Grand Lens Photography Captures Every Nuance of Your NJ Wedding

Below, some beautiful NJ wedding photography samples from Grand Lens Photography. If you're on the hunt for affordable NJ wedding venues, check out the linked list of recommendations that they have so thoughtfully provided.

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

Contact Grand Lens Photography for a quote at (239) 349-4580

All photos on this page copyright Grand Lens Photography.

5 Things That are Way Cooler than Having an Expensive Engagement Ring

When did it become acceptable for a lady to expect her poor, hardworking fellow to foot the bill for a $10,000.00 engagement ring? Ladies... a big rock on your finger does not necessarily mean love, closeness, fidelity, or any of those things you expect to give and receive in your married life.

 

Below, a ton of way-cooler ideas for making use of that $9,600.00 for your partnered life together. 

 

 An incredible honeymoon! 

 Unless you already had kids before marrying each other (that's what we did!), your honeymoon will be the last hurrah before the pressing responsibilities of married life kick in. So, make it a good one if that's what you want to do. Now is your chance to book that Island Getaway, toast to the good life in Venice, explore Dover Cliffs, or hike the Grand Canyon.

A down payment on a house. 

He kicks in 10 Gs, you kick in another 8, and you've got a good chunk to put toward your future home together. Even if your parents are well-off and generous, it feels so much better to invest your own money into the home where you will make a life with your partner and maybe even raise a family. So forgo that pricey ring, and feel really good about the promise of a great life to come!

A new car. 

Are you in the family way? Perhaps a mom-van is in the cards for you. Or, maybe your worn-out wheels are due for a replacement. Having something sparkly on your hand to glance down at during your busy day isn't the worst thing. But a shiny new (and reliable) vehicle is the far more practical option.

A fat bank account. 

An extravagant wedding might make you giddy, and a big old diamond might make you feel cherished. But those feelings quickly fade when life throws you a curve ball and you have to cough up some quick cash for a life emergency, but there's no fundage to be had. Money in the bank means sleeping better at night, and even better, with the right financial advisor on your side, that nest egg will grow and grow!

Did you go with a frugal engagement ring? What did you do with the money you saved?

What's the one standout feature of your wedding that you do not regret having paid for?

Continuing on with our social media convo about wedding expenses... yesterday I posed the question,

"What's the one standout feature of your wedding that you do not regret having paid for in the least?"

 
Most who responded were either food people, booze people, music people, or all of the above! "Open bar" was probably the most common answer, and the one that received the most positive feedback from Facebook Likers.

The foodies said things like:

"Food and booze. We had it at our house under a tent, so we were able to pick exactly what we wanted (caterer is a good friend) it's been 6 years and people still talk about the food!" - Angela Sulla, PA

"Ice cream bar!" - Jess Wyble, Washington NJ (GREAT idea!)

Liz Cincola of CT, expressed a special feeling for the dress she chose, and celebrated the bargain she struck on flowers: 

"Three favorite things: my cake (included with the reception hall), my flowers (paid at cost from my mom's long time florist), and my dress - which I went halfsies with my mom because I cried when I tried it on, and she cried when she looked at the price tag."

Ann Zuccardy, too, scored some terrific, wedding-day attire: 

"My gown. It fit me like a glove with no alterations needed, but it was last year's model and at a deeply reduced price. I think I paid just over $200 for it. (In 1988.)" 

Some ladies expressed satisfaction at having invested in a pricier photographer or videographer who did an amazing job.

Libby Lomauro of North Jersey gave her husband a thumbs-up for procuring the perfect engagement ring. "He did a great job," she said.

And Nicole Dean of Pensacola, FL confessed that her honeymoon was the best wedding-themed investment she made!

Many were pleased with the band or DJ that they had chosen, saying things like: "The band! It was our single biggest expense and worth every penny. The memories from that show last forever." (Astin Benedetto, Phillipsburg, NJ)

One savvy bride offered a service trade in exchange for her wedding-day pics:

"Our photographer (which we didn't actually pay for, my husband traded a website for) and our DJ." (Becka Bossons, PA)

The most touching response goes to Maria Stepek Doherty of the UK, who offered a more sentimental take on this question:  

"Two stand outs, marrying in the Polish community church with the Polish priest officiating and having our small, immediate family only, reception in the Polish Club which my father had helped to found and keep going since he arrived penniless as a refugee. It made a powerful sense of connection with my roots."

Funniest/most practical response goes to our lone male respondent, Mike Donatelli, who said:

"Mouthwash and Advil in the goodie bag."

I think that we can walk away from this conversation with the understanding that each person is different. Your non-negotiable wedding-day feature could be very different from mine... and yet, we might both feel as though we hit the jackpot in terms of getting a deal, finding the perfect (dress, band, photographer), etc.

Happy Wedding Planning from one Frugal NJ Bride to Another!

What's the one thing you spent money on for your wedding that you'd take back if you could?

Pic courtesy Classicfm.com

We asked some married ladies this question as fodder for the blog. Here's what they had to say about wedding expense regrets!

"Disposable cameras on all the tables. We have many, many duplicate amateur pics of our professional ones." - Maribeth Baker, Pennsylvania

 (Ah, yes, 90s brides will remember those disposable cameras well! How many pictures do you think are out there of wedding guests partying in sunglasses and leis?)

"Everything! I love the couples I officiate for who have small, low or no-cost weddings. If I were young and getting married today, I would take whatever might be budgeted for a wedding and make a down payment on a piece of property." - Amy Jo Garner

(Hear, hear! NJ Wedding on a Budget approves of this wise statement!)

"I wouldn't bother with the videographer or hire a better one then the one I had. 3 hours of my father in law having a great time. I just need a highlight reel. Ceremony, speeches, first dance, dance with parents, comments from the tables." - K. Wilder-Bichler, Fair Lawn, NJ

"First time? Everything and it wasn't a big wedding. Second time nothing. It was perfect. I wish we had had more money. I wanted a hearse to drive us!" - B. Bossons, Pennsylvania

"Getting my hair done by a place I wasn't familiar with. We got married in Vegas at the Venetian and one price covered photos, minstral, location, flowers. We then had the reception at a separate site. The only thing I regretted was that my hair really didn't come out the way I would have liked and the same place talked me into getting my eyebrows waxed the SAME day as the ceremony!" - Nicole Bandes

"I wish I had spent money to have food catered instead of having friends and family help so that I could have enjoyed my time with them more." - Jessica Sellers

"I think I went nuts with the flowers, honestly, who remembers what arrangements were on the tables?" - Angela Sulla, Pennsylvania

"Nothing. I did a totally low budget wedding because I think so much of the wedding stuff is a huge marketing scam, including the diamond advertisements. Actually, I wish I had been more generous and spent more money on booze. I like travel and food - it's always been my thing to go low budget on cars, home decor and the like so I can eat and travel well." - Ann Zuccardy, NYC

Good thoughts from brides who have been there! Thanks for the input, ladies. Everyone else, feel free to add your remarks in the comments section of this post.

What's the Going Rate for a Wedding Gift in NJ in 2016?

Image belongs to FocusontheFamily.com

I came across a good article from NJ 101.5 that reveals what an acceptable amount for a wedding gift is, based on number of factors that will be unique to each person's situation.

The numbers they came up with appear to be a consensus of NJ 101.5 listeners and readers, which is why some of them are "funny" - $142?? But that's fine... I mean, isn't appropriateness typically a group decision? Hence the need to come up with an "average" - the going rate.

Based on what I read in their article, it appears that my rounded figures will still work fine when deciding how much to give the bride and groom on their wedding day.

I stated elsewhere in this blog that $100 per head is the average that you should calculate when trying to determine if you'll be able to cover your wedding-day expenses and maybe even come away with a little nest egg.

But, when giving a wedding gift, that simple, round number of $100 can acceptably increase or decrease depending on how well you know the bride and groom.

Close family members tend to give a little closer to $300 per couple, or $150 a head.

Work friends might be more likely to give $75... it depends on the relationship.

The age of the wedding guests may also come into play here. A young couple just starting out may not have as much to extend to the bride and groom as a well-off aunt or uncle.

The article on NJ 101.5's website reminds us of other deciding factors which may include:

Additional expenses that you may rack up on the day of the wedding. For example, gas, tolls, hotel, restaurant meals, shower gift, engagement gift, formal attire.

Your own, financial situation at the time of the wedding. Anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties should not be expected to make the "going wedding-gift rate," whatever it may be.

But if you are a "by the books" kind of guest, then you'll appreciate knowing that $100 per head still flies in the world of NJ weddings!

Jack's Barn – Rustic Barn Wedding in Northwest NJ

Well, we've been on the hunt for a closer barn wedding venue than that superb place I visited in Ithaca, and I finally got word of one here in NJ...

Image courtesy of NJ wedding photographer Nick Speer
web: www.speerimages.com phone:  973-903-6926

Tucked away in a not-so-distant western New Jersey township called White is "The Loft" at Jack's Barn. This is Warren County's premier, barn-wedding location that juxtaposes rustic and refined elements for a truly unforgettable wedding reception setting and celebration.

Once a thriving feed mill, Jack's Barn lends an original and historic flavor to your special event. Their turn of the century backdrop sets the scene for breathtaking wedding-day photos. The Loft at Jack's Barn is also updated with all the necessary elements that will add convenience and sophistication.

For catering, Jack's Barn offers you the option of working with one of 3 different local NJ wedding vendors: Frungillo Caterers, Q-Classic or David'sCountry Inn. They encourage you to reach out to each one of these fine establishments before choosing one that best meets your needs.

If you're looking to set a date for your wedding in 2017, then contact Jack's Barn as soon as possible. They only have a few spots left for 2016 which may or may not be available by the time you read this post. Jack's Barn can accommodate events both large and small.

Just a mile from Jack's Barn is Twenty Belvidere... another beautiful, historic location that can comfortably host up to 16 guests for your after-wedding overnight stay. This historic hilltop estate features 8 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and one half-bath. Guests have access to the grand parlor and music room, fenced in "three-season room," spacious foyer and library, and resplendent grounds.

Jack's Barn – www.jacksbarn.com
1487 State Highway 31 Oxford NJ 07863
908.857.2054
jacksbarn@comcast.net

DIY Wedding Bouquet Video

Great, step by step wedding bouquet hack for the frugal bride... coming to us from the UK!

Beautiful DIY Wedding Inspiration from a Couple in Cameron, NC

Thank you to the bride who published this DIY wedding montage, for capturing sharing your amazing work! Surely our NJ DIY brides will find some creative inspiration here.




PM us on FACEBOOK and get a FREE BLOG EXPOSURE for your Wedding-Focused Business!

Are you a NJ based Mompreneur who serves the wedding demographic? Painters, photographers, bakers, centerpiece makers... we're offering FREE blog posts for your business from now through March 1, 2016. Contact us on Facebook with a few short paragraphs about your business. Include links to your website if you have one, contact info, and a few good pics if you can! Thanks, and Happy New Year from NJ Wedding on a Budget.

How to Have a Rockin' Wedding and Still Save Mega Bucks

The secret to throwing a stand-out wedding without going broke in the process is this: find your non-negotiable wedding detail. Play that up as big as you want... then cut corners on the rest.

Easy. Painless. And makes a whole lot of (dollars and) sense!

Thus, it pays to consider what types of people you are before you wedding-plan. What are you into? What will the theme, or flavor of your wedding be?

My husband plays music. He's been in bands before. I, too, have musical inclinations, Singing songs, going to live shows, jamming with friends.... music has always been a thing for us. So when it was time to select an element to make our wedding uniquely us, the band was a no-brainer.

What made it even more special was that my husband knew some of the band members personally – they're friends of his family. They had history from way back, and I became part of that history! Great stuff, indeed.

In addition to our wedding band, we also had friends of ours play music for the ceremony. These were people my husband had been in his own band with at one time! What a great honor, to be serenaded into our own marriage ceremony by people we knew and had fond memories of.

Now, in all honesty – we spent a little money on the music for our wedding reception. That was our big investment, and we cut corners on everything else - and I mean EVERYTHING, in order to afford the band. You may not have that much cash to shell out. But just because you're being super frugal doesn't mean you can't find a way to play up a certain detail in a big way that makes it meaningful.

Keeping music as the example here... this is a low-budget version of how to emphasize music at your wedding. Hire a friend or family member to play DJ for the night. Set up the speakers etc. (he or she should know a thing or two about stereo systems). Take some time to make up a list of all the songs you'd love to hear on your wedding day. Include a few special memories – "This was my parents' wedding song..." "This was the song we first danced to." Give the list to your "DJ" and hopefully he'll be able to find and play a good amount of them!

So, what will you play up on the day of your nuptials? Below, some ideas:

For the Earthy types: A beautiful, botanical setting at a nearby park. A trek to a gorgeous, mountain setting. A camping weekend!

For the Jersey Shore peeps: (what else?) Beach wedding! Can you make that low budget? Would love to hear from my Jersey Shore sistahs with some frugal solutions for having a superb wedding-by-the-sea! 

For the Foodies: A farmhouse dinner. A humble, firehouse potluck with guest contributions. An ethnic theme – Greek, Italian, Japanese, whatever your pleasure! An "around the world" dessert table!

For Theatrical Types: A masquerade party. A "period" wedding – Roaring '20s with vodka gimlets, antique accents and flapper attire. Fun '50s (think crinoline skirts and jitterbug). Head straight to Etsy.com to peruse their vintage offerings!

Or, maybe you don't want to get too crazy but you know there's a certain part of the wedding that will be special and personal for you. If you're marrying a chef, then put a lot of attention into making sure the food is outstanding. If you come from a family of big drinkers, then put your money on open bar (yes I really said that! People drink at weddings!)

My point is that if you keep most of the wedding details simple (or omit them entirely), you'll find that you actually do have a little bit of money (or time, in lieu of money) to research, plan, and execute ONE aspect of an incredible wedding day that will be fondly remembered for years to come.

Mompreneurs, We'll Advertise Your Wedding Based Business Here FREE through January 1, 2016

Here at NJ Wedding on a Budget, we have a special place in our hearts for Mompreneurs... those busy, busy ladies who run their own business for some extra household income.

If you're a NJ Mom with Mad Skillz that work for the wedding set, then please tell us about you and what you do!

Hand-painted wedding-day champagne flutes and water goblets.
Contact laurasglassart@verizon.net or check her out on Facebook!

Scented handmade honey soap favors by Jessica Wyble.
Find her on Facebook or at www.weeblewobblehoneyfarm.com

So, What Type of Wedding Vendor Are You?

Whether you're a florist who makes wedding bouquets, a seamstress who can alter the bridal gown, a painting pro who fashions favors, a wedding-day photographer or whatever else... talk to us. Frugal NJ brides are ready and willing to pay you for your talent, and they also appreciate any discounts or deals you can offer!

Gorgeous table cards by horticulturist mom Leah Ducey. Located in South Jersey.
Contact leah.ingalsbe.ducey@gmail.com

Get Published On This Blog

Message me on Facebook with a few short paragraphs about what type of service you offer. Include some photos – that will definitely help attract NJ brides who want what you can provide!

Include your contact info, and prices if available.

I will publish your ad, free of charge on this blog! Offer available thru January 2, 2016.

Thanks, as always, for reading NJ Wedding on a Budget.

Top Ways to Majorly Cut Wedding Day Expenses

I've had my NJ wedding blog for a while now. Those who read the About page will recognize that this is frugal wedding inspiration from a truly frugal bride.

Now, I can't speak for other brides on what's worth spending money on for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day. But I can continue to share with you ideas for eliminating those typical bride things that add up to expensive and even extravagant!

Below, The NJ Wedding on a Budget Blog in Review:
 

Top Ways to Cut Corners and Still Have an Amazing Wedding Day!

Humble but tasteful wedding venue. Saving bank on the wedding hall doesn't mean you have to pick a dive in the sketchy part of town. As I mention all over this blog, we chose an all-inclusive, day wedding package at the Somerville Elks Club. The place looked great, we brought in a band (our big splurge), food was wonderful, everyone had a fine time.

Upcycle a family ring. Grandma's engagement ring is sitting in the safe deposit box. Aunt Edna passed down some diamonds. Your groom does NOT have to blow his life savings on your engagement and wedding rings. If relatives left some jewels behind, look into having them refashioned and refitted. Or just wear Nana's ring with pride!

Small bridal party. This works especially well if you have lots of friends and family and don't want to pick favorites. Limit it to Maid of Honor and Best Man. You'll save money on the rehearsal dinner, because you won't need one. You won't have to buy wedding-day thank-you gifts/jewelry for a crowd of people. You won't be tempted to spend extra on the wedding party table that doesn't exist. And you'll also be saving a bunch of other people a ton of money on wedding attire, gifts, limo ride, and a wedding shower.

Nix the engagement party. I think parents typically initiate the engagement party. A bash like this can be pretty pricey, so you and your hubby-to-be might be tempted to kick in some fundage to help foot the bill. I say, keep it simple for everyone. No extra event to add to guests' already brimming social calendar. No stress over booking, dressing, RSVPs and party prep. Let Mom and Dad squared keep their money in their own pockets for this. They might be grateful!

DIY deco. Makes things more complicated, but only if you go overboard with the details. The main wedding-day decorations that you'll probably want: a Sweetheart table (can be as simple as a white tablecloth and some white twinkling lights). A wedding arch (check Pinterest for creative ideas on the cheap). Maybe some simple but elegant table centerpieces that you can outsource to a crafty friend in lieu of a gift.

Secondhand wedding dress. Let's face it: you're going to don this getup once, and then hang it in the attic where it will remain for the rest of your life. Why not move with the times, and go on the hunt for a used bridal gown? There are plenty of excellent choices to be found on Ebay, Craigslist, and the other used wedding gown sites I've listed. Don't forget thrift shops and vintage boutiques.

Forgo the flowers. The cost of fresh foliage really adds up fast! Forget the florist. If you're a crafty bride with time to spare (lucky you!), you could hit Michael's and pick up some silk flowers to fashion some kind of centerpiece, wall decor, or sweetheart table adornment. Candle centerpieces make a nice alternative for those who don't want to splurge on sprays and sprigs.

Bum a ride. Wedding-day limo is just another expense you don't really need on your special day. Surely there's a guest on the list who's got some cool wheels and is willing to play chauffer for an hour. Think antique car, or even just streaming some cans from the back bumper of Dad's Oldsmobile!

Find your focus. Of course you want to make it special and memorable. You can do this by attending to ONE significant detail that everyone will remember. Ours was the Irish band – we put our money on music to make the day great. Maybe yours is a photo booth, a wedding weekend getaway, lavish desserts, or a great DJ and videographer.

Solicit the help of guests. You may have some creative friends and family members in the mix. Can you solicit their services in lieu of a gift envelope? Hire your rock star friend to play chamber music. Ask a painter pal to make up some centerpieces.

Serve up some sentimentality! A guest book for people to leave their well wishes. A book of handwritten Letters to the Bride. A Tastebook recipe collection if you're a couple of foodies.

Other ideas: Hire an amateur photographer found on Craigslist. Tell him or her that you're on a budget, and have them trim down the wedding-day package accordingly. Procure your wedding-day bling such as shoes, veil, purse, cufflinks – on Etsy.com. Find your wedding invitation package, table cards and thank-you notes at Staples! (They don't have to match.) Package and mail them yourself. Get your hair and makeup done by a friend who's fancy.

Something borrowed. You can always "rent" your wedding-day frou-frou from a friend! Shoes, veil, jewelry, tux or suit, child's suit and shoes. People often have these items taking up space in their homes. Put the word out about your nuptial necessities!

There are so many more ways to throw your dream-wedding and not letting your bank accounts take the hit. Keep following my NJ wedding blog for ideas!

The Fever - NJ Wedding Band

Here's a video of a local wedding band, for those shopping around...

Earn a Little Extra Cash for Your Wedding - Take Online Consumer Surveys

Bored at work? Out of work? Hoping to sock away a bit of bank for that NJ wedding of your dreams? Vindale Research is a legitimate consumer survey company that pays cash to members each time they take a survey or participate in a study conducted by their clients and partner companies.

Just a few ways to make money online:

Get paid to share your purchasing habits via online surveys
Get paid to share your opinion on new products
Get paid to review video and print advertisements for major brands
Get paid to click online advertisements
Get paid to refer your friends and associates to sign up with Vindale

There is no fee to become a Vindale member. You must accumulate at least $50 in paid surveys/other types of studies in order to receive a check. Spend a half hour a day on the site... you'd be surprised how quickly your balance will add up!

Vindale also provides an ongoing list of printable coupons on popular brands of products. Print them out before you head out for groceries or to your local Walmart or Target, and enjoy the savings just for signing up.

Try it out for yourself! You've got nothing to lose... and every little bit counts toward that NJ wedding of your dreams.

How to Make Your Own Wedding Bouquet - by Florist Allie King of Sassafras Flowers

I really love the look of this vintage bouquet that uses peonies, several types of roses, freesia, pearls and lace. Great step by step video tutorial from Florist Allie King of Sassafras Flowers. Classic, simple, beautiful! Thanks Allie, for the excellent information.

The Brownstone in Paterson, NJ - Video

I was just noodling around YouTube in search of interesting NJ wedding videos, and came across a very nicely done recap of a wedding held at The Brownstone in Paterson, NJ. The video was put together by Majestic Events, who provides photography, videography and DJ services. You can find them at MajesticWeddingsNJ.com.

Wedding Day Photo Booth Rental NJ

Image courtesy of HuffingtonPost.com

Found an ad in the Celebrations advertiser for an interactive photo booth to have at the wedding reception. This seems to be a growing trend of late, at least for NJ. We attended a few different events this year where they included a photo booth as part of the fun. Get a few drinks in your guests, and photo snapping with goofy props definitely has its appeal.

I am not sure how much a wedding photo booth costs - you can call the number below or check the site for more info. If within budget, it might be a fun gift for the parents of the bride and/or groom to give the happy couple... or maybe even a group gift from the bridal party.

Check out iParty Pix's photo booth options, where you get all sorts of handy features such as...

• Interactive, 42" monitor with touch screen
• Customizable backgrounds and clip art
• Draw and write personal messages/doodles right on the photos
• Email, text, Facebook and Twitter your photos instantly

iParty Pix serves NJ, NY and the surrounding areas.

Call 855 933 IPIX (4749) or visit http://iPartyPix.com

Letters to the Bride Book: Wedding-Day Memories to Cherish for Always

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Here's another great (and frugal!) gift idea for the bride from "her ladies": hand-written letters from the heart.

My sister-in-law's mom asked all of us girls in the bridal party to write letters to the bride in anticipation of her special day.

At first, I wasn't sure what to write. But then I started thinking about how I was the only sister of the groom, who would soon be gaining a second sibling – the sister I never had!

It really was kind of cool, and deserving of some official acknowledgement. My brother was marrying a terrific girl who we would soon be joining families with. And both she and her family were pretty darned special!

So the letter came forth from my brain pretty quickly. I sent it off to her mom via email, along with everybody else in the wedding party who had excited feelings and sentimental memories to share on paper.

The bride's mom then printed all of the letters, and added them to a ring binder with a pretty, decorated cover – turning them into a lovely and sentimental wedding keepsake to cherish forever!

What a great idea; and if there's time, you can really get creative about it.

Possibilities...

Keep the letters brief, and hire a calligraphy artist to hand-pen them on parchment paper.

Read the letters out loud at the wedding shower or rehearsal dinner. (If you intend to do this, just let the bridesmaids know in advance that their words will be shared with everyone!)

(Or, read snippets from each letter to the bride out loud, and save the rest for her to read in private.)

Include photos with each letter. If you can make it a throwback moment (think "sisters at Halloween, circa 1984)", all the better!

Ask everyone to hand-write their letters on pretty stationery. There is something really sweet about a hand-written sentiment.

Hand-decorate the cover of your Letters to the Bride book. The photo above shows one that someone on Pinterest shared... really cool!

Don't forget... the mothers of both the bride and groom may have some special thoughts and sage womanly advice to share. Be sure to invite them to write letters as well!

$15,000 Wedding Budget in NJ? Tips for Keeping Costs Down

Image courtesy thefoodistreviews.com

For those just finding this blog, here is a recap of some NJ wedding budget-slicers that worked for keeping our costs down, and can work for you, too!

 

Marry in off-peak season. More and more savvy brides are forgoing the June wedding in favor of a beautiful fall or even winter wedding, when the prices come down a bit. Each season offers its own, festive backdrop to set the scene for your day. A friend of mine got married in February, and there was fresh snow on the ground for her photos... absolutely breathtaking!

Buffet dinner instead of tableside service. A buffet dinner really isn't such a bad thing at all! You get multiple dinner selections, so guests can try everything. People can take as little or as much food as they like, and go back for seconds. A buffet dinner is an easy way to feed kids who don't require their own plate. 

Forget the flowers. Unless you know someone who works in the florist business and can snag you some posies at a pretty price, this is probably the first thing to turn down in the interest of staying within budget.

Discount DJ. There are many ways to lower costs on music for your wedding reception. Hire a small, local band instead of an established wedding band. Hire a DJ instead of a band. Take a chance on an amateur DJ instead of a "wedding pro." Trust a friend or family member to hook up an iPod and some speakers.

Skip the favors. We opted to not have wedding favors for our guests, and I don't think anybody seemed to mind. In fact, I think half the time people either don't appreciate, leave behind, or (sad to say), the wedding favor that you invested good money on and carefully selected, ends up in someone else's garage sale bin. Sad, but likely true.

Snag a secondhand wedding dress. The options for a secondhand wedding getup are limitless. You can hit up the local thrift stores like Salvation Army or Goodwill. Or better, go for a dress that hasn't been handled quite as much – find a seller on Ebay, Craigslist, or one of the used wedding dress sites (you can find a list of them here).

Shop an estate sale for your rings. This includes the engagement ring, if you haven't already purchased one. You can find estate rings at your local jeweler; at antique stores; at online shops where people refurbish vintage/antique jewelry; on Ebay, or even in your family. With a bit of creativity, you can even take a family heirloom ring to a jeweler and have it resized, or add your own stone/other creative accents, for less than you'd pay for a new engagement ring or wedding band.

There are many more ways to save money and stick within a $15K NJ wedding budget. Follow along on this blog, and especially check out this post, The Average Cost of a NJ Wedding vs. Budget Wedding and How You Can Save or Cut Corners, for more details!

Affordable Designer Bridesmaid Dresses - CB's Limited

Image courtesy CBsLimited.com

The last wedding I had to purchase a bridesmaid dress for was my brother's. The order was for an Alfred Angelo design, fairly common, but I didn't have a lot of bucks to blow so I shopped around a bit online rather than just buying the first one I found available at a local store like David's Bridal.

(Additionally, I am a totally lazy shopper - I can't deal with malls, loathe dressing rooms, detest standing on lines... wah, wah, wah!)

So basically, I was right at home (and I do mean literally - right in my own house!) taking my own measurements, typing them in the little box, whipping out my credit card and putting in my online order for a bridesmaid dress at CB's Limited.

One convenient feature that I remember about ordering from CB's Limited was that they wanted to know the actual date of the wedding you were going to be in. NOT the date that you wanted the dress, but the actual date you'd be in the wedding.

I was honest about that, and the dress definitely made it to me in perfect condition, well in advance of the date. I want to say like 2 months in advance, even.

So basically, I was rather happy with my CB's Limited purchase - and I would recommend them if you're going to be a bridesmaid and are required to buy a specific dress by a specific designer.

Check them out - http://cbslimited.com. 

Learn Calligraphy, Do Your Own Wedding Envelopes

Image copyright
CalligraphybyCatherine.com

I found a NJ calligrapher who does an absolutely amazing job hand-lettering wedding invitations, envelopes, table cards, and of course all kinds of beautiful things for various occasions. Her business is  Calligraphy by Catherine, and just looking at her fine work brings me oodles of happiness!

As a budget-conscious NJ bride, you may not feel that an investment in hand-written wedding invitations is a wise choice, preferring to print them yourself.

But what about adding a special touch to the address envelopes? 

I for one am about the beginner level of calligraphy talent. So, I put my burgeoning talent to use, and tried my hand at penning my own wedding envelopes and table cards. I thought they came out pretty well, considering that prior to this, I hadn't actually done any calligraphy in years!

The talented artist who owns Calligraphy by Catherine offers a more economical option that may be of interest to the frugal bride crowd. She teaches private, beginner calligraphy classes in her home in Frenchtown, NJ for $50 per hour. For an additional $10 per hour she will travel to your NJ home. Even more budget-friendly: her group classes run from about $12 to $16 per hour depending on the cost of materials.

Check this page of her website for class scheduling and other information.