I’m back from San Diego just in time to post another Money Saving Monday!  This week I’m so happy to have Stacy Cummings from Unforgettable Events of Nashville sharing her money saving advice with us.  Stacy first started her adventures in wedding planning in 2007 while planning her own wedding.  She enjoyed it so much that she then started Unforgettable Events in 2008.  Stacy and her team are based out of Hermitage but are available for weddings throughout the metro Nashville area.

Here are Stacy’s tips for all of our brides on a budget!

For my brides that want to Budget Blissfully the time of day and your guest list has a huge impact on your wedding budget. If you don’t mind getting married in the mid-morning (10am to 12pm), then a brunch reception is the way to go.  You can enlist the help of your friends and family members because the menu is made up of assorted breads muffins, croissants and pastries – Publix, Sam’s and The Bread Company have a wonderful selection – small quiches, ham/cheese biscuits and if you have a venue that offers an area you can set up then maybe an omelet station.

All the above will save you money for that cake you want OH! and of speaking of cake’s Cakes by Rebecca is an excellent choice, but if you prefer something smaller and you still want something sweet then cupcakes are just enough of an indulgence for that sweet tooth. I have tasted some amazing ones at GiGi and Curious Gourmet in Franklin, and you can have assorted flavored icings a little something for everyone.

If rising early is not in your plans then a late afternoon cocktail reception between 4-6pm is less expensive than a sit down dinner. You can serve an assortment of hot and cold hors d’ouvres, cheeses; vegetables and seafood if you want to splurge the choice combinations are endless.

For my DIY brides you could assemble the trays and garnish them the way you like and have them transported to the reception site, but I suggest you not stress yourself and have your family members and attendants help. When you start planning early you can stock up on your own champagne and sparkling wines they are cheaper than liquors and you are still offering your guests a choice. 

A desserts reception takes the cake to another level.  This reception could be between 2-5pm.  Chocolate dipped cookies, pastries, mini cupcakes, fruit tarts and last but not least Cake!    These sweet treats can be served with a selection of gourmet coffees, cappuccinos’, and some varietals teas. There are several very good dessert wines that can be served to compliment these desserts but, check with your wine aficionado though because they can become quite expensive. 

Now, remember these ideas are based on a small guest list 25-50 guests, keeping your food budget low and you Blissfully Budgeting.

Thank you so much Stacy!  Be sure to check out the Unforgettable Events website to find out more about how you can have Stacy help you with more ideas to stay on budget.

And just because I am LOVING Stacy’s idea of a dessert reception, here’s a pic I took of the dessert counter at the Hershey’s Store in Chicago this past Christmas.  YUM!