The look for less: Wedding Hollywood style

  A couple marry on the Long Island sound           photo by Kate Uhry

We have all seen the magazines that say, “steel this look for less”; tips on how to find copycats of a trendy item for less. After last nights special Bachelor aired, where Jason and Molly finally wed, maybe you were thinking, how can I have all that? You may not get the rainbow setting over the pacific, the Manolo Blahniks for all your bridesmaids, or the custom Monique Lhuillier dress, but there are some things you can do, for less, to have the look of an elegant outdoor wedding.

Wed outdoors: If you are getting married this summer in Connecticut (or even in the early fall) you are lucky to have vast choices for your wedding venue. As seen on last nights show, not even the pouring rain would stop the wedding from being beautiful and un-forgettable. It is advised to have a tent however, and this is easily available through rental company’s in Connecticut or through your venue setting. If you want to set the backdrop of water behind you, go south to the shoreline, and check out many venues that are on the Long Island Sound.

Eco-Chic: Most of the floral arrangements were organic by nature, and locally grown. Using the trees in the reception area gave a feeling of an enchanted forest. You can easily DIY by shopping at a nursery and buying some potted trees (plant them in your yard, or give them to close family and friends as a thank you). If you are not up for buying the trees, call a local nursery and see if you can have some on loan. Many florists will do this for you if you are not up for doing it on your own.

The hurricane vases that we saw along the aisle had a single flower in them. Not only is this cost cutting, but elegant. You can also use candlelight in the glassware, if you are getting married at night.

Dress your best: Look for cost cutting deals on designer bridal wear. Check out locally owned, Camille Bridal Couture, in Hartford, often selling discontinued designer dresses for a fraction of the cost. Look for their trunk show on March 18-20th. And military families always get 20% off on all items.

Check out these wedding venues in Connecticut