Dream Weddings at Practical Prices Greensboro NC

Ballroom Dinner:

The Couple: Patricia & Alexander Klier
Wedding Date: November 12, 2005
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Hometown: Winter Park, Florida
Guests: 75
Total Price Tag: $11,770

The Game Plan

Patricia, 24, a public relations manager, and Alex, 26, an insurance adjustor, wanted a site by the ocean and a 'proper' sit-down dinner. 'We chose Sarasota, Alex's hometown,' the bride says. 'We settled on a budget of about $10,000, but then discovered that many reception options were too pricey. Finally, we found the beautiful ballroom at the Hyatt Sarasota, on Sarasota Bay. They offered a complete package, and we didn't have to hire a caterer and rent tables, chairs or linens. It turned out that the Hyatt's sit-down dinner was less expensive than the buffet, which requires extra food and waiters, so we got exactly what we wanted, for the right price.'

Saving Strategies

'The cake was important to me, but I didn't want to overspend. Instead of going with an expensive bakery that specializes in wedding cakes, I worked with the bakers at my grocery store. I gave them pictures of exactly what I wanted, and they did a great job. Instead of paying $7 to $10 a slice, our cake was just $200 and served 80 guests. The cost of favors can really add up, so we decided to do a candy buffet featuring everything from M&Ms to Tootsie Roll Pops. We bought the candy in bulk from a warehouse club and picked up more at post-Halloween sales. We used adorable Chines...

Read full article at Bridalguide.com