Part 7: Noone's two cents, unless Lincoln's face is on it
By Anne- Kathryn Bultman
Anne@TheColumbiaStar.com

Boy and Girl can't believe how much one day is going to cost; fortunately, Boy and Girl don't have to pay for everything themselves.

Many betrothed couples turn to the never- ending supply of books that offer budget- conscious tips; however, there are some weddings those books just won't help.

Cost- cutting problem #1: Girl and Boy are from the same hometown, and their parents have many friends in common, but the amount of friends they don't have in common is large. Therefore, the guest list adds up, as does the cost of the reception.

Cost- cutting problem #2: Girl should pick flowers straight from the garden because flowers are expensive. Girl needs to get exactly what she wants to carry in her bouquet and what she wants her bridesmaids to carry. However, when it comes to the reception Girl should tread lightly. The cost of a large centerpiece starts around $300, and that price can be even higher depending on what types of flowers go in it. Solution: less is more.

Cost- cutting problem #3: The photographer. Good pictures and an accommodating photographer cost a lot of money, bottom line. The cheaper option is for Girl to ask her great aunt's next door neighbor's 12- year- old grandson to take pictures, but if Girl doesn't want the top of everyone's heads cut off then Girl must use a professional.

The best way to save money is not to go overboard or go to extremes. Boy and Girl don't need to release rare doves after they say I do, exotic ice sculptures will melt before the night is over, and only Cinderella should leave in a four- horse drawn carriage.