Your wedding is one of the most expensive events of your life, or it will be if you are planning a large ceremony and reception. In today’s economy, most brides are looking for ways to save money. The good news is that you can save money on your wedding without sacrificing the beauty of your ceremony with these tips.
First, limit your guest list. While you do want to have your closest friends and family there, make sure that you do not over invite. Even cutting 50 people from your guest list will make a huge difference on your catering budget. Talk with your fiancé and decide whom you must have, and who can be left off the list.
Your biggest expense is going to be food for your guests. If you can have a morning wedding and serve brunch afterwards, you will save money, as brunch is typically more affordable than lunch or dinner. Consider having your caterer drop off the food but serving it yourself. You are sure to have some young family members who would do a great job of serving the food at your reception. Dessert receptions and buffets cost less than sit down meals, and can still be as beautiful as you are imagining.
Keep in mind that the location where you have your wedding and your reception will add significantly to your costs. Unless you have your heart set on a certain venue, be somewhat flexible here. Shop around for a pretty, but affordable option. If you are a member of a local church, you can probably use the church at a discounted rate. You can often rent a gazebo at a local park for very little cost, and the cost of renting chairs for an outdoor wedding is far less than renting a chapel. As you choose your location, consider the décor. If you can find somewhere that is already decorated to your tastes, you can save a ton of money. The cost for flowers and candelabras add up quickly. You can do your bouquet yourself, a task that is getting easier as simpler bouquets are becoming more fashionable.
These tips are not difficult to implement, and they will not make your day any less special. With a little forward thinking and planning, you can have a beautiful wedding on just about any budget. Be sure to prioritize with your fiancé’s help as you budget, so you will know exactly where you should plan to spend the “big” bucks!
Be sure to pick up a copy of the Maid of Honor Duties Guide to help with planning the wedding
