Twilight fans can now own their own piece of memorabilia from the fourth movie, Breaking Dawn with at least one wedding gown company making a replica of Bella Swan’s wedding dress available to the masses.

Bridal company Alfred Angelo has already jumped on the replica bandwagon, selling copies of the long-sleeved, lace-back dress that actress Kristen Stewart famously donned in the movie.

Pictured: Alfredo Angelo’s copy of Bella Swan’s wedding dress. Image courtesy of Alfredo Angelo.

We always counsel our brides to be aware of ways to either bring wedding budget costs down or keep them in check.  Done in the right places, there are many ways to save on costs and take nothing away from the wedding they have planned.

Because it is the most costly aspect of most wedding plans, major savings can be realized through reception adjustments.  We recommend that our brides consider these ideas.

•    Look for a location that both fits the occasion and requires very little decorating enhancements.  Many spots are fine the way they are.  If brides wish to add décor, most event planners would agree that creating one large decorative element is not only dramatic, but also more budget friendly than a dozen smaller elements scattered around the room.

•    When considering decorating options, always picture the room full.  We counsel brides not to spend excess dollars on décor items that only the first few guests walking into the room will see.  Don’t waste money on decorating the skirting of any of the tables for instance.  As one wedding planner says, “Think tabletop and up”.

•    During receptions, caterers will say that people tend to take less food if it is passed by the wait staff than if it is placed on a buffet table.  The same is true of champagne or other beverages.  The good news about this is that less food or liquor can be ordered and guests still feel pampered.

•    If it is important to the couple to serve a sit down dinner, we suggest that instead of ordering just one high-end entrée they order half portions of two main entrée items.  For example, combining half portions of prime rib and chicken breast, helps to bring down the cost per plate while offering guests a selection with depth.

•    One consultant suggests ordering sandwiches for entertainers and servers instead of the full banquet meal, and having them set up in a separate room from wedding guests.  It gives the staff a place to “get away” for a break and provides food that they can “grab and go” if needed.

For more “invisible” ways to manage wedding budget costs at your reception, talk with one of our experienced consultants at Bluestone Weddings & Events.

Brides frequently ask us about centerpieces for their wedding reception. The list of options is long and varied but these are some of the most often used by brides.

If your florist is providing centerpieces for your reception, work closely with him/her to be sure that the theme or color thread you have chosen for your wedding continues to the reception area. We have seen weddings where one theme dominates the ceremony and another is chosen for the reception.  If the two are complimentary, it is soothing and welcoming to your guests.  If the choices are worlds apart, it can be jarring to move from one to another.

If you are handling reception centerpieces on your own, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

A centerpiece should never block a guest’s view.

If color has been a theme for your wedding  – introduced in the invitations and save the date cards – it should continue through the reception.

For informal centerpieces arrange flowers to have a “just picked” look. Use wild flowers or branches of seasonal flowers for an unusual impact.

Formal centerpieces are usually symmetrical in either a triangular, circular or rectangular shape.

Create a still life with fruits, flowers and vines arranged on a lovely tray.

Pitchers – used singly or in groups, make attractive containers.

Pretty baskets filled with blooming plants and tucked in with moss work well.

Arrange several crystal candlesticks on a mirror as a centerpiece. Insert candles in you color theme or use creamy white. Just remember that they should be tall enough to be above eye level or low enough so that the flame will not be annoying.

Also grouped on a mirror, consider using wine glasses, each with a flower floating in it.

Contact your local florist, wedding coordinator or event design specialist for more information and ideas.

2.  Invitations set the theme and mood for your wedding. So, keep that in mind when you make your selections.

3.  Invitations should be sent out approximately 6 weeks prior to your wedding date! Give yourself time for R.S.V.P.’s

4.  Check to see if you can obtain free samples of the invitations you are interested in prior to ordering. Check the size, quality and weight of the card stock.

5.  Order 10-20 more invitations than you think you need. It can be very expensive to order additional invitations – and you may not receive them in time! You’ll need extra envelopes for any mistakes made in addressing and extra invitations for any “last minute” additions to the guest list. Don’t forget to keep a few for your wedding memories book!

6.  Review your wedding guest list to make sure that all the names are spelled correctly and addresses are up to date.

7.  Have a friend or family member check the draft or proof of your invitations prior to giving the final “OK” to print.

8.  Children over the age of 16 should receive their own invitation.

9.  Check with your invitation company or wedding planner for the proper format for your invitations and addressing etiquette.

10.  Make sure you have the appropriate amount of postage on your invitations. Take a sample invitation, including inserts, to the post office and have it weighed so that your invitations are delivered on time without “postage due!”