Darn, I Wish I Could Sew

My Mother used to sew everything when I was growing up, from tablecloths to potholders to the frilly-nilly dresses she made me wear to school. She bought me a sewing machine when I was four, and I think I enjoyed it until I reached an early independent stage around five, and first swore I would never be like My Mother. So, today, I have to rely on my mother-in-law to hem my pants, and spend $20 for a new cushion I should be able to whip up myself. There is so, so much we could do to be a Good Bride if we could just do a little bit of sewing. Plus, there's something so earthy about the feeling of having made something tangible. So, for Christmas, I'm going to ask Santa for a sewing machine, and start exploring what fun I can have. I really don't think it's too late. I'm looking out for a sewing machine that's easy to use and somewhat affordable, and here's the affordable Brother model I'm thinking of today. It was highly reviewed by people who sound a lot like me. One even said she made a quilt on her first day!

Do You Really Need a Caterer?

Okay, maybe your initial response is "YES, of course I need a caterer!" The general expectation these is that you will serve some sort of food or meal, and clearly the focus of the Good Bride will not be on garnishing the finger sandwiches and heating up meatballs at the last minute. But let's look back to the weddings of the 50s, 60s, and 70s for a bit. We recall (or have heard about) a time when wedding food usually meant either a buffet of food prepared by various friends and relatives, or cake, punch, mints, and nuts for an afternoon reception. Since that time, we've moved through an era of somewhat-affordable catering by local restaurants into very-pricey venues with often-mediocre menus priced at $25-$100 per guest. And these days, it is the exception rather than the rule to find one who will allow you to bring in your own alcohol or cake. The reasonable Good Bride should carefully consider these options when selecting a reception location. Among the better, more responsible choices:

• If your location allows, enlist the help of family and friends to prepare food a menu, incorporating favorites of the two of you. Hire someone who is not a wedding guest to take care of setup, replenishment, and cleanup. You will not only be pleased with the quality, but will save up to 90 percent.


• Use a hybrid approach, using some foods from a caterer, and other favorites that you, your family or friends have prepared. Bring your own alcohol, if you plan to serve alcohol. Enlist the caterer for the responsibility of setup, replenishment, and cleanup. This option may cost a little more than the first option, but will still save you mega-bucks, particularly on alcohol.


• Fully catered, but with simple, affordable selections. The actual food is not what the guests will remember - it is the feeling, the atmosphere, and the magic.

Good Chicago Bride Saves Money Through DIY

Even those brides who live in the most exclusive Chicago zip codes, whose typical wedding costs can top $100,000, have been re-thinking the spendness madness, according to The Chicago Tribune. One such Good Bride demonstrated her fiscal panache by making her invitations, monogramming her own aisle runner, and other items, including eight flower balls for which the florist was going to charge $75 each. The author cites experts who predict a trend towards less wedding spending, and a good business market for stores that off DIY bridal merchandise. For example, we really love the look and price of these sandy print-yourself wedding fan programs by Martha Stewart at Walmart. Yes, they are using a little paper, but it's much more environmentally friendly than air-conditioning. I'm really thinking simple beach wedding. ARTICLE LINK