For starters you may have noticed a change in the format of my column.  I have written about many things but it wasn’t until I started receiving emails and messages from people asking questions that I decided I needed to begin to address them.  My column now relies on my readers and any questions that you have that you would like for me to address.  However, in order to continue writing my column I will need questions to answer.  So feel free to email me (savingdollarsandmakingsense@gmail.com) or find my page on Facebook (Saving Dollars & Making Sense) to submit your questions.  My column addresses “saving," whether it’s saving money, saving space, saving your marriage, saving your out-of-control children, or saving anything else, I will do my best to help you.  I need YOU in order to write my column, so send in those questions!
Dear Chase,
My fiancé and I have been engaged for two years and have decided to take the final step.  My only concern is that weddings are expensive, so how can I save money before, during and after my wedding?                             -Broke Bride
Dear Broke Bride,
First of all, congratulations on taking this step and I wish you two the best of luck in your future life together!
The first step in saving money for your wedding is making sure you don’t go overboard; you can have a gorgeous wedding without spending $100,000!  Here are a few things to think about while planning your wedding: USE YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY!  They will often do stuff free of charge and most of them have hidden talents that you didn’t even know about.  Now, choose a location that is free of charge, have a friend or family member help to plan your wedding (professional wedding planners are expensive and tend to do the same stuff that family or friends could easily do free or charge, or much cheaper.), turn to local florist shops or friends to supply you with the flowers and floral decorations, hire a local photographer or see if a family member/friend might have experience in wedding photography…you might be surprised at what you can learn about those close to you!  You may see a pattern here, chose LOCAL people or friends/family to help with your wedding; they are much cheaper than big name professionals.  Next, instead of purchasing tuxedos, try renting them for the day.  The only three things that I often tell couples that they can splurge on is the wedding dress, the honeymoon and their wedding cake; those items are the three most special and important items in a wedding.  When it comes to your honeymoon, make sure you are saving money prior to the big day.  Keep in mind that you will take plenty of vacations during your life together so don’t spend all your money on one trip.  Again, there are many ways to cut back on your wedding, but the main thing is to keep in mind that your friends and family can help out big time!  You DON’T have to hire professionals when your friends can actually do the job!  You can also do some of the stuff yourself; make a special day out of decorating for the wedding and recruit your bridesmaids to help out!
have to keep this column somewhat short but I have tons more advice for saving money on a wedding so I will post them on Facebook if you’re interested in finding out more.  Good luck and congratulations on your big day!