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• Lodi Police Cadets helping with problem of vacant homes

• Hey brother, can you spare a satellite campus?

• A favored oak is gone, and some wonder: Who is responsible for upkeep along Lodi railroad tracks?

• Regional Roundup

November 21st, 2009

• Logbook

• Holiday drive spreads cheer to U.S. troops

• Galt High students want board to approve open-campus policy

• Poisoning victims remain hospitalized

• Expert: Half a mushroom cap can be deadly

• Tokay grad files claim over Lodi's Grape Bowl

• Lodi Middle School holds annual Turkey Trot

• Regional Roundup

• No motive or suspect in shooting

• Sacramento cop arrested for alleged kidnapping

November 20th, 2009

• Acampo woman killed

• Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff

• Advocacy groups sue East Bay Municipal Utility District over Pardee expansion

• Regional Roundup

• Galt plans to help residents with energy-efficient projects

• Stable southeast of Lodi approved

• One year after a heart attack, Lodi's Judy Mims thanks rescuers

• National Guard troops return home in time for the holidays

• Real estate market gets on more solid ground

November 19th, 2009

• Operation: Christmas

• Logbook

• Suspect arrested after hiding in fridge

• Chase ends in crash

• Galt Joint Union High School Distric hires new superintendent

• Sales tax hike yields dividends: 5 new officers join Galt Police

• Lodi Unified School District board votes to cancel summer school for 2010

• Water surges in Mokelumne River yield more salmon

• Lodi City Council will consider redevelopment next June

• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22

• Corrections

November 18th, 2009

• Regional Roundup

• Paranormal group conducts second investigation of building

• Congress allocates money for local water projects

• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react

• Lodi man finds wife's ashes during police display of stolen property

• Galt City Council rejects study on rent stabilization

November 17th, 2009

• Paying tribute to a Lodian

• Lodi Budget and Finance Committee to look into ways to save money on employee benefits

• Regional Roundup

• Decision on summer school expected at tonight's Lodi Unified School District meeting

• Clements gets free water rescue boat

• Redevelopment to be discussed by Lodi City Council again

• Court reinstates death penalty for killer of Lodi grad

• Clarification

November 16th, 2009

• Correction

• Public Meetings

• City Council 'triple-dog dared' to ditch cars, use Lodi buses

• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi

• Lodi's First Sip event showcases area wineries' latest vintages

• Three members of Lodi-area family fall ill after eating poisonous mushrooms they reportedly found at Lodi Lake

• Regional Roundup

November 14th, 2009

• Galt school district narrows superintendent search to one

• Regional Roundup

• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise

• Watchful neighbor in Lodi helped bust suspected burglars

• New Galt city manager juggles job, family

• Despite an increase in homeless students, school districts look to bolster enrollment, raise revenue

• A first look at 2009 vintages at Lodi's First Sip wine-tasting event

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• The country's mess is our fault (165)
• Obama is not a moderate (130)
• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react (71)
• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22 (49)
• Public health care is a Christian option (31)
• The haves should help the have-nots (30)
• Tokay in, traveling to unbeaten No. 3 Grant for football playoffs (25)
• Government-run health care is a bad idea (18)
• Young woman fatally shot at Acampo home (17)
• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi (16)

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Vowing to save

Do you know how to get a tux for free? Or how to save on rings? Or how to get more photos for your buck? Learn how to shop smart when planning your perfect Lodi wedding.

Weddings can become very expensive, very fast.

But they don't have to.

Lodi bride-to-be Marissa Jacobo found a way around steep prices, and is happier with a smaller bill.

Jacobo, 18, decided to downsize her estimated $15,000 wedding to a simple $5,000 ceremony in Tahoe with a reception a week later.

She and her fiancé, Jose Cervantez, felt the smaller wedding kept the focus on their love — not the festivities.

"The wedding is more about the couple than the decorations. The fact that we are going to be married to each other is more important," Jacobo said.

She added that she first wanted to have a large, princess-like wedding, but as soon as estimates started adding up, she realized that big was not better. So, she downsized her plans.

Jacobo and other brides-to-be quickly learn that weddings can be expensive with so many items involved: food, reception hall, dress, ring — the list goes on and on.

However, local business owners and wedding consultants have a few inside tips for those looking to save money while planning their special day.

Contact Natalie Flynn at natalief@lodinews.com

Classic tuxedos are for rent at Tuxedos of Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Tuxedos

According to Peter Westbrook, owner of Tuxedos of Lodi, there are multiple ways to save money when it comes to tuxedo rentals. Tuxedos at his store range from $54.95 for the most basic to $139.95 for the most elaborate.

• Often, the more people involved in the wedding, the less expensive tuxedos will be, and more discounts will be available.

• Choose a classic style, as often the traditional style tuxedos are less expensive.

• Have an idea in mind when going to the store. However, work with the provider and remain flexible. You may find something better than you had anticipated, and for less money.

• Some may think that going with a large tuxedo chain is more economical, but the smaller stores specialize in working with individuals to help them find the best deals.

• Go to bridal shows, as tuxedo companies will often discount or even rent you a tuxedo for free if you attend a show.

— Source: Peter Westbrook, owner, Tuxedos of Lodi.

Sandra Gonzalez looks over a sample wedding dress at Gonzalez Bridal Boutique. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

The Dress

It is often said that the wedding dress is the center of the wedding, and the rest revolves around the bride's choice. However, aside from the ring, the dress is often the most expensive part of getting married.

But, Sandra Gonzalez, co-owner of Gonzalez Bridal Boutique, said it doesn't have to be.

"There is something for everybody and for every budget," Gonzalez said.

She recommends finding a sample dress that has been on display or was new the previous year.

That way, she said, you get the dress you love for an unbeatable price.

Also, Gonzalez said to plan ahead of time. She feels the wedding should revolve around the dress, so it is important to have your dress about eight to 12 months beforehand.

But in the end, Gonzalez said there is one important thing to keep in mind.

"Be prepared to shop," Gonzalez said. "Look at the style, and come with ideas."

Sharon Borelli shows a white gold engagment ring at Borelli Jewelry in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Rings

When it comes to rings, you are going to pay what you want to pay, said Sharon Borelli, of Borelli Jewelers. However, there are some ways to have the beautiful ring without the hefty price.

Borelli said the price of platinum has gone up, so it is almost $2,000 an ounce. So, many couples are choosing an alternative: white gold.

White gold looks similar to platinum. However, Borelli said it wears different, so it is up to the buyer.

"(The price of) gold is up high, but platinum is up even higher," Borelli said.

General money-saving tips

• Have a wedding planner. They will help save money in the long run.

• Try to have as many things play a dual purpose as possible. Cakes can be centerpieces, and colored linens can reduce the need for elaborate table decorations.

• Look through photos and magazines for ideas.

• Decide what type of food you want. Dessertor buffet-style receptions instead of a formal sit-down dinner will save money and may end up being more fun.

• Try different ways to tell people about the wedding besides standard invitations. Ideas include "save-the-date" magnets or postcards.

• Know exactly how much you are willing to spend, and have ideas about how much money you are OK with setting aside for specific parts of the wedding.

• Remain flexible. Money saved in one place will give you more spending power in another.

— Source: Lisa Hegdahl, owner, Tender Loving Care Weddings.

Photography

Photos of the special day, along with all the other expenses, can add up pretty quick. But Ed James, owner of Budget Wedding Photography, has a solution.

"Don't have the photographer stay for the reception," James said. "Move on with life; everybody has a digital camera these days anyway."

According to http://www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com, other ways to cut back on photography costs include asking a local community college photo instructor if they have any students interested in earning extra money.

Another tip the Web site offers is to place an advertisement on Craigslist, or pass out disposable cameras to guests to take photos for you.

Jennifer Silveria touches up a centerpiece that could be sold for weddings at her floral shop, The Flower Basket. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Flowers

If you know your color scheme and are willing to work with florists, you may end up saving money. Cinda Cody-Coffey, owner of Village Flowers and Gifts, offered some tips for saving money when it comes to shopping for flowers:

• Let the florist work with your color scheme.

• Allow the florist to choose what flowers to use. As long as the same colors are used, your arrangements will essentially look the same.

• If you are planning on decorating with flowers, consider using a few large arrangements instead of multiple medium-sized ones. This will help give the area the feel of being completely decorated, but save you money in the long run.

• Don't worry about decorating the aisle with flowers. After the bride walks down the aisle, the little arrangements will soon be forgotten. Instead, focus on decorating the altar area, because that will be where everyone's attention is directed for the majority of the time.

— Source: Cinda Cody-Coffey, owner, Village Flowers and Gifts.

Limousines

Like all costs, limousines will take a large chunk out of the total wedding budget. However, there are some cost-saving tips out there that may make the trip in the long car more feasible.

• If you are trying to accommodate a large wedding party, decide who will use the limousine when. That way, only one will be needed, reducing transportation costs.

• First, have just the bride and bridesmaids go from home to the church.

• After the ceremony, just the bride, groom and honored attendants can go to the reception in the limousine, eliminating the need for two limos.

— Source: Stephanie Schneider, co-owner, Vintage Limo Service.

The Merlot is a banquet hall in Lodi that it is used for weddings. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Reception halls

If you are looking to save money on reception halls, Greg Soligan, owner of the Merlot Hall in Downtown Lodi, said to simply ask how.

"Ask if there is a deal," Soligan said. "If you don't ask, you'll never know."

Soligan said that April and May are the most common wedding months. If you schedule in January, February or March, you may end up saving money.

However, Soligan said some reception halls will charge extra for tables, chairs and linens. So, finding a hall that provides eating areas will also save money in the long run, Soligan said.

Money-saving Web sites

There are multiple Web sites and blogs written about how to save money while planning your wedding. Here are a few:

• http://www.wedfrugal.com

• http://www.frugalbride.com/frugalhintstips.html

• http://www.weddingyellow.com/budget