Serve appetizers and Champaign instead of a 5 course meal and an open bar and save thousands. Your guests will be just as happy with some shrimp cocktails and crab cakes as they would traditional chicken & pasta with a salad on side. And you and your fiancé will save a ton of money! Better yet do you know someone who loves to cook?

Flowers are a very important part of any wedding and whether you want real or artificial you want them to look nice. I found a lady on internet that makes artificial wedding bouquets at a very reasonable price. What was great about her arrangements was flowers she used were not fake looking silk flowers you find in a craft store. They were made with latex and looked, felt and even moved like they were real. So instead of paying over $100 dollars on a real call-lily bridal bouquet I paid approx $45. And best part is that I get to keep them forever. If you have your heart set on real flowers then buy wholesale and make them yourself. You do not have to be a florist to make a beautiful arrangement. Check online to find instructions on how to make bouquets or keep it simple and just carry a bunch of lily’s or roses.

I mentioned E-Bay earlier and I am going to mention it again because you can save big time by purchasing your favors, supplies, matchbooks, napkins and any other accessories you may need from reputable sellers there. Most of my items including my bridesmaid’s jewelry, my tiara, veil etc were bought there and I saved a mint! Bridal boutiques and specialty shops are so overpriced. Think about it, would you rather pay $50 for personalized beverage napkins or $10?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help either, your friends and families are probably just as excited as you are about your upcoming wedding. You would be surprised at how much you can save by investing some time and research into planning your wedding day and delegating small tasks to others.

Everyone needs personal time to listen to their own voice and reflect on their lives. But for mothers that time isn’t always readily available. And often your personal time is overlooked by those around you. The only person that can make your time a priority is you. So make sure you set boundaries wherever necessary. While your children are napping, utilize that time for yourself. Let dishes wait and grab a book or do some exercise instead. Remember that time you invest in yourself is time well spent.

Artist and Inspirational Writer Heather J. Tait began her career as a professional artist back in 1997 in Morgan Hill, CA. Her work and articles are displayed internationally. She is also the founder of Silence Speaks International Artist Association and the Editor of Intrigue Magazine. She has also been inducted into the 2004-2005 Who’s Who Among American Women. Email: contact@silencespeaks.com Silence Speaks http://www.silencespeaks.com