Planning your big day without a big payday

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It's going to be one of the best days of your life. Unfortunately, that day also tends to come with a big price tag.

Planning a wedding always puts a dent into your wallet but it can be even more financially stressful during tough economic times.

Wedding vendors in the area have already seen a trend of couples scaling back on their nuptials as they prepare to tie the knot. Luckily, most of them have a wide range of prices for their various services and tips on how to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Christina Cook is the owner of The Gathering Company in Victoria, which has coordinating services for big events like weddings. There are many practical ways to have an economical wedding if couples are willing to make the extra effort, she said.

"One good idea is to shop locally. It saves on gas and delivery fees. Also, try to use as few vendors as possible, which will help to keep the cost down," she said. "If possible, try to have the ceremony and reception in one location."

Cook added that it's best to only use in-season flowers, limit the number in the bridal party, keep invitations simple and light to save on postage and do your own hair and makeup.

Magdalena Cabrera of Elegant Creations, another special occasion business in Victoria, recommended shopping around and doing your homework when planning your wedding.

"You have to compare prices of the different vendors, whether it's for decorations or catering," she said. "Some places are a lot cheaper than others."

Cabrera also suggested shortening your guest list and making your own centerpieces for the reception.

Both Cabrera and Cook will have booths at the annual Bridal Showcase on Sunday. Frazzled couples looking to get hitched can enjoy a nuptial one-stop shop with more than 60 local vendors, show coordinator Annie Cribb said.

Presented by the Pilot Club of Victoria, the showcase is one of two major fundraisers for the organization. It will feature vendors from Victoria and the surrounding counties, including photographers, caterers, formal wear, decorations, venues, music and transportation.

  • Exhibitors at the Bridal Showcase are:

    Kloesel's Cleaners & Formal Wear

    Brides Dècor & More

    La Mirage Weddings

    L-Ann Imaging

    D & E Party Barn

    Bencal Loft White Dove Releases

    Mark Clem Photography

    Elegant Events by Faye

    Lonestar Productions

    Photography ...

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  • Exhibitors at the Bridal Showcase are:

    Kloesel's Cleaners & Formal Wear

    Brides Dècor & More

    La Mirage Weddings

    L-Ann Imaging

    D & E Party Barn

    Bencal Loft White Dove Releases

    Mark Clem Photography

    Elegant Events by Faye

    Lonestar Productions

    Photography by Susan

    Elegant Creations

    Wildflower Event Group

    Kolar Photography

    Moonlight Entertainment

    S.K. Parker Photography & Flowers

    Raisin L Ranch

    County Line Entertainment

    Polak Petals

    King's Party Rentals

    Dillard's

    Images by Russ

    Diane's Bridal & Rental

    Chris Hogan DJ Services

    Celebrations!

    Perfect Partners Wedding Productions

    Al's Formal Wear

    Halepaska's Bakery

    Hall Lighting & Design Center

    Texas Rhythm

    Crossroads Legal Video

    Gramann House

    Accent Designs by Annette

    Jade & Madalynn Quinceanera Boutique

    Moments in Time Video

    Crystal Creations

    Foxcroft Stationers

    Carriage Rides of Victoria

    The Market of Victoria

    Cookies by Design-Original Cookie Bouquet

    Devereux Gardens Floral

    Country Catering & Bar-B-Q

    Power DJ's

    Shop The World

    Royal Coach of Victoria

    Mary Kay Cosmetics

    Southern Living at Home

    Wild About Music Entertainment

    Main Course Catering

    A Day to Remember

    Werner's Restaurant & Catering

    The Gathering Company

    Victoria Country Club

    Everlasting Weddings

    Shutterfly Portraits

    Agama Event Center

    Suspended in Time

    Albrecht Artistic Photography

    Elegant Celebrations by K & S

    Remember This

    Ms. Karen's Photography

    The 19th annual Bridal Showcase will be from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Victoria Community Center. A fashion show will begin at 2 p.m. Admission is $5 and children under 5 are free.

    The Pilot Club of Victoria was chartered in 1948 and is a member of Pilot International, a global organization that works to improve the quality of life in local communities. Their focus is to promote awareness of brain disorders and their motto is "Friendship and Service."

    Each year, the club has two major fundraisers, including the Bridal Showcase, to support community projects such as scholarships and Project Lifesaver.



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