Tips by Alice Alice Goetschel and photography by Paige Burghardt

Be sure to arrange for someone with a large vehicle to transport your gifts home from the reception. This will allow you and your new spouse to make a quick getaway.


Even if you don't hire a wedding planner to help you with the arrangements for your wedding, you can save yourself and your family a lot of stress by hiring someone to oversee the day, acting as a liaison with the officiant at the wedding and the catering staff, photographer and entertainment at the reception.

When you're trying to cut costs, consider having your wedding and reception earlier in the day. A lunch or mid-afternoon reception with cake and hors d'oeurves costs less than a dinner, and the bar tab will also be less.


If you're having trouble finding a site for your celebration, think about getting married on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon when it is less likely that a location will already be booked.

To cut down on the time devoted to formal photos, assign a family member who is not a member of the bridal party to assist the photographer by locating the people you want to be included in the group shots.


Have the groom and his groomsmen try on their tuxedos before they arrive at the site where the wedding is to take place. If there is something that isn't right, it can be fixed before the last minute.

Buy shoes for your wedding day a size larger than you normally wear. After standing and dancing for a long time your feet will thank you.


When purchasing invitations remember that not every guest will need a separate invitation. A couple only needs one addressed to both of them.

Be sure to place an attractive basket or container on the gift table to hold cards and gifts that come in envelopes. They might be lost among the pile of gifts in boxes.


Favor by Abbey Lane, 661-254-3090
Invitation by Creative Clutter, 661-253-3256
Linens & China by Celebrate, 661-259-8611
Flowers by Claire's Flowers, 661-286-1284
Nails by Jamie Getskow for Della Stella Salon & Spa, 661-259-9115
Cake by Merci Beaucoup, 661-255-1225
Tux by Mr. Tux, 661-254-1614
Flower Girl Dress by Enchanted Kids, 661-250-3308
Pearl Bracelet by Impressions Jewelry, 661-260-3915


Alice Goetschel is an event planner and owner of Memorable Occasions, 270-9448.