| Between booking a great location and buying your | | | | when you can host your reception at home, at a |
| dream dress, weddings can really add up and before | | | | friend's or at a family member's home for free? |
| you know it, you're over budget! There are a few sure | | | | |
| fire way to cut costs - from having a reception at | | | | 1. Keep the food simple! Catering is expensive, but |
| home to skipping the wedding planner and doing it | | | | cooking is time-consuming and can be stressful. Think |
| yourself. | | | | of cheap, quick options that get everyone involved - |
| A DIY wedding needn't be as overwhelming as it | | | | like a barbecue or a potluck reception. Finger foods |
| sounds - remember that you have bridesmaids, friends | | | | are another great option as they can be made and |
| and family to help! | | | | stored in advance so you don't need to stress about |
| PAPER GOODS: | | | | making anything on the big day. |
| Making your own invitations and thank you cards can | | | | 2. Shop around for the best wine and champagne |
| cut down on costs and have a more personal feel. | | | | prices and keep in mind that buying multiple cases can |
| | | | lower costs as many wine shops offer discounts on |
| 1. Check online for resources on creating homemade, | | | | bulk purchases. Also consider going with less |
| one of a kind paper stationery and cards. Many sites | | | | expensive substitutes- like sparkling wine instead of |
| and blogs have step by step instructions on how to | | | | champagne. For those who prefer beer or other |
| create everything from invitations to thank you cards | | | | alcoholic beverages, contact local breweries or liquor |
| to place cards for dinner seating! | | | | companies to see if they offer bulk purchase |
| 2. Buying paper and cardstock in bulk is cheaper than | | | | discounts or want to sponsor the wedding by providing |
| buying individual packs or getting custom made paper | | | | free drinks! Many local companies see this as a great |
| goods so check craft stores, office supply stores and | | | | opportunity to advertise their brand in the local |
| online for the best prices. Don't forget other supplies | | | | community. |
| like paper cutters, scissors, ribbons and envelopes! | | | | 3. Hiring a band or DJ can becomes pricey - skip the |
| 3. Making your own gifts can also save money as you | | | | overpriced music and hook up your mp3 player. This is |
| can use leftover paper, flowers, ribbons and other | | | | a guaranteed way to have only and all music that |
| items to create beautiful candle gift baskets for | | | | YOU like! Want to make sure someone is in control of |
| members of the wedding party, parents, and friends | | | | the music? Ask a niece or nephew to "DJ" the party |
| who played a role in the wedding. | | | | with their laptop and your mp3 player! This is a surefire |
| DECOR: | | | | way to avoid the dreaded "Macarena" on your special |
| Decorating is the main area where costs add up fast - | | | | night! |
| buying floral centerpieces with candles, selecting the | | | | PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO: |
| right chair cushions and sashes, renting the right | | | | Wedding photographers/videographers can charge up |
| lighting? | | | | to thousands per wedding, but you can always find |
| | | | alternatives! |
| 1. Try buying wholesale bulk candles as it'll be cheaper | | | | |
| to buy all the candles you need at once (for the | | | | 1. Find a photography/film student from a local college - |
| wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner etc) than to make | | | | these students will have the training and be developing |
| individual purchases for each event. Using tapered | | | | the skills of the professionals, but will charge half the |
| candles adds instant elegance to any table, especially | | | | price! Be sure to ask for samples of previous work |
| when paired with decorative candle holders! | | | | (even school projects) to make sure they have a style |
| 2. DIY floral arrangements are simple and easy to do | | | | you like. Alternately, if you know someone with |
| and can be a fun activity for all the bridesmaids and | | | | photography/videography skills, ask that they shoot |
| bride to do together! Using flowers that are in season | | | | your wedding; it could be their wedding gift to you! |
| also saves money as out of season flora will have to | | | | 2. Put an ad in the classifieds - use your local |
| be shipped or flown in at higher cost. | | | | resources, newspapers, community board, even |
| RECEPTION: | | | | Craigslist, to find cheaper alternatives to the big name |
| Why rent out a huge hotel ballroom at exorbitant rates | | | | wedding photographers/videographers. |