even more wedding budget and wedding etiquette advice at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas made Simple

Wedding Transportation Saving Tips - Arrive in Style on a Budget

Every girl dreams of making a grand Cinderella-like entrance to the ball – and her wedding day is the perfect excuse. But at what cost should you be willing to sacrifice your wedding budget for glamour? With this sound wedding transportation budget advice from Elegala.com you can save and still arrive in posh style. Make an impression on a budget with these five ways to save on wedding transportation:

Downsize Your Ride

You don’t necessarily need a stretch limo for an intimate bridal party. Traditional limos seat 6 passengers and are a perfect budget friendly alternative to their stretch counterparts. If scaling back the size of your bridal party isn’t an option, consider having a close friend or relative transport them to the wedding, and save the hired ride for you and your hubby.

Save the Drama

Determine what point in the day your mode of transportation will have the greatest effect – and hire the fancy ride for that one way trip. Do you really need a chauffeured limo if you’re showing up in a t-shirt and jeans? Perhaps you would rather make a dramatic getaway at the end of your reception. Sign up for the hourly rate instead of the entire evening, and enjoy considerable savings.

Designate a Driver

Ditch the chauffeured ride, and opt for a rental car that is equally as glamorous. Recruit someone reliable (and sober) to drive your rental.

Omit the Amenities

A television and sunroof might seem like an enticing add-on when booking your wedding transportation. But consider the circumstances - just how much TV are you going to watch on your wedding day? Take our advice – lose the pricey extras – and put the savings towards more noticeable wedding details.

Have an Off-Peak Gala

Again, there is no rule that states that your wedding has to be held on a Saturday in June. If you hold your event on a day when rental vehicles are in less demand, chances are you can negotiate a considerable discount.

Get even more advice and tips to help you plan your wedding transportation at Elegala.com

Looking for Cheap Wedding Invitations? Here are some tips to slash invitation prices

Your wedding stationery is your first opportunity to wow your guests and give them a prelude for fabulous things to come. But don’t let memorable wedding invitations and stationery spell the end to your carefully planned wedding budget. These tips will help you make an impressive impact without breaking the bank - scoring cheap wedding invitations that look anything but.

Keep it Simple

When selecting a design, remember to keep it simple. Custom graphics and colored inks all increase the bottom line. Try to stick to one color, and select a classic design that is clean and elegant.

Learn your Print Lingo

The printing method you choose impacts the price, so go ahead and familiarize yourself with the common printing methods and their costs. Engraving, which results in raised print that is pressed through the back, is the most formal and elegant printing technique - but it will cost you. If your wedding budget is extremely tight, laser printing is your least expensive option. For a complete list of printing methods and their costs, visit our wedding invitation guide.

Lighten Up

A stationery rule of thumb: the more your wedding invitation weighs, the more it costs. Not only are bulky papers more expensive, but heavier invitations cost more at the postage meter. So if you found a design you love but can’t afford, re-create it on lighter weight papers and include less inserts. Consider losing the inner envelope, and use response postcards instead of cards with envelopes.


Eliminate the Extras

While it can be fun to go wild with your wedding invitations and stationery, superfluous extras come with a cost. So choose only those stationery items that apply to your event. Save-the-date cards are not mandatory; consider skipping them if most of your guests are in town and your wedding date doesn’t fall during a peak holiday time. If your reception and ceremony will take place at the same location, you can eliminate the separate reception card from your wedding invitation. A map and directional may be unnecessary if the reception is across the street from the ceremony.

Shop Savvy

You may be surprised to find the very same wedding invitation or other stationery item offered for a number of different prices. That’s right – some retailers have higher markups than others – big shocker. While paper boutiques often have beautiful merchandise, mail-order outlets or online retailers may offer better deals (the boutiques have to cover higher overhead costs). So be a savvy shopper - find a design you like, then shop around to get it at the best price.

Get even more tips on finding cheap wedding invitations in the Elegala.com wedding invitations and stationery guide.

Wedding Photography Prices – How to Set Your Photography Budget

How much does professional photography cost for your wedding? Learn how to set a realistic photography budget with this guide to wedding photography prices and rates.

The Going Rate for Professional Photography

When determining your wedding photography budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. You should expect to spend at least $1000 on having a professional wedding photographer document your wedding (not including the actual prints and other extras). Rates, of course, will vary depending on skill level, experience and geographic region (metro areas are usually considerably higher). The size of your wedding can also affect the photography cost, as additional guests may increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event. For instance, for an event of less than 100 guests, a wedding photographer will typically dedicate four-six hours of time. For a larger wedding of 300 or more guests, a photographer may have to spend eight-ten hours on the job.

Comparing Photographer Rates

Most wedding photographers will give general pricing information over the phone or on their websites, so you can use an initial online search or phone call as your first step towards finding a photographer that suits your budget. In comparing photography costs, remember that different photographers offer different packages - so initial rates can be misleading. Some rates only include the photographer's time, while prints and albums are extra. Other photography packages may include proofs, a set number of prints and an album. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers' rates for providing those specific options to determine which professional works within your wedding photography budget. This article offers even more tips on comparing professional photography services.

Creative Ways to Save on Wedding Photography Prices

If you simply must have a certain photographer who commands higher rates, consider these ways to save on your photography budget:

* Buy a more basic wedding photography package with less prints and albums

* Negotiate and switch out an engagement portrait for an additional parent's album


Get even more ways to save on wedding photography prices.

Photography Contract Points

When reviewing your contract with a potential photographer, make sure that it is specifically clear in what it covers. Consider these questions:

* Do you need to make a deposit?

* What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?

* Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?

* Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?


Now that you're an expert on photography costs and budgeting skills, this complete guide to wedding photography will take you the rest of the way towards hiring and working with a photographer and planning your wedding day shots.

Top 10 Ways to Save on Wedding Costs

In this tough enconomy, more brides than ever are tightening their wedding day budgets. Wouldn't it be nice to keep your bank account intact and still have a memorable celebration with all the trimmings?

This list of ten ways to save on wedding costs will help you do just that.

Beware of Arrogant Wedding Vendors - They'll Cost You

As someone who has had extensive contact with wedding vendors - both personally and professionally - I can tell you that most of them are genuine, talented professionals who strive to perform a service to the best of their ability. For most vendors, the joy gained from performing an artistic craft that they love is the primary incentive. The money earned, well, that's extra. Don't get me wrong, at the end of the day, we all need to make a living and we all work for money. But some vendors seem to be less motivated by the craft and more motivated to squeeze every last dollar from the happy (or unhappy, depending how you look at it) couple. It's these vendors who propagate the myth it's impossible to exchange vows without simultaneously shelling out tens of thousands of dollars and going into debt.

Case in point:
Elegala.com has a number of articles offering money saving tips for every wedding detail - from flowers, to music, to photography. Believe it or not, we've had some pompous vendors complain that we offer these money saving tips, insisting, for instance, that we remove a tip about how you can save on photography by being wary of upsells like custom albums or save on your floral budget by sticking to in-season flowers. Apparently, we're releasing to the public blasphemous ideas that vendors have been dubiously safeguarding for decades. Oh no - don't enlighten the brides-to-be!

Sure - there are many lucky brides who have unlimited funds to plan their weddings, but for many - especially with the economy in the state that it's in - these budgeting tips are essential in making a wedding a reality. Let's face it - even some couples who have the money spend would prefer to spend it somewhere else. And that's OK. Really, it is. But some wedding vendors would prefer that everyone continue to keep up with the Joneses so long as it keeps their wallets fat. I say shame on you.

Buying an Engagement Ring - Top Ways to Save

When it comes buying an engagement ring, the two-months salary convention is a common starting point. But in reality, the ring's cost should be what the couple can afford without going into major debt.

Cost varies for a lot of reasons – especially when diamonds are involved. Carat size is just one factor. In fact, a one carat center stone can cost anywhere from $1000 to $20000. Choice of metal also affects the bottom line; there’s a significant cost difference between a setting of sterling silver and one of platinum – anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand.

If you're on a tight budget, these general numbers can be frightening. Thankfully, these useful tips can help you get costs down - so you can score a stylish ring on a budget:

1) Lose the Embellishments
Plain and simple always costs less. Any embellishments increase the price.

2) Forego Platinum
If you’re on a budget and want a silver hue, skip platinum and opt for white gold – it costs about 45% less.

3) Just Short of a Carat
For diamonds, always buy just short of the next carat level. So if you’ve got your eye on a two carat stone, swap it out with a 1.8 carat. You’ll save almost 20%, and the size difference is negligible.

4) Get a Set
Buy a matching or coordinating set (engagement and wedding ring) – and you can save as much as 50%. You’ll save even more if you buy a three piece set (engagement ring plus his and hers wedding rings)

You can find even more ways to save on an engagement ring by reading the original article on Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple.

Wedding Budget - Who Pays for What?

Tradition states that the bride’s parents are responsible for fronting the bill for the wedding reception; these days, the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, and the couple themselves all contribute to the wedding pool.

That said, it helps to come to the budgeting table prepped with the traditional list of which side pays for what. These conventional “rules” can then be adjusted according to your financial situations:

Wedding Costs Paid by the Bride and/or Bride’s Parents:
Ceremony rental fee
Bride’s dress and accessories
Ceremony flowers and décor
Bouquets for bridesmaids and flower girl
Photography and videography
Engagement party
Bridesmaids’ luncheon
All vendor services for reception, including food, beverages, décor, and entertainment
Groom’s ring
Invitations and stationery
Transportation for bridal party to and from ceremony and reception

Wedding Costs Paid by the Groom and/or Groom’s Parents:
Marriage license and officiant’s fee
Groom’s attire
Bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres for ushers, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
Honeymoon
Rehearsal dinner
Bachelors’ dinner
Both of the bride’s rings

Costs Incurred by the Wedding Attendants:
Their own attire, including shoes and accessories
Bridal party hosts shower/bachelorette party
Groom’s party hosts bachelor party

Get even more advice on setting and sticking to your wedding budget

Top Budgeting Mistakes Brides Make

You’ve said yes, you’ve conjured up ideas for the wedding of your childhood dreams…let the planning begin! But not before you establish a budget, that is. The thought of spending upwards of $28,000 – the 2007 national average – on one day can seem like a nauseating number. But once the planning begins, it can all add up. An extra hour here and a few enhancements there, and you’ve got yourself in the middle of a budget nightmare. We’ve compiled a list of the top budget mistakes brides and grooms make - and how to avoid them.

Not having a plan
Winging it may (or may not) work in every other aspect of your life, but this is not one of those times when it is worth a shot. Begin your planning process by establishing a reliable method to keep track of all your expenditures. Even a simple spreadsheet will help to allocate your expenses.

Ignoring the numbers
One of the biggest mistakes an overzealous bride can make is to start planning anything before determining her guest count. That exquisite mansion may make the perfect setting – but not if it can’t hold all of your guests. A nonrefundable venue deposit is surely not a budget-friendly way to commence your wedding plans. Take a step back and first determine an approximate number of invitees for your big day.

Get more wedding budget advice at Elegala.com - elegant galas made simple.

Tipping Wedding Vendors

Q: If you are have a reception package which includes a DJ, caterer, servers, and coordinator in the price - are you supposed to tip these included vendors, and if so - how much?
~ J. Wolfe – Edmond, OK

A: You’ve already thrown down a fortune for this one day, but as with any other service industry, you still need to take tipping into consideration when calculating your overall budget. Although generally thought to be a voluntary act, tipping is a wonderful way to express your generosity. Still, shelling out wads of cash is probably the last thing you will want to deal with while you are trying to focus your attention on your friends and family. If you are using a wedding coordinator, make it his/her responsibility to tip your vendors on the day of your wedding; if not, elect your best man to do the deed.

So just how much should you tip your vendors? Here’s a basic guideline:

• Beauty services (hair, makeup, nails): 15-20% of fee
• Wedding coordinator: not expected
• Officiant (if officiant does not charge a fee): between $100 and $200. If you didn’t have a lot of involvement with the officiant, you can contribute a lower amount.
• Transportation: 15-20% of fee, unless it’s been included
• Parking attendants/valets: about $1 per car
• Coatroom and restroom attendants: $.50 to $1 per guest
• Musicians (ceremony and reception): $20-$25 per musician
• Photographer/videographer: Optional; $20-$25 each
• Banquet manager, Maitre d’: $200-$300, if gratuity isn’t included
• Caterer and waitstaff: total tip ranges between $250-$500 (depending on total cost and nature of event), if gratuity isn’t already included
• Bartenders: 10% of total liquor bill (to divide amongst bartenders), if gratuity isn’t already included. *note – do not allow bartenders to place tip jars on the bar; let bartenders know that you’ll be handling the total tip and guests should not feel obligated to tip.

Of course, these are all just guidelines and the amount that you give should reflect your level of satisfaction. In general, tips should be given in cash just before the vendor leaves, and no one single person should get more than $150. And no matter how much or little a vendor contributed to your celebration, everyone will appreciate a thank-you note.

Get more Wedding Budget Advice at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple

Wedding Flowers - What are the Least Expensive Flowers?

Q: I'm a bride on a budget; what are some inexpensive wedding flowers?
- Heather -

A: Although individual flower prices vary depending on location, season and your individual florist, certain blooms tend to be more moderately priced than others.

These are: Orange Blossoms, Lavender, Daffodil, Daisies, Chrysanthemum, Carnations, Roses (due to huge variance in kind, quality, and color) and Greenery – such as ivy.

On the other hand, flowers that tend to be expensive are: Lily of the Valley, Calla Lily, Orchids, Magnolias, Peonies, Gardenia and Hydrangea.

Regardless, in-season flowers are often less expensive and easier to find. You can find a list of common flowers for each season at the Elegala.com seasonal flower guide.

As always, you can ask your florist to review your options with you and determine which specific blooms will fit into your budget.
-Cori Russell - Style and Etiquette Editor

Budget Advice - Destination Weddings

Q: My fiancé and I would love to get married at an exotic location but were wondering what sorts of costs are involved? Are destination weddings usually more expensive than having one close to home?

~Mary S., Dover, NH

A: Destination wedding are always economical for a number of different reasons, but the main reason is because you have control over every aspect of it, from the location to your guest list. Hometown celebrations can easily get out of control with outside influences (ie., your families) wanting a piece of the planning pie. Hosting a destination wedding says “we want to do things our way.” With the world as your altar, the possibilities are endless so take some time to research the best option for your budget.

Theme Weddings – How to Save on a Spring Wedding?

Q: I’m planning a wedding next spring. What are some easy tips for springtime savings?

A: Spring has finally sprung, and it’s about time, if you ask me. Grass is getting greener by the day and flowers are blooming at last. What’s not to love about the springtime? Each season offers its own savings advantages, so make sure you reap the benefits:

Go Outside

The obvious choice for hosting a wedding during temperate months is to throw an outdoor soiree. Not only will your guests appreciate the fresh air minus the humid climate, but a naturally beautiful setting will save you tons on decorating costs.

Go Casual

Hosting an outdoor reception also gives you an excuse to go casual. Consider an informal barbeque or luau in lieu of a conservative five-course meal and you will see your catering bill cut drastically.

Go In-Season

When it comes to flowers, always go with the season. Spring offers countless colorful blossoms sure to complement your color scheme and theme. Be sure to check out the Flowers by Season Guide to get some helpful suggestions.

Go Light

Warmer temperatures also mean fewer layers of clothing, and less clothing leads to lower costs. Lighter fabrics and smaller amounts of it will ultimately take less money out of your pocket. And keep your eyes peeled for good deals on summer sandals that could double as wedding day attire.

For more ideas and advice on planning a spring wedding, visit this complete Spring Themed Wedding Guide at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple

Q and A - Reception Sites - Can You Negotiate The Rental Fee?

Q: In your article, "7 Ways to Save on your Wedding Reception Venue," you said to look around for a place that doesn’t have a rental fee. What if you love the place that has a high rental fee, is that fee negotiable?

Thanks for any advice. Will keep reading your blog!
- Randi Seplow -

A: When it comes to weddings – most services are negotiable – but it’s best to come prepped to the negotiating table. Do some background research to find out:

- When is your facility's offpeak season? You're more likely to negotiate a better deal during these months. (peak times vary depending on location and venue type)

- Are there days/times when rental fees are lower? Midweek or afternoon site rentals are almost always less and easier to negotiate.

- Does your venue provide additional wedding services such as catering, ceremonies, rental equipment, cakes, decor, accommodations, etc.? Usually, bundling a number of services together will help you negotiate better deals. They may be willing to eliminate or reduce the rental fee entirely, or they may offer you a lump discount for the entire package.

- Cori Russell, Style and Etiquette Editor, Wedding Expert

Save on Bridal Jewelry and Accessories

Perfecting your wedding day ensemble doesn’t necessarily end once you’ve found your dream wedding gown. Adding the right accessories is the final step. Here are a few pearls of wisdom to help enhance your style without breaking the bank…

Your Baubles - Double Duty Diamonds
Celebrity newlyweds are setting yet another trend—opting for one brilliant wedding ring in lieu of a solitaire engagement ring with a plain matching wedding band. This two-in-one trend can save thousands on the traditional left-hand bling, and while the diamond-encrusted band given to Pink by Carey Hart may be out of your price range, there are plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. **hint – visit the Elegala.com Wedding Rings and Bridal Jewelry Search to find styles in every price range.

Your Wedding Veil - Something Old AND Borrowed
Add a sentimental touch to your wedding attire by donning your mother’s or grandmother’s veil. This easy way to save will also fulfill your “something old” and “something borrowed” requirements.

Your Bridal Shoes - Walk This Way
A willingness to shop around is a surefire way to score some deals – and the same holds true for your wedding day shoes. In fact, there is no written rule that you even have to wear bridal shoes on your big day (hint – anything labeled “wedding” or “bridal” tends to cost more). Instead, consult your favorite brands or stores for a good deal on a pair of neutral sandals or pumps.

Your Headpiece - Go Natural
If an elaborate head piece is out of your budget, consider decorating your ‘do with seasonal flowers. This is an inexpensive alternative and a simple yet elegant way to tie in an outdoor theme.

For more ideas and advice to help you accessorize your wedding day look, visit the complete Wedding Jewelry and Wedding Accessories Guide at Elegala.com - Weddings Elegant Galas Made Simple

Wedding Invitation - Budgeting Tips

Some things to consider when budgeting for your wedding invitation and stationery cost:

When factoring total costs, don't forget to consider postage as part of your budget, including stamps for the response card envelopes.

Looking for ways to save? Keep your design simple, sticking to one color. Use lighter weight papers and include less inserts. Use response postcards instead of cards with envelopes.

For even more advice on planning your invites, my complete wedding invitation and stationery guide can walk you through the process.