Smart Shopping: Weddings

WSVN -- As the weather starts to cool down in South Florida, love goes into full bloom, leaving wedding planner Michael Bassolino very busy.

Brides-to-be like Lisa Ciani, come to Michael with big dreams for their weddings but learn quickly that big dreams cost big bucks.

Michael Bassolino: "They need to prioritize where they want to spend their money."

One money trap, the reception. Michael says, when it comes to table arrangements, first look for less expensive blooms.

Michael Bassolino: "Price out different arrangements with different flowers and you'll be surprised. You might like something that is the total opposite of what you thought, and it's going to be a lot cheaper."

Next, remember bigger isn't always better. Swap extravagant, expensive arrangements for smaller ones that make a statement.

Michael Bassolino: "Doing one simple flower with a tall vase, instead of getting a ton of different flowers and adding up, that's a great way to go."

Also, try to find a venue with built-in ambiance.

Michael Bassolino: "If you're doing a ceremony outside, if you're in a garden area, that's classic and beautiful. You don't have to spend as much money on decor."

And when it comes to the ceremony centerpiece, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Big savings could literally be the icing on the cake.

Michael Bassolino: "Going with something like a butter cream icing, which is a lot more inexpensive than fondant, you can do that and keep it simple and save yourself a lot of money."

Times, they are changing. You can even rent a cake for a fraction of the cost.

Michael Bassolino: "So the display cake sits there the entire time, and you actually have sheet cake in the back, which actually is served to the guests itself."

And keep in mind, bakers charge for all those decorations on the cake, so consider bringing your own. Whether it's silk flowers or something sentimental, you can make the cake your own and save a bundle.

Every bride spends months searching for the perfect fairytale dress, but prices can be less than magical. Michael says renting is the latest trend for saving money.

Michael Bassolino: "It retails for $3,850, and you can rent this dress for $1,155, so that's 30 percent of the actual retail price."

But if you want to keep your dress, you can still get a designer look for less. Just shop for off-name brands

Michael Bassolino: "This is actually very similar to a Nicole Miller dress that's on the market right now that goes for $2,000."

The price tag on this version, $650. But to make sure your inexpensive dress really sparkles, make sure you invest in some good bling.

Michael Bassolino: "She can wear this jewelry at a later time, so the next formal occasion she has, she can pull this out of the jewelry box and absolutely beautiful."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Zola Keller Bridal Couture
The Shoppes of Las Olas
818 East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Phone (954) 462-3222
Opens at 10 a.m.
www.zolakeller.com/olashome.htm

Ann's Florist & Green House
1001 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Local: 954-761-3334
www.ftdfloristsonline.com/annsfloristandgreenhouse/index.html

Elite Cake Creations
9920 NW 6th Ct.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
954-450-2685
www.elitecake.com