PLACER BLOG

Changing times redefine dream

weddings in the Foothills as

matrimony season commences...

by Jan Coleman

Tying the knot has a whole

new look these days—frugal.

Brides On a Budget

Today’s br ides are definitely

spend-savvy and they’re reinventing

the wedding—from announcing

the engagement on

Facebook to asking guests to

RSVP online through websites,

such as event.com.

Brides are scaling back, says

Patricia O’Brien, an Auburnbased

event coordinator. She and

husband, Mike, have opened

Victorian Hill Gardens above

Old Town as an event center for

parties of up to 70 people.

“Bridal parties are getting

smaller, guest lists are getting

shorter,” she says. “It’s now just

the people that really matter.”

While tough economic times

won’t stop dreamy-eyed couples

from celebrating the big day,

they’re after a budget-friendly

way to do it.

“They’re shopping around for

everything from the facility to

the photographer,” O’Brien says.

“They’re asking – what’s your

bottom-line price? They’re going

to give their money to someone

who will work with them, and

they’re expecting exceptional

service.”

Statistics say the average cost of

a wedding remains at about

$25,000 for 150 guests, but

brides are trying to stretch their

dollars. Ruby Aikman, event

coordinator at the Ridge, agrees

times have changed.

“I see brides planning way in

advance to lock in pr ices or

waiting until the last minute,

hoping for a better deal,” she says.

While set food prices at the

Ridge prevent her from being

flexible there, she still negotiates

on room rentals. “I ask them if

they’ve gotten other quotes and

we go from there. I want to make

the event happen for them,” says

Aikman.

Budget-conscious brides aren’t

shy to ask for money-saving tips.

“One suggestion is to get

creative on your centerpieces,”

Aikman says. “You can still add

elegance in unique-shaped vases

with a few flowers, fresh fruit or

colorful stones for very little

money.”

For sure, the days of floral

overkill are history. “It’s one of

the first places brides tr im the

budget,” says Denise Grove,

owner of Petals

and Sweets.

Except for the

bridal party, floral

arrangements are

what you see in

most of the

pictures, she says.

“Some brides are

buying the flowers

for family members

to arrange.

That’s the way it’s

going now,” says

Grove.

According to

knot.com, a

popular online

wedding site, hot

and hip budget

trends for 2009

include:

• Opt for simple elegance in

wedding gowns that offer

smaller price tags. Also,

vintage is making a comeback.

Whether it’s from

Mom or Grandma’s closet,

or the second-hand shop,

retro- and histor ical gowns

are now in style.

• Outdoor and even rustic

locations are becoming

popular, including ranches,

parks, a local vineyard or a

friend’s backyard. They’re

fun, laid back, and the decor

options are boundless.

• Plan weddings in off-season

months or less popular days,

such as Friday or Sunday.

The more popular event

centers and sought-after

vendors are more available

and might cut better deals.

• Breakf ast and lunch buffets

or finger-food receptions

save dollars.

• Bartering with vendors can

reduce costs. Web designers

might offer to revamp the

company’s website for the

flower fee. Brides also can

ask family members to

donate their skills as a

wedding present.

• Staying local for honeymoons

have more couples

opting for romantic spots in

the U.S. and closer to home.

Changing times br ing a whole

new breed of brides seeking

thrifty ways to throw the

wedding of their dreams, but

they still want style when they

walk down the aisle. “The

industry is chang ing. Vendors will

need a fresh take,” says O’Brien.

“But one thing the couple isn’t

downsizing are the rings,” she

says. “They can finance the rings.

They’re forever.”

Patricia O’Brien co-owns Victorian Hill

Gardens, a wedding and event center

overlooking the Old Town Auburn

enclave. Check out the website at

victorianhillgardens.com.