My Turn: Tips to make your wedding great
This week's "My concoct" column is by Alison Crotts, director of catering at The Respite Inn in Oneonta.
Whether you're recently engaged or already knee-deep in associating planning, this is the article for you.
I personally know planning a nuptials can be intimidating. I also know there are a lot of decisions to be made.
I hope what I've learned from working more than 100 weddings and planning my own can be salutary to you.
I'm sure most of you know the basics of wedding planning, from visiting the many websites or by the surplus of bridal magazines published. What I'm about to offer you are a few of my own wedding tips that I've gathered along the way.
Let's inaugurate with the biggest item: the budget. We all know weddings are up-market, but there are a few minor changes that can be made to lessen the cost.
The first thing I as usual suggest to brides working with a tight budget is reviewing the bar options. A full get bar is a nice gesture for your guests, but it is not required.
Your friends and people will love you just the same even if they have to pay cash for their cocktails. Keep in mind that the bar privilege is not an al-or-nothing deal; some reception sites offer several bar packages, and you can find the one that fits your guests and budget.
Another way to cut back on costs is comparing the prize differences between renting and buying. Local rental companies, greeting sites and caterers have an abundance of wedding materials pronto available for you to rent.
Great Finds: Store décor points to summer's end
Candle-lit autumn eveningsG.F.'s fave purveyor of all things garden and outdoorsy is in metamorphosis -- the Smith & Hawken stores in Birmingham, Mich., and Atlanta were either closed or doing those everything-must-go sales when I was in those cities this summer.
The Web spot isn't selling product, either. But the S&H line at stores is still around and G.F. fell for autumn décor, wire pumpkins and pears that false as candle holders. The large size ($19.99) holds pillar candles, while smaller versions ($6.99) grip tea lights. The candle holders are available in stores and online at objective.com.
Placing a monumental pillar candle inside lights your table with romance and inventiveness. The same lantern hung from rafters, with light inside will conceive an












