May 8, 2008 5:00 pm US/Pacific
Cost-Conscious Brides Get Creative
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ―
Jennifer Souza and Steve Mitchell are saving up for a traditional wedding. But their wedding registry is anything but traditional.
Instead of signing up for the usual china and crystal, they're registering for a down payment on a house.
"We'd much rather have a bigger place to put all of the many things we have. A house is much better than pots and pans," said Souza.
The couple is using a web site called
www.mydreamhomeregistry.com. Friends and family contribute to a savings account. The company takes a 9-percent transaction fee, then releases the money when the couple is ready to use it.
"This gives us something that we actually can use and work toward and want. An actual house," said Mitchell.
At Lowes Home Improvement, more and more couples are opting to register for things like a vacuum cleaner or paint. Anything for the house -- as opposed to housewares or fine china.
And brides are saving on their dresses, too. The Bridal Association of America says the average wedding dress costs $1,500. Renting a dress can be a bridal bargain.
"You're looking at $249. That includes the dress, the shoes, necklace, bracelet, veil, your tiara, slip and shawl, and your bustier," said Giselle Holman of Alexandria Brides.
Her Sacramento bridal store rents over 2,800 wedding dresses. In this tight economy, Holman her business has never been better.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
