Temporary Child Custody

When you get down to actually planning a wedding reception you may be shocked to see just how pricey an affair it can be. Granted, you are no magnate’s daughter, but does that mean you can’t plan a wedding that your guests will tell their grandkids about? While some people feel that it’s futile to spend thousands of dollars on the reception there are others who have to contain their wishes so that they don’t burn a hole in their pockets. Whether you’re the more practical or the more romantic type, here are some suggestions that can help you plan a less expensive reception.

One great way to avoid too much stress on your budget as well as your guests’ is to hold a potluck reception. This kind of party is advantageous not only for you, as you can forget about spending money on the wedding menu, but for your guests as well, as they won’t have to spend theirs on your present and they can get to choose what they eat since they are going to bring all the food. This sort of wedding reception is a traditional one and brides before you have taken advantage of it and many still are and probably will, so there’s no reason for you to snub it. And just consider the variety of food choices your guests will have with a potluck wedding ‘menu’, which otherwise would be rather limited.

You can also have an appetizer reception at your wedding where the menu consists mainly of finger foods and beverages. Hosting such a reception will save you a whole lot of money that would otherwise go on food. All you have to do is present the appetizers in a most appealing way and your guests will be eager to dig in. And they will be happier still if you also present them with a vegetable platter, fruits and cheese and beverages to wash them down. You could also include chicken hors d’oeuvres. Sea food and beef on the other hand are not, as you will just end up spending a lot more.

These days many traditions and customs are being ignored or simply forgotten, and others more compatible with the times are being picked up or initiated. Generally frowned upon, the cash bar is probably the winner when it comes to holding the cheapest wedding reception ever. You will spend the majority of your food budget on the alcohol so opting for a cash bar where the guests have to pay for the drinks will eliminate this expenditure. You may not feel at ease with the idea, and if this is the case, you always have the option of sending your guests tickets for two drinks and if they want more then they’ll have to pay for it. This is a good way to be responsible and minimize your wedding cost at the same time.

You may also want to consider curtailing your decoration budget, a few balloons left afloat, some candles, and a single rose placed in a tiny ornate vase will not only look good but will also be significantly affordable.

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When a new baby is on the way, there are some items that are necessary and others that are just a nice thing to have. Still other items are simply a waste of money. This will help you to choose the necessities.

Your baby will need a bed. A bassinet is normally just a waste of money as the baby will not be able to stay in it for more than a few short months. An adjustable height crib will last the baby for much longer. Many cribs now convert into a toddler bed for the child.

A baby bath is much easier in a baby tub than trying to use an adult sized tub. In addition, it is safer for the baby and uses much less water than the adult tub.

If you choose cloth or disposable diapers, you will want to have plenty on hand. With disposable diapers, do not worry about stocking up on the newborn size. Many babies are born too large to fit into these tiny sized diapers. Small diapers will adjust to fit most newborn babies.

A baby swing can give a busy mom a break that is well deserved. Be sure that the swing is sturdy.

You will have to have a car seat for your baby. Many hospitals will not allow a baby to go home unless there is a correct fitting car seat in the vehicle. Without the seat you can be issued a ticket.

Babies go through a lot of clothing, so you will want to have plenty on hand. If you can get outfits with snap legs, diapers can be changed without having to undress the child completely.

Provide your baby with bright toys to aid in his development. You may find that a ball, rattle and mirror are all the toys needed for several months.

If your nursery is far from the furnace, it may not get enough heat. Consider adding a Delonghi space heater in the nursery in order to help keep the room warm during those cold winter nights. This may even allow you to turn the thermostat lower in the rest of the house to save on your heating bills.

A Summer baby monitor is an excellent choice to watch your baby while he or she is sleeping in the nursery. You will be able to check on the child without making noise and taking the chance of waking the baby. The monitor allows you to see and hear the child while they are sleeping.