| i agree about the alternative site or a park with a covered picnic area. ds1's wedding was outside in a friend's yard. they did rent a huge tent, just in case. actually we ate under the tent and as luck would have it, just as ds1 and dil were cutting the cake, the sky's opened up! thank goodness the family had a good sized home for the elders, and babies to go into. ds1 bought strings of white lights the day after christmas (half price), to use the following august. her flowers were from the local farmer's market. since yours is in oct, mums are great. they come in several colors. the party was catered but we could have copied the menu and cooked for 100. food is optional, remember! you can get married early and have brunch, as dd2 did. the highlight was a person who made the best omlets...no wedding cake. dd2 wanted an assortment of desserts. remember costco and sam's club...they have an abundance of frozen goodies from mini quiches to spring rolls. anyone a good seamtress? check the price of fabric to a purchased dress. want to save more? look for rentals, yes, rentals. or ebay! my cousin bought a dress for her dd, $185, decorated with beading and crystals! she had slight alterations my cousin was able to do. the retail was well over $500... dd2 found her dress, $95, at the local marshall fields. it wasn't traditional as they were married on a beach. we used fresh flowers instead of veiling... last, have a computer printer? look for wedding kits at office maxx, staples, for the invatations/announcements | 
