10 Ways to Cut your Budget

Weddings are expensive!  If your budget is becoming a nightmare, there are a few ways to trim the costs without sacrificing your dreams or the comfort of your guests.

The Cake

Wedding cakes can be a ridiculous expense, especially for large guest lists or if you have your heart set on an extravagant design.  Renting a display cake is a popular option that could cut at least a couple hundred dollars from your budget without foregoing the perfect cake.  Other couples save by ordering a small cake with an elegant design, as well as a less costly sheet cake for serving.

The Dress

Your wedding gown is often the easiest place to overspend - but also one of the easiest areas to trim costs.  Take the time to shop around. Bridal discount stores, eBay, and similar locations will sometimes have your dream dress available for a fraction of the retail price!

The Menu

Food usually consumes the biggest portion of your budget.  Consider finger foods or desserts instead of a sit-down meal.  Backyard barbecues are a great way to save if you want to feed your guests a full menu.

Plants

Greenery is much less expensive than blooms.  Decorate with ferns and foliage and save the colorful blossoms for your bouquet.

Invitations

There are several ways to cut the costs of your invitations.  Besides shopping around for the best price, opt for RSVP postcards to eliminate an extra envelope as well as postage.  You can also consider eliminating the liner and avoiding enclosure cards.

The Date

Wedding venues and vendors tend to cost the most on Saturday evenings and holidays.  Hold your event in the afternoon, on Friday night, or on a Sunday afternoon.  Try to avoid major holidays if you want to trim your budget.

The Location

Search around for free venues for your ceremony and reception.  Outdoor events are often free and you'll save on plants and flowers as well!

Favors

Especially if your guest list is large, wedding favors can add up quickly.  Look for DIY favors that can be assembled quickly and inexpensively without losing sentiment or consider making a charitable donation in honor of your guests.

Music

Hiring a DJ or band for your reception can cost several hundred dollars.  Many brides load up their iPod and rent speakers instead, usually trimming their budget by $200 to $300.

Local Resources

Friends, coworkers, and family members often have a wealth of hidden talents - or may have friends that do!  If your cousin takes amazing photos and has a professional camera, would she give you a great deal on your photography?  Enlist the help of your bridesmaids to do your makeup and hair or ask a coworker to manage the videography.  New businesses are also ideal places to turn to for discounts that can cut your wedding budget.