Couples can still afford their fantasy weddings. This is the idea behind 1001 Ways To Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding.

To coincide with the times of economic shortage, this book in its 2009, third edition, gives additional, up-to-date list of web addresses, tips, and savings for putting together a dream of a wedding while not going overboard by spending too much. The budgeting strategies cover the wedding gown, rings, cake, catering, the location of the ceremony, the timing of the wedding and anything else that may confuse a would-be bride.

In the book’s preface, the author offers a short list of golden rules for cost-cutting. The rest of the book is in six parts, each part with several chapters. These parts are: The First Steps, Envisioning Your Day, Bridal Fashions, Wedding Details, The Reception, and Details, Details, Details. An author’s note and an index at the end are added to the thirty-nine chapters to make up this book a complete guide.

As a unique start, the first chapter is not about the wedding but about the engagement party and how the couple can save on the few phases of that celebration. “Compare and save” is the main tip for the engagement party and for the rest of the book, which contains lists everywhere, from the bridal fashion designers to invitation resources.

The most important advices are in the second part, in Envisioning Your Day, where setting a budget comes first, followed by the guest list and ceremony and reception locations together with religious spiritual and cultural elements. The rest of the book includes numerous budgeting tips from saving on ring pillows to saving on the cake knife or cutter sets.

would-be married couples who want a wedding to dream of but are afraid they cannot afford it.

the format of the book and the clear, direct language with which it was written.

Sharon Naylor is a member of The Association of Bridal Consultants, The International Special Events Society, and The American Society of Journalists and Authors. She has been a guest on numerous TV shows and has won awards from the Writer's Digest magazine and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In addition to her articles in many magazines, according to the author’s website, she has written over thirty books on weddings, such as: Your Special Wedding Vows, Your Special Wedding Toasts, The Groom's Guide, Mother of the Groom, The Bridesmaid's Handbook, The Complete Outdoor Wedding Planner, The New Honeymoon Planner, How to Plan an Elegant Wedding in 6 Months or Less, The Mother of the Bride, The Ultimate Bridal Shower Idea Book and How to Have an Elegant Wedding.

it covers every aspect of a splendid wedding with sage advice and shows how to save money to a savvy bride.

This book would make a wonderful gift to a bride-to-be, not only because of the great tips and strategies in it but also for its attractive look even as a paperback. The book is printed on glossy white paper in legible print that is easy on the eyes. The lists, some of the tips, and headings are in pleasant purple color. The cover is simple but beautiful also.