However, if the card has a high interest rate, you know you won’t pay it off each month, or even worse, you’ll end up spending even more, Then I say, “run away as fast as you can!” Yes, you can prove purchases and ultimately get deposits back if that is ever an issue. But it may just not be worth the risk.

Cash. NEVER, EVER buy things for your wedding with cash! It’s very hard to prove, even with a receipt and getting a refund is nearly impossible. Save your cash for your savings account.

Checks. This is the way I suggest you purchase all of your wedding services. You can get a refund fairly easily, the checks are traceable, and they don’t incur interest. Sure you have to actually take the time to write them out, but trust me, that extra time is worth it’s weight in gold.

Cash is always a no-no, credit cards are so, so, & checks are always the way to go!

Survive the biggest reality show of your life ~ YOUR WEDDING!

© Copyright 2005, Tharp & Associates.

                          

#1. Consider all of the money that you spend on latte’s, cigarettes, or even bottled water during the day. If your daily “Perk Up” costs $3 a day (that’s if you only have one!) that equals $84 a month (you can buy your unity candle & guest book) and equals $504 for 6 months (you can buy your cake, veil, and bouquet with that!) Do it for a year and your photography is paid for!

#2. Decide if you can set aside a certain amount and have it deducted from your checking account. Even if it’s only $5 it will add up. Try to put it into a savings account that gains interest ~ even better!

#3. This next step may sound silly, but we’re talking your wedding here! Utilize E-bay. Look around your house for things you don’t use any more. There are people who will buy it! Not only will you get extra cash, but you’ll clean out your house as well.

The last way—but the most important ~ MAKE IT AUTOMATIC! Especially the first two. If you think you will be able to stash away the money by memory, your kidding yourself! Decide what you are going to put away & do it!

One of our recent brides was able to save $2400 using these steps in just 9 months. Money for thought…

© Copyright 2005, Tharp & Associates.

                          

We all come from different backgrounds and traditions and have different relationships with our parents, so there is no easy answer to this.  Being aware of how important your Father feels this tradition is and sharing it with your fiancée is critical.  For many, asking the Father-of-the-Bride for his “blessing,” however, is a sign of respect and, more importantly, it is also a great way to establish a good relationship with her Father.  If the Groom does not do this, it can cause a lot of hard feelings.  What I do suggest is if the Groom chooses to ask, be thankful that he respects your parents enough to keep them included.  If he didn’t and your Father is offended, talk to your Father and let him know that there was no disrespect intended.

I have seen both sides of this issue. In fact, when sitting in a recent business meeting, I realized just how split people are about this tradition. One father said he would be furious if his soon-to-be Son-In-Law neglected to ask for his blessing. He considered it hugely disrespectful to be one of the last ones to know. However, his wife added that their daughter would basically shoot her fiancée’ if he asked “permission”.  Think of the position that this puts the Groom in. Who does he choose to disappoint? Frankly, he is in deep trouble which ever way he goes.   Take this all into consideration when dealing with this issue.  Remember that there are two sides to this and try to be as considerate as possible.

                          

1. Pre-register Online: Bridal shows often charge an entrance fee. This fee may range from $5-10 at the door. Most Bridal Shows offer a discount or free entry for the bride or groom when you register online. There is usually a “ticket” to print at the end of your online registration—be sure to have a printer handy to ensure you receive the discount/free ticket.

1. Make Labels for Prize drawings: A lot of vendors have prize drawings that you may enter while visiting their booth. Save time and your hand by using mailing labels. They are easy to make on a computer. You will want to include your name, address, telephone number, email address and wedding date (For more information visit a website like www.avery.com–they have free templates to use with their products)

1. Create a Wedding Email Account: One way to avoid having unwanted email in your personal inbox is to set up an email that is just for your wedding day. So many websites offer free email accounts–this is an affordable option that keeps your wedding details separate from other personal emails. Be sure to use this email on your labels for prize drawings and your registration at the Bridal Show.

1. Make A List: Make a list of the vendors you still need to look for at the show. If the show has a website, visit it to see if they have the vendors listed who will be participating in the show before going. This allows you to know the name of the companies whom you need to speak with. On the day of the show, you can look for them on the Bridal Show map or listing when you arrive.

1. Ask Questions: Be ready to ask the vendors that you still need some key questions. The questions will depend on what service or product they provide. Not sure of what questions to ask? You can search online for questions to ask or pick up a bridal planning guide that has questions for each type of vendor.

1. Dress for Comfort: Make sure you have comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet, walking from booth to booth. This is not the day to break in a new pair of shoes.

1. Bring A Friend Or Two: Most shows will give you a bag at the registration table for you to put information in from each booth. You will be gathering a lot of information. If you bring a friend, have them be your designated “Assistant”. This allows you the freedom of focusing on each booth, as well as being able to easily try food samples from the carters at the show.

1. Go Back To Your Favorites: If you have time, go back to your favorites. Schedule consultations with them or if you are completely ready to book with them, ask them if you can sign a contract at the show. Wedding vendors that are most important to book are your Ceremony & Reception Venues, Photographer, Videographer, and DJ. These vendors usually only book one wedding per date available; therefore, your favorite may not be available on your date in a week. Be prepared to act quickly.

                          

#1. Consider all of the money that you spend on latte’s, cigarettes, or even bottled water during the day. If your daily “Perk Up” costs $3 a day (that’s if you only have one!) that equals $84 a month (you can buy your unity candle & guest book) and equals $504 for 6 months (you can buy your cake, veil, and bouquet with that!) Do it for a year and your photography is paid for!

#2. Decide if you can set aside a certain amount and have it deducted from your checking account. Even if it’s only $5 it will add up. Try to put it into a savings account that gains interest ~ even better!

#3. This next step may sound silly, but we’re talking your wedding here! Utilize E-bay. Look around your house for things you don’t use any more. There are people who will buy it! Not only will you get extra cash, but you’ll clean out your house as well.

The last way—but the most important ~ MAKE IT AUTOMATIC! Especially the first two. If you think you will be able to stash away the money by memory, your kidding yourself! Decide what you are going to put away & do it!

One of our recent brides was able to save $2400 using these steps in just 9 months. Money for thought…

© Copyright 2005, Tharp & Associates.