Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. make your dream wedding a reality for a fraction of the cost that you would pay to have someone else do it. Choosing Your Wedding Date Sure, people who want to get married on 09/09/09 are not going to have much flexibility with their wedding date, but if you and your groom are at least a little flexible when it comes to setting the date, you can end up saving thousands of dollars. Wedding halls increase their rates almost two-fold if you have your wedding on a Saturday, while the same hall on a Thursday might be half as much. Non-peak seasons, such as October-November or February-March are also cheaper than June or December weddings. (Remember, you’re competing with holiday parties in December.) Talk with your chosen wedding hall to find out which date can offer you the best rates. Informal But Elegant To save the most money, consider having an informal but elegant wedding. Instead of having a sit down dinner with steak, fish and crab legs, try having a buffet serving delicious chicken and pasta items instead. An excellent chef can make even less expensive dinner options look and taste incredible. You can also consider having a cocktail reception just before dinner, serving appetizers instead of an entire meal. Don’t forget, a full bar can be expensive, especially for the crowd that likes to drink. Try limiting your bar to beer and wine or try serving a cocktail drink. Planning a wedding in today’s economy can seem like a stretch, but there are many ways that you can control your spending and have a fantastic wedding even on a tight budget. Have your best girlfriends help you put together do-it-yourself wedding favors, or ask a friend with an incredible voice to be part of the talent for the night. Your friends are a great resource when it comes to saving money on wedding expenses, but it’s important not to “abuse” them. Make sure you’re thankful for everything your friends do for your wedding, and make sure you show it! Many friends of brides who help out are left feeling like they were only invited to help, or that they’re only worthwhile because they’re doing something for you. Make sure your best girlfriends feel like your friends - not just your helpers! With their help, you can 26 | SOUTHERN MARYLAND WEDDINGS WINTER / SPRING 2009