Friday, Feb. 26, 2010

Local shops provide cost-saving options for weddings

From venues to rings, all available in town

When a bride-to-be says 'yes' and begins to make plans for her wedding, down-turned economy aside, feelings of stress and being overwhelmed take on new meanings.

The Bridal Association of America estimated that weddings in 2009 would cost upwards of $30,000. There has yet to be an estimate for 2010, but, in general, the last few years' estimates have proven to be within the same range.

However, with the unpredictable economy, there's no reason to adhere to the $30,000 expectation.

Planning locally is one of the easiest ways to save money, and Los Baños, and Merced County, have a wide range of vendors to suit any budget.

Start by printing out invitations instead of having them printed. Both local Wal-Mart and Target stores carry boxed invitations with matching envelopes and reception cards perfect for a home printer. All that's needed is some creativity, saving hundreds of dollars. For a personal touch that coordinates with wedding colors, make a bow out of delicate ribbon--Wal-Mart has dozens of spools in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and textures--to place on top.

Making flower arrangements is also an efficient way of cutting costs, and a fun way for bridesmaids, and the mothers of the bride and groom to bond. Craft stores, or some with craft sections--Wal-Mart, KMart, Target--always carry artificial flowers, easy for grouping into bouquets, while still catering to color and style choices. Additionally, local flower shops like Flowers 4 You, Los Baños Flower Shop and Simply Unique Flower Shop pride themselves on being full-service flower shops, providing everything from bridal and wedding party bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and center pieces, just to name a few. They also carry individually cut flowers for those brides interested in the do-it-yourself mode.

Another important factor in wedding planning is his and hers wedding bands. Instead of going to an overpriced retail store, head to downtown Los Baños and visit one-of-a-kind jewelry collections from Pearson's Jewelers and Pereira's Jewelers.

Ruby's Party Supplies on I Street is also available to help save money. Renting supplies such as tables, chairs and linens can cut the costs used to pay others to provide the same services. They're also available for favor creations and balloons. Rivera Crafts, also on I Street, is also a great place to visit for those who plan to self-decorate the ceremony and reception locations. Libreria San Pablo and Imperial, on Sixth Street, offers everything from bridal accessories to reception paraphernalia.

The city of Los Baños should be one of the first called in searching for the perfect reception location. The new community center on Seventh Street will be available beginning in August. What's unique about the community center is its availability for ceremonies, as well as wedding receptions. A trellis area is set up in an outdoor area for ceremonies, with the grand room included in the package for the reception. The package would also include the kitchen, court yard, tables and chairs. Elaine Post, redevelopment agency director, said weddings were a huge factor in the community center designs. The Parks and Recreation Department is also available to help choose the perfect facility or park to hold a wedding ceremony or reception. Many facilities offer kitchen use, as well as outdoor patios and day-long availability hours at reasonable rates. Have a few family members get together to help set-up, cater, and clean-up for extra savings.

A wedding cake is no doubt an important element of a couple's big day, but it's also not one that requires hundreds of dollars spent. Local bakeries will cater to various styles in preparing a picture perfect wedding cake. Splurge on a single layer for the couple and design a large sheet cake for guests. Iniguez Bakery on I Street, or Save Mart, are both great for purchasing cakes of any size.

Wedding attire can also be shopped locally. Lucia's Bridal Shop on Pacheco Boulevard and Norma's Dress Shop and Alterations on Capri Avenue, can help dress all the important people in a wedding.

Local photographers are also available for weddings, including Don Hughes Photography, Alter Image Photography, Virginia Yip Fine Photography and Abarca Group. Music providers are also found within city limits, like Party On Productions and Sound Investment DJ. The Frame Shop, 502 I St., is available after the wedding photos are purchased to provide elegant matting and framing of a couple's special day.

Whatever a couple is looking for for their wedding day, local shops and vendors are well-trained and experienced in providing the best service and options for each pair and their special day.