A lifetime of savings all in one book
by Curt Nichols

Cuttings costs isn't normally the first priority for brides to be, but saving money here and there can help newlyweds get a head start on their lives together. Savings for a Lifetime, Inc. offers couples a head start on marriage, with coupons and discount offers from a full assortment of wedding vendors.

By becoming a Savings for a Lifetime member, brides to be gain access to savings from quality vendors who can help with every aspect of the wedding day and beyond.


"Brides are going to spend anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 on their weddings, on average, so if we can help them save money on their flowers, their gown, the DJ, photography, everything, they'll appreciate it," said Savings for a Lifetime managing member Lisa Carrao.


The first step is for the bride and groom to decide what aspects of the wedding are most important. "Everybody has different priorities," Carrao said. "Somebody wants the best party, or the best gown, or for someone else, the flowers are most important."

Planning to save

The Savings for a Lifetime booklet is a good starting point for planning the big day. The subjects of weddings and newlyweds are covered, from calligraphy (at 15% off) to up to $100 off on a mattress set.


"This book is also for the bride who doesn't really know where to start the planning process," Carrao said. To help get things started, she has used her 15 years of experience as a wedding photographer to select reputable, established vendors who provide the discounts.


"Every bride is going to have to buy a wedding band for the groom, so there's a $50 coupon in the book to save you money!" she said.


The booklet costs $59.95 initially, but the cost of the book can be recouped quickly. "If you open a joint checking account at Guardian Credit Union, they'll put $25 in your account to start you off," she said. "Bielinski Properties offers $300 off your first month's rent."
Not every bride will use every coupon, but the booklet offers thousands of dollars in potential savings to members.


Joining up

To become a member, a bride to be can go online (www.savingsforalifetime.com) or call (262-227-4040). A membership card will be mailed, with the wedding couple's names listed, and the card won't expire until the day of the wedding.
When vendors are visited for services, the card is presented along with the booklet coupon, and the savings begin.


The Savings for a Lifetime booklet is organized according to the wedding-based categories, including Invitations & Accessories, The Gown, Flowers, Video & Photography, Bakers & Catering, Entertainment & Travel, and many more.


You may not have thought of getting your teeth whitened, but there is a coupon for $100 off for professional teeth whitening services. If you can't dance, visit the Social Life Dance Center for lessons at 50% off.
There's even a section called "For that Special Touch," which offers ways to make your wedding day more memorable, including dove releases, ice sculpture, a chocolate fountain, and The Card Butler, which takes the worry out of handling the many gift cards you'll hope to receive.


The booklet includes several photographers and videographers, including GEM Video Productions. They claim to be "Not your average Videographers, " which is backed up by a picture in their ad of a fully-dresses pair of newlyweds smiling underwater.


"Don't read this if you want an ordinary ring," warns the Lyle Husar Designs page. Along with offering a $50 gift card toward any engagement or wedding ring, Lyle Husar offers a helpful free booklet with "20 ways to pop the question."

After you get the "yes" you were hoping for, celebrate with 10% off Lake Country Cigars.
What could be better than your and your new spouse being taken away in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage? 10% off from the Enchanted Carriage.


Beyond the big day

Carrao has included vendors that offer savings well beyond the wedding day. Tax People USA offers 25% off for first time clients, several mortgage lenders offer special services to brides and grooms, and Royale Prestige of Milwaukee offers a $60 discount on cookware packages.


Visit the Savings for a Lifetime booth #509 at the Wonderful World of Weddings & Occasions to get your copy of the booklet, and start saving for your lifetime together.
And if planning your wedding starts to drive you crazy, visit the "sanity restoration experts" at YogAsylum in Brookfield, for one free yoga class with coupon.