Our favorite wedding planner Nora Totonchy joined us to talk about some of the new trends in weddings for 2009 and how you can either splurge or save on them!

• Dresses: with pockets/streamlined/fit and flare
  Splurge on a designer gown 
  Save with a sample/bridesmaid dress
• Rehearsals: more personal  (where the proposal happened, a family country club)
  Splurge by inviting all out of towners to a fancy restaurant/dinner
  Save by keeping it small, having it very low key (pizza, bowling, brewpub)
• Glamour is back
  Splurge by big full centerpieces, dripping crystal chandeliers, beautiful jewelry
  Save Hire a lighting designer, a big kick with little money…have a few lush centerpieces and lots of candles
• Mixing up the reception: doing things out of the ordinary
  Splurge by bringing in a photo booth for guests and props, a specialized bar (tequila/scotch/bellinis), or a cultural band
  Save by having a dessert bar made by family, hire a ethnic dancer , or serve a specialty drink for a limited time
• Honeymoons: location hopping
  Splurge by going to Europe and checking out a few countries or Tahiti and hitting a few islands
  Save by staying in the US,  wine tasting , cozy lodges/b&b's

For more information on Nora, give her a call at 503-804-4901 or visit her website.