Dallas - April 24, 2007

Buying the Knot

Spring 2007 Wedding Guide

Your two hearts will soon beat as one. Assuming, of course, the shock of your wedding expenses doesn’t cause his to stop. Avoid such a crisis with these tips to fit any couple’s spending personality.

The Budget Devotee
Do your own flowers with buds from the Dallas Farmers Market (1010 South Pearl Street; 214-939-2808). With several vendors to choose from, your ideas will bloom big.

The Indulgent Personality
Give in to your sweet cravings with a cake from The Pastry Connection (214-773-9057). Creations like the four-tiered confection with fondant icing and satin ribbons satisfy all the senses.

The Specialty Buyer
Want to one-up those cookie-cutter Dallas brides? Take a trip to Fort Worth and visit Ocone’s (6500 Camp Bowie Boulevard; 817-732-4457). Showstopping gowns (by designers like Watters & Watters and Paula Varsalona) will make you look like one of a kind.

The Excess Lover
Let Johnson Wedding Photography (817-999-5201) capture all your moments with a custom package of color and black-and-white images tailored to suit your economic needs.

The Frugal Shopper
Spending thousands on a frilly white dress? Please. Opt for something simple like a swanky bridal tee or canvas hat from befizzy.com (Kacky & Carl, 2722 Routh Street; 214-295-4486).

The Bargain Hunter
Opt for Papeterie’s digital DIY invitations. Or try the hand-painted versions by artist Lois Blackburne. Granted, they cost a hefty $50-$75 per invite, but when you consider how much Picasso would’ve charged it’s a steal.

The Long-term Investor
Why pay for a one-day cake when a customized topper from youtopthecake.com lasts a lifetime? Just send some information about you and the groom, and they’ll do the rest.