If you are on a budget for your Louisiana honeymoon, don’t worry, because with good planning and a little research, you may be able to have the enchanting ceremony and happily ever after even if your honeymoon is in are out of country. The main thing that newly wedded brides want is the honeymoons they’ve always dreamed.

A great way to shave expenses is to look for a wedding day location that is a one-stop venue. For example, Albany Plantation, located in Albany Louisiana, provides ceremony and reception facilities.  When choosing a venue such as this, it is important to look for built in character and beauty. At Albany Plantation you do not have to go on an all out on a decorating splurge. Allowing a couple to set extra money aside for your honeymoon on a budget. Albany Plantation allows you to create your special day and atmosphere, charm and ambiance that you want to surround you on your special occasion . You can choose to have your ceremony amongst the 200 year oak trees, or you might fancy the backdrop of the sprawling plantation home. After the ceremony, you and your guests can enjoy a fun filled New Orleans style reception in the authentic looking courtyard, or set up an elegant spread in the indoor reception area graced with floor to ceiling glass windows looking out on the beautiful oaks and peaceful lagoon. Now that you have some info to shave unnecessary costs off of your wedding day, let’s talk about a few honeymoon destinations you can look forward too that won’t break you for years to come.

Staying within choices that do not require a passport will save you at least three hundred dollars per couple, but still include romantic and popular beach destinations and more. Oahu, Hawaii is a great place for those who just have to have that Hawaiian getaway, but might not have a huge wallet. Because of Oahu’s large concentration of accommodations, the lodging prices are very reasonable. Also, food in Oahu is alot more inexpensive than on some of the other islands, yet very tasty and authentic. There is a broad spectrum of places to dine, from fancy high rated restaurants to small locally owned hot spots. You can even go to the expansive market and pic out some of your own yummies to snack on or cook. In Oahu you can also visit the capital city of Honolulu or relax on world famous beaches such as Waikiki.

But don’t think Hawaii is your only choice for a beach honeymoon on a budget. Explore the horizons as Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory where you will not be burdened by passport charges, but can enjoy the tropical atmosphere and all the salt, sun and sand that you can imagine. Likewise, you could consider a cruise leaving from a U.S. port heading to coveted locations such as Mexico or the Bahamas. Because… SURPRISE, passports are no longer needed to enter these popular destinations if cruising from the United States.

Finally, some inland fun spots that are easy on the pocketbook include San Antonio, Texas, with it’s fun Mexican style spirit along every bend of the river, and destinations such as Schlitterban and white water rafting only a hop and skip away. Also, New Orleans is a must see for every traveler, and the accommodations and attractions are very reasonably priced, if not free! While in New Orleans, don’t pass up historic Jackson square and St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, and be sure to stop in to Café Du Monde where you can get an order of their infamous beignets for only three dollars a pop. Lastly, you might just want to consider the Wonderful World of Disney as your dream filled destination. Disney offers many custom packages that include accommodations in a Disney resort, dining in the parks and park tickets for a very reasonable and enchanting price!

Wherever you choose to travel, make sure to use these tips to shave off expenses and give you and your spouse the most relaxing and unforgettable honeymoon on a budget you really want.

The possibilities for Louisiana brides and grooms are virtually endless these days, but a few specific trends are setting the bar for weddings in 2013. Read along and get a sneak peek into three of the most exciting ones for this year!  For starters, couples are tending to revert back to a sense of simple elegance and vintage charm for their special day.

Louisiana Wedding Trends

Consequently, when it comes to Louisiana wedding trends the pendulum seems to be swinging away from the shabby chic weddings of 2012, where the motto seemed to be, “the more stuff, the better.” Couples are tired of the endless barrage of the “things” to purchase and/or make for their wedding. Brides and grooms are wanting their 2013 wedding to be more of a story of “who they are” as a couple, instead of a display of so many items for guests to view. As a result of this quest for simplicity, many couples are looking for that special Louisiana venue where they can hold a ceremony and reception at a location that has the space and land to accommodate all their guests…preferably someplace infused with character all its own. In a setting of natural elegance, an unassuming, yet enchanting, vintage rustic atmosphere can be achieved without the need for excessive decoration.

Albany Plantation provides natural beauty and was designed to require little or no decoration to bring out a unique vintage Deep South look. Albany Plantation is located right outside of Hammond Louisiana, positioned perfectly between two of Louisiana’s big cities, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Brides find a mix of ease and charm when they arrive at Albany Plantation. Couples can choose from a wide array of locations on the property to have their wedding ceremony, amongst the two hundred year old oak trees, the front or rear courtyard or choose the grandeur of the plantation home or rustic barn as their backdrop. This “return to elegance” movement has been spurred on by cinematic and literary references such as Downtown Abbey, The Great Gatsby and A Royal Affair. While attending a 2013 wedding, many brides are choosing to dine with gold cutlery, sitting amongst bronzed vases filled with fresh garden flowers, or the luxury of being surrounded by lace…lots of lace, especially in reminiscent shades of soft ivory.

Louisiana brides love picking and choosing their colors and patterns for their big day!!  One color worthy of mentioning this year is mint. Mint is in! This soft, versatile color can be used as a base for paring a multitude of other colors, but even just mint and cream will be seen a lot. Holding with the idea of simplicity, grays will also envelope the wedding scene, paired particularly with varied hues of sweet rose. On the flip side, the demand for the fun and spontaneity of patterns is still on the rise! Chevron is top on the pattern list, followed by stripes and even some paisley and soft floral. Brides are getting creative with these options on their invitations, table decorations, brides maid’s dresses, and grooms men’s ties and pocket napkins. However, keep in mind that less is more, and try not to overdo it too much with the patterns.

Louisiana Plantations Work For All Occasions

Finally, leave it to the birds! 2013 lovebirds are literally filling their wedding with hints of feathery friends. Peacock feathers and brightly died ostrich feathers are in demand for use in centerpieces and other décor. Brides may accent an arrangement of flowers, fruits or succulents with feathers here or there, or they may rather a bold statement of only feathers and more feathers. Bird’s nests will also be found in greater quantities this year…nestled on dinner tables or even on top of the wedding cake tying in that vintage plantation look, and don’t forget to look for tiny sculpted sparrows stealing the show with their simplicity and sweetness. At the end of the reception, the bride and groom might make their exit amongst a shower of tossed birdseed, thus tying the whole theme together quite beautifully.

So, if you are in to trends…or just simplicity, you may want to consider an elegant wedding outdoors, or at least contemplate casting your décor with a touch of gold or bronze, hues of mint or gray, or hints of feathery fauna fluttering about.  These amazing pictures were taken by Robert Welch an incredible New Orleans Photographer.

Extremely Easy To Find

Albany Plantation’s wedding venue is located near the very small town of Albany which is centrally located in south Louisiana near New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The plantation is in an ideal location geographically to serve the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Making it a perfect alternative to highly priced New Orleans Wedding Venues. It is located one hour from New Orleans and 40 min from Baton Rouge. The Albany Plantation venue is conveniently located to serve both the south shore and the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain due to Louisiana’s interstate highway system. The plantation is located only a few miles from the intersection of 2 major interstate highways. This is I-55 going north and south and I-12 going east and west – what a prime location to serve all your wedding guests that are scattered throughout south Louisiana!!

To find us, get on interstate I-12 and get off at the Albany exit (exit 32) and go north 5 miles and we are on the right. You will make no turns until reach the plantation which is only 5 miles from the exit off I-12. Your guests will not get caught in city traffic, get lost or go through “bad neighborhoods.” A drive to Albany Plantation will be a pleasant and memorable experience.                                                                                                                                                                                              

Affordable Wedding Venue

In a nutshell – we consider ourselves one of the reasonably priced New Orleans Wedding Venues – as we like to make our venue accessible to more than the rich and famous. Why try to go inexpensive and rent a hall in New Orleans with all the institutional trappings, and spend a couple of thousand dollars decorating in an attempt to make it look like something? After all the work, the time and the expense, that inexpensive hall won’t be so inexpensive and still be a long ways from the features and environment that Albany Plantation (as is, without any decoration) will provide. Of course you can decorate if you wish but on the other hand this is one big expense that could be totally thrown out or kept to a minimum.

Albany Plantation  is a vintage class act. As with most things in life it only cost a little more to go first class. Also with us you can save on the food expense because you’re not locked into an in house caterer. You are not boxed in with food choices at this venue. Albany Plantation has no monetary incentive in referring particular vendors to the brides and grooms who book with us. If there is any leeway or price breaks that vendors can give, it goes to the benefit of the bride and groom – not Albany Plantation. The wedding venue you choose is the foundation for your wedding event. When choosing your New Orleans wedding location go for the best, go for a festival atmosphere, go for the impact you want to make upon your guests. All other wedding related expenses should be secondary to the venue. Years from now your guests will remember the venue setting in which everything takes place before they remember the food or anything else relating to your special day.

You will find more options open to you at Albany Plantation than alot of  wedding locations in New Orleans.  We will assist you in staying within a reasonable budget along with the rare and exceptional venue that Albany Plantation is. Every wedding event held at Albany Plantation has been custom and different than the others. The options are virtually endless at our venue, so you’re guaranteed not to have a cookie cutter wedding.

New Orleans Wedding Venues

 Vintage Atmosphere

Unlike an institutional type of environment you will not find the plastic and shiny stainless steel look. Albany Plantation is unique among the other beautiful New Orleans area wedding places.  The plantation venue is from an early more natural and earthy time period. Our venue includes The grounds, barn, outbuildings and the big plantation house all blend together to create a scene that only New Orleans can provide, and it  just doesn’t exist anywhere else. Albany Plantation was built long after the long list of famous and not so famous plantations. This gave the opportunity to study the layout of other New Orleans area plantations and make changes to create features, layout, and grounds into what is now Albany Plantation, and it shows.  The wide plantation balconies overlook the courtyard in the back of the house and in the front of the plantation house the balconies overlook a beautiful “bayou” with 4 large live oak trees between the house and the “bayou.” Across the bayou and in view from the balcony is a grove of massive live oaks approximately 200 years old.

The courtyard venue behind the house is beautiful at any time but especially at night when the accent lights are shinning on the old bricks on the walls of the garsoniere that were made in the 18^thcentury. Also lit up at night are all the other 18^thcentury bricks of the out building and main house as well as the big rustic barn that is in plain view from the courtyard in the background. The New Orleans style courtyard is huge and can easily accommodate over 350 people. In the center of the courtyard is the dance floor. Usually the band or DJ is set high above the crowd on the balcony of the garsoniere overlooking the dance floor. The courtyard with surrounding balconies overlooking the dance floor is an irresistible scene straight out of the New Orleans French Quarter. Brides love this venue on the north shore especially the scenic view of throwing the bridal garter from the balcony down to the single ladies awaiting in the courtyard below.

  Exceptional Photo Shoots  

There are scenes on this plantation that a bride could only get by combining 4 or 5 plantations or other venues if at all. The amount of balconies to party on and take pictures on is a big wow factor! The pictures taken with the big old barn also fall into the same category, as well as in front of the giant shutter doors with the long black French Quarter strap hinges. The historic looking out building built with the Old New Orleans soft red bricks is another rare scene to shoot pictures in front of.

There are also 2 old wooden bridges that cross the bayou in front of the house. The foot bridge over the “bayou” is like a magnet for photographers. Everybody wants their picture taken on the grounds of our venue. Whether they’re standing on the bridge over the water or enjoying the banquet room’s glassed floor to ceiling wall. The bride and groom will also love their photos taken in front of the cypress picket fence. This rare and aged wood fence makes a back drop that can only be found in a few locations. Another favorite scene is created by posing in front of the old wrought iron gate with antique brick columns on each side; this shot will include the old brick sidewalk with its herring bone pattern. Then there are photos to be taken on the boat dock over the “bayou” and also way out on the south side away from, but in view from the house is the old vintage corn shed with its tin roof. This list of exceptional and rare photo backdrops does not end. The massive 200 year old live oaks trees between the bayou and the front fence are just one more scenic backdrop that displays the glory of this Deep South Louisiana Plantation.

You will get your money’s worth and then some when you book a wedding at Albany Plantation. The greatest day of your life will be preserved in the photo backdrops that you will only find at  Albany Plantation. This is why your choice of a venue is the most important choice you will make regarding your wedding day, more important than your choice of DJ, food caterer, wedding dress, and all the rest.

 Southern/Cajun Hospitality

Among the New Orleans area venues we are the one with the strong Deep South Cajun flavor. We are the standard for the vintage scene. As your guests arrive they will immediately notice the big difference, even before they get out of their car. No concrete parking lot, each car is personally directed by attendants to park on the grass on the south side of the plantation house. This really sets Albany Plantation apart from other venues and your guests will love the personal attention. This sets the stage for your guests to relax, be their self and enjoy your special day.

We don’t have a lot of rules, but plenty of sights for your guests to take in with their cameras. The old 18^th century architecture and the rural rustic backdrop of the outbuildings will be conversation pieces for everybody and will keep the party going. Create your own party atmosphere. Place your band or DJ high up on the balcony of the garconniere above the dance floor in the courtyard. For those who like to dance, get ready to “second line” on the second floor balconies or down in the courtyard below. Bring those umbrellas or white handkerchiefs, it’ll be more fun than Mardi Gras. This is a scene that your photographer will be focused on, it’ll be your own little private jazz festival.

As we Cajuns would say, they will “let the good times roll” or “Laissez les bons temps rouler.” The whole scene is one of a “festival” that will give a tremendous boost to the joy experienced on your wedding day. Albany Plantation is the #1 place to  party in the Deep South. More pictures of our New Orleans style venue, view our gallery. Or our Albany Plantation’s Facebook Page.

Albany Plantation’s check list

He has popped the question, you’ve told everyone you know, and don’t know, and you are starting to plan your New Orleans wedding. Stop. There are some things you should know before booking New Orleans weddings. Here are four tips consider before booking actual reservations:

 1.      Licenses to Wed

If you are booking your wedding as a Louisiana resident, or making New Orleans your destination wedding location, be sure to take care of your marriage license. Give yourself plenty of time to deal with the legal processes involved with getting a marriage license. Be sure your officiate knows what is required after you are married to make sure your marriage is legal.

2.      No Reservations

New Orleans and New Orleans weddings are extremely popular, and it is extremely important to book your venue (for both your ceremony and reception) and your hotel early. When it comes to reservations, you do not want to procrastinate. If your venue is accommodating like Albany Plantation, your guests will have plenty of room to join in your special day.

3.      Wedding Day Menu

When you are planning your wedding, you should take care of booking your venue first. If it is possible, visit your venue to take a tour, ask questions, and make plans for your wedding. If it is not possible to visit your venue, you should be in constant contact with your venue to know what accommodations are available, and let the venue staff help you make preparations. When selecting your venue, look for places with an event package and choose one that suits your wedding needs. Make arrangements with your venue about decorations, catering, and entertainment, to ensure you are getting your dream wedding.

4.      Head Count

Planning New Orleans weddings can be exciting and very busy, but your special day should be shared with those you love. If New Orleans is a bit of a hike for you and your guests, offer hotel accommodations that are easy and affordable. Also, plan your wedding on a weekend to make sure as many of your guests can attend as possible.

These easy tips will guarantee your New Orleans wedding will be a success. At the end of the day, your wedding day should be shared with your loved ones to celebrate your happy union. Whether you are from outside the state of Louisiana, or a New Orleans native, a wedding in New Orleans will be the most memorable.

What better way to celebrate at your wedding reception than with live music? Louisiana has some fantastic wedding bands, in fact they have some of the best in the nation because they offer more than just music; they offer a variety of entertainment styles. With plenty of music types to choose from and a fabulous location like Albany Plantation, a Louisiana band can really make a difference for your wedding reception atmosphere and entertainment.

Party Time – For some brides, the reception is all about the party atmosphere. Entertainment is king during the reception and a reception without live music is still nice, nothing comes close to that live music atmosphere. Louisiana wedding bands can bring the party to life because they know how to let the good times roll. Escalade Show and Dance Band is great option to choose as they offer a fun show with high energy to go with their music, putting your guests in the party mood. With the newly added dance floor, and room on our balconies and porches your guests are sure to enjoy the party atmosphere when you have your wedding at Albany plantation.

Smooth Jazz – What could encompass the sounds of New Orleans better than a smooth jazz band? The best part about smooth jazz is that it can even be incorporated in your ceremony capturing all the romance of the moment. At the reception, smooth jazz offers a relaxed atmosphere that guests can enjoy in their seats or on the dance floor. A wonderful choice for a smooth jazz band is Dr. Jazz and the New Orleans Sounds because they capture all the great sounds of jazz and Dixieland mix in their classic New Orleans style. Your Albany plantation wedding definitely won’t lack in style when you include a Louisiana Wedding band that is an expert in smooth jazz.

Local Louisiana Wedding Bands

One of my personal favorite bands in the Hammond Louisiana area has to be The Dominos. With Joe Abene as lead singer, singing everything from current hits to classic favorites of the 1960’s and Charlene Kelly completing the package by adding her soulful voice. This band has a full horn section, and talented background singers that are sure to make any event or wedding a sure hit. I’ve seen them perform on many occasions and every time was amazing, whether it was at Tin Lizzy’s or rocking out in front of thousands at the strawberry festival.

Variety – With guests of all ages, you need a variety of entertainment at your wedding reception that will appeal to everyone. What better way to have variety at your wedding than with a band that offers all kinds of music for the young and old? No matter what a bride’s style may be, the top notch variety of bands that Louisiana can offer you and your guests are exactly the type of music you need to have a memorable reception. With great bands like Magnolia, Rewind Band, Louisiana Crossroads, and many more, your guests will get plenty of surprises and exciting musical entertainment. From great covers of your favorite oldies to entertaining versions of the hits songs you love, there will always be something for everyone. Variety is no issue at Albany Plantation where we are more than happy to accommodate any variety band and their entertainment.

Louisiana wedding bands offer the best in entertainment and music for your reception. Some bands even offer the smooth tunes that can even be incorporated right into your ceremony. Receptions are never dull and boring with great Louisiana bands putting a little pep in your guests’ step. These bands are easy to accommodate at Albany Plantation, where there is plenty of space for any reception set up and the staff is easy to work with to accommodate all of your entertaining needs.

 1.   Destination Station

Louisiana Plantations make the best destination weddings, forget the beach scene. From the luscious gardens, perfect for a romantic ceremony, to the elegant ballrooms to dance the night away celebrating, plantations have plenty of room to spare. They offer countless location options because of their size and grandeur. Brides love this as it gives them plenty of choices to capture the right atmosphere for their ceremony and reception.

 2.   Pretty As a Picture

The overall splendor of a plantation will make your wedding look just like that magazine you have gawked over for months. No matter how small or large your budget, if your wedding takes place at a plantation, it is a guaranteed success with the pictures to prove it. With the beautiful landscapes and elegance of the inside, plantations enhance your radiance and the beauty of your big day. Every wedding is a hit with a Louisiana plantation as the backdrop.

3.   Packaged Deal

No one understands budgets like a bride. The best part about plantations, and the reason brides are flocking to them, is the fact that they fit nicely into any bridal budget. Offering discounted rates to the bridal party, in-house catering, and approved vendors, Louisiana plantations have it all. They make planning your big day as stress free as possible because they take care of all the fine details on your wedding day.

4.   Elbow Room

Louisiana has high regards family traditions, and plantations are proud supporters of family roots. Plantations in Louisiana allow brides to invite as many guests as they want, so bring on the second and third cousins. Plantations are large and have plenty of options for the ceremony and reception to accommodate that large guest list you just can’t seem to cut. Brides want to share their big day with all their family and friends; it’s what makes the day truly special.

5.   Comforts of Home

Whether you are a simple country girl, or the forerunner of southern fashion, the plantations of Louisiana will make you feel right at home. Every plantation employs hospitable staff members that will make the days before your wedding as stress free and problem free as possible. The staff is there to support you as if you are part of the family. All brides want a stress free wedding day and plantations are the perfect place to make that happen.

With all the comforts of home and the great location, Louisiana plantations have hit the top of the wedding venue charts for brides. Weddings should be as perfect as a fairy tale for every bride and the plantations in Louisiana are the place where bridal dreams come true.

Jambalaya

Ingredients:

12 ounces skinless chicken breast

1 pound smoked sausage

2 bell peppers

1 onion

2 celery stalks

3 garlic cloves minced

1 can whole tomatoes

1/3 cup tomato paste

1 can beef broth

1 tbsp dried parsley

1 1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp Tabasco

1/2 tbsp salt

1 pound shrimp (optional)

 Directions:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Chop all fresh vegetables and meat to desired size. Add all ingredients to crock-pot, except the shrimp. Cook on high for 4 hours. Add shrimp and then cook jambalaya an additional 30 minutes on high. Serve with rice or pasta.

Seafood Gumbo

Ingredients:

3 tbsp flour

3 tbsp oil

1 pound andouille sausage

2 cups frozen okra

1 onion chopped

2 medium bell peppers chopped

6 celery ribs chopped

3 garlic cloves chopped

1/4 tsp thyme

2 large bayleaves

1/4 tsp white pepper

1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cups Fish stock or water

1 pound fresh lump crabmeat

1 package frozen crawfish (8 to 12 ounces)

1 pint drained oysters

Directions:

In saucepan combine flour and oil. Cook while stirring constantly over medium heat for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and continue to cook until mixture turns brown, creating a roux.

Put Roux and all the vegetable and seasonings in crock pot and cook on low 7 to 8 hours. Add crabmeat, oysters, and crawfish and cook on low for 30 more minutes. Serve Gumbo over cooked rice.

Cajun Cornbread:

Ingredients:

2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix

1 bell pepper diced

1 onion diced

1 1/2 pound hamburger (ground beef)

3 jalapenos chopped without seeds

6 slices of cheese

1 can cream style corn

Cajun spices

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

Make cornbread according to package directions. After mixed add cream corn and jalapeno peppers.

Cook beef, seasoning with Cajun spices. If you don’t have Cajun spices, a mix of salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder combined will make a fine substitute. While cooking the meat add bell pepper and onion.

Grease a 13×9 inch pan and pour half of the cornbread mix into the pan. Then layer meat mixture on top. Add cheese, and then pour rest of cornbread mix on top of the cheese. Bake until golden brown. Serve warm.

All these Cajun recipes are easy to cook, making for a stress free meal. Any of these recipes can be made in advance and frozen until the day they are needed. The best part about these Cajun recipes is they offer all the comforts of home cooked meals without the hassle. (These are general recipes with my own spin on them)

For a great source of local fishing and hunting, Be sure to visit our friends at Louisiana Sportsman at the link below.

Louisiana Sportsman
The leading source of hunting and fishing news, articles, reports, and information in the State of Louisiana, visit our website for the latest news and field reports.

Did you ever wonder how some people have the most gorgeous Baton Rouge weddings without a huge price tag? There are ways to save money on all parts of your wedding day without breaking the budget.

1. The first thing you can save money on is the music. You do not need an orchestra playing during dinner hour. To save money, hire some musicians from a well respected music school in your area. If you are having a band for your wedding reception, ask if they will play during dinner hour, too. However, if you want to save money in this area, forget the band and hire a DJ. You will save hundreds this way. If you must have a band, choose a smaller band with five or so pieces and a talented bandleader. You don’t need a large band with a bongo player and three saxophones.

2. The second thing to save money on your Baton Rouge wedding is the paper costs. Stick to basic invitations. You do not need upgrades that will make your bill skyrocket such as colored ink or foil stamping. Do you need printed menus on every table? You certainly don’t need them. There are venues that will add simple menus into the cost of your bill. Another way to save is to make your own invitations. All you need is a computer, printer, and a little imagination. Instead of hiring a calligrapher to do your invitations, hand write them yourself.

3. Decorations take up a huge part of your budget, but there are ways to save here as well. First, gather some friends so you can all decorate your own wedding venues Louisiana rather than paying someone big bucks to do it for you. Use plants and decorations and people can take them home afterwards. Buying your flowers wholesale will save you a ton of money and then hire a florist to make up arrangements for you.

4. Wedding transportation can quickly become costly. If you are set on being picked up and arriving in a limo, hire a regular limo instead of a stretch limo or a fancy Hummer limo. These are usually double the cost of a regular limo. If you can’t afford a limo or want to save even more, have a friend drive you and the rest of the wedding party where you need to go. You can also hire a private driver to drive your car so the entire wedding party can enjoy themselves instead of having to drive everyone around.

5. Food is another huge chunk of a wedding budget. Champagne is expensive so do without it. Your Baton Rouge wedding can cost you less if you have a buffet style wedding instead of paying per plate. The cake is something you really don’t want to skimp on so shop around for the cheapest prices. Just be sure to choose a butter cream or cream cheese frosting since it is cheaper than fondant. You can also do a simple cheesecake instead of a traditional cake. And lastly, never have an open bar.

Here in Louisiana, weddings are a little less expensive than the national  average, where the cost of a wedding is over $25,000, but some brides are  able to capture their dream wedding on a tight budget. When brides realize they have to trim their budget, they often sacrifice their dream wedding look for something a little more lackluster. New Orleans wedding venues  make your dream day a reality on your realistic budget. Here are some  ways you can create an affordable, yet picture perfect day for your  wedding.

 Find A New Orleans Packaged Deal

New Orleans wedding venues offer great package deals for wedding parties. The best place to save on your budget is at Louisiana plantations, where they include the cost of you and your bridal party’s stay. Many hotels will do the same and almost all venues will include the cost of set vendors to use at your wedding ceremony and reception. Also, if you book your wedding at a plantation or hotel, catering is available in house. In-house catering reduces your worry about food on your wedding day and fits within your budget. By choosing vendors who are connected with Albany Plantation will ensure a discounted rate.

 Priorities!

Make a list of your must haves on your wedding day and start there. Sometimes you have to sacrifice, but you don’t have to sacrifice the things you have dreamed about since you were a child. Decorations may be a big deal for your big day, but choosing a New Orleans location could give you the best of both worlds, offering a gorgeous location, while trimming the need for décor. Focus on what is truly important on your wedding day.

Size Matters  The number of guests at your New Orleans wedding and the number of people in your bridal party can make all the difference in your budget. Yes, hotels and plantations will give discounted rates on rooms for your wedding party and guest, but you don’t want to eat up your budget in accommodations. You could even consider cut guests from either ceremony or reception to include all your guests, while sticking to your budget. Remember your wedding day is special and should be shared with those you love.

New Orleans Weddings Are All About Location

The debate about location always comes up during budget discussions for your wedding. The best way to save money when planning your wedding is having your ceremony and reception in the same location. Albany Plantation, one of the nicest New Orleans wedding places, offers you a variety of spaces to give you different locations for your ceremony and reception. Whether your party is small at 50 guests or large at 250, we have different space options, consider using the same space for both your ceremony and reception. Discuss all the options with our manager to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck and the wedding you have dreamed about.

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when trying to fit your wedding into your budget. We promise to make your wedding day the day you have always dreamed about by helping you stay within your budget.  So give us a call and arrange a visit today 225.567.6545or email us at albanyplantation@charter.net  Also visit our photo gallery for more pictures of the plantation and grounds.

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup all purpose flour

2 large onions, chopped, about 5 cups

3 red bell peppers, chopped, about 3 ½ cups

3 celery stalks, chopped, about 1 ½ cups

8 garlic cloves, chopped

¼ teaspoon cayenne

½ cup dry white wine

¼ cup chopped fresh thyme

3 bay leaves

1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice

2  8-ounce bottles clam juice

1 can low-salt chicken broth

1 ½ pounds andouille sausage (such as Aidells), cut crosswise into 3/8-inch slices,
…….sautéed separately, pan deglazed with soup, then added to soup

1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 ounces sliced frozen okra or more to taste, 1/2-inch slices

¼ cup Italian parsley, chopped

¼ cup green onions, minced

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or more to taste

1 tablespoon Creole/Cajun seasoning (such as Emeril’s Essence)

½ tablespoon file powder

1 tablespoon liquid or powdered shrimp/crab boil (such as Cajun’s Choice)

1 teaspoon dried mustard

1 ½ pounds raw, peeled, deveined  medium shrimp

1. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add butter and heat until it begins to sizzle.
3. Add flour and whisk. Continue whisking until the roux reaches the color of chocolate . Take your time and DO NOT BURN IT.
   
4. Once the roux has reached the desired color, add  onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic. Stir well, and allow to cook down for 7 minutes or so. You want all the vegetables to be soft and clear.
   
5. Add the stock, bay leaves, the andouille, salt, and cayenne pepper. You might wanna add a little more stock.
6. Stir well, and bring to a simmer. Allow the gumbo to simmer for about 18 minutes. Then add your chicken.
7. Reduce the heat to right above low, continuing to allow the gumbo to simmer for about 40 minutes.
8. Taste and see if you need to add any extra seasoning, if so add it now.
   
9. Serve the gumbo over rice in an bowl.