This weekend, my two oldest kiddos and I took a bike ride down the street to our local market to grab a few things: an Indianapolis Star for clipping coupons, two very inexpensive little drinks for my kids being so good all weekend during home improvements. While in line, a family of three in front of us struck up conversation about the beautiful sunshine and summer-like weather. Somehow, the conversation led to the economy. Not an uncommon subject at all for working adults, we chatted about how our family just the day before had floated down the river behind our house for a few hours.

“Cheap entertainment,” the gentleman said.

“Absolutely,” I agreed. “Who has the extra money for other outings right now anyway?”

And so is the case for those of you reading this and planning the biggest day of your life: Your wedding. At a point on the dateline of the 21st century where folks are worried about paying their next bill, you are preparing to host hundreds, maybe even more, a dinner they won’t soon forget, a photographer to capture all of the special moments, not to mention dresses, rings, honeymoon plans – the whole shebang, my dad would say.

You most certainly can do all of these things and more: There is one thing about this “crisis” we Americans find ourselves in: it pushes us all to be a bit more crafty, a bit more creative, and ultimately, find ways to get/do what we want but on a smaller budget.

Now, if you are one who is not at all affected by the economy, still do read on. Maybe you can find ways to indulge with the extra cash you can save!

The component of weddings that I am most involved and eco-savvy about is jewelry: for the bride, for her bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, even for flower girls. When I first launched my business, Starr Strung Jewelry Design, I knew I wanted to incorporate eco-friendly ideas. But how, with jewelry being such an important detail of one’s big day?

I found my answer while digging through an old jewelry box my mother had gifted me. Inside were vintage pieces from the 1940s: vintage rhinestones, strings of pearls, hair pins that needed a good polishing. These pieces from the past only needed some ‘upcycling,’ and they were perfect.

My vintage line of jewelry was born, and today, it is my most sought-after line for brides-to-be.

As a bride, you most likely have a vision of how you want your jewelry to be – whether very classic with white pearls and a bit of sparkle, or unique flair, representing your personality. Either way, taking components from the past and reworking them to fit your image is a great way to both be eco-  and budget-friendly.

The advantages of hiring a personal artistic jeweler for your wedding day are tremendous: first, you get custom-care that only an individual artist can give you. Second, you are able to take part in the design process by actively choosing from different pieces for your final design. Finally, you will feel very special knowing the pieces you wear while walking down the aisle are unique, designed and fitted very specially for you. Most importantly, taking vintage pieces and reworking them into your modern day design saves you on your budget.  And that?  It’s priceless!

Here at Starr Strung, I am the only designer. And honestly? I am just a regular person – but a girly girl who gets totally caught up in making you feel and look beautiful on your big day! I love to search out pieces that can be brought back to life for the modern bride, and I love when bride’s have a family heirloom they want reworked for a true piece of nostalgia.

Right now, I’m working with a bride in San Francisco who has become a good friend through the designing of her very unique, 1940s-inspired, rhinestone-studded butterfly necklace. First, Courtney contacted me via email and we began to lay out a plan on her likes and dislikes. I sent her a check off sheet for pros and cons on the “looks” she was into the most.

Once I had a good idea of her style, I sent along a design sheet that had actual pictures with the different components we chatted about. After tweaking it here and there, I went to work searching out the best vintage pieces I could find within her budget. Within two weeks, I had her beautiful 1940s rhinestone butterfly brooch in hand, and armed with a customer password, Courtney can now log on to my website at www.starrstrung.com enter her account, and see where I am in the design. We have changed things here and there, but now it is ready to ship for her fall wedding. The best part? She saved money and supported the handmade community by being my customer. And ultimately, there is no other bride across the country that has a necklace and earring set like her.

For more information on Starr Strung Jewelry Design, log on to www.starrstrung.com, or email Starr Keller at designs@starrstrung.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Next week: How to cut costs by cutting flowers…out of your own backyard garden!
We live in a time right now where the economy is on the lips of many.

If you want your guests to have a treasured memento of your wedding day, avoid the predictable candles, key chains, place cards, and other trinkets. By choosing creative wedding favors, you make your event more memorable and unique while personalizing it in an unusual and exciting way.

1. Seed Papers: Give your guests a favor that does the planet a favor with wildflower note cards, favor tags, or die cuts that can be planted and grown long after your wedding day.
Regional Favors: Embrace your wedding location by choosing local favors that introduce your guests to regional charm and beauty. Locally made jams, soaps, or figurines are great choices.
Origami: Origami wedding favors can be flowers, animals, stars, or any other shape that matches your wedding theme.
Lip Balm: Invite your guests to pucker up with lip balm favors. Similar options include small bottles of lotion or sunscreen, preferably in scents similar to your wedding theme.
Cultural Favors: Wedding favors can embrace the culture of your wedding. For an Asian theme, consider personalized chopsticks, or for an Irish theme choose romantic Claddagh charms.


Charity: Instead of sending guests home with a favor, print tags to let them know the money budgeted for favors has been donated to a meaningful charity, such as a cancer research center in honor of a deceased parent.
Living Favors: Love comes alive when you choose living wedding favors such as lucky bamboo plants, small cacti, pots of clover, or potted tulip bulbs.
Spices: Add spice to your creative wedding favors by opting for small bottles of spices that mirror your wedding cake favor or reception menu. Cinnamon, thyme, and rosemary are popular choices.
Homemade Treats: Make your favors more meaningful by making them yourself. Homemade cookies, fudge, or other treats with recipes are sweet choices for your guests.
Unique Boxes: If you have your heart set on classic wedding favors such as Jordon almonds, chocolate kisses, or rice or birdseed for tossing, present them creatively. Opt for unique wedding favor boxes such as miniature Chinese take out containers, small plastic pails, tiny terra cotta pots, or pyramid boxes.

* Having flowers flown in will raise your costs so only use only in season and readily available flowers.

* To get the best prices, order your flowers from an online wholesaler.  Keep in mind, however, that you will be responsible for all of the preparation, trimming and storing them, as well as arranging the flowers the day of the wedding.