Even if your wedding budget is smaller than you would like, there are ways to create an elegant event.

Our expertise is helping brides have the wedding of their dreams so that we work with a bride to really understand the impact and image that a bride dreams of for her wedding. We help the couple establish a realistic budget based on what they can afford to spend and we remain within that budget as the wedding is planned.

Our advice and guidance encourages brides to:

• Tap personal resources. Are any friends photographers? Does the couple have unused frequent flyer miles? Do you have friends who are caterers? Do any of your friends own large homes with a yard that can host a wedding event?
• Think outside the box. Plan a wedding for an unusual time. Don’t select prime time for your wedding. Some venues may give you for a cheaper price on a day when the venue is not usually in use. Plan an afternoon cocktail reception instead of a sit down dinner. Get married in the morning and plan a buffet brunch for the reception. Look at unusual places, times and options that can save money but still offer an elegant environment.
• Remember that it’s your wedding, not an entry in the social calendar. If you are visualizing your wedding as a way to impress people, you are sure to overspend. Instead, think of your wedding as a way to celebrate your new life with someone. Keep it personal not fodder for the evening news.
• Reconsider décor items. Repurpose bridal and bridesmaids bouquets as table centerpieces, skip the aisle runner, keep your invitation simple, choose in season flowers, fill spaces with rental greens and choose a signature cocktail instead of an open bar.
• Consider the impact of texture. It tends to imply luxury more than a glossy or flat finish. Incorporate texture in the invitation paper, in table cloths, in napkins, menus, place cards, programs.

For ideas, contact TriniWeddings at 624-4015 or email us at mwilt@triniweddings.com .