Alterations: Something you may not have thought to shop around for

I bought my dress a couple months ago and absolutely love it.  The price wasn't too bad (where they get you is the accessories like the veil, bra and slip).  After you buy a dress, the sales staff automatically assumes you are having your alterations done at the store.  I was so excited about the dress I went ahead and made the alteration appointment.  Once I got home and wasn't quite as delirious over how much I loved my dress, I called the alterations department to see how much it would be to hem the dress.  My dress laces up in the back, so I knew I wouldn't need the other alterations.  When I called and told the alterations lady this, she said to hem a wedding dress started at $75 and wouldn't be more than $120.  I about fell over.  Needless to say, this budget bride cancelled her alterations appointment.

Luckily, I knew a sewing shop in my hometown where I had my prom dress altered.  Since I have already had a dress altered there, I knew she could handle my wedding dress.  My prom dress even needed other alterations than just hemming.  So a few weeks ago I took it to the seamstress and tried it on.  I even had her add a bustle so I could keep the bottom from getting as dirty at the reception.  For the hemming and the bustle, it cost $35.00.  The dress looked just as good as if I had had the store do it, but I paid less than half the price.

My advice for soon-to-be brides is to look around and talk to those you know about a good seamstress they might know.  Chances are, someone will know someone and they won't charge as much as a bridal store.  I would make sure to check out a place before taking your dress there, though, because you want to make sure your wedding dress is in good hands.

Putting Things Into Perspective

This post is not going to be your typical advice for brides-to-be, but I think it's an important post for me to make.   My dad has had health problems since I was a little kid, but things have gotten really bad in the past few years.  He went from about 225 lbs. to 148 lbs. in a few years time due to Chron's Disease.  He was getting so bad in the past couple months that I started to worry if he'd even be able to walk me down the aisle for my wedding.

This past Tuesday, my dad had surgery.  Because of his overall health problems and his low weight, I was really worried about him getting through his surgery.  By the grace of God, he made it through.  To our surprise, he started getting better almost immediately.  The day after surgery he was already getting more color back in his face.  He left the hospital today, a day earlier than what they told us the earliest release date would be.  If you had seen my dad before this surgery and seen him now, you would know it was a miracle.
Now my dad has some recovery still left to do, but he seems to be on the right track.

The reason I'm telling this story, the one that's been such a major part of my life for awhile, is because I wanted to put things into perspective for everyone.  When I started to think my dad might not even be able to walk me down then aisle, may not even make it to see me get married, my outlook on life changed.  I've never been a very materialistic person or worried too much about what people thought, but now I really see how much more important being with those you care about is than creating a good image.  I am telling you this story in hopes that some of you who are out there planning weddings right now will take a moment and think about what's truly important to you on your wedding day.  Once I thought there was even a possibility of my dad, the one who is supposed to walk me down the aisle, not making it there, nothing else seemed to matter very much.

While I know most of you out there don't have the same situation I do, it is something to keep in mind as you begin worrying about how much money you have and what you can afford.  No matter what, this is your day and what truly matters is that your future spouse and your loved ones are there to share in the moment with you.  I hope my story has helped put things into perspective and helped everyone appreciate what they do have.  Maybe now when the photographer you want is booked or they don't have the dress you want in your size, the situation will seem a little less like the end of the world (eh, well maybe for some of you) :)

Reception Hall Advice and more

Looking for a way to save on a reception hall?  Look for people in your family who have memberships to lodges or other organizations.  The hall I have rented is originally 700 down and 200 back if it's clean.  Since my grandma retired from the organization that owns it, it went down to 400 down with 125 back if it's clean. That's over 200 dollars I am able to spend on something else.
One of my biggest priorities was my dress so it was one of my larger expenses.  What surprised me, though, was the accessories.  Buying the accessories at the bridal store is expensive.  There was a tiara I liked, but it was $150.  My advice on this is to buy the dress you want and then shop around for the accessories.  You might ask friends and family who have been married recently if they have any of their accessories, such as their veil.  By doing this, you'll still get something great without spending a fortune.
Overall, make sure you recognize your priorities at the beginning of your wedding planning.  Then, if you have to make sacrifices based on cost, you cut down on the things you don't care as much about and you still get the things that matter the most.  This concept has been essential in cutting costs without going insane during my wedding planning.