Another reviewer commented that it should have been titled “How to Have an Elegant Wedding.” (Not for $5,000 or less). I wish I’d heeded that advice!

I purchased this book to obtain suggestions and advice regarding how I can cut costs while still planning an elegant wedding. The first chapter does address the issue of money, but it simply states: “Set a budget, and stick to it.” ??? Almost every wedding planning book does that!

There isn’t much elaboration on the low costs, or ways to achieve low costs, other than some random statements from vendors and newlyweds, such as “Don’t spend money on wedding favors. We decided not to have them, and don’t regret it.”

There were also a few tidbits of advice that are so obvious they border on insulting: “Flowers will be more expensive around Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day.” And, did you know that you can save money on attire by renting a gown or wearing your mother’s?

I do like the way the book was written – the author is part of a mother/daughter wedding coordination team. She describes many real life examples of weddings she’s been involved in, but rarely as it relates to money!

I’m clearly disappointed because I expected this book to offer some kind of guidance, or maybe even some trade secrets, about how to find or negotiate bargains with wedding vendors. All I got was one chapter about how to slash categories from my wedding (e.g., videography, flowers, alcohol, etc.), followed by a wedding planner that failed to give specific money-saving advice.

Save your money: This is a well-written wedding planner, but offers very little specific advice or tips for the bride on a budget.
Rating: 2 / 5