The Savvy Wedding

An insiders’ guide to food, booze, gifts, and more

By Lessley Anderson and Roxanne Webber

When you are planning your wedding, people will say you need to do many things: serve this appetizer, use this plate, order this cake, and don’t forget to register for china. Brides- and grooms-to-be are inundated by individuals whose chief desire seems to be to extract the most money out of them as possible.

We talked to caterers, pastry chefs, bartenders, retail registry specialists, and other insiders to hear their tips and tricks. And we quizzed couples, recently and not-so-recently married, on what they liked about their weddings, and what they would have done differently. The result is our handbook on how to get the biggest bang for your buck on food, booze, and gifts. We even did a little research on bachelor parties: If your buddies insist on taking you to a strip club, at least make it someplace where you can get a good steak. We wish somebody had done this before we got married.

Lessley Anderson is senior editor at CHOW.

Roxanne Webber is an associate editor at CHOW.

Comments

I love the idea of having a taco truck or mobile bbq cater a wedding. I can only think of one wedding in my lifetime where the food was actually good. After a couple of beers, I don't know one guy who wouldn't love to sink his teeth into some hickory-smoked pork.

reneeskiSF Jul 18, 2008 02:11PM | link

Both my daughters are getting married next year. One in June & the other in August. Money is tight (as always) so to have 2 in one year is quite a challenge!

The only advice I have has so far, and is worth its weight in gold....is do not tell anyone when booking anthing, (from venues to DJs) it is for a wedding. They always add extra £'s on just as its a wedding!

Any help & advice is greatufully received!!

Stessed mum of 2 girls in Portsmouth, UK

lazylizard101 Jul 27, 2008 09:30AM | link

the extra $$?....it's for dealing with the MOTB. no kidding.

Perhaps if plans are made for a "very special party" instead of a wedding, the stress level will go down for all concerned?

Best wishes....enlist friends and family for help....and have a ball!

toodie jane Jul 31, 2008 02:32PM | link

I'm having a wedding August 16 - I'm keeping mum as much as possible when I am booking stuff. Once folks hear wedding, they hear cah-ching!

nicholel Aug 07, 2008 07:05AM | link

We are planning a wedding for next May 2009. I have no idea where to turn, and am just relying on feedback from friends in the buisness.
From the get go I've wanted a taco truck to factor into the equation, perhaps for the engagement party...
For the actual wedding? Simple, simple, simple. That's my mantra, we'll see if it lasts!

rabaja Aug 14, 2008 09:11PM | link

I'm the prospective groom's mother, but excited about the wedding (May 1, 2009). I'm a chowhound registered E-mail listee, and I'm so happy the Savvy Wedding popped up! I especially loved the comments and have fwded them to The Bride just to get another perspective on all the craziness to come! Very, very helpful. I love to cook and wish I could be a wedding caterer (maybe vicariously) so keep those tips coming! I remain an avid reader.

Maryann Kramer Aug 15, 2008 06:16AM | link