Salem Oregon Catering Manager Sarah Utterback shares tips for newly engaged brides. Planning a wedding is fun, creative--and challenging! Read on for ways to stretch your wedding dollars without sacrificing elegance. Our professional staff is here to answer your questions and guide you through every detail for a perfect event. 1. Book an all-inclusive venue for your ceremony and/or reception. Save time, money and hassle. The best venues include all tables, chairs, centerpieces and linen in room rental costs. Our room rental cost also includes a dedicated banquet staff to set up and tear down the room. You just arrive and enjoy your event. We handle everything else. 2. Create a Candy Bar for your guests. Everyone loves this creative, affordable party favor alternative. You supply the candy and bags, we supply the containers and table decor, your guests supply the fun creating their own take-home candy bags. Save on candy--match your color scheme at large warehouse stores such as WinCo and Costco. 3. Stick with simple, elegant floral arrangements. Large, affordable, statement flowers can stand in for extravagant floral creations. Hydrangeas, for instance, go a long way when used in a bouquet or centerpiece. Gorgeous seasonal flowers and greens can also hold costs in check while bringing a unique touch--think gladiolas for late summer or fall, lilacs for spring, and pinecones, holly and evergreen branches for winter weddings. Wedding showcases are great resources for brides as well. 4. Use candles for a warm glow. Candles provide timeless elegance. Their subtle flickering makes everything--and everyone--more beautiful. Generous use of candles throughout a room is surprisingly affordable and visually effective. 5. Cap your beverages. The cost of wine and spirits escalates quickly. Set a limit. Let the venue know at what time you want the bar to become no-host. Or you can provide one or two drink tickets to each guest. After using their tickets, guests pay for more drinks. Want to know more? Click here to learn about our wedding services, including menu selection, place settings, room layout and overall decor. Or email us at sales@salemconventioncenter.org. Event planning experts, Sarah Utterback, joined our team at the Salem Convention Center this year as our Catering Manager and offers tips and advice to brides on our blog. Click here to learn a little more about her. Next month, Sarah shares her advice for brides on a tight budget. Be sure to check back!