Recession Brides Focus on Budget Over Dream Wedding

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By Laura Kennedy

Story Published: Sep 8, 2011 at 7:13 AM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 15, 2012 at 9:03 AM MDT

BILLINGS - Many engaged couples are finding creative and thrifty ways to tie the knot without loosening those purse strings.

Bride-to-be Chelsey Amini and her fiancé Jake Duenow are checking items off their wedding to-do list, but this college student is more worried about the green in her wallet than green wedding cake frosting.

Amini, like other recession brides, has her budget on the brain when it comes to the big day. She's making her own centerpieces and having the May ceremony and reception in the same location.

"I don't have to pay fees for two different spaces and decorate two different spaces so that's been the biggest money saver so far," Chelsey Amini said.

"In Billings, I've seen a great deal of change, people are being much more careful with their money," wedding planner Pat Clark said.

Clark said reducing the cost of weddings is a main goal of many of her clients.

"We have had more weddings located in people's homes and in their backyards. Do we wear a tux or do we wear a suit, I'm starting to see a lot more suits," she said.

While Amini is having a traditional cake, Clark said cupcakes are a common cost-saver.

"It's more of a casual setting, but they don't have to rent plates, they don't have to rent forks," Clark said.

Brides like Amini are even cutting back on the dress finding untraditional ways to save.

"I'm buying it online actually and it's on sale, and I've never been able to try it on," Amini said.

Amini said the money saved on her dress and location costs will go toward the reception.

According to the 2011 Chase Brides Wedding Finances Survey, recession brides in 2011 are more focused on being budget conscious than having their all out dream wedding.

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Anonymous said on Saturday, Sep 17 at 11:18 AM

That was lovely pic and Tex Kitty love

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