Bargain nuptials can sparkle

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jan 12, 2003 by Linda Laird Capital-Journal

Shoppers: Join Linda Laird

as she tries to help you throw

the perfect wedding on a budget

More ways to cut costs

- The rings --- Shop in a funky jewelry shop for silver bands. If you have money left over, consider engraving. You can choose virtually any type of ring as your band --- even a set from a gumball machine. The best point is that they may have sentimental value. You can have the diamond later. Cost: Less than $10.

- Limo --- Borrow a relative's fancy car and ask a loved one to serve as your chauffeur for the day. For dramatic entrances and exits, rent a tandem bike. Cost: Less than $3.

- Attendant gifts --- Give your maids nail polish or lipsticks, costume jewelry, scented candles or mini bottles of body lotion. The groomsmen will appreciate movie ticket certificates, even lottery tickets. Cost: about $5.

- Favors --- Jordan almonds or Hershey's kisses wrapped in tulle and tied with pretty ribbon. Brightly colored packets of seeds or personalized fortune cookies and fun and cheap, too.

ANN WILLIAMSON/The Capital-Journal

Andrea Shafer holds a bouquet made by Porterfield's Flowers.

By Linda Laird

The Capital-Journal

With financial times as they are, many couples marrying on a strict budget.

We are going to offer some ideas on how a couple might tie the knot on a shoestring.

We have planned for a wedding with about 50 guests on a budget of about $500. Because many couples take care of their rings before setting the wedding date, the ring won't be included.

On a real tight budget, the legalities of marriage --- the marriage license --- might seem like a huge item. This is included in the budget.

Those getting married in Topeka need to go to the Shawnee County Courthouse, Room 209, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays with their driver's license, Social Security number, full name, place of birth and current address. The couple must wait three days before having the wedding and pay a $75 fee. The license is valid for six months and can be used anywhere in the state. Cost: $75.

Once the wedding date has been set, the place for the ceremony and reception must be selected.

Church members often are able to wed there for free with a small donation to the congregation. Check out free public sites, like parks, gardens, the beach or city hall. You probably can use the chapel at your alma mater for little or no money. Don't rule out your grandmother's --- or a friend's --- back yard. Cost: $5.

Once the place has been determined, get the invitations ready. A box of quality stationery and matching envelopes will serve well for the invitations. Write or print the wording on the computer, and take it to a copy center. Include an R.S.V.P. phone number instead of response cards to save on postage (not included). Cost: $7.50.

Gather all the pretty notecards and postcards you have collected (you knew they would come in handy) to use as thank-you notes and/or announcement cards. Use your money to buy some extras. Remember, with postcards, you will save on postage. Cost: $2.50.

Ask your family's longtime priest, minister or rabbi to marry you - -- he or she likely will do the honors for free. Don't have a specific person in mind? Some priests and rabbis let you pay what you can, so ask around. A list of judges who will perform marriage ceremonies is also available at the courthouse. Cost: $5.

Most houses of worship provide free candles, prayer books. Make your own ring pillow (or forego one), and use basic candles for the Unity ceremony. Use your money for birdseed or bubbles. Cost: $3.

Our budget is at $98.

Look for a free location for your reception that requires only a small permit fee, like scenic state parks or forest preserves, the beach or gorgeous gardens. Other options: Use the big old house you grew up in or party in your favorite restaurant --- you could get the room for free or at a discount. Plus, you will save the $300 you would pay to rent tables and chairs for 100 people. Cost: $45.

Order a few carving hams or turkeys, and enlist your nearest and dearest to prepare salads, breads and hors d'oeuvres for a memorable buffet. Or go ethnic --- Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Indian --- lots of fun food for a great price. Other options: cocktails (hors d'oeuvres only, from 5 to 7 p.m.) or a champagne brunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Or have a short-and-simple cake and punch affair after the ceremony. Cost: about $150.

Enlist a cake-baking friend or relative to create a sheet cake and decorate it with fresh flowers. A buffet of fresh fruit (inexpensive at a farmer's market), lemon tarts, brownies or cookies. Cost: $12.50.

Soft drinks can cut alcohol intake and satisfy nondrinkers for less cost than having a bar and bartender. A couple of American sparkling wines purchased in quantity at wholesale prices will take care of the toast. Cost: $40.

Our budget is at $345.50.

When it comes to the dress, your mother's or grandmother's wedding dress with a few alterations might suit the occasion. Find a once- worn gown or try renting a gown. Another option is to look for a white bridesmaid dress. Cost: $35.