Economy Continues to Affect Wedding Planning
This past weekend I coordinated two weddings. The first was paid for by the two sets of parents with a small amount contributed by the couple. The second was paid for entirely by the couple. According to a survey conducted by http://www.getmarried.com/, 92 percent of couples today help pay for some or all of their wedding expenses. As the economy continues to lag, couples are rethinking their choices and watching every penny. Nationally, wedding expenditures dropped approximately 10 percent between 2008 and 2009 and that trend may continue.
As couples consider what is important to them and what they can live without or compromise on, some are turning to used items. A gently used gown may be a consideration or used centerpiece items. Men are increasingly choosing to wear suits they own rather than renting a tux. Couples are looking for the best deals in locations. Fewer are hiring bands or even DJs, choosing instead to create their own music on an iPod or laptop. You can even buy a used wedding ring at www.idonowidon't.com/. In southwestern Idaho we have the Be Twice Inspired consignment sales, held twice a year, where you can find every possible item needed for a wedding or a special party.
Incorporating used items into your wedding is eco friendly and helps keep items out of the landfill. According to TheGreenBrideGuide.com, the average wedding produces 63 tons of carbon dioxide and 400 to 600 pounds of trash. That includes such things as wasted food (which produces much of the CO2), paper and plastic products, bottles, cans, and even the gift wrap on all those gifts.
Purchasing used items is not without risk, however, particularly if you purchase off the Internet. The old adage, "You get what you pay for" is true. Your designer gown could be a poor quality knock-off or your diamond ring could be a fake, so be sure to do your homework before commiting your hard-earned money and get an independent appraisal if necessary.
If you want to have a lovely wedding or another event, but do it frugally, there are ways to watch the costs while not compromising on taste and originality. It just takes some time and diligence to find the right items.
As couples consider what is important to them and what they can live without or compromise on, some are turning to used items. A gently used gown may be a consideration or used centerpiece items. Men are increasingly choosing to wear suits they own rather than renting a tux. Couples are looking for the best deals in locations. Fewer are hiring bands or even DJs, choosing instead to create their own music on an iPod or laptop. You can even buy a used wedding ring at www.idonowidon't.com/. In southwestern Idaho we have the Be Twice Inspired consignment sales, held twice a year, where you can find every possible item needed for a wedding or a special party.
Incorporating used items into your wedding is eco friendly and helps keep items out of the landfill. According to TheGreenBrideGuide.com, the average wedding produces 63 tons of carbon dioxide and 400 to 600 pounds of trash. That includes such things as wasted food (which produces much of the CO2), paper and plastic products, bottles, cans, and even the gift wrap on all those gifts.
Purchasing used items is not without risk, however, particularly if you purchase off the Internet. The old adage, "You get what you pay for" is true. Your designer gown could be a poor quality knock-off or your diamond ring could be a fake, so be sure to do your homework before commiting your hard-earned money and get an independent appraisal if necessary.
If you want to have a lovely wedding or another event, but do it frugally, there are ways to watch the costs while not compromising on taste and originality. It just takes some time and diligence to find the right items.
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