How to Have a Dream Wedding on a BudgetWritten by Rachel Greenberg
No one wants to pay more than they have to for anything, especially something as costly as a wedding. And if you’re like me, and you had to foot your own bill, then you certainly want to keep costs down. I was afraid it couldn’t be done, especially since my husband and I live in one of most expensive regions of country. But my wedding is proof that it can be done, and here’s how:Reception Venue Look for non-profit organizations that host wedding receptions, since their rental fees are extremely reasonable. And many of them - American Legion is one example - have gorgeous, well-maintained facilities. If you prefer an outdoor wedding, then skip country club and go to a state or national park, where you can get beautiful landscapes at a fraction of cost. Catering Many rental halls offer full-service catering, which includes linens and tableware, wait staff, all food prep and cleanup, etc. But unless you’re at a non-profit (which hopefully you are, if you followed step #1), then this can be extremely expensive. Try to find a smaller catering company that typically does at-home meal service, since they know how to do things on a budget. And they are sure to give you excellent customer service. Alcohol You must, must, must buy your own alcohol. If you purchase it through your rental hall at retail price, you will be paying through nose. If you have followed step #1, then you have most likely found a place that will allow you to bring your own alcohol, or will give it to you at a non-profit price. This is only way to go. Flowers & Decorations Eliminate additional expense by keeping everything simple. There really is no need to have little party favors at each table, since hardly anyone remembers or appreciates those items anyway. And go easy on flowers – having a few simple arrangements strategically placed can be very sophisticated and elegant.
| | Indian Brides and Grooms on the InternetWritten by Roopa Nair
India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various religions, communities and sects living together in harmony and peace. Each community has its own set of religious rituals, traditions and multitudes of customs inherited from ancestors. Arranged marriage is one such common custom handed down over generations. Arranged marriage has played an important role in Indian marriages. This concept is even today accepted by millions of Indians in India and abroad. Marriages, initiated by elders, were arranged with help of an 'aunt' or 'priest'. Over a period of time this has slowly transitioned from marriage brokers to newspapers and now onto Internet. Internet has revolutionized way people communicate. Today, there are several matrimonial sites some aimed to a particular community/religion and some to general public. These sites literally make world seem a smaller place. The concept of online matrimonial has become increasingly popular because it gives people up-front, at click of a mouse, access to thousands of eligible singles, which neither newspapers nor marriage bureaus can ever offer. It has tremendously expanded reach of every marriageable individual by exposing him/her to millions of eligible Indians who visit these sites. Increasingly, many individuals and families spend their valuable time online searching for perfect partner for themselves or their loved ones. It is interesting to see that these sites are visited by conservative parents, relatives; who believe in sanctity of arranged marriages and also by those for whom falling in love is way to go.
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