Wedding Planning on a Budget

Lessons from a Taco Bell Bride

It’s a sign of the times when a Taco Bell wedding makes headlines across the country. In case you missed the story, a few weeks ago Paul and Caragh Brooks got married at their favorite restaurant. They recited their vows before a newly ordained minister, several dozen invited guests, and a surprised throng of taco-craving dinner patrons. Said Carl Hamlow, shift manager of the Normal, Illinois restaurant where the wedding took place, “I would never have expected in my life in working here there would be a wedding.” Brides of 2009, take note: the tone for this year’s weddings has been set. In an economy best described as “bleak and deteriorating,” the Brooks’ wedding certainly sends a message. But before you start snickering about wedding bells at the Taco Bell, listen up: if you’re planning a wedding this year – and especially if you are currently searching for that perfect wedding dress – you could learn a few things from the Taco Bell bride:

Lesson 1: Get Creative!

Even Taco Bell employees got caught up in the excitement of the Brooks’ wedding day. They came up with hot sauce packets bearing the words, “Will You Marry Me?” They hung streamers and bell-shaped balloons in the restaurant. The entire Brooks wedding – including decorations, dinner, cake and bridal attire – cost less than $200, proving that you do not have to spend a fortune to make your wedding day memorable. This year it will be especially important to use personal touches – not expensive add-ons – to create an event to remember. Take whatever it is that inspires you as a couple – a piece of music, a favorite place, a special book or poem – and use it to set the mood for your special day. C’mon ladies! You don’t have to have a Taco Bell wedding to ‘think outside the bun!’

Lesson 2: Be Brave!

Caragh and Paul Brooks chose the colors of the Taco Bell logo as inspiration for her hot pink bridal dress and his matching pink tie and lavender shirt combo. It takes a brave couple to take this kind of fashion risk. Luckily for them, it turned out to be the perfect attire for their big day – both the style and the price tag (dress: $15) were particularly appropriate, given the reception venue. Think of Caragh when you shop for your dress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of colors, fabrics and styles as you try on dresses. And don’t settle for a cookie-cutter design that looks like a hundred other wedding gowns. With a little self-confidence and a lot of courage, you will surely find that one-of-a-kind bridal gown for your once-in-a-lifetime event.

Lesson 3: Expect the Unexpected!

When the Brooks ordered up a Taco Bell wedding, they never expected it to come with fifteen minutes of fame on the side. Paul and Caragh didn’t ask for the media attention, but they gamely handled reporters’ questions and made the most of their moment in the national spotlight. When you dreamed of getting married, you probably didn’t anticipate that your wedding would coincide with tough economic times. But you too can make the most of your situation by keeping a positive attitude and staying flexible. Shop for wedding dress bargains, look for off-peak rates on reception venues, and keep an eye out for honeymoon travel deals. It may take a bit more work this year, but you can plan a 2009 wedding that will be unforgettable, unexpected and unique.

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